Spartans girls hoping to thrive in transition game

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

Just because they’re wearing the same uniforms, the same numbers in fact, doesn’t mean Vicky Heliodoro and Lela Berger are playing for the same team. So much has changed at Wyomissing.

Gone are Player of the Year Lily Seyfert, All-Berks point guard Abby Doyle and all-division guard Ava Gehman. Those are the players who helped the Spartans reach the Berks girls basketball final for the first time in 20 years in February.

Those were the teammates Heliodoro and Berger were used to having.

“It’s definitely a transition from last year,” Heliodoro said. “That was a very senior-dominated team. This year we’re kind of working with all our grades. I would say it’s nice having a big team and a deep bench.”

Instead of a seven-player rotation built around a few stars, Wyomissing has a huge collection of interchangeable athletes. The Spartans went 10 deep in their two games opening weekend and they didn’t have their entire roster.

This is a transformation from the group that almost won the elusive county championship to the group that has a chance to capture one in the future. Heliodoro and Berger hope the future comes soon. This is their last chance.

“The key is the older girls who are going to be leading these kids,” coach Aaron Anders said. “These guys are bridging the gap. From the way we played last year to how we play this year. It’s pretty cool.”

An exciting freshman class has arrived at Wyomissing. Amaya Stewart, a skilled 6-1 post player, Alexis Hardy, a quick, dynamic guard, and Audrey Hurleman, a chaotic force at both ends of the floor, are just some of the newcomers. There’s also Sophia Zeppos and Annie McCarthy, a sophomore who didn’t play last season because of injury.

Heliodoro and Berger are two of the few holdovers who were given playing time. They join juniors Lexi Loeb and Maddie Campbell. Julia Reber and Abby Zechman saw limited action.

“It’s just an adjustment because we grew up with those girls above us,” Heliodoro said. “I’m excited for this year and the girls we’re playing with. We have a lot of talent on this team.”

With so much depth and quickness, Wyomissing has changed its style. The Spartans are a relentless, pressing group now. Anders substitutes in waves and tries to create a frenetic pace that wears down opponents and forces mistakes.

Heliodoro and Berger have to adapt to this system. They’ve accepted that they’ll play fewer minutes and will be taken off the floor more regularly.

“It’s a little hard sometimes because I want to be out there to help,” Berger said. “But the deep bench is definitely helpful to really slow down other teams and get them tired. We have a lot of legs.”

Wyomissing, which relied on Seyfert, Doyle and Gehman for 83% of its offense, has a more balanced attack. Seven players scored baskets in the first two games. Stewart and Hardy combined to average 22.5 points.

While the Spartans know they could have a powerhouse next year and beyond, they don’t want to wait that long. They want to contend right away.

Having two seniors willing to buy into the new arrangement is essential. They’ll provide guidance in addition to their play on the court.

“I can tell if someone is getting frustrated,” Heliodoro said. “We’re expecting a lot from them being freshmen. These are the plays you’ve got to learn. You’ve got to be ready to go. When we see someone down we talk to them 1-on-1 or even as a team.”

The seniors are the only members of their class that stuck with basketball all the way to the end. They’ve built a close friendship and share a hoops camaraderie.

Heliodoro and Berger are savoring their last few months as teammates. There’s no substitute for lining up alongside someone you know well.

“We can read each other on the court,” Berger said. “I can see when she’s going to come screen me or she’s going to cut. On defense it’s good to have each other on the same side.”

Wyomissing split its first two games. The Spartans fell to York Suburban 40-33 before defeating Muhlenberg 52-37. They’re confident they’ll be better in February than they are today.

Once the younger players gain some experience, there’s no telling how much they can contribute.

“We definitely have potential,” Heliodoro said. “We just have to fix a few things. It’s understandable with a younger team. Once we fix some things up, we have the potential to go to the county championship. That’s what we’re looking forward to.”

Heliodoro and Berger don’t mind being the bridge. They know it’s the only way they can reach their desired destination.