By Steve Svetovich

Dunmore Lady Bucks senior Gianna Delfino was one of the major spark plugs in her team’s run to the state title game, a 49-43 loss.

The senior forward averaged in double figures for coach Ben O’Brien’s Lady Bucks.

Daughter of Joe and Melissa Delfino, Gianna was a member of the Dunmore Lady Bucks basketball team for four years.

She was named defensive player of the year in her sophomore year.

The scholar-athlete has a 96 academic average and will study Occupational Therapy in the fall at Misericordia University.

Gianna was named to the Lynett Tournament first team this season. The Dunmore Lady Bucks, undefeated until the state title game loss, won the tournament.

Her reaction to the state title game loss? “Well, I’m really proud of our team. It’s very easy to be upset about the loss, but we have to put everything in perspective. We really accomplished a lot. It was just a great year for us. We have a lot to be proud of.”

Gianna keeps very busy when she is not playing basketball. She is a member of the Art Club, Earth Club, Service Club, TACT, SADD, Health Careers Club, Spanish Club and French Club. She is also a four year member of the Dunmore cross country team.

And she loves music. Lady Gaga is her favorite.

Gianna has been playing basketball since age five. She started in Dunmore Biddy Basketball Leagues and played in travel leagues with the NEPA Flames and J.B. Hoops.

She was a member of two district championships, including this season, and four Lynett Tournament title teams at Dunmore.

“Going to Dunmore has been the best experience ever,” she said. “I love Dunmore, the people, the community, the school programs, the teachers, the students. I learned so much about how to be a good person and living to your potential.

“The basketball practices prepared us so well. We tolerated it well and it pushed us to succeed.”

Well spoken and articulate, Gianna talked about her desire to become an occupational therapist. “I shadowed a therapist recently. I really want to be in a profession where you can make a difference in people’s lives. I want to help them get better and achieve their potential. As an occupational therapist, I think you really get to know your patient.

“You get to help people day to day and help them live their best possible life.”

Gianna is not surprised the Dunmore Lady Bucks reached the state title game this season. “Our coach had us prepared for every game. He worked us so hard. Our team is very passionate about the game.”

Gianna, 18, said she is prepared for her future at Misericordia University. “I learned so much here at Dunmore from the teachers, coaches, everybody. I look forward to the rest of my senior year and then to my college years studying occupational therapy.”