Penn-Trafford has quietly built a strong girls basketball program over the last few seasons. With former players like Olivia Pepple taking their talents to the college ranks, the Warriors have shown to prepare their players for that next level in basketball.

They can add another name to that elite club of college players, as senior Lauren Marton recently made her commitment to play at Shippensburg.

“It’s definitely really exciting,” she mentioned. “At first, I wasn’t sure when I wanted to commit. But I’m glad I did it before and I have a weight lifted off my shoulders. I’m really glad it’s over and done with.”

She didn’t intend to commit before her senior year of basketball, but after a strong AAU season, the recruitment picked up heavily.

Marton took visits to various schools, and received some offers along the way. Frostburg State and Wheeling extended offers to the versatile post player, but it was Shippensburg that came away as her favorite.

“Honestly, it was everything,” she shared about selecting Shippensburg. “I love their basketball program and the coaches. Overall, I just loved the campus. I think everything about it was so nice.”

She was also drawn to Shippensburg for the academics, as she plans to major in exercise science.

AAU basketball was a big part in her recruitment. Coming into this past spring, she knew the importance of having a strong showing in front of college coaches.

“Me and my parents would talk and say ‘this year is important,’” she added. “I knew it in my head that I had to really work and go as hard as possible.”

With her attention now shifted to this upcoming season, she wants to end her Penn-Trafford career on a high note.

Marton has noticed a different sense of motivation from her team, especially after the strong season the Warriors had last season.

“I think we all know what we are capable of,” she commented. “We definitely know the things we have to work on, but coming from last year and knowing we are capable of doing that will take us far.”

Marton did her part for the Warriors, averaging 10 points per game and 8.5 rebounds a contest. She also shot 42 percent from the floor.

Penn-Trafford’s success has stemmed from its chemistry on the court. She highlighted that moving the ball well and communicating on the court were vital components to their success.

With fall workouts picking up and the season right around the corner, she is excited to get back to work before she heads off to Shippensburg. Marton wants to make sure her team fulfills their potential, and knows it’ll require more than just strong play to get the job done.

“I feel like leadership is a big thing,” she remarked. “I feel like we need to take hold of the team and bring them in and talk them up. I think leadership will be a big thing.”