TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle’s Kinsey Clark goes up for a layup during a game at Bellefonte last season.

This season, there will be a different look for the Bald Eagle Area girls basketball team, as it lost four of its veteran letter winners due to graduation last year. Despite losing those staples of that 6-16 squad, the Eagles have a very positive vibe going into the 2025-26 campaign.

The team will be led by head coach Michael Habovick and assisted by Dakota “Big Dawg” McCloskey. Habovick returns four from last season’s crew.

“Our returning letterwinners are sophomores Kinsey Clark, Lilly Harter, Addison Mottin, and Charlotte Gavlock,” said Habovick.

Of that group, veteran coach has one player in particular that he will be looking for leadership from, one which had a strong season as a freshman.

“Kinsey Clark has stepped up and taken on a major leadership role,” said Habovick. “She has proven herself early this season, especially in our two scrimmages.”

Before the season, the Lady Eagles had underclassmen battling for playing time.

“We have one senior, Danyka Smith, and we are very young overall. Our sophomores–Kinsey, Lilly, Addison, and Charlotte–are all contributing,” said Habovick. “We also have several promising freshmen in the mix: Madilyn Mottin, Ashlyn Thompson, and Kendall Smith.

We’re also dealing with two injuries: sophomore Madison Stamm and freshman Madylin Jones. We’re hoping to get them back soon, as they will provide much-needed depth and additional playing time options.”

Off-season preparations and the team’s knowledge are two things that the coach sees being their strengths this season. On the other side, the size of its roster could be an challenge to overcome.

“We had strong attendance at open gyms in the offseason, and we’re hoping that leads to higher basketball IQ and better decision-making on the court,” said Habovick. “Another injury could put us in a tough spot, so staying healthy is critical.”

Overall, though its roster is young and small, Habovick and the Eagles look forward to the campaign. The hope is to improve, endure a tough conference and see what it can do by the time the season wraps up.

“We want to have fun, work hard in practice, and enjoy the process every day,” said Habovick.

“The LHAC is loaded–seems like every game is against a District 6 playoff team. Bishop Guilfoyle, Hollidaysburg, and Bishop Carroll all made state playoffs last year, so our schedule is no joke.”

So far, the Eagles have played three games, enduring three defeats at the hands of Philipsburg-Osceola, Forest Hills and Bellwood-Antis. They’ll look to get back on track and achieve their first win against Penns Valley on Friday, with that game set for 6 p.m. at Bald Eagle Area.