NORTHWOOD ― The Coe-Brown Northwood Academy girls basketball team had an outstanding and memorable 2013-14 season, but don't expect junior forward Jenny Schlim to spend much time this summer thinking about it.

For Schlim, her thoughts are solely focused on what lies ahead.

Schlim was the star player on a Bears team that featured no seniors, started the season slow but turned it around to the tune of a trip to the Division II championship game.

“The past season was so good, we know we can do it again,” Schlim said. “It's the same kids. We're really excited for that. If we don't get there again, I'm probably going to be pretty disappointed, because we know we're capable.”

While primarily a forward, Schlim played all five positions at one point and averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game, earning D-II first-team all-state honors in the process. She is Foster's Daily Democrat's girls basketball player of the year.

Coe-Brown coach Dave Hartnett said Schlim's versatility made her a powerful asset for the Bears all season long.

“She's the ultimate team player,” Hartnett said. “This year, recognizing that we were on the smaller size, Jenny made a commitment to rebound. She also recognized that teams were double teaming her and she was able to exploit the situation with her passing.”

Schlim dedicates herself solely to basketball year round, and already has the start of winter practices marked on her calendar (figuratively, at least).

“I don't know the exact number of days, but I know I'm really excited,” she said with a laugh.

On a team where the juniors were the “senior” players, Schlim and fellow juniors Abby Ahern, Deb Peabody, Haley Ruth, Ashley LeBlanc and Sarah Curtin took it upon themselves to provide leadership. Not that much was needed on a team that worked together so well.

“We didn't have any designated captains either,” Schlim said. “We've all played with each other since we were little. That worked out well too. We worked as one. We didn't really need any one specific leader on the team.”

After a 12-8 season in 2012-13 that saw Coe-Brown advance to the D-II quarterfinals, the Bears didn't lack for confidence entering 2013-14. Still, after a 3-3 start, a deep playoff run wasn't on anyone's radar.

“We didn't doubt ourselves, but I'm not sure we saw ourselves going to the championship,” Schlim said. “We knew we could get there if we worked hard. I look back and think, oh, we were right there. But I know we can do it again.”

The Bears earned the No. 6 seed in the D-II tournament, and earned wins against No. 3 Souhegan and No. 2 Hanover en route to the final vs. No. 4 Merrimack Valley. A third upset was not in store, however, as Coe-Brown lost 55-49. The Bears led 38-35 after three quarters, during which Schlim scored six of her 12 points.

“We gave it our all in that game,” Schlim said. “Obviously there were some little things we could have done better but I've moved on. We're focusing on next season.”

The product of a strong basketball family (Schlim's father played high-school basketball at ConVal), Schlim is the fourth of five siblings most of whom play or have played the sport.

“It's been our family sport,” Schlim said. “My life has revolved around it.”

Schlim started the 2013-14 season slow, sidelined during a portion of preseason practices amid concerns she had an irregular heartbeat. She saw limited playing time early in the season, but since then has been given a clean bill of health.

“It doesn't really get in the way that much,” Schlim said. “It's not painful or anything. I just feel my heart pound harder sometimes. I can still train just as hard. No limitations or anything.”

So focused is Schlim on perfecting her game and preparing for next season, it might seem like there's nothing that can stop her from dedicating her entire summer to her pursuit.

Except one thing.

“Driver's ed,” she said with a laugh. “I'll have to find some place I can work on basketball. I'll probably go to my brother's practices.”