The future for the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball program is a bright one. And it may mirror that of Alex Rich.

During a year when the Falcons have endured growing pains, struggled with role identity and have groped for leadership, Rich, a sophomore forward, has stepped up and filled a role. That role is one of go-to-girl, clutch scorer and under-rated defender.

Using a strong, hard move to her right, Rich has emerged as the Cedar Crest girls’ leading scorer. But that’s not all she can do. Rich can also stick from distance and is a tenacious rebounder.

As the Falcons look to return to the prominence of their glory days, look for Rich to lead the charge. She is perhaps the most talented player among Cedar Crest’s talented underclassmen.

But basketball may not even be Rich’s top pursuit. During the spring, Rich is also an accomplished lacrosse player for Cedar Crest.

The day that Rich is forced to choose between those two sports is on the horizon. But it would seem that there’s no wrong decision to be made.