Unsung Hero: Girls Bball's Haley Puckett

When you think of a model student-athlete, you've got to consider at least three categories of skill - athleticism, scholarship and community service. So, when we asked girls basketball head coach Jeff Rinehimer for an unsung hero this week, we were happy to hear that his candidate fulfilled all three categories.

Haley Puckett, a junior girls basketball player, is a straight-A student, ranked among the top of her class. She also contributes to the varsity basketball team and volunteers with her local church and at the Pottstown Hospital in the summer.

Rinehimer was particularly pleased with Puckett's performance on Thursday night against Owen J. Roberts High School.

"She hustles all the time," he said. "She had a good game last night. She got in there and put up six boards (rebounds) right away. Great passing and assisting and scored a bucket. Did everything she could in the last quarter. She comes every day to work."

Puckett was honored to receive the recognition from Rinehimer.

"I feel like that's really nice of him," she said. "I try my hardest in practice. Even though I'm not the starter or anything, I try to do my best to improve in practice."

Athleticism was a key factor in Rinehimer's decision to select Puckett, but he also pointed out her scholarship. Combining the two can be tough for any student.

"She's a good athlete," he said. "She has a lot of athleticism. She really works and pushes the other kids. She comes every day to practice. With the academics she carries, that's tough. It could maybe weigh in on her mind if things don't go right. She forgets it and comes every day."

Puckett gets her athleticism from her parents. Her father almost played basketball at college, but decided to further concentrate on his studies. Her mom played basketball and soccer. Puckett also plays soccer in the fall, as well as lacrosse in the spring, which she said helps with her speed and agility for basketball season.

As for academics, straight-As are definitely one of her top priorities. Her and her twin sister, Hannah, who also plays on the team, are both ranked high in their class. She said if her and Hannah are not playing sports, they're studying, hitting the books and doing all of their homework in our free time. Puckett enjoys having a twin sister to experience life together.

"It's the best thing," Puckett said. "People always ask how I feel about being a twin and I'm like 'I don't know what it's like to not be a twin.' So, it's really awesome to have one of my best friends there all the time with me and to share this experience with her."

Puckett is very happy to see the team's progress this year, with only two losses all season long. With a majority of last year's squad returning this year, the PAC-10 Championship is on everyone's mind.

"We are big rivals with Boyertown," said Puckett. "Literally, every single one of us are so determined. We all want to be starting players, so we all push each other in practice. Everyone has character. We all click really well. There's no fights on the team and we just really work well together."

Overall, Puckett wanted to leave a lasting praise for her coach and her teammates.

"We always focus on teamwork," she concluded. "Coach Rinehimer always pushes us and if we fall short in practice, we don't just move on to the next thing. We always have to meet his standards before we move on to the next thing, which really helps during the season."