Clarion Area Girls Basketball And Cheerleading Seniors And Parents Celebrated On Senior Night

Photos submitted – Above the wonderful lobby display for the Seniors

The Clarion Area Bobcat Girls Basketball Cheerleaders held their Senior Night festivities between the Junior Varsity and Varsity games with Curwensville, on Monday, February 9th, as they honored Senior players Alivia Diehl and Kelsey Best, and Senior cheerleader Willow Foust and their parents.

Making the night doubly special, was that the Bobcats won their first game of the season.

The Bobcats also recognized Curwensville Senior players Jovee Elensky and Addison Warren.

About the Basketball team’s lead up to Senior Night, Bobcat head coach Erin Fox mentioned, “Before senior night we came together as a group with our underclassmen and encouraged them to think about the impact that Kelsey and Alivia have had on them and the team overall this year.

“We challenged them to show up Monday night with determination and a positive attitude and to play as hard as they possibly could to ensure that Kelsey and Alivia would have success on their senior night. For us, success does not only mean winning the game.

“Each member of the team showed up Monday night to celebrate Kelsey and Alivia and we were able to play together and come out with a well deserved, hard fought win. The game was a testament to the culture that Kelsey and Alivia have helped create, where everyone wanted to play their best for them.”

Coach Fox shared this about her Seniors, “We came into the year having Kelsey and Alivia as the only girls with experience and we asked them to step up into some challenging roles. Primarily, we needed them to lead our young team through every physical and mental challenge, but we also asked them to adapt their game to match the style of basketball we needed to play this year.

“Kelsey stepped up to be the point guard and became the leader on the floor that everyone looked to during the game.

“Alivia became the leader for the post players, showing adaptability in playing both inside and outside the paint.

“They have both contributed majorly to the successes we have had on the court, but they have also been at the center of making our team culture positive and encouraging.

“Kelsey and Alivia have both been very important parts of the team and have done a great job laying the groundwork for future years of Clarion girls basketball. Their leadership and work ethic will certainly be missed next year.”

Clarion Area Cheerleading advisor/coach Mary Beth Uckert had this to say about her Senior, “Willow is a great leader. She was my only senior, she became designated captain pretty much.

“She did great in that role. As this was my first year I myself learned a lot from her that I will take into the coming years.

“She keeps that leadership mentality, she will do amazing things!” 

Alivia’s Bio:

Alivia Diehl is escorted by her parents Josh and Amy Diehl   Her pregame ritual consists of eating some sort of fruit, usually apples or grapes, and drinking an energy drink!  She and Kelsey like to listen to music together in the locker room getting ready for the game.  She has not made her final choice on which college she’ll be attending; however her goal is to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant.  Her advice for next year’s team?  If you want a sweet treat, ask Daryl!!  And Focus on what you can control!!

Kelsey’s Bio:

Kelsey Best is escorted by her parents Matt and Melanie Best  Her pregame ritual is to drink an energy drink and listen to high energy music with Liv in the locker room.  She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh for Chemical Engineering.  Her advice for next year’s team?  Always keep a positive attitude and be there for each other!  

Willow’s Bio:

We also recognized senior cheerleader Willow Foust

Willow Foust, daughter of Elya  and Jesse Foust. She has served as the captain of the basketball cheer team, leading with dedication and school spirit. In addition to cheer, she is also a member of Clarion Singers and was part of the WildCat Competition Cheer team, which proudly advanced to States this year. Before each game, she can be found listening to music in her car, spending time with her teammates, and practicing as she prepares to cheer on the basketball teams. After graduation, she plans to attend school in the city, majoring in arts of the entertainment business, with hopes of working in the music or film industry. She dreams of city life filled with creativity and concerts. 

Her advice to next year’s team is to keep the program strong by staying organized, staying safe, and ensuring that our basketball teams continue to have cheerleaders for years to come.

Congratulations to Kelsey, Alivia, Willow and their parents, as well as, Clarion Area Girls Basketball and Cheerleading!!!!

Thank you to all who helped with this article and whose photos were included.