Two familiar faces are stepping into new leadership roles, ready to guide storied girls basketball programs into exciting new chapters next season. At Marian Catholic and Mahanoy Area, fresh energy and deep roots are set to collide on the hardwood.
Marian Catholic Tabs Onuschco to Lead Fillies After Interim Success
Earlier this week, Marian Catholic officially named Jeff Onushco as the new head coach of the Fillies, removing the interim tag after a remarkable turnaround season. Onushco stepped in early last year following Jeanette Shafer Barron's resignation just five games into the campaign. At that point, the Fillies were struggling at 2-3. But under Onushco's steady hand, the team rallied to a 13-9 record, clinching a spot in the Schuylkill League playoffs, finishing as runners-up in the District 11 Class AA tournament, and earning a coveted berth in the PIAA State Playoffs.
"We are thrilled Coach Onushco will be returning to the Fillies bench and continue to build on the great progress they showed during the last basketball season," said Marian Catholic Athletic Director Billy O'Gurek in a press release.
Onushco expressed his gratitude, saying, "I would like to thank the Marian administration, especially Father Finlan and Athletic Director Billy O'Gurek, for having the confidence in me to lead this prestigious program. I am also happy that my assistants Nick Miskar and Cheryl Stanitis will also be returning."
With a core roster expected to return—including leading scorers Addy Marek and DeAnna Pugh—the Fillies look poised to build on their late-season momentum and make some noise in the 2025-26 season.
Former Star Abby McGee Returns to Lead Mahanoy Area Golden Bears
Over at Mahanoy Area, a beloved former standout is coming home. Abbey McGee, a star guard for the Golden Bears in her playing days, will take over the program from Tom Scheeler, who is stepping away for the second time. Scheeler previously coached Mahanoy Area from 2014 through 2020 before returning for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
McGee inherits a team that posted an impressive 18-7 overall record this past season, including a 12-2 mark in Schuylkill League Division II play. That strong performance earned the Golden Bears berths in both the Schuylkill League and District 11 playoffs.
While the team will bid farewell to star senior point guard Felicia Bro, the cupboard is far from bare. Key returners like Naomi Kowalick, Ella Connolly, and Lilly Carl are expected to provide the foundation for McGee's first season at the helm. With a winning tradition and a familiar face leading the charge, the Golden Bears are ready to keep rolling.