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A Chambersburg resident, Tasker has had a lot to do with the Blue Storm improving to 9-0 on the season.
In two games last week, she led with 10 points and pulled down nine rebounds in a 37-25 win over St. James School, then paced Mercersburg with 12 points in a 35-26 victory over Peddie School.
Tasker is Public Opinion's Female Athlete of the Week.
The win over Peddie had an added significance: It was the first time the Blue Storm girls ever defeated the Falcons.
"We played as a team and that helped us pull off the win," Tasker said. "We have a lot of the same players back this year and we've improved a lot. Our experience has helped us get off to such a good start this year."
The improvement in Tasker individually has also been apparent, according to her coaches.
Mercersburg head coach Katie LaRue said, "Her play from last year to this year is very impressive. She works out by herself and sometimes with me, and she has committed herself to working on things that may not be her strengths. She has improved her all-around game."
Assistant coach David Bell said, "Teal has worked very hard since last season. She put in extra sessions over the summer with Katie and has improved her ballhandling and shooting.
"The key difference between this year and last year is that she is being more decisive both offensively and defensively.
Tasker shares the point guard position with a senior, Hanna Warfield, which gives the Blue Storm two dependable players to bring the ball upcourt.
Tasker said, "When Hanna is not in there, I feel I need to do anything I can to help the team. Driving to the basket is my strength, I think, and I feel confident in taking it to the hoop and shooting."
LaRue said Tasker has learned "when to drive, and when to pull back. That has become a big part of her game."
Tasker also plays goalkeeper for the Mercersburg girls soccer team and helped the team to an 11-5-1 record last fall. She said that recently she started to like basketball more than soccer, and that she'd like to hopefully continuing playing basketball in college.
"Attending the academy, that definitely challenges me academically," she said. "The prep school atmosphere definitely is preparing me for college. I'm looking forward to that."
But first, she will continue to work on her game and help the Blue Storm strive for continued success.
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Joe Kroepil can be reached at 262-4749 and jkroepil@publicopinionnews.com.
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Teal Tasker, Mercersburg Academy
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-5
Grade: Sophomore
Parents: Pam and Trent Tasker
Interests: Hanging out with friends, playing other sports such as soccer
Surprising fact: Wearing her lucky red socks, which say "Beast" on them, for every game.
Most influential people in athletic career: Her parents, for being there for her all the time
Athlete most admired: LeBron James
Favorite team: Miami Heat
Statistics: Tasker scored a total of 22 points in wins over St. James and Peddie She is averaging 12.5 points per game with a high game of 22 vs. New Life.
