HS Summer Ball Wrap-Up: Bethlehem

The Banshees had a very successful summer, going 11-3 overall and notching huge wins over talented teams like DuPont Manual, Franklin County and Gallatin out of Tennessee, to name a few. The reigning 5th Region champs are poised to have another extremely successful season behind players like Emma Filiatreau Emma Filiatreau 6'2" | C Bethlehem | 2023 State KY and Carlie Thurmond Carlie Thurmond 5'7" | PG Bethlehem | 2024 State KY . Emma Filiatreau Emma Filiatreau 6'2" | C Bethlehem | 2023 State KY | 6’2" | C | Class of 2023 Filiatreau has been huge this summer, averaging a double-double in points and rebounds, something she was very close to accomplishing throughout her Junior season. She has excellent size, and she can really be a tough match-up for opponents as she runs the floor well and can score inside or out. Her ability to finish tough shots at the rim is certainly impressive. She’s also got a real knack for rebounding, so pair that with the effort she puts in to grab those boards, and you can see why she is such a solid rebounder. Carlie Thurmond Carlie Thurmond 5'7" | PG Bethlehem | 2024 State KY | 5’7" | PG | Class of 2024 Thurmond (left) has proven why she’s a top 10 player in her class as she also averaged a double-double, hers coming from points and assists. She was the leading scorer for the Banshees last season, so it’s no surprise that she was putting up double-digit points consistently, but to average double-digit assists is an extremely tough task. However, if you’ve watched Thurmond play then it would come as no surprise as she is one of the most unselfish talents in the 2024 class. She has a high IQ, can handle the ball, makes great passes, can score from anywhere, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see her get a triple-double at least once next season. I was recently told that the funny thing about these 2 players is that you might not see either one of them playing basketball in college: Filiatreau has had several offers in D1 Equestrian and is currently verbally committed to Oklahoma State for Equestrian! Carlie Thurmond Carlie Thurmond 5'7" | PG Bethlehem | 2024 State KY , who was All-State in soccer last year, also was a leader in the state when it came to goals scored in soccer, finishing as a top 3 scorer overall in Kentucky. She has recently received phone calls from UL and Xavier Women’s Soccer programs. While both have the skills to play basketball at the next level, it may be a different type of court you see them on in college. Other Pieces After graduating a really solid guard in Kasey Spalding, along with losing a tough forward, several other Banshees have stepped up this Summer to fill those open roles on the court. Sisters, Ashlyn Miles and Tessa Miles, are poised and ready to move into starting roles, filling those spots discussed above. Ashlyn is a rising Junior, while Tessa is a rising Sophomore. Both sisters competed in every contest for the Banshees last year, so they certainly have the experience and are ready for a bigger role. Rising Juniors, Khloe Young and Kensey Clayton, will also provide meaningful minutes and use their defensive skills and quick hands to make the team’s transition move that much quicker. And lastly, a player that wasn’t able to travel this summer but certainly cannot be forgotten is Kaylee McElroy, an up-and-coming 8th grader who played varsity minutes last year. She’s got great court awareness and will play key back-up minutes this year for the Banshees!! Expectations As a whole, this team may be small, but they continue to prove that they will fight to win and play for each other which are some of the top components for success! I would expect big things from Bethlehem this season and I’m excited to watch them grow even more as a team as the pieces continue coming together. They’ve defeated some of the best of the best this summer and they’re only getting started.