Last year, Cumberland Valley's girls' basketball team was good, but did not stand out among AAAA schools during the regular season.
But in the playoffs, the Eagles won four games in the district tournament and qualified for states. That momentum carried into this season, and the Falcons are currently in first place in the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division.
As Cumberland Valley has risen to be among the top of District 3 teams, Jackie Falconer has risen to be among the top players in the district.
Falconer, a 6-0 senior forward, is averaging 17.2 points per game this year. But she's not all about points. Her biggest play of the season may have been in a game where she was held to seven points while playing with bronchitis. Falconer's pass set up teammate Kelly Jekot for the game-winning shot against Central Dauphin in a 52-50 victory on Jan. 4.
After last season, Falconer was named to the Big 15 first team.
For the portion of the interview about the Eagles' steady improvement, click here
Who got you to start playing basketball?
My dad [Keith]. Ever since I was little I had a basketball in my hand. From the little baskets to eight-foot baskets to 10-foot baskets, it was father-daughter bonding.
Other than your father, who is the No. 1 influence on your basketball life?
Probably, once I moved here from Connecticut, Amy Hempt was. She was the junior varsity coach at CV then. She taught me everything skill wise and helped out on the mental side. She made me mentally tough.
What is the strongest part of your game?
Especially at this level, my versatility. I started off as a guard, but as I got taller, I had to fill the post role, so I can help my team from multiple positions.
What aspect of the game do you feel needs the most work?
Getting more of a post player mindset. When I put my back to the basket, I have to think instead of just react because I do still have that guard thinking.
What is it like being in the Commonwealth and facing Central Dauphin, CD East, State College and Harrisburg each night?
I love it. There are great games all the time. I can remember in middle school, there were games that weren't so good and I wouldn't get excited for them. Here there are great teams to play every night. It just makes for a great senior season.
As the top scorer on a first-place team, you opponents game plan for you specifically. How much more difficult does that make it for you?
It definitely make things a little more challenging, but it teaches me to get a shot off with more pressure, or I can get it out to a teammate. If they start lighting it up, the more were all score.
ON TWITTER: @David_Bohr