The wait is almost over for New Castle High girls basketball standout Kaylynn Waters.

Waters, a 5-foot-9 junior guard, went down with a knee injury in the first few minutes of a 62-29 win over Ellwood City Lincoln on Dec. 16.

On Monday, Waters went for an MRI and she’ll have it read today, according to Lady ’Canes coach Jason Rankin.

“From the initial examination, it feels she has a torn meniscus,” Rankin said last night. “She could possibly play in four to six weeks with that injury, but we’ll know more (today).”

Rankin said the original belief was an ACL and MCL injury.

“I’ve had my fingers crossed for her and the team all along,” Rankin said. “She’s such a great player and a great person.

“You never want to see someone get hurt. We will support her on her time frame.”

Waters was averaging 27.3 points a game before the matchup with the Lady Wolverines. She was held without a point against Ellwood City. Even with a torn meniscus, Rankin plans to use complete caution with Waters.

“She’s going to have to have a complete doctor’s release to play,” Rankin said. “She’s going to have to feel comfortable physically, too.

“It’s not like we have to go through an adjustment period to get her back in there. I don’t think she’d miss a beat once she comes back.”

New Castle started the year without 5-3 sophomore guard Rachael Razzano, who tore an ACL before the season started. Razzano is out for the year and would have contributed off the bench for the Lady ’Canes.

New Castle, which hasn’t played since Waters sustained the injury, is off until Dec. 29 when it faces Franklin in the Erie McDowell Tournament. One of the strengths of the Lady ’Canes is their bench.

Rankin noted in the preseason sophomore guards Kelsey Scott (5-11) and Dana Perrotta (5-2) figured to be the team’s top reserves.

“It’s even nicer to have those options when an injury occurs,” Rankin said. “We’re pretty solid with the seven we have.”

Rankin said Waters will continue to work hard despite the setback.

“She’s a student of the game,” Rankin said. “She definitely will watch film and other things she’ll be able to do.

“We’ll support her in every way. If it’s four to six weeks, we’ll welcome her back with open arms when she’s ready.”