ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Leigha Clapper

File Photo

Leigha Clapper is a top scorer for the girls basketball team in her sophomore season.

Caleb Beiswenger, Staff Writer
January 5, 2023

After a final four run and being 8 points away from a trip to Hershey in 2022, the Lady Devils have some high expectations for this season. Sophomore Leigha Clapper had a large role in the team’s success last season and she is back right where she left off.

When asked about the final four run last season Clapper said, “We had a great season last year. We had a lot of talent. We worked hard everyday in practice to get us to that point. We have built off of that tough loss and are working hard to get us farther than the final four.”

The sophomore guard is averaging 10 points per game throughout the first 9 games of the season. Leigha also leads the team in free throw percentage at 85%. 

Because of her accomplishments this season she has been awarded The BluePrint Athlete of the Week.

Clapper’s goals for the rest of the season are to win the ICC, a District championship, and a state championship. 

“Last season we didn’t succeed when a championship was at stake. We failed to win our ICC championship, we failed at a District title, and we failed to win a state championship,” she said. “We didn’t succeed when it mattered the most. This year we have already started to succeed when it was most important, and I hope we continue to do that throughout the season. We are a veteran team and have lots of experienced players. I hope with that being said we make our way past the final four and into a state championship win.”

The Lady Devils already have one championship under their belts this season. Over Christmas, they won the Reliance Bank Holiday Tournament sponsored by the Northern Blair Kiwanis Club. Leigha made the all-tournament team along with teammates Chelsea McCaulsky and Lydia Worthing.

In the offseason Leigha traveled for AAU basketball, where she plays with Central Pa Dynamite S40, which is now Sideline Cancer S40. She worked out at the summit with Drew Shubik. Leigha also went to several prospect camps with her AAU teammates. 

On Tuedday, the Lady Devils lost to Williamsburg, but Leigha led the team with 13 points. he followed that performance up Wednesday by scoring 13 in a win over Huntingdon as the Lady Devils improved to 7-2.

Congratulations to Leigha Clapper for being named Athlete of the Week.