Week Ending Dec. 31

Think of it as a form of the chicken-or-the-egg parallel development.

As the Annville-Cleona girls’ basketball team has grown, so has Ava Hoover. And as Ava Hoover has grown, so has the Annville-Cleona girls’ basketball team.

This week, Hoover and the Little Dutchmen experienced yet another growth spurt. And the result was two more victories and a holiday tournament title.

On Wednesday, during the opening round of the Littlestown Christmas tournament, A. Hoover poured in a game-high 21 points to lead Annville-Cleona to a 43-37 triumph over Schuylkill Valley. Then, a night later, the sophomore forward pumped in 14 points to pace the Little Dutchmen to a 51-21 victory over Littlestown in the championship game of the event.

With the two wins, Annville-Cleona improved to 7-2 overall.

Over those first nine outings, A. Hoover leads the Little Dutchmen with a scoring average of nearly 13 points per contest. Hoover, a consistent rebounder, also provides Annville-Cleona with an ominous defensive presence.

At their current pace, Hoover and the Little Dutchmen should be considered contenders for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four crown, an L-L League playoff berth and a spot in the District Three Class AAA postseason.

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Week Ending Dec. 24

The Palmyra girls’ basketball team has a plan. It’s a good plan, a sound plan, a bold plan.

It’s a plan that’s still taking shape, still unfolding.

It’s also a plan of which Maddie Henry is a huge part.

This week, Henry and the Cougars’ continued to execute the plan. On Thursday at home, Henry posted 11 points and a boatload of rebounds during a 45-33 loss to Lebanon County rival Cedar Crest.

“I saw Maddie Henry take a step forward,” said Palmyra head coach John Polly, after the game. “She’s looking to take over, if need be. She’s kind of been in the shadows the last few years. Now she’s front and center. Just her ascending as a team leader.”

Currently standing at 2-5 overall, Palmyra’s steady improvement has yet to find its way to the scoreboard, or the win column. But when it does, rest assured that Henry’s scoring, fundamentals and leadership will be a driving force behind it.

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Week Ending Dec. 17

She can score and defend and rebound. She also exhibits high levels of concentration, she makes good decisions and she leads by example.

Lizzie Lowe possesses a well-rounded, all-around court game. And that versatility has translated into consistency for the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team.

This week, Lowe and the Falcons continued to surprise and impress. Thanks in part to the junior forward’s contributions, Cedar Crest scored three more early-season triumphs.

It all began on Monday at home, when Lowe poured in 18 points during the Falcons’ 50-24 non-victory over Twin Valley. Then on Wednesday in Lititz, Lowe tallied nine points for Cedar Crest, as it recorded a 43-26 road win at Warwick.

Lowe closed out her week at home on Friday, with six points during a 30-23 triumph over Hempfield. That particular contest served as the Falcons’ Lancaster-Lebanon Section One opener.

Currently, Lowe and Cedar Crest stand at 6-1 overall and 1-0 in Section One. That fast start has almost assured that the Falcons will be competing in meaningful games for the rest of the winter season.

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Week Ending Dec. 10

He’s a coach’s son, and a coach on the floor.

He’s a leader and a calming influence for teammates.

He’s one of the top male performers in Lebanon County.

But most importantly, Dallas George holds the keys to the Elco boys’ basketball fortunes this winer.

On Saturday, George was named to the all-tournament team at the Lebanon boys’ basketball tip-off tournament. The 5-10 junior guard played admirably and courageously, as his Raiders claimed the championship of the yearly event.

George was at his best when the chips were on the line during a 64-56 championship triumph over Spring Grove. His steady play in the fourth quarter was manifested through his defense, free throw shooting and decision making.

George finished with 16 points against Spring Grove, a night after pumping in 15 during a 63-49 triumph over North Schuylkill.

This past fall, George’s play helped the Elco boys’ soccer team to a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championship and a berth in the District Three postseason.

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Week Ending Dec. 3

Past performances do not guarantee future success. Besides, the jump from junior high to high school is a substantial one.

But for Tyler Detwiler, the transition was a smooth one.

On Saturday, Detwiler won a championship at the very first scholastic tournament he ever wrestled. The Palmyra freshman captured the 107-pound weight class championship at the Lebanon County Wrestling Championships, contested at Annville-Cleona High School.

With victories over opponents from Cedar Crest, Lebanon, Elco and Annville-Cleona, Detwiler went undefeated in his four matches.

“He’s not used to losing,” said Palmyra head coach Jon Regrets of Detwiler. “When he does, it’s a significant emotional event. But he’s maturing a lot. He’s always been one of my most coachable kids. And he’s right up there with the hardest working kids on the team.”

Last year as an eighth-grader, Detwiler compiled a 24-3 overall mark and qualified for the junior high version of the state postseason, the Keystone championships. The year before, he went 11-0 as a seventh grader.

“My goal for him this season is to be competitive,” said Regrets. “I want to set realistic goals and try to exceed them. We need to get him through sectionals, and hopefully we can get him to regionals.”

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Week Ending Nov. 26

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern University

At Northwestern University, Lauren Wadas is playing field hockey at the highest collegiate level. That’s not all that surprising when you consider the fact that she competed at the highest scholastic level.

On Sunday in Storrs, Connecticut, Wadas, a 2020 graduate of Palmyra High School, competed in second straight NCAA Division One national championship game. A junior midfielder for Northwestern, Wadas and the second-seeded Wildcats dropped a 2-1 decision to top-seeded North Carolina in the title tilt.

In 2021, Wadas’ Wildcats had captured the NCAA Division One national championship.

For her efforts this year, Wadas was named to the NCAA Division One all-tournament team. Earlier in the fall, the former Cougar had received similar honors for her play in the Big Ten tournament.

During the season, Wadas started all 25 games for the Wildcats and collected six goals, three assists and three defensive saves. Northwestern finished the campaign with a 20-5 overall record.

For her career, Wadas has now posted 13 goals – seven of which have been of the game-winning variety – and nine assists.

During her storied career at Palmyra, Wadas notched 113 goals and 13 assists. She led the Cougars to state championship game in both 2018 and 2019.

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Week Ending Nov. 19

Alicia Battistelli brings a lot to the table. Her intensity, her unrelenting hustle, her hard, accurate shot.

And of course, her leadership abilities.

Battistelli enjoyed a fantastic senior season, as did the Palmyra field hockey team.

On Saturday at Cumberland Valley High School, Battistelli’s stellar career came to an end during the Cougars’ 1-0 overtime loss to Mechanicsburg, in the PIAA Class AA championship game. In no way could the loss detract from anything that the senior forward and Palmyra accomplished during the fall campaign.

On Wednesday at Governor Mifflin, Battistelli had netted a goal in the Cougars’ 3-1 semifinal triumph over Gwynedd Mercy that propelled them to the ninth state championship appearance in program history. Two weeks earlier, Battistelli’s Cougars had claimed the District Three Class AA championship with a 2-0 victory over Hershey.

During the recently completed season, Battistelli paced Palmyra in scoring with 21 goals and nine assists, for 51 points. Battistelli also created 57 penalty corner opportunities for Palmyra this year.

Battistelli has committed to continuing her athletic and academic playing careers at the University of Vermont.

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Week Ending Nov. 12

Hailey Peirce is a facilitator, a conduit between defense and offense, a support staff of one. A person behind the scenes, Peirce makes the Northern Lebanon girls’ volleyball team go.

The senior setter is very good at what she does, and the Vikings are very good because of what she does.

On Tuesday at Cardinal O’Hara High School, the finest girls’ volleyball season in the history of Northern Lebanon High School concluded when the Vikings dropped a 3-2 decision to the home side in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA playoff tournament. During the 23-25, 25-21, 22-25, 26-24, 15-11 defeat, Peirce posted 43 assists and ten digs.

On the way to their first state playoff appearance in program history, Peirce and the Vikings went 14-0 during the regular season and captured the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championship. On November 3rd, the fourth-seeded Vikings fell at second-seeded Twin Valley, 25-23, 25-18, 25-19, in the District Three Class AAA championship.

To reach the District Three Class AAA title tilt, Northern Lebanon had scored earlier playoff triumphs over Big Spring, James Buchanan and top-seeded Greencastle-Antrim. Against Big Spring, Peirce recorded 15 digs and 35 assists, including the 1,000th assist of her career at Northern Lebanon.

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Week Ending Nov. 5

She’s like a coach on the field. She’s the heart, soul and mind of the Palmyra field hockey team.

While her name doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet, now Olivia Kirkpatrick is pushing to become one of the most influential players in the history of the Cougars’ storied tradition.

This week, Kirkpatrick paced Palmyra to its 14th District Three championship, and the second in her illustrious career.

On Saturday at Central Dauphin Middle School, the senior captain and midfielder was in the middle of everything that was good, as the Cougars performed admirably during a 2-0 victory over rival Hershey in the D3 Class AA title tilt. Palmyra had reached the championship game with a 2-1 semifinal triumph over Mechanicsburg at home on Wednesday.

Against the Trojans, Kirkpatrick was everywhere, controlling the midfield of the field and putting teammates in position to succeed. She was both a force offensively and defensively for Palmyra versus Hershey.

It was just another consistent outing in what has morphed into an absolutely marvelous senior campaign for Kirkpatrick.

As a sophomore in 2020, Kirkpatrick was one of the main cogs in the Cougars’ drive to the PIAA Class AA championship.

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Week Ending Oct. 29

Landon Hostetter is one busy guy. He’s got things to do, people to meet, places to see.

When he’s not playing his instrument or booting a soccer ball, he’s running down championships.

On Saturday at Big Spring High School, the multi-talented Hostetter captured the boys’ individual title at the District Three Class A Cross Country Championships. The Annville-Cleona sophomore covered the 3.1 mile course in Newville in a blistering 16:38 to nudge runner-up Henry Friedrichs of Veritas Academy by nine seconds.

Hostetter’s efforts helped the Little Dutchmen to a third-place showing in the Class A team standings. Hostetter, who averaged 5:21 per mile, is also a member of the Annville-Cleona boys’ soccer team and Little Dutchmen marching band during the fall season.

Ten days earlier, at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Meet, Hostetter had finished 25th among male competitors. On that day, Hostetter covered the Ephrata Middle School course in 17:28.9.

Through his showing at the District Three meet, Hostetter qualified for the PIAA Class A Cross Country Championships at Hershey on November 5.

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Week Ending Oct. 22

He’s more of a golf prodigy than a freshman phenom.

Actually, you can call Dylan Ramsey anything you want, as long as ‘state champion’ appears somewhere in his title.

On Tuesday at Penn State University’s White Course, Ramsey captured the PIAA Class AAA golf championship by firing a two-day total of 67-73=140, or four-under par. The Cedar Crest freshman finished a single shot ahead of Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s Rocco Salvitti.

Ramsey birdied the Penn State White Course’s 492-yard, par-five 18th hole to secure the victory. Through his two days of state competition, the Falcon ninth-grader was a combined eight-under par on the White Course’s par-fives.

Ramsey had entered Tuesday’s second round with a three-shot lead, after carding an opening round of 67, or five-under par, during Monday’s opening round. He protected his lead by playing his final nine holes at one-under par.

Earlier this month, Ramsey earned the individual championship at the Lebanon County scholastic golf tournament contested at the Lebanon Country Club. During the regular season, Ramsey, who considers Royal Oaks his home course, averaged 70.4 shot per round to help Cedar Crest to its first Lancaster-Lebanon Section One championship in more than 20 years.

At the Lancaster-Lebanon League tournament, Ramsey finished as the runner-up to Falcon teammate Ben Freeman at Fairview. This summer, Ramsey and Feeman teamed to capture the championship of the popular Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament at Pine Meadows.

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Week Ending Oct. 15

‘If you give it up, you’ll get it back’ It’s a mantra by which Brayden Sunho lives his life, on and off the soccer pitch.

The Palmyra senior has forged an outstanding individual career by putting teammates and the team ahead of himself.

This week, Sunho’s others-first mentality paid off in the form of a personal milestone. On Wednesday, Sunho recorded the 100th all-time point of his spectacular career, during the Cougars’ 9-0 triumph at Mifflin County.

Then two days later at Waynesboro, Sunho added four more goals to his total, during a 7-0 road triumph.

Not only is he one of the finest boys’ soccer players Palmyra and Lebanon County has ever produced, Sunho is also one of the top performers in central Pennsylvania, and beyond. While making everyone around him better, his value to the Cougars can’t be overstated.

Suno, who’s technically sound and proficient with either foot, has led Palmyra to a 14-2-1 overall mark this season. The Cougars, who advanced to last year’s District Three championship game, are currently situated second in the Class AAA power rankings.

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Week Ending Oct. 8

It all originates from the back. It all starts in the goal.

From there, teams can build out, realizing cohesion and power.

Goalie Sam Nelson has been a pillar of strength for the Elco girls’ soccer team this fall.

On Thursday in Mount Joy, Nelson and the Raiders whitewashed Donegal 1-0 in a key Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three match. In that contest, Elco’s senior netminder came up with eight saves to log the shutout.

The shutout was Nelson and Elco’s eighth of the season. But more importantly, the triumph was the Raiders’ fifth straight and put them in position to capture yet another Section Three championship.

Nelson has been a stonewall all season long for Elco. She’s registered more than 60 saves and the Raiders have only surrendered 11 total goals.

During the winter and spring seasons, Nelson is also an accomplished performer on both the Raiders’ girls’ basketball and track and field squads.

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Week Ending Oct. 1

Once is a happenstance. Twice is a trend. Three times is a pattern.

But four times? Well, that’s just domination.

It’s fairly safe to say that Jill Fidler is currently the finest female scholastic golfer in Lebanon County.

On Thursday at the the Lebanon Country Club, Fidler captured her fourth straight female title at the annual Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championships. The Cedar Crest senior carded a solid 87 to help the Falcons to the overall team championship.

Following an average beginning to her round, Fidler encountered some rough patches, before elevating the level of her play on her second nine. Fidler’s showing at the Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championships was very reflective of her outstanding senior campaign as a whole.

On Friday of this week, Fidler and her Cedar Crest teammates will be competing at the District Three Championships at Briarwood Golf Course in York. It will represent her third career trip to districts.

Last season, Fidler finished second at the District Three championships, before advancing to the PIAA tournament.

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Week Ending Sept. 24

Forget merely smoldering. Where there’s smoke, there’s heat.

It may appear that she’s a glass of water, but Grace Francis and the Annville-Cleona field hockey are on fire.

This week, Francis and the Little Dutchmen stayed red hot. The junior midfielder tallied four more goals and an assist to spur Annville-Cleona to a 3-1 slate.

It all started with Francis’ goal during a 3-0 triumph at McCaskey on Monday. Then, there was the goal and assist during the Little Dutchmen’s critical 4-3 victory over Lancaster Mennonite on Wednesday.

On Friday, Francis netted a pair of tallies in Annville-Cleona’s 5-0 road blanking of Northern Lebanon. Finally on Saturday, the Little Dutchmen dropped a tough 3-1 decision at Bishop McDevitt.

Those three league wins pushed the Little Dutchmen to the top of the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four standings and moved them to 8-3 on the fall campaign. Annville-Cleona currently stands ninth in the District Three rankings for an A classification which akes 16 teams for its postseason.

On the year, Francis now has ten goals and one assist.

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Week Ending Sept. 17

Photo Courtesy of Blue Cardinal

He has a head for the game, a nose for the ball and a deft touch around the net. Camden Marquette is a natural, born goal scorer.

This week, Marquette continued to score goals, and the Elco boys’ soccer team continued to roll. Those two facts are most definitely related.

On Saturday at Cedar Crest High School, Marquette registered a hat trick to help the Raiders defeat the rival Falcons 5-0 in the annual Hoffman-Ritter Cup game. The junior midfielder netted Elco’s first, third and fifth goals, all in a variety of ways.

Earlier in the week, Marquette had tallied both goals in Elco’s 2-0 road win at Solanco. By week’s end, Marquette’s totals for the season stood at 12 goals and five assists.

With their two wins, Marquette’s Raiders now stand at 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Elco is currently positioned ninth in an AAA classification that takes 16 teams for its District Three playoff tournament.

During the winter season, Marquette is also an accomplished basketball player on the hardwoods for the Raiders.

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Week Ending Sept. 10

Nitya Patel has qualified for the postseason in doubles as a freshman, a sophomore and a junior. Now might be the time for her to strike out on her own.

On Saturday at Cedar Crest High School, during the annual contesting of the Lebanon County Girls’ Tennis Championships, Patel was crowned the overall singles’ champion. The Palmyra senior defeated Ali Bender of Elco 6-2, 6-4 in the final match at Number One Singles.

Patel’s performance helped the Cougars tie the host Falcons for the event’s team title.

“Ali is a great player,” said Patel. “We have been teammates in Junior Team Tennis since we were little kids. Our match (Saturday) was a very tough battle, both physically and mentally. I think the difference for me this year is that I am mentally stronger now and more fit than in the past.”

Last season at the Lebanon County Girls’ Tennis Championships, the Number One singles final came down to the same two players, but it was Bender who emerged with the title. This year, Patel turned the tables on her friendly rival.

“We came up with a good game plan that negated some of Ali’s strengths,” said Palmrya head coach Matt Opilo, “and allowed Nitya to use her strengths to play the match more on her terms.”

Patel had reached the final match at Number One singles with a 6-0, 6-3 semifinal victory over Cedar Crest’s Kaitlyn Do.

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Week Ending Sept. 3

The Cedar Crest boys’ soccer team is planning a big move. It’s not just seeking to turning things around, it wants to do it in an impactful way.

The Falcons expect Gio Mancino to play a huge role in their plans.

On Monday at home, Cedar Crest began a hope-filled fall campaign with an impressive 6-0 victory over rival Lebanon. For his part, Mancino was in the middle of all that went right for the Falcons.

The junior forward tallied a pair of goals and added an assist, as Cedar Crest got off to a solid start before pulling away from the Cedars late.

Mancino netted the all-important first goal of the game – and season – 12 minutes into the contest when he out maneuvered the Lebanon keeper for a loose ball. Then 12 minutes into the second half, Mancino put the Falcons up 3-0, with his left foot, high to the short side.

With his left foot, Mancino also set up teammate Jozef Shireli’s successful header and CC’s fourth goal.

Later in the week, Mancino added assists in Cedar Crest’s road loss at Cocalico and the Falcons’ home setback to Palmyra.

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Week Ending August 27

It’s fairly safe to say that Lily Young missed the game while she was away. It’s also safe to say that Young was missed while she was away.

Let’s just say that Young and the Cedar Crest girls’ soccer team are both glad she’s back, and leave it at that.

On Saturday, Young made a triumphant and spectacular return to the pitch during the Falcons’ 6-1 season-opening home victory over Cocalico. After missing her junior year to rehabilitating her third ACL tear, all Young did was go out and tally four goals and an assist.

 Apparently 100 percent healthy, Young was all over the field, setting up teammates, breaking down defenders and working hard. Her goals were scored in a variety of ways – off a rebound, through speed and dribbling, and with her dangerous right foot.

 Young’s third ACL tear – in her right knee, after suffering two in her left knee – occurred in June of 2021, just before the start of her junior year as a Cedar Crest midfielder. But she returned to run track and field for the Falcons this spring.

 At this year’s Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships, Young finished third in the 200-meter dash and helped Cedar Crest to a runner-up finish in the 1600-meter relay.

 Certainly her return to the soccer field will bolster the hopes of a Falcon squad that qualified for the District Three postseason last year without her.

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Week Ending August 20

Bill Massar, Jr.’s golf game is based on consistency and steady ball striking. But when Massar gets hot, he’s one of the best local amateur golfers in all of Lebanon County.

On Saturday at Pine Meadows Golf Course, Massar was on fire.

Massar’s torrid play helped he and partner Matt Anderson to the first-round lead at the annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners’ tournament. With Massar doing a majority of the heavy lifting, his team posted a blistering opening-round score of 63, or nine-under par, to establish a three-stroke advantage over the rest of the field.

At one point in the middle of his side’s front-nine, Massar was five-under par over a stretch of five holes himself. He birdied Pine Meadows’ par-four 16th hole, par-five 18th hole, par-four first and then eagled the par-four second.

Then Massar rolled in a 40-yard birdie putt at the par-five fifth hole to push he and Anderson to six-under par.

Massar, who’s also captured Lebanon County Amateur and Lebanon County Senior Amateur championships over his decorated career, last won the County Better-Ball with Dave Berkheimer at Monroe Valley in 2012. Last year at Lebanon Valley, Massar and Anderson finished fourth in the County Better-Ball.

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Week Ending August 13

Photo Courtesy of Lehigh University

Some are thrust into leadership roles. Some learn leadership. Others are born to lead.

Ryelle Shuey has been a leader since the first day she stepped on to a playing field.

Recently, Shuey, a 2019 graduate of Elco High School, was named a captain for Lehigh University’s Division One women’s soccer team. It was an honor that the Mountain Hawks’ senior midfielder earned through three years of dedication, action and example.

Last season, Shuey was named a Patriot League third-team all-star for her play in the midfield. A year earlier as a sophomore, the former Raider stand-out earned All-Patriot League second-team status.

Since being moved to the midfield at Lehigh, Shuey has notched two career goals and an assist. Shuey is majoring in biology.

At Elco, Shuey led the Raiders to four straight Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championships, a Lancaster-Lebanon League title and a District Three crown. With 86 career goals, Shuey is the Elco girls’ soccer program’s all-time leading scorer.

While a Raider, Shuey also excelled in basketball and track and field.

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Week Ending August 6

Over his prolific amateur golf career, Jim Gardner has built a quite impressive resume.

Now, that resume is certainly chocked full of more notable accomplishments than this one. But finishing second at the prestigious Sullivan is no small feat.

On Sunday at the Lebanon Country Club, Gardner and partner Cody Kersey came in as the runners-up at the 77th annual W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament. Gardner and Kersey were defeated 1 up by Jeff Castle-Billy Wingerd in the final match of the championship flight.

In the championship match, Gardner-Kersey had jumped out to an early two-hole advantage, and when Gardner rolled in a birdie putt at LCC’s par-four 11th hole, the local still held a slim lead. But Castle-Wingerd squared the match at the par-five 15th hole, then won it with a birdie at the par-four 17th.

Gardner-Kersey had reached the final match with a 1-up triumph over Brixton Albert-Tony Parkhurst in the semifinals on Sunday morning.

Prior to this year, Gardner had captured three W.B. Sullivan championships with two different partners.

Last month, Gardner finished second to Dan Brown at the Lebanon County Senior Amateur tournament, contested at Fairview Golf Course.

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Week Ending July 30

He’s long off the tee. He’s extremely accurate with his irons. And he possesses a deft touch around the greens.

He’s even keeled. He’s supportive. And he’s the kind of guy you can bounce ideas off of.

Cody Kersey is the perfect playing partner.

On Saturday at the Lebanon Country Club, Kersey and partner Jim Gardner stormed into the semifinals of the championship flight at the 77th annual W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament. Kersey and Gardner edged Dane Fahnestock-Josh Majzlik 2&1 in the quarterfinals to become the only all-local duo to reach the semis.

In that round, Kersey served as his team’s closer.

The match was all square before Kersey took matters into his own hands at LCC’s par-five 15th hole. Kersey converted a short birdie putt there, then stuck his approach shot close at the par-four 16th hole.

His birdie at Number 16 put Kersey and Gardner two-up with two holes to play, and they closed out the match at the par-four 17th.

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Week Ending July 23

Noah Gonzalez is so steady, so consistent that sometimes you forget he’s even there. But when’s not there, boy do you miss him.

This week, Gonzalez really made his presence felt, while the Fredericksburg legion baseball team was representing the Lebanon County league, the local F-burg community and themselves well at the eight-team, double-elimination Region Four tournament at Red Lion.

A veteran centerfielder and offensive sparkplug, Gonzalez and Fredericksburg went 2-2 and finished fourth in the prestigious event.

On Monday, during a 4-3 loss to Waynesboro in an elimination game in the tournament, Gonzalez helped staked Post 915 to an early 2-0 lead. Gonzalez’s booming triple in the top of the first inning drove home teammate Deklyn Marks, and he later came around to score.

All summer long, it was Gonzalez’s consistent play that showed the way for Fredericksburg, which had won its first ten games, and captured the regular season championship of the Lebanon County American Legion League. Gonzalez was a top-of-the-order guy who covered a lot of outfield ground.

During the spring season, Gonzalez graced the Cedar Crest High School baseball diamond with his talents, team-building abilities and character.

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Week Ending July 16

It’s not how hard you hit them or how often you hit them. Or even where you hit them.

What matters most is when you hit them.

On Sunday at Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Annville’s Alex Dorta received the Jack Bicher Most Valuable Hitter award, as his side defeated Fredericksburg 6-4 to win the overall championship of the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league. The award is presented to the player who comes up with the most timely hit during the summer circuit’s seven-team, double-elimination tournament.

And that was clearly Dorta, who knocked in the winning run in the deciding game.

With the score knotted at four in top of the seventh inning, the young and talented Dorta rapped an RBI-single to left field that scored teammate Corey Swingholm to make it a 5-4 Annville lead.

But Dorta’s job wasn’t complete. In addition, he pitched the last three innings of the contest to pick up the pitching victory.

Due to conflicts in his schedule, Dorta hasn’t been there for every Annville game this summer. But when he has, he’s contributed mightily, not unlike he did on Sunday in Fredericksburg.

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Week Ending July 9

Limit errors, throw strikes and come up with timely hits. It’s funny how fundamental play can create momentum.

With a return to the basics, Annville really seems to be rounding into shape at the right time of the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league season. Yet at least part of Annville’s momentum has been built around the consistent play of Alex Lingle.

This week, Lingle and Annville took some big steps towards the Lebanon County legion playoff championship, as well as the berth into the eight-team, double-elimination Region Four tournament that accompanies it.

On Saturday at Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Lingle’s Annville outfit bested home-standing Fredericksburg 6-1 in the undefeated game of the local circuit’s playoff tournament.

On Tuesday at home, Annville, the regular-season runner-up, had opened its playoff run with a convincing 11-1 triumph over Richland. During that contest, Lingle contributed an RBI-single in the home half of the fifth inning, as well as a run-scoring safety as part of Annville’s two-run third inning.

But the consistent Lingle has been there for Annville all summer long. He’s been extremely productive at the top, or near the top, of Post 559’s batting order, while providing Annville with a defensive ‘no fly zone’ through his range in centerfield.

It should also be noted that Lingle enjoyed a similar season this spring during Annville-Cleona’s scholastic season.

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Week Ending July 2

There is a long standing tradition involving the Lebanon County Amateur where new champions sort of take their lumps and pay their dues before breaking through. This week, Blake Reifsnyder bucked that trend.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

On Sunday at Lebanon Valley Golf Course in Myerstown, Reifsnyder captured the coveted championship of the Lebanon County Amateur in just his second try, and in the process breathed some much-needed new life into the local event. Reifsnyder fired a three-over par score of 74, after carding an even-par, opening-round 71 on Saturday, for a 145 total that was four shots better than the field.

Reifsnyder, a 25-year-old resident of Newmanstown, had previously competed in the Lebanon County Amateur back in 2018. With his triumph at Lebanon Valley, Reifsnyder became one of the youngest players to ever win the county amateur.

Thanks to a steady second round in which he avoided major troubles, the lead that Reifsnyder established on Saturday was never truly threatened. Reifsnyder played the final ten holes of the tournament to the tune of two-over par.

Thanks to three birdies on the front, Reifsnyder had made the turn at one-over par.

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Week Ending June 25

Fifth Ward has gained a certain reputation around the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League. Traditionally, Lebanon has been talented and full of potential, but inconsistent.

This summer, it’s much of the same story for Fifth Ward. And with every team in the league qualifying for the summer circuit’s postseason, that makes Fifth Ward a very dangerous opponent moving forward.

Individually, no one epitomizes Lebanon’s plight better than Ander Duran.

This week, Duran and Fifth Ward posted a somewhat typical 1-1 mark. Those results evened Fifth Ward’s overall mark to 4-4.

On Tuesday at home, Duran pitched well enough to win, during a 4-0 setback to visiting Myerstown. During his five-plus innings of work, Duran allowed just one hit, struck out four and walked five on 108 pitches.

Then on Wednesday, Duran and Fifth Ward rebounded with a 7-6 triumph over Conrad Weiser.

If it can stabilize its defense and throw in a handful of timely hits, Fifth Ward has a legitimate chance to make some noise during the Lebanon County American Legion league’s upcoming playoff tournament.

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Week Ending June 18

He’s accountable. He’s solid. He’s a foundation.

He’s someone you can build a team upon. He’s someone you can build success around.

The Lebanon County American Legion baseball league is beginning to heat up, and so is Campbelltown and Jacob Deimling.

This week, Deimling’s Campbelltown outfit scored a pair of decisive home victories. With the positive outcomes, Campbelltown improved to 3-2 in the local summer circuit.

On Wednesday, C-town knocked off Myerstown 4-1 at Palmyra High School’s OAL Sports Complex. Post 831 began its week with a 19-3 trouncing of Conrad Weiser.

With few standouts, young and improving C-town has realized some early season success through team chemistry, balance and versatility. But if anyone stands out for Campbelltown, it would have to be Deimling.

A very good defensive centerfielder, Deimling also hits at the top of or in the middle of Campbelltown’s batting order. But his role on the team has expanded to include the jobs of leader and tone-setter.

Before the start of the summer, Deimling also enjoyed a solid spring season for the Palmyra high school baseball squad.

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Week Ending June 11

When Isaac is ‘on’, he’s Good. And when Good is good, the Annville entry in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league has a chance to be great.

Now, that may be a lot of pressure to place on the shoulders of one performer, but that’s the kind of potential that Isaac Good brings to the table. He many indeed hold the key to a balanced and experienced Annville team’s fortunes this summer.

With a home triumph over Fifth Ward and a road setback at Fredericksburg, Good and Annville are off to a 1-1 start in the early going of the Lebanon County American Legion baseball season. But Annville projects to be in the thick of the race, as the local summer circuit unfolds during the rest of this month and into July.

As an ace and a stopper, Good, a hard-throwing southpaw, helps his side most when he’s manning the mound. But over the course of his development, Good has also emerged as a legitimate threat at the dish.

During the recently completed spring season, Good played a similar role on the Annville-Cleona high school team. Producing consistent outing after consistent outing, Good, a tough competitor, led the Little Dutchmen to a second-place finish in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, a berth in the L-L’s postseason and a spot in the District Three Class AAA playoff tournament.

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Week Ending June 4

A key contributor, Austin Beard enjoyed an outstanding spring season for the Cedar Crest baseball team. This summer, Beard will be seeking similar success in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League.

On Wednesday night at Palmyra High School, Beard picked up where he left off.

Beard starred both on the mound and at the dish, as he led Fredericksburg to an victory over Campbelltown in both teams’ season opener.

On 101 pitches, the hard-throwing right-hander picked up the pitching win. Beard scattered two hits, fanned 11 and issued a pair of free passes.

He was just as impactful with a bat in his hands. Offensively, Beard went three-for-four with a couple of RBIs and two stolen bases.

During the spring for the Falcons, Beard compiled a 3-1 record with 23 strikeouts and a 2.00 ERA over 23 innings pitched.

After competing for Fredericksburg this summer, Beard plans on continuing his athletic and academic careers on the collegiate level.

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Week Ending May 28

It could’ve been better. It could’ve been worse.

Noah Gunderson has set the bar so high for himself – both figuratively and literally – it’s difficult to discern where the highlights begin and where they end.

On Friday at Shippensburg University, Gunderson earned a fifth-place medal in the Class AAA high jump, during the annual contesting of the PIAA Track and Field Championships. It represented the highest medal claimed by a Lebanon County student-athlete at states.

Gunderson cleared 6-2 to earn the medal. The Annville-Cleona junior attained that height on his first attempt, then missed on three tries at 6-3.

Hayden Smith of Union-Allegheny Clarion Valley won the competition with a leap of 6-5.

A week earlier, during the District Three Class AA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg, Gunderson had cleared 6-6 in winning the Class AA gold medal in the high jump. At that meet, he just missed clearing 6-7, a close call that heightened his expectations for states.

Last year as a sophomore, Gunderson finished eighth in the Class AA high jump at the PIAA Track and Field meet.

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Week Ending May 21

There have been times during his athletic career that Anthony Mansfield has flashed signs of brilliance. There have been other times when he has been overshadowed by talented teammates.

This time, Mansfield’s talents were on display for all of District Three to see.

On Saturday at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, Mansfield stole the spotlight at the 97th annual District Three Class AAA Track and Field Championships. The Palmyra senior was at his absolute best while using his speed and athleticism to take home medals from four different events.

The highlight of Mansfield’s day came in the 400-meter relay, where he anchored the top-seeded Cougars to gold. Mansfield also played a huge role in the Palmyra 1600-meter relay team’s silver-medal performance.

Individually, the Cougar 12th-grader finished a surprising second in the long jump. He also ran fourth in the 100-meter dash.

Peaking at the absolute best time of the year, Mansfield has enjoyed a tremendous postseason, one that will continue next weekend back at Shippensburg University at the PIAA Track and Field Championships.

During the fall season, Mansfield was a solid contributor to the Palmyra football team’s success.

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Week Ending May 14

They say that speed kills.

But do you know what else it does? Speed wins medals.

Either Gabe Lewis is the fastest man in the Lancaster-Lebanon League or he’s the hardest working sprinter in the circuit. One or the other, or both.

On Saturday at Hempfield High School, during the 49th annual contesting of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships, Lewis let his legs doing the talking for him. The Cedar Crest junior sprinter figured in four electrifying performances.

Lewis’ most notable showing came in the 100-meter dash, where he sprinted to a gold medal. He also captured a bronze medal in the 200-meter dash.

Lewis anchored the Falcons’ winning 400-meter relay team. Then, in the last event of the day, he helped Cedar Crest to a silver medal in the 1600-meter relay.

The Lancaster-Lebanon League does not recognize an Outstanding Male Athlete at its Track and Field Championships, but if it did, Lewis certainly would’ve been in the running for this year’s award.

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Week Ending May 7

The best way to turn a softball program around is to sure up fundamentals – clean up the defense and tighten up the pitching. In Myerstown, the Elco Raiders have turned things around.

This spring, Elco has taken giant leaps forward in its progression. The Raiders have played much better defense and solidified the pitching.

It’s been freshman Gabby Smith who’s taken care of the latter.

While it’s certainly been a concerted team effort, no one is more responsible for Elco’s turnaround this season than Smith. This week, the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three coaches recognized her contributions by naming her as a first-team all-star.

Smith has enjoyed an absolutely fabulous ninth-grade campaign for the Raiders, both on the bump and at the dish. From the mound, Smith has been around the plate all season long, throwing strikes, limiting walks, controlling damage and keeping Elco in games.

The result is that the Raiders are currently 6-9 overall and in the hunt for a District Three Class AAAA playoff berth. Qualifying for the postseason would go a long way in proliferating Elco’s development, but even if Smith and the Raiders don’t get there, their future is quite bright.

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Week Ending April 30

The first of the really big postseason meets, the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships has always served as an instrument, a tool for student-athletes to announce their arrival on the local scholastic scene. It’s sort of been like a coming-out and a coming-of-age event for track and field athletes over the years.

Kendall Cooper certainly made her presence felt on Saturday at Lebanon High School. But she did it in the most humble way imaginable.

Cooper, a freshman sprinter from Annville-Cleona, burst on to the track and field consciousness by capturing the outstanding female athlete award at the county meet. While accepting the award, Cooper admitted that she originally hadn’t known it even existed.

But Cooper’s actions spoke for themselves. She finished first in both sprints and helped the Little Dutchmen 400-meter relay team to a sliver medal.

After earning a personal best in the trials, Cooper edged last year’s Lebanon County champion Lily Young of Cedar Crest to capture the 100-meter championship. Cooper also bested Young to strike gold in the 200-meter dash.

In addition, Cooper collaborated with Allison Cooper, Audrey Sider and Emily Shuey for second place in the 400-meter relay.

Certainly, Cooper’s performance on Saturday bodes well for her prospects at the upcoming Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AA track and field championships.

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Week Ending April 23

In softball circles, Samantha Krahling is known as a five-tool player. She can run like the wind, she can hit for average, she can hit for power, she’s an excellent fielder and she’s got a cannon where most players have their right arms.

Because of her versatility, Krahling is also the type of player that you can build a program around.

This week, Krahling continued to star for the Palmyra softball team. The senior catcher led the Cougars to a 2-1 week that featured triumphs over Mechanicsburg and Lower Dauphin.

Following a 1-3 start related to transition, Krahling and the Cougars have really picked up steam. Currently, Palmyra stands at 6-4 overall and is very much in the discussion about the District Three Class AAAAA postseason.

A four-year starter, Krahling is on the back end of a marvelous scholastic career in Palmyra. Not only is she one of the top performers in Lebanon County softball, she’s also one of the finest players to ever don the orange and black.

The physically-gifted Krahling has committed to continuing her academic and athletic careers at Rutgers, a member of the Big Ten conference.

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Week Ending April 16

You’ve certainly heard of a hitman. Well, Autumn Bohr is a ‘hit woman’.

When it comes to softball in general and a pitch in particular, Bohr is a ruthless assassin. She attacks everything thrown her way.

Her weapon of choice is a bat.

Recently, Bohr recorded the 100th hit in just the 47th game of her four-year career at Northern Lebanon. And this week the hits just kept coming.

With a combination of advanced hand-eye-coordination, quickness and confidence, the Vikings’ centerfielder sprays the ball to all fields, with equal amounts of power and precision. Not only does Bohr hit it where it’s pitched, she hits it where they ain’t.

But Bohr’s business-like approach to hitting is serving Northern Lebanon well in an additional way. The only senior on an emerging Viking club, Bohr is setting an example that is helping Northern Lebanon find its stride.

Following a 2-1 week that included dominant wins over Pequea Valley and Columbia, Bohr and the Vikings stand at 8-2 overall and 8-0 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. It’s a record that has Northern Lebanon eyeing the L-L League and District Three Class AAAA postseasons.

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Week Ending April 9

Hitting, pitching, defense, base-running.

Right now, Ella Andrews is doing it all for the Annville-Cleona softball team. But perhaps the most important thing she is doing is leading.

This week, Andrews, A-C’s lone senior, continued to lead, and the Little Dutchmen continued to surprise. Andrews helped Annville-Cleona to two impressive victories, over Columbia and Lancaster Catholic.

“Ella Andrews is setting the tone for the whole team right now,” said Annville-Cleona head coach Tim Bowen of her play.

On Friday, Andrews and the Little Dutchmen shaded Lancaster Catholic 11-2. Two days prior, Annville-Cleona had registered a 12-2, six-inning victory over Columbia.

In that contest, Andrews pitched and hit the Little Dutchmen to the decisive triumph.

On the mound, Andrews went the distance on a seven-hitter, struck out three and walked two. At the dish, she drove home three runs with a pair of hits.

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Week Ending April 2

New attitude. New culture. New direction.

To get better, the Cedar Crest softball team has to play better. It’s really just that simple.

To this point of the season, the Falcons have. And it’s been Reese Arnold who’s been leading the way.

This week, Arnold’s play was very indicative of the strides that Cedar Crest has made on the diamond. It’s across the board, in all facets of the game – hitting, pitching, field and base-running.

On Friday evening, Arnold led the Falcons to an impressive 12-1, five-inning victory over McCaskey. The sophomore hurler threw three innings against the Red Tornado, striking out four and walking one.

At the plate, Arnold enjoyed a three-for-four performance. Included in that showing was an RBI-double in the bottom of the fifth inning that extended Cedar Crest’s lead to 9-1.

As the spring unfolds, look for more continued improvement from the Falcons and Arnold.

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Week Ending March 26

They say that it’s not how you start, but how you finish. While those two extremes are most definitely interrelated, Jose Porte both started well and finished well.

And because he did, his Lebanon baseball team got off on the right foot. It will be that type of complete game effort that will produce the kind of success that the Cedars are seeking this spring.

On Friday evening at Annville-Cleona High School, Porte was in the middle of all things that were good about the Cedars, as Lebanon opened its spring campaign with a thrilling 8-7, come-from-behind, extra-inning victory over the Little Dutchmen. Porte starred for the Cedars both at the plate and on the mount, with both his bat and his arm.

Porte led off Lebanon’s season with a single and eventually came around to score, as the Cedars opened a 4-0 first-inning advantage. Then, he was a part of Lebanon’s three-run rally in the top of the seventh inning that tied the score at seven and sent the contest to extra frames.

Porte was also a rock on the bump. He picked up the pitching victory in relief, by shutting down Annville-Cleona, striking out four and walking one.

Look for Porte’s contributions to continue, as Lebanon’s season unfolds.

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Week Ending March 19

He has always wanted to be the best. In the end, Logan Smith settled for the best version of himself.

That is sometimes a difficult lesson, but an important one to learn.

On Thursday at Kinney Natatorium, on the campus of Bucknell University, Smith copped a rewarding silver medal in the Class AAA 100 breaststroke during the annual contesting of the PIAA Swimming Championships. Although it wasn’t necessarily the exact medal that the Cedar Crest senior sought, it was a major accomplishment nonetheless.

In the final of the Class AAA breaststroke, Smith was edged by Jake Wang of Coneostoga, by .70 of a second. Smith was clocked in 55.65, just a tick off Wang’s gold-medal performance of 54.95.

Smith’s silver-medal swim capped a marvelous senior campaign and an outstanding four-year career at Cedar Crest. Earlier in the year, Smith had struck gold in the 100 breaststroke at both the District Three Class AAA Swimming Championships and at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championships.

During one of the most prolific careers in the history of Cedar Crest swimming, Smith qualified for the state swim meet four times and brought home a total of three silver medals. Also in his career, Smith garnered a collection of three gold medals and a silver from the District Three meet and a total of four gold medals in the 100 breaststroke and two golds in the 200 individual medley at the L-L League competition.

Smith has committed to take his scholastic and athletic talents to the University of Kentucky’s Division One program.

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Week Ending March 12

Aaron Seidel learned a lot during his first season of wrestling on the high school level, some of which was about himself. One of the most important things Seidel learned was to appreciate the moment, to give himself credit and to simply have fun.

In the early portions of his ninth-grade season, the Northern Lebanon freshman was very stoic, very reserved in a business-like approach to his craft. But towards the end of it, he began to loosen up and he really started to enjoy the ride.

Seidel had a lot to celebrate this season, especially towards the conclusion of it.

On Saturday at Hershey’s Giant Center, during the staging of the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships, Seidel captured a state gold medal by defeating Louie Gill of Hickory 4-2 in the final bout at 106 pounds. When he capped the greatest wrestling season in the history of Lebanon County, Seidel was elated, running to his corner, propelling himself into the waiting arms of his coaches and setting off a wild celebration by the Northern Lebanon faithful in attendance.

It was a budding tradition that had started a week prior at Bethlehem Freedom High School, where Seidel had celebrated in a similar fashion after capturing the Class AA Southeast Regional championship. Seidel wasn’t nearly as open with his emotions after capturing five other titles earlier in the year, including one at the Lancaster-Lebanon League meet.

For the record, Seidel compiled an overall record of 49-1 this season and his state title was just the second earned by a Lebanon County student-athlete in the more than 50 years in which the locale has competed in wrestling.

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Week Ending March 5

It took some time for Corey Attivo to adjust, to develop a rapport with his teammates, to become ingrained in the cultural chemistry. But once he did, his confidence grew, his role on the team was enhanced and he has developed as a basketball player and a person.

By the end, the Elco boys’ basketball team has been looking to Attivo in tough situations, he has become the Raiders’ go-to guy. He has rewarded the Raiders’ trust with a trip to the state playoffs

This week, Attivo and Elco qualified for the PIAA postseason for the third time in program history with a pair of victories in the consolation bracket of the District Three Class AAAA tournament.

On Wednesday, Attivo poured in a game-high 29 points to lead Elco to a resounding 66-50 triumph at Boiling Springs in the District Three Class AAAA fifth-place game. In the third quarter of that contest, Attivo reached the 1,000-point plateau for his career.

Two days earlier, the 6-7 senior center had struck for a dozen points in the Raiders’ 49-44 come-from-behind victory at Eastern York.

In addition, this week Attivo was named to the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four’s all-star team by a vote of the circuit’s coaches.

For the season, Attivo is averaging about 14.5 points per outing and ranks as one of Elco’s top rebounders.

In the year, Attivo’s inspired play helped produce the Raiders’ first Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four championship in 30 years.

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Week Ending Feb. 26

Kayden Clark is bought in. He’s a part of the culture. He’s the kind of material that helps create the fabric.

Clark is a member of Northern Lebanon’s extended wrestling family.

This performance was as much for his comrades, his teammates, his brothers, as it was for himself.

On Saturday at Central Dauphin East High School, Clark captured a very satisfying bronze medal in the 145-pound weight class at the PIAA District Three Class AA Wrestling Championships. In the consolation final, Clark decked Tucker Seidel of West Perry at the 2:32 mark.

Clark, a Viking senior, had entered the tournament as the runner-up from the Section Two event a week prior. He went 3-1 at Districts to raise his record to 33-14 and qualify for next weekend’s PIAA Southeast Regional at Bethlehem’s Freedom High School.

Clark had been relegated to the 145-pound consolation bracket at the District Three Class AA event by a 7-2 loss to eventual champion Ean Wilson of Boiling Springs in the semifinals. But in his next bout he bounced back nicely, in the form of a 3-1 victory over Berks Catholic’s John Maurer.

During the fall season, Clark starred on the gridiron for Northern Lebanon, earning an all-Lebanon County selection.

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Week Ending Feb. 19

It’s all come down to this for Cooper Gill. It’s his senior season and he wants to end his career with a bang.

Gill is prepared to leave it all out on the mat.

On Saturday at Central Dauphin East High School, the Northern Lebanon senior opened his final scholastic postseason in style, by capturing the 160-pound weight class championship at a District Three Class AA sectional tournament. Gill posted three falls of varying lengths on his way to the crown.

In the final bout at 160 pounds, Gill stuck Anthony Glessner of Bishop McDevitt at the 5:14 mark. He had reached the championship match with a second-period pin of Columbia’s James Brady in the semifinals.

The outing also set him up for future success, at the upcoming District Three Class AA postseason back at Central Dauphin East, at the PIAA Class AA regional tournament at Freedom High School in Bethlehem and quite possibly at the state postseason at Hershey’s Giant Center next month.

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Week Ending Feb. 12

Few competitors epitomize the type of season that the Elco boys’ basketball team has had, or what the Raiders’ program is all about. And basketball isn’t even his top sport.

That should give you some insight into the kind of young man Luke Williams is, and exactly what he means to the Raiders’ athletic program overall.

This week, Williams led the Elco boys to their first Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four championship in three decades.

On Monday in Myerstown, Williams popped for a dozen points, as Elco knocked off Garden Spot to assure itself a share of the Section Four title. A night later in Lancaster, the senior forward’s all-around contributions of points, rebounds and hustle plays were instrumental in the Raiders’ overtime victory over Lancaster Catholic that clinched the section crown outright.

In addition to being a force inside all season, Williams’ leadership has been a steadying influence when Elco has faced challenges and adversity. He is currently second on the Raiders with a 12-points-per-game scoring average and is also one of Elco’s top rebounders.

But the sport that Williams truly excels in is football. Following a stellar senior season as a linebacker and running back, Williams recently committed to continue his athletic and academic pursuits at Division Two Bloomsburg University.

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Week Ending Feb. 5

Josie Clay is an interchangeable part. While certainly integral, her role on the Annville-Cleona girls’ basketball team is not any more or less important than her teammates’.

Now, one might be tempted to say that the younger Little Dutchmen have been sculpted in Clay’s image. But the truth is, that when they made Clay, they broke the mold.

Over the past seven days, Clay continued to show the way for the ultra team-oriented Little Dutchmen, who put together a 3-0 week.

On Tuesday at Lancaster Mennonite, the junior guard came up with some key contributions, as Annville-Cleona squeaked out an important 36-34 road victory. Then at home on Thursday, Clay struck for ten points to lead the Little Dutchmen to a convincing 43-9 triumph over Octorara.

And finally on Saturday, Clay helped A-C to a 32-22 home win over Kutztown.

The 3-0 week lifted Clay and the Little Dutchmen to 11-8 on the season and on to the cusp of the PIAA District Three Class AAA postseason. After registering just five wins last year and going 0-4 to start this season, Annville-Cleona has really improved by playing together, sharing the basketball and by employing a stingy defensive strategy.

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Week Ending Jan. 29

Griffin Gonzalez is steadily and methodically piecing together quite a scholastic wrestling career. His roots are an important foundation, a jumping off point to his potential.

 But make no mistake about the fact that Gonzalez has bigger fish to fry.

 On Saturday at Manheim Township High School, the Lebanon High standout captured his third Lancaster-Lebanon League individual wrestling championship. In the final bout in the 152-pound weight class, Gonzalez nudged Michael Trainor of Octorara, 8-5.

 Gonzalez entered the final period against Trainor trailing 4-3, before outscoring him 5-1. Gonzalez had reached the championship bout at 152 courtesy of a 4-2 decision over Austin Brass of Ephrata in the semifinals.

 For the event, Gonzalez compiled a 4-0 mark to push his overall record for the season to 31-1.

 Gonzalez’s Lancaster-Lebanon League outing will prepare him well for the bigger postseason tournaments on the horizon, like the District Three Class AAA championships and quite possibly the PIAA Championships.

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Week Ending Jan. 22

Young and inconsistent walk hand-in-hand. The Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team is both improving and inconsistent.

Senior guard Jake Wolfe has missed some time this year for the Falcons, and it’s shown. In the games Wolfe has played, Cedar Crest has been more steady, more balanced, more together.

Few weeks have epitomized what Wolfe means to the Falcons fortunes more than this one. With Wolfe in the lineup, Cedar Crest continued to improve, while going 2-2.

On Monday, Wolfe netted 12 points in the Falcons’ 59-49 home victory over Manheim Township. On Tuesday, he contributed eight points to Cedar Crest’s 53-42 triumph at Ephrata.

Then on Friday at home, Wolfe dropped in seven points during a 69-23 setback to Warwick. On Saturday, he concluded his week with four points in a 59-47 loss to Bishop McDevitt.

Despite missing four games this season, Wolfe is among Cedar Crest’s leaders in three-point field goals.

Moving forward, Wolfe will be counted on to provide the type of leadership and guidance required for the Falcons to take the next step in their improvement project.

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Week Ending Jan. 15

Without a lot of fanfare and quite under the radar, Peyton Wolfe is quietly enjoying a marvelous senior season. It is a season that has been very reflective of Wolfe’s entire career.

It’s kind of what happens when your team isn’t all that successful.

This week, Wolfe continued to shine for a Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball team that has struggled to establish its footing. The sharp shooting 12th-grader poured in a total of 44 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Vikings from going 0-3.

On Sunday at Lebanon Valley College, Wolfe struck for 11 points in a 57-45 setback to Donegal. On Tuesday at home, Wolfe pumped in 19 points during a 74-44 loss to Lampeter-Strasburg.

Then, he went for 14 points in Thursday’s 41-38 road loss at Cocalico.

At well over 16 points per outing, not only is Wolfe one of the top scorers in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, he’s also one of the circuit’s finest three-point shooters and free throw shooters.

The productive week moved Wolfe to within striking distance of the coveted 1,000-point plateau for his career. What makes that accomplishment even more impressive is that the 5-10 guard receives the constant attention of the opponent’s top defender and that Wolfe has not recorded a single point in a playoff game over his career.

During this past fall season, Wolfe was an accomplished performer on the Northern Lebanon golf squad.

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Week Ending Jan. 8

To this point of the season, the current version of the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team has not lived up to its high standards. The Vikings are young, inexperienced and inconsistent.

But don’t blame Ashlyn Messinger. She’s doing everything she can to keep things together and hold down the fort.

On Monday in New Schaefferstown, Messinger poured in 29 points to lead Northern Lebanon to a 42-33 road win at Tulpehocken. The senior guard was certainly on top of her game, tallying eight two-point field goals and a pair of ‘treys’, and converting seven of ten free throws.

The victory snapped the Vikings’ six-game losing streak and represented just their second win of the campaign. At 2-7 overall, all of Northern Lebanon’s goals are still in front of them, but the Vikings do have some work to do.

If the young Vikings are to get there, they will all need to buy in and follow Messinger’s lead. This season’s Northern Lebanon varsity roster sports no less than six freshmen.

In addition to her exploits on the hardwoods, Messinger was a top performer as a goalkeeper for the Vikings’ girls’ soccer team this past fall. She set a number of program records for her outstanding defense.

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Week Ending Jan. 1

Quinton Townsend is a glue guy, an unsung hero, the man behind the scenes. While other more celebrated teammates are grabbing headlines, Townsend quietly goes about his business behind the scenes.

But he is a basketball player, through and through. Townsend is also the guy that makes Palmyra’s ultra-successful boys’ basketball team go.

This weekend, the 5-9 senior point guard spearheaded the Cougars’ run to the championship at the Cedar Crest Holiday tournament. The tournament championship represented Palmyra’s second of the season.

On Saturday, during the Cougars’ 47-36 triumph over Lebanon in the championship game of the event, Townsend tallied a team-high 14 points to help his side hoist the trophy. But he also had a defensive hand in controlling the Cedars’ go-to guy, Marquis Ferreira.

A night earlier, Townsend’s all-round game, court presence and leadership paced Palmyra to a 51-48 triumph over Exeter in the opening game of the Cedar Crest Holiday tournament.

Townsend is not flashy and many times his contributions go unnoticed. But he does all the things good point guards do – handle the ball, find open teammates and defend.

He is one of the biggest reasons that Palmyra is off to an historic 7-1 start.

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Week Ending Dec. 25

Many members of the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team are young and new and fresh. It is just a matter of time until the Falcons come around, and come into their own.

But until that happens. Sarah Batra will provide the stabilizing element that holds down the Falcons’ fort.

This week, Batra continued to apply her steading influence, as Cedar Crest posted a 1-1 record.

On Wednesday at Reading, Batra converted four two-point field goals, nailed a pair of three-pointers and drained six of eight foul shots, while totaling 20 points in the Falcons’ 54-39 road win at Reading. A night earlier, the senior forward had accounted for 16 of her side’s 25 points during a 39-25 home setback to Penn Manor.

For the year, in addition to leading the team in scoring, Batra is also the Falcons’ top three-point threat and one of Cedar Crest’s top rebounders and foul shooters.

Over the last three seasons in South Lebanon, Batra’s game has come a long way. Through hard work and dedication, she has turned herself from a role player into the Falcons’ leading lady.

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Week Ending Dec. 18

Earning eight-plus varsity letters over a scholastic career is no small feat. It requires a defined skill set, dedication and development.

A month after completing her fourth season of varsity soccer, Zoe Smith recently embarked on her fourth season of girls’ varsity basketball competition.

And seniority and experience do have their perks.

On Saturday at Cedar Crest, Smith’s experience and leadership were on full display during her Palmyra Cougars’ 34-32 road win over the Falcons. Despite the full attention of the Cedar Crest defense, Smith wanted the ball in her hands when the game was on the line and she delivered the game-winner with 12 seconds remaining.

As the intense, back-and-forth affair was winding down, Smith took a couple of dribbles to her left, reached the baseline and pulled up from 12 feet away. Her floater was true and Palmyra emerged with a much-needed victory.

The dramatic bucket gave Smith 13 points for the game. It also helped right the ship for Palmyra, which had entered play on the heels of two straight disappointing losses.

The Cougars are now 3-2 on the year, and appear to be headed as far as Smith can will them.

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Week Ending Dec. 11

First, he led the Cedars to the championship of their own Lebanon Athletic Booster Tip-Off tournament. Then, he was named the most valuable player of the event.

Now, he’s being honored by the Lebanon Federal Credit Union.

It’s been quite a week for Marquis Ferriera.

Certainly, the Lebanon senior guard’s performance this weekend was noteworthy on a few levels. On Saturday, Ferreira’s ten points helped propel the Cedars to a 34-29 triumph over Elco in the championship game of the tip-off tournament.

A day earlier, Ferreira had poured in a team-high 14 points during a season-opening 57-32 victory over Spring Grove.

Not only is Ferreira Lebanon’s physical and emotional leader, but his inspired play is being generated from a new position on the floor. Ferreira has been moved to Lebanon’s point guard spot to help offset the loss of fellow senior Luke Collins to injury.

Ferriera’s performance thus far has lessened what has been a devastating blow to the Cedars.

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Week Ending Dec. 4

Hard work, dedication and practice.

Chad Ryland has made himself into quite the place kicker. Because of his continuing improvement, Ryland’s future is very bright.

Ryland, a 2018 graduate of Cedar Crests, is on the back side of a spectacular junior season as the kicker on Eastern Michigan’s Division One football squad. Ryland has helped the Eagles to a 7-5 record this season, one which will conclude with a December 18 date with Liberty in the LendingTree Bowl.

This year, Ryland has connected on 1`7 of his 20 field goal attempts, including a long of 55 yards, and has nailed all 45 of his extra point tries, for a total of 96 points. Ryland is also averaging 59.3 yards on 67 kickoffs, with 36 touchbacks.

Twice this season, Ryland has earned Mid-American Conference West Division Special Teams Player of the Week honors

Over his career, the former Falcon has converted 54 of his 72 field goal attempts, or 75 percent of his tries, and is 139 of 142 on his extra point attempts. Ryland is methodically moving near the top of Eastern Michigan’s all-time lists for career points, field goals and extra points.

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Week Ending Nov. 27

Everywhere she’s gone, Lauren Wadas has won. Win enough, and they start referring to you as a champion.

On Sunday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Wadas became a national champion when she and her Northwestern teammates defeated Liberty 2-0 in the final game of the NCAA Division One field hockey tournament. Wadas, a sophomore and a former Palmyra star, started in the national championship game and registered one shot.

The Wildcats posted both of their goals in the game in the third quarter, as they took home their first ever national field hockey championship.

During her spectacular four-year career at Palmyra, Wadas helped the Cougars advance to the three PIAA Class AA championship games. When Wadas was a junior, Palmyra fell to Donegal 1-0 in overtime of the state title tilt, then the following season the Cougars dropped a 2-1 decision to Wyoming Valley West.

This season as a Wildcat, Wadas recorded five assists and four goals, including three game-winners. In 31 career games at Northwestern, she now has a total of seven goals and five assists.

This season, Northwestern compiled an 18-5 overall record.

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Week Ending Nov. 20

Central Pennsylvania has long been a hot bed for college field hockey talent, on all levels.

Michaela Singer is merely a continuation of that trend. But she may also be the personification of a somewhat new trend of the Annville-Cleona field hockey program producing college talent.

Singer, a 2017 graduate of Annville-Cleona High School, recently completed a spectacular final season and career at Division Three Wilson College in Chambersburg. Singer was tabbed as the player of the year in the Colonial States Athletic Conference and was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association’s Division Three all-senior team.

During the regular season, Singer led The Phoenix to an undefeated campaign, as well as the regular season and postseason championships of the CSAC. Wilson’s year reached a conclusion with a 3-0 loss to SUNY-New Paltz in the opening round of the NCAA Division Three tournament.

In 2021, Singer piled up 25 goals and eight assists for 58 points. Eight of Singer’s markers were game-winning goals.

During the winter season, Singer is also a guard on the Wilson College women’s basketball squad.

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Week Ending Nov. 13

With advanced hand-eye coordination and a booming shot, Alexa Derr is a deadly goal scorer. But more importantly, Derr has developed as a person, a teammate and a leader.

This week, Derr continued to play her game, as the Palmyra field hockey squad concluded another marvelous fall season.

On Tuesday at Selinsgrove, Derr tallied a pair of goals, as the Cougars opened play in the PIAA District Three Class AAA playoffs with a convincing 4-0 triumph over the homestanding Seals. With the opening quarter coming to a close, the senior captain scored twice in a two-minute span to push Palmyra’s 1-0 advantage to three goals.

Then on Saturday at Cocalico High School, Palmyra’s campaign came to an end, in a 2-1 loss to Gwynedd Mercy, in the quarterfinal round of the state Class AAA postseason. Derr netted Palmyra’s only goal in that one, on a rocket of a shot late in the third period, that at the time, knotted the score at one.

The District Three and PIAA Class AAA playoffs served as a microcosm of the Cougars’ season in general. For the most part, the Cougars stepped up their play when they needed to most, and it was usually Derr showing the way.

Palmyra concluded the year at 18-4-1 overall and as the third-place finisher in the District Three Class AAA postseason.

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Week Ending Nov. 6

He’s technically sound and he’s creative. But most importantly, Braden Sunho is unselfish.

That’s what makes Braden Sunho both a great playmaker and goal scorer.

During the regular season, the Palmyra boys’ soccer team ran its offense through Sunho, and the junior forward certainly responded. Now that the Cougars are firmly entrenched in playoff mode, there’s really no reason to go away from the things that have worked.

On Monday at Palmyra High School’s OAL Sports Complex, Sunho netted a pair of goals in the Cougars’ 3-0 triumph over Donegal, in the semifinal round of the District Three Class AAA playoffs.

With the Cougars nursing a 1-0 edge early in the first half, Sunho’s 30-yard right-footer from the middle of the pitch gave his side a little breathing room. Then, four minutes before halftime, Sunho’s persistence paid off, as he banged home a rebound to give Palmyra a 3-0 cushion.

The semifinal victory sent Palmyra into Thursday’s District Three Class AAA championship tilt at Hersheypark Stadium, where the Cougars fell to rival Hershey 3-1. Now 17-3-1, Palmyra had already qualified for next week’s PIAA Class AAA tournament.

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Week Ending Oct. 30

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Maddie Julian is as tough as they come.

Julian never backs down, she never gives in, she never wavers in her resolve. As a captain on the Palmyra girls’ soccer squad, Julian’s fighting spirit has a way of trickling down to teammates and seeping into the rest of the team.

On a rainy Monday night at Daniel Boone High School, Julian and the Cougars’ tenacity was on full display during a 5-4 loss to the Blazers, in the opening round of the District Three Class AAA playoffs. Trailing 5-1 midway through the second half, Palmyra fought back valiantly and nearly pulled off an incredible comeback triumph.

Julian netted three goals on the night, and was instrumental in the Cougars’ rally. The hat trick gave her ten goals for the season.

With 13:58 remaining, Julian followed up on the rebound of her own saved penalty kick to pull Palmyra to within 5-2 of Daniel Boone. Then minutes later, the senior forward struck again off a successful penalty kick.

Julian had given the Cougars a 1-0 edge 18:25 into the match when she used her right foot to convert a pass from teammate Maddie Grinstead, 20 yards away.

The loss ended tenth-seeded Palmyra’s season at 9-8-1. But when the Cougars look back on the 2021 campaign, not only will they remember the positives, they’ll also remember how they went out.

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Week Ending Oct. 23

It hasn’t necessarily been a memorable fall sports season for the Lebanon school district. The Cedars haven’t enjoyed a ton of athletic success or had much to celebrate.

But Caleb Hershey has been a bright light in a sea of darkness. And Tuesday was his day to shine.

At the Lancaster-Lebanon Cross Country Championships at Ephrata Middle School, the Lebanon senior ran a surprising and rewarding third in the boys’ individual race. It was one of the finest performances by a Cedar runner at the league meet in recent history, and quite possibly of all time.

Overcoming a bit of a sluggish start, Hershey worked his way up to the lead pack. Once there, he battled gamely with front-runners Aidan Hodge of Hempfield, Lampeter-Strasburg’s Colin Whitaker and Manheim Township’s Tyler Stevens.

As the finish line neared, Hodge and Whitaker broke away from Hershey, finishing one-two. Hershey out lasted Stevens for third, in a time of 16:33.8.

Hershey is a product of a Lebanon High cross country program that has made great strides over the past five years. On a personal level, Hershey, who only began running competitively in the seventh grade, has also made great strides individually, especially over the last year.

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Week Ending Oct. 16

Rowan Ulrich is one of the leaders on a very successful Annville-Cleona girls’ soccer squad.

Although she’s not afraid to speak up, Ulrich does most of her leading through actions. And nothing talks louder than goals.

This week, Ulrich continued to let her goal-scoring skills do the talking for her. The prolific Little Dutchman registered a hat trick in her side’s regular-season finale, a 7-0 home drubbing of Lancaster Country Day.

Ulrich was all over the place in Lancaster Country Day’s side of the field. First, Ulrich scored to give Annville-Cleona a 2-0 lead.

Right after halftime, her second goal upped the Little Dutchmen’s lead to 5-0. Then five minutes later, Ulrich completed her hat trick.

Ulrich’s scoring explosion tied her with Sage Sherk for the team lead in goals this season.

Annville-Cleona has enjoyed a surprisingly successful season this fall. The Little Dutchmen have posted a 10-3-1 regular-season record, they finished second in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League and they qualified for the Lancaster-Lebanon League postseason.

For her part, Ulrich has been a big reason why.

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Week Ending Oct. 9

Ben Feeman may have bigger fish to fry. But that doesn’t mean a little home cooking can’t provide him with a little sustenance for what’s ahead.

With the District Three tournament, and quite possibly a berth in the PIAA event looming, Feeman captured the boys’ individual title at the Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championships, contested on Tuesday at Pine Meadows. The Cedar Crest junior fired an even-par round of 72 to edge Palmyra’s Sean Kelly by two strokes.

For Feeman, it was his second straight Lebanon County Scholastic Golf crown. Last year as a sophomore, Feeman nudged Annville-Cleona’s Simon Domencic in a playoff at Fairview for the crown.

This time around, Feeman performed a little bit better at Pine Meadows, using an eagle on the final hole of his round – the par-five sixth hole – to squeak past Kelly. Feeman counted 40 total strokes over his first nine holes, but was a combined four-under par over his final six holes.

Feeman entered the event coming off a strong showing at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Golf Championships. But still remaining on his postseason schedule is a date at the District Three Championships in York, where a spot in the state tournament will be at stake.

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Week Ending Oct. 2

The Elco girls’ soccer team has something special going on right now. And so does Kailey Eckhart.

As Eckhart goes, so go the Raiders.

This week, Eckhart continued to score goals, and Elco continued to win games. The tally: four Eckhart goals and three Raider victories.

On Thursday, the senior forward netted a pair of tallies in Elco’s 4-0 road win at Lancaster Mennonite. Then on Saturday, Eckhart scored both Raider goals in her team’s 2-0 triumph at Berks Catholic.

The strong week now has Eckhart challenging teammate Carsyn Boyer for the team lead in scoring. But most importantly, the 3-0 week has the Raiders steaming towards yet another Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three title and another District Three Class AAA playoff berth.

Eckhart and the Raiders are currently 11-2 on the fall and 7-1 in a section that they have finished first in each of the past six seasons. During her career at Elco, Eckhart has never not been a part of an L-L section championship.

During the winter season, Eckhart is also an accomplished scorer on the Elco girls’ basketball squad.

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Week Ending Sept. 25

It was quite a week for Grace Francis. It was quite a week for the Annville-Cleona field hockey team.

Never heard of Grace Francis? Oh, you will.

Francis collected five goals and an assist this week to lead the Little Dutchmen to four straight wins. Thanks in part to the sophomore midfielder’s scoring prowess, Annville-Cleona is battling for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three title and a District Three Class A playoff spot.

On Monday, Francis netted a goal in Annville-Cleona’s key 3-1 victory over Garden Spot. On Wednesday, Francis tallied both markers in the Little Dutchmen’s 2-0 shutout at Lebanon.

Then two days later, Francis contributed an assist to A-C’s 2-1 triumph over rival Elco. She concluded her week with a pair of goals during the Little Dutchmen’s 7-1 win at Kutztown on Saturday.

In addition to leading her team, Francis is one of the most prolific scorers in both Lebanon County and Section Three of the L-L. A natural scorer, Francis possesses a rare combination of speed, quickness and reach.

The future is certainly bright, for both Francis and Annville-Cleona.

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Week Ending Sept. 18

All good teams feature strong defense and superior midfield play. What sets the good clubs apart from the very good ones is the ability to score goals.

That’s where Hannah Tinder comes in for the Northern Lebanon girls’ soccer team. By the opportunities she generates, Tinder makes the Vikings dangerous.

This week, Tinder continued to score goals, and Northern Lebanon continued to win. The Vikings enjoyed a 2-2 week that has them right in the middle of Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four race and fighting for a District Three playoff spot.

Although Northern Lebanon’s scoring has been relatively balanced this fall, there is no question that Tinder has spearheaded the attack. The junior forward is one of the top goals scorers in Lebanon County girls’ soccer as well as Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

Tinder possesses a relentless motor that opponents experience difficulties matching. She can also finish with either foot, is strong with the ball and simply has a nose for the net.

The Vikings will continue to count on Tinder, as they explore the destiny that the 2021 campaign has in store for them.

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Week Ending Sept. 11

Kalani Adams is on the downside of a splendid football career at Northern Lebanon. It has certainly been an eventful four years for the Viking standout.

There have been ups and downs, but mostly downs when it comes to the win column.

So it is only appropriate that Adams is helping fuel Northern Lebanon’s current resurgence.

On Friday night, Adams was all over his home field again, as the Vikings overpowered York Tech 33-6. With the triumph, Northern Lebanon moved to 2-1 on the year, after having recorded just two wins total over the previous few seasons.

From his linebacker spot, Adams, a senior, spent most of his evening in the York Tech backfield or blowing up running plays at the line of scrimmage. Along the offensive line, Adams helped open gaping holes through which his teammates advanced the football.

Because of Northern Lebanon’s struggles and the fact that Adams does not play a skill position, many of his accomplishments over the past four years have gone unnoticed. But Adams would like to continue his academic and athletic pursuits in college, and programs have begun to take notice.

During the winter season, Adams is an accomplished wrestler for Northern Lebanon.

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Week Ending Sept. 4

He’s been waiting in the wings. Learning and biding his time.

Now that it has arrived, he’s prepared to make the most of it. It’s Cole Thomas time.

After playing understudy to Braden Bohannon the last couple of seasons and being used somewhat sparingly, Thomas has been thrust into the spotlight for the Elco football team.

On Friday, during the Raiders’ season-opening 21-6 victory at Schuylkill Valley, Thomas showed he was ready. Elco’s new starting quarterback ran for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as the Raiders got off on the right foot.

Thomas’ first touchdown run came in the opening quarter and staked the Raiders to a 7-0 lead. His final scoring jaunt was registered in the fourth period and sealed the triumph.

Thomas also completed both of his pass attempts for 100 yards. In addition, he played a key role on a Raider defense that surrendered just 193 yards of total offense to Schuylkill Valley.

During the winter months, Thomas is an accomplished performer on the Elco boys’ basketball team, while in the spring, he is one of the top javelin throwers in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

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Week Ending August 28

If you’ve got outstanding play at the quarterback position, you’ve got a chance. Jay Huber provides the Cedar Crest football team a chance every time out, and a shot at a very good season.

On Saturday, during the 49th renewal of the annual Cedar Bowl game, Huber paced the Falcons to a 38-0 trouncing of Lebanon in his first varsity start. With the Cedars crowding the box to stop the run, Huber took advantage by locating receivers running free in the Lebanon secondary, time and time again.

Huber completed 11 of his 14 pass attempts for 210 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdown passes went to three different Falcon receivers.

His first scoring strike covered 43 yards and went to Nolan Groff, and it gave Cedar Crest a 17-0, second-quarter lead. But before the half was over, Huber threw his second touchdown pass, this one to Ethan Heisey for 20 yards and a 24-0 Falcon advantage.

But Huber wasn’t through. In the third quarter, he connected with Aiden Shomp for a nine-yard passing score.

Athletic, smart and an accurate deliverer of the football, Huber appears to have a bright future in front of him – a future that is starting now.

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Week Ending August 21

Better-ball-of-partners is a different golf animal.

Players can feed off of their partner’s momentum. Then, that momentum can snow ball into something special.

If one player is out of a hole, a team can still score well. And if both partners are in a hole, well, look out.

That’s kind of how it worked out with Steve Sherk and his partner Dave Hoover on Saturday, during the opening round of the annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament at Lebanon Valley Golf Course. Sherk caught fire early, and then later in the round, Hoover joined in on the fun.

The result was a blistering 62, or nine-under par, which was good enough for part of a three-way tie for the lead.

On their way to a score of 31 on the front-nine, Sherk and Hoover were a combined six-under par over their first seven holes. They also teamed for a 31 on the back-nine, thanks to four more birdies.

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Week Ending August 7

Growing up in the eastern portion of Lebanon County, Colton Lawrence loved basketball. As a teenager, he led the Elco boys’ basketball program to some of its most successful seasons.

Now, Lawrence is a full-grown adult. But his love for the game is something that certainly hasn’t waned.

This weekend, during the 14th annual staging of the Sweep The Streets hardcourt tournament, Lawrence’s continued passion for basketball has been on full display. The former Raider has helped put Off Road Motor Sports, an outfit made up of former Lancaster-Lebanon League standouts, in a great position to play for the championship.

With outstanding leaping ability, an accurate shooting eye and an uncanny feel for the game, Lawrence has apparently lost nothing from his scholastic playing days at Elco. In fact, Lawrence is as accomplished a player as he’s ever been.

The wildly popular Sweep The Streets event has also played a role in Lawrence’s development as a hoopster. This year marked the tenth year in which Lawrence has competed in the tournament.

So, you can take the boy out of the game. But you can never take the game out of the boy.

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Week Ending July 31

Fifty is the new 40.

Age is just a number.

And you’re only as old as you feel.

At 52, Jim Gardner was the youngest competitor at the Lebanon County Senior Amateur golf championship, contested on Friday at the Lebanon Country Club. The way it turned out, youth was served.

Gardner claimed the senior amateur title by defeating friend Dan Brown in a three-hole playoff, after both players had finished their regulation rounds with matching 74s. The key to the playoff was Gardner’s birdie at LCC’s par-four Number One hole, after Brown recorded a bogey.

Gardner captured the Lebanon County Senior Amateur title during his first time competing in the local tournament. He has now won championships in the Lebanon County Amateur, the Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners, the W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners and the Lebanon County Senior Amateur.

Paired with him during their round, Gardner engaged Brown in a back-and-forth battle over the entire afternoon. Gardner was one-under par after registering back-to-back birdies at Numbers Five and Six.

He made the turn with a two-shot advantage over Brown. But Brown quickly erased that lead with an eagle at the par-five 10th.

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Week Ending July 24

He was the best player in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league this summer. In much the same way, Amani Jones was the best player at the Region Four legion tournament this week.

Combining athleticism, versatility and a specific feel for the game, Jones led Lebanon County entrant Myerstown to a second place showing at the Region Four tournament in Mechanicsburg. With Jones showing the way, Myerstown reached the championship game of the eight-team, double-elimination event, where it fell to Paxton, 10-3.

Jones was instrumental in helping Myerstown to three straight victories at the start of the regional tournament. With his speed and heady baserunning, his thundering bat at the top of the order and a steady presence at shortstop, Jones was an electrifying performer throughout the summer for Myerstown.

The veteran infielder even pitched at the regional tournament, when called upon by his arm-depleted team.

Jones is a bright, conscientious and outgoing young man, all qualities required for leadership in a team sport.

A graduate of Cedar Crest, Jones was a solid contributor to Stevenson University’s Division Three baseball team as a freshman this spring.

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Week Ending July 17

There’s clutch hitting.

There’s hitting behind the runner.

There’s defensive hitting.

There’s hitting ahead in the count.

Plain and simple, Luke Hostetter can just hit.

This week, Hostetter’s hitting helped Myerstown to the Lebanon County American Legion baseball championship. For his efforts, Hostetter was honored with the Jack Bicher award as the best hitter during the local summer circuit’s playoff tournament.

During Myerstown’s clinching, come-from-behind 6-5 triumph over Annville on Wednesday, Hostetter drove in four runs. His clutch two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning tied the score at five.

In the bottom of the fourth, it was Hostetter who drove in the run that pulled Myerstown to within 4-2 of the lead. Hostetter also knocked home a run in the bottom of the first with a sacrifice fly.

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Week Ending July 10

In a star-studded lineup, Wyatt Manzel is sort of the unsung hero for the Myerstown American Legion baseball team. Versatile, Manzel is the kind of kid who can play just about anywhere, and he can throw in a timely hit when needed.

He may not be the best player on the team, but don’t underestimate his contributions to Myerstown’s success.

On Wednesday, Manzel played a key role in Myerstown’s 6-5, eight-inning victory over Campbelltown in the undefeated game of the Lebanon County American Legion league’s postseason tournament. The triumph put the regular season champions firmly in the driver’s seat for claiming the playoff title.

In addition to going four-for-four at the plate, Manzel scored the winning run for Myerstown in the bottom of the eighth inning. Manzel singled, stole second, was sacrificed to third and beat the throw to the plate on an infield grounder.

Earlier in the contest, Manzel’s long triple had helped Myerstown pull to within 4-2 of Campbelltown. It was Manzel’s RBI-double in the bottom of the second inning that had given Myerstown a 1-0 edge.

During the spring scholastic season, Manzel served a similar unsung role in Elco’s run to the District Three Class AAAA championship.

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Week Ending July 3

He is certainly capable. But for whatever reason, John DiGiacomo plays better in a trailing position than he does with the lead.

He enjoys the thrill of the hunt much more than he does being the hunted.

On Sunday at Pine Meadows Golf Course, DiGiacomo came from behind to capture his second Lebanon County Amaetur golf crown. It had been 20 years since DiGiacomo had won his first and last county amateur title.

DiGiacomo used a second-round score of 69 or three-under par to make up three shots on the opening-round leaders and best runner-up Justin Arnt by three shots. His Sunday round was the only score in the tournament that was under par.

DiGiacomo’s second round got off to a fast start. He made birdies on four of his six holes to get his round to four-under par and his total to one-over, and to place himself firmly in the lead.

On Pine Meadows’ back side, DiGiacomo made just two bogeys and finished that nine at even par to fend off any would-be challengers..

Since his initial victory in 2001 at Royal Oaks, DiGiacomo has been in contention for another Lebanon County Amateur titles on a number of occasions. But his propensity for rallying never served him as well as it did on Sunday.

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Week Ending June 26

Caleb Fisher isn’t old by any stretch of any imagination. But everything is relative, and on the Campbelltown American Legion baseball team, Fisher is one of its older, more seasoned players.

Fisher is growing up right along side the other C-town members, but he’s maturing into a leader, someone that his team can look to and count on. Right now, that’s the kind of development that Campbelltown really needs.

This week, Fisher and Campbelltown continued to make strides in the growth department. In fact, with Fisher showing the way, young Campbelltown is emerging as a serious contender for the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league championship.

On Friday at Fifth Ward Athletic Field, Fisher was in the middle of C-town’s wild and dramatic 10-8, 8-inning comeback victory over Lebanon. His two-run double in the top of the seventh inning was the key hit during a six-run rally that tied the game at eight and sent it to extra frames.

Then, in the top of the eighth, Campbelltown plated the two runs that would prove to be decisive.

Earlier in the week, on Monday at Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Fisher and Campbelltown had scored a 4-1 triumph over Fredericksburg. With the two victories, Campbelltown extended its winning streak to three games and pushed its overall record to 7-5.

Moving forward, if Fisher-led Campbelltown continues to improve at its current rate, they could find themselves making a deep run in the upcoming local playoffs.

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Week Ending June 19

You can strategize all you want. But it all comes back to the fundamentals.

Solid defense. Timely hitting. But most importantly, shut down pitching.

On Thursday night at Elco High School, Fifth Ward rode the lights-out pitching of Lance Marderness to a key 6-0 Lebanon County American Legion baseball victory over Richland. Marderness was on top of his game throughout.

The hard-chucking righthander went the distance to get the win, Marderness scattered five hits, struck out two and issued just a single walk.

With his Lebanon teammates providing solid offensive and defensive support, Marderness worked in and out of trouble in three innings. Over the other four frames, he faced the minimum number of Richland batters.

The triumph was Fifth Ward’s fourth straight and improved its Lebanon County American Legion League record to 4-3. If Fifth Ward continues to get that type of pitching, it figures to challenge for the championship of the local summer baseball circuit.

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Week Ending June 12

Dakota Smith was on a roll, he was in a groove, he was in a zone. And as Smith went, so went the Elco baseball team.

The key to the Raiders’ success this spring was their balance, their flexibility and their depth. But if there was one player who was Elco’s most valuable, it was Smith.

So it was appropriate that one of the finest baseball seasons in Elco history came to an end on Thursday, with Smith on the mound. Smith surrendered seven hits, struck out ten and walked one in the Raiders’ 6-4 loss to Wyoming Area, in a quarterfinal contest of the PIAA Class AAAA tournament played at DeSales University.

On Monday at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Smith had pitched Elco to a 15-0, mercy-rule victory over Science Leadership Academy, in the opening round of the state tournament. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed just two hits, fanned five and didn’t issue a free pass.

Smith’s performance extended his score-less-innings-pitched streak to more than 17 innings.

But Smith was also a key offensive contributor from his spot in the middle of the Raider lineup, all season long.

During the winter season, Smith was an accomplished performer on the Elco boys’ basketball team.

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Week Ending June 5

Captaining the defense. Leadership. Providing a calming influence.

Add timely hitting to the list of contributions that Jeremy Eck makes to the Elco baseball team.

This week, Eck produced some very big hits in a Raider season that has turned into one of the most important in school history.

On Tuesday at Eastern York High School, in the semifinals of the District Three Class AAAA tournament, the senior catcher slugged a decisive, two-out, two-run dinger in the top of the sixth-inning that propelled Elco to a 3-2 triumph over the home side. It was Eck’s third ‘big fly’ of the spring.

Then, three days later, in the District Three championship game played at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Eck posted an RBI in the Raiders’ 10-0 mercy-rule triumph over Wyomissing. It was the first District Three crown in program history.

All season long, Eck has provided the Raiders with a stabilizing presence from his position behind the plate. This week with a bat in his hands, Eck really stepped up at the plate.

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Week Ending May 29

One is very good.

Two is outstanding.

Three is phenomenal.

Four is historic.

On Saturday at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University, Xander Topos accomplished what few Lebanon County student-athletes had ever done before. Palmyra’s senior hurdler earned a state medal in every event in which he competed.

Individually, Topos captured a bronze medal in his signature event, the 110 high hurdles, then followed that up with seventh-place hardware in the 300 hurdles. As a teammate, Topos contributed to Palmyra’s 400-meter relay team that finished fifth in the state, as well as the Cougars’ 1600-meter relay squad that copped a fifth-place medal.

A week earlier, at the District Three meet at Shippensburg, Topos had earned four medals in the same events. He took second in the 110 hurdles, third in the 300 hurdles, second in the 400-meter relay and second in the 1600-meter relay.

It was an incredible ending to a great track and field career for Topos, who earlier in the spring had shared the Outstanding Male Track athlete award at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships.

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Week Ending May 22

Undefeated. Untied. Unchallenged.

That’s the kind of season it’s been for Dylan Lambrecht. That season got a little more better this weekend at the District Three Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University.

Lambrecht, a senior thrower from Northern Lebanon, added two more medals to his postseason haul. Lambrecht collected district gold medals in the shot put and discus, although for the first time this spring, he was headed.

On Saturday, Lambrecht needed a 165-02 on his final throw to defeat Northern’s John Barrett to win the discus. Lambrecht’s final attempt edged Barrett by three inches.

On Friday, the Viking 12th-grader had captured gold in the shot put in his usually dominant fashion. Lambrecht uncorked a 57-3.75 to win that event by a comfortable margin of more than three feet.

Lambrecht’s performance gave him six gold medals for the spring. Earlier, Lambrecht had struck gold in both events at the Lancaster-Lebanon League and Lebanon County Track and Field Championships.

He will be looking to increase that number when he competes at the PIAA meet back at Shippensburg University. In the fall, Lambrecht will attend Penn State University to continue pursuing his academic and throwing careers.

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Week Ending May 15

Is Casey Hess a jumper who plays tennis? Or is he a tennis player who jumps?

Hess isn’t even quite sure himself. When you’re so good at both, it’s hard to determine.

On Friday at Hempfield High School, during the opening day of competition at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon Track and Field Championships, Hess certainly appeared to be a jumper who plays tennis. The Annville-Cleona senior leapt to a gold medal in the boys’ long jump.

Hess unleashed his career-best jump of 22-0 on his final attempt to outdistance athletes from larger schools and capture top honors. Earlier in the competition, Hess had jumped his previous career-best to move into a tie for first place.

Throughout most of the spring, Hess had concentrated his athletic energies on tennis, and those efforts paid off in the form of a trip to the second round of the District Three Class AA tournament. He really only began focusing on long jumping about two weeks prior to the league meet.

Hess will continue to work on his form and technique in the hopes of producing a similar result at the District Three Class AA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University next week.

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Week Ending May 8

He may or may not be the best baseball player in Lebanon County. But it’s safe to say that Gage Miller is one of the top local performers on the diamond.

What’s certain is what he means to the Palmyra baseball team. Perhaps a better way to put it would be that Miller is the best player on the best high school baseball team in Lebanon County.

This week, the senior shortstop’s play helped propel the Cougars to a 4-0 record. Palmyra posted a 15-7 victory at Carlisle on Tuesday, an 11-1 home triumph over Susquehanna Township on Wednesday, a 4-2 home win over Muhlenberg on Thursday and a 12-6 away triumph over Lebanon at In The Net Sports Complex on Saturday.

With all those positive results, Miller and the Cougars extended their win streak to seven straight. With a 13-3 overall record, Palmyra is steaming towards a Mid-Penn Keystone Division championship and moving up the District Three Class AAAAA power rankings.

Miller provides the Cougars with solid and sometimes spectacular fielding from his shortstop spot at the heart of the Palmyra defense. And from the top to the middle of Palmyra’s batting order, he has produced quality at-bats and timely hitting throughout the spring.

But Miller’s greatest contributions to the Cougars’ success may come as a leader. He leads by example, an example his Palmyra teammates are more than willing to follow.

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Week Ending May 1

Summer Bohr plays a unique role on the young Northern Lebanon softball squad. As one of the Vikings’ few seniors, S. Bohr’s job is to hold down the hot corner, drive in runs from the middle of the lineup and lead by example.

The importance of that role has only been magnified by the difficult circumstances surrounding this Northern Lebanon softball season.

This week, S. Bohr’s maturity was on full display, as Northern Lebanon stayed hot with two triumphs. Those victories kept the Vikings firmly in the race for Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAAA playoff berths.

On Wednesday at home, S.Bohr knocked home a pair of runs from her clean-up spot in the order, during Northern Lebanon’s 8-0 blanking of Octorara. The senior third baseman’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning staked the Vikings to an early 1-0 lead, and S. Bohr also drove in Northern Lebanon’s final run, in the sixth inning, with a run-scoring single.

With those victories, the Vikings improved to 10-1 overall and 10-1 in Section Three of the L-L.

S. Bohr will continue to serve Northern Lebanon in her role as leader going forward, as the emerging Vikings look to make a run in both the league and district playoffs.

During the fall season, S. Bohr also starred on the hockey field for the Vikings.

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Week Ending April 24

The Outstanding Male Athlete at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships is selected by a vote of six head coaches. Members of the media do not vote on the award

But if the media had voted, Palmyra’s Tony Mansfield would’ve been selected as the Outstanding Male Athlete at the county meet.

In a bizarre turn of events at Saturday’s Lebanon County Track and Field Championships at Lebanon High School, Mansfield was not recognized as the Outstanding Male Athlete on the track, despite winning four events. It may have been the first time in the history of the popular event that a runner won four events and wasn’t honored as the Outstanding Athlete.

Mansfield began his day by winning the 100-meter dash in 11.21 seconds, then followed it up by capturing the 400-meter dash in 51.38. Then, the Cougar sprinter ripped off a 22.64 to strike gold in the 200-meter dash, before anchoring the victorious Palmyra 1600-meter relay team, which also included Xander Topos, Jake Klucinec and Quinton Townsend, to a new meet record of 3:22.61.

Certainly, Mansfield’s performance at the County meet bodes well for his postseason chances moving forward. He will seek to lower his times and to continue collecting medals at the upcoming Mid-Penn Conference championships, the District Three meet and, quite possibly, at the PIAA Track and Field Championships.

During the fall season, Mansfield also starred on the gridiron for the Palmyra football team.

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Week Ending April 17

Grace Renninger is the heart and soul of the Annville-Cleona softball team.

But do you know what else Renninger is? She’s the Little Dutchmen’s engine. Because she makes them go.

This week, Annville-Cleona’s shortstop, pitcher and lead-off hitter helped the Little Dutchmen to a 2-1 record. With the week, Annville-Cleona improved to 4-3 overall and stayed firmly in the hunt for Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAA playoff berths.

On Tuesday at home, during a key 4-3, extra-inning triumph over Lancaster Catholic, Renninger was at her catalytic best. With the score tied at 3-3, Renninger led off the bottom of the eighth inning and came around to score the game’s winning run.

Renninger drilled a booming triple to left field to get Annville-Cleona’s rally started. Then, on a short sacrifice fly to left by Noelle Martin, she scurried home with the decisive tally.

Earlier in the contest, Renninger’s aggressive base-running had helped the Little Dutchmen tie the score at 2-2.

In addition to anchoring Annville-Cleona’s defense from her shortstop position, Renninger is also one of the Little Dutchmen’s unquestioned leaders.

During the fall season, Renninger starred in a similar role for Annville-Cleona’s field hockey squad.

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Week Ending April 10

There is a certain science – an art, if you will – in getting a pitch to hit. It requires a selective eye, patience and repetitive experience.

They say of the the three strikes that a batter is allotted, the pitcher gets one, the umpire gets one and the hitter gets one.

But a hitter also has to know what to do with it when he gets it.

On Monday at Palmyra High School’s OAL Sports Complex, Thomas Ziegler got two pitches to hit, and both times he knew what to do with them. Those swings he put on hittable pitches helped propel Palmyra to a 15-0 victory over C.D. East.

In the opening inning, Ziegler’s booming triple with the bases loaded scored three Cougar teammates and helped stake Palmyra to an early 3-0 advantage. Then in the bottom of the third inning, Ziegler helped apply the finishing touches to the mercy-rule triumph by stroking a two-run single.

The win was an important one on a couple of fronts. Not only was it Palmyra’s first of the season, it was also the Cougars’ at their recently renovated home field.

It may have also been a precursor of things to come for Palmyra.

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Week Ending April 3

It’s important to get ahead in the count. It puts the opponent off-balance, it sets up your secondary stuff and it provides you with a greater margin for error.

Certainly, the same can be said for a baseball season.

On Tuesday at Cedar Crest High School, Dalton Reinhart’s good start got the Falcons off on the right foot. The senior southpaw pitched Cedar Crest to a 2-0 victory over Governor Mifflin in their season opener.

Reinhart was on top of his game from the get-go. In his complete-game triumph, he limited the Mustangs to two hits, fanned six and didn’t issue a free pass.

Mixing his pitches well and around the plate all day, Reinhard consistently got ahead in the count. He finished his outing with 94 pitches.

Reinhart carried a no-hitter into the top of the sixth inning, before settling for a two-hitter.

It would seem that the key to the Falcons’ success going forward will be their ability to pitch and play defense.

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Week Ending March 27

Riley Blatt had been anticipating this moment for nearly two years. That made him cherish it, and the moment – and Blatt himself – did not disappoint.

On Friday at Donegal High School, Blatt opened the much-anticipated spring sports season by pitching the Elco Raiders to a 7-1 triumph over the Indians. The senior righthander was in midseason form from the opening pitch.

In picking up the pitching victory, Blatt fanned 11 and did not issue a free pass. He also finished what he started and scattered seven hits along the way.

Elco supported Blatt with three first-inning runs, then added on with two-run rallies in both its third and fifth at-bats.

While nothing more than a really good start, the outcome certainly bodes well for Blatt and the Raiders’ prospects this season. If he and Elco can follow through on that start, it would certainly make the campaign well worth the wait.

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Week Ending March 20

When he graduated from high school, he wasn’t even sure he wanted to play basketball in college. When he left Lebanon High, he was just a boy.

Justin Baker became the best basketball player that he possibly could.

On Friday at Lebanon Valley College’s Lou Sorrentino Gymnasium, Baker’s organized basketball career came to an end with an 82-77 loss to Albright in the MAC Commonwealth championship game. The Flying Dutchmen’s senior guard and former Cedar tallied 24 points in his final career game.

Baker made ten of his 13 field goal attempts, including a three-pointer, pulled down seven rebounds, handed out three assists and came up with a steal in his 38 minutes of playing time.

During his senior campaign, Baker averaged 13.4 points per game, made an incredible 57 percent of his shots from the field and shot free throws at an 83 percent clip.

Recently, LVC head coach Brad McAlester characterized Baker as one of the most improved players he had ever coached.

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Week Ending March 13

Collin Jones possesses that rare combination of size, strength and shooting skills. He is, quite simply, one of the best players in the MAC Commonwealth Conference.

His presence also helps make Lebanon Valley College the best men’s basketball team in the MAC Commonwealth Conference.

This week, Jones, a sophomore out of Central Mountain, guided the Flying Dutchmen to a 1-1 record, and the MAC Commonwealth Conference regular-season crown.

On Friday at home, Jones went for 21 points and 11 rebounds in Lebanon Valley’s 78-69 setback at the hands of Stevenson. In 38 minutes of action, Jones shot seven-for-14 from the floor and also came up with three steals.

A night earlier at Stevenson, Jones contributed ten points to LVC’s 94-88 road triumph. In that outing, Jones also pulled down eight caroms.

For the season, Jones leads Lebanon Valley in scoring, at a 20.2 points per game clip, and in rebounding and three-pointers made. From the floor, Jones’ shooting percentage is just a tick under 53 percent.

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Week Ending March 6

He’s one of the best basketball players in Lebanon County. As Chris Edwards goes, so go the Palmyra Cougars.

This season, Edwards took Palmyra as far as he possibly could.

On Tuesday night, Palmyra’s overachieving campaign came to an end with a 48-44 loss at rival Hershey, in the opening round of the District Three Class AAAAA playoffs. Edwards’ Cougars were close throughout, but fell a few plays short down the stretch.

Palmyra, the 13th seed in the District Three Class AAAAA tournament, concluded its season at 10-9. But in some ways, just getting to the postseason was an accomplishment for Edwards and the Cougars.

As Edwards progressed throughout the year, so did the Cougars. After a bit of a slow start, Palmyra picked up the pace and by the end of the season it was apparent that the Cougars had evolved into a good team.

On the floor, Edwards, a 6-5 junior forward, was a deadly shooter, an accomplished driver of the basketball and a tenacious rebounder.

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Week Ending Feb. 27

Every time the Lebanon boys’ basketball team has needed a big bucket this season, the Cedars have looked to Marquis Ferreira. More often than not, Ferreira has delivered.

It’s that type of consistency upon which Lebanon built a title.

This week, Ferreira helped the Cedars to a 4-0 week and a Lancaster-Lebanon League championship.

On Saturday at Manheim Township High School, Ferreira tallied ten points in a 41-40 triumph over Hempfield that gave Lebanon the league title. Two nights earlier, the junior guard tossed in the same total during the Cedars’ 55-36 home victory over Cocalico in an L-L semifinal.

On Tuesday, Ferreira tossed in 15 points in Lebanon High’s wild 62-61, double overtime win over Warwick. Ferreira began his week by netting 13 points in Lebanon’s regular-season finale, a 74-58 home triumph over Penn Manor on Monday.

A member of the Cedars’ so-called ‘Big Three’, Ferreira typically does his damage as a deadly three-point shooter, an adept slasher to the basket and at the charity stripe. Ferreira is one of the Cedars’ top scorers, foul shooters and playmakers.

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Week Ending Feb. 20

It seems like only yesterday that the Palmyra girls’ basketball team captured the 2019 District Three Class AAAAA championship.

Then a sophomore, Katelyn Becker played an important supporting role in the Cougars’ magical run. Now, she’s taking on more of an active and starring role in leading Palmyra back to the District Three tournament.

On Saturday, Becker helped Palmyra to an important 47-29 triumph over rival Hershey. The senior guard poured in a game-high 21 points, including five three-point field goals, four of which came in the first half, when the Cougars were taking control of the outcome.

Beyond just her shooting, Becker played a key role in the Cougars’ victory with her all-around game, especially during times when Palmyra was piecing together runs.

Although the emerging Cougars hadn’t played in two weeks because of COVID-19 and the weather, the win lifted them to 7-5 on the season. The result strengthened Palmyra’s standing in the District Three Class AAAAA power rankings, which determines the participants for the upcoming postseason tournament.

This season, Becker has really embraced her role as Palmyra’s senior leader, leading the Cougars in scoring and three-pointers, and providing them with a calming presence on the floor.

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Week Ending Feb. 13

It’s one thing to scale the mountain. It’s another to stay there.

Griffin Gonzalez was a champion. Now he’s a two-time champion.

On Saturday at Manheim Township High School, Gonzalez captured his second straight Lancaster-Lebanon League weight class championship. And the Lebanon sophomore did it with style, by being named the event’s Outstanding Wrestler.

Gonzalez captured the 138-pound title with a 14-2 major decision of Conestoga Valley’s Keaton Fischer in the final bout. Gonzalez opened a 5-0 lead after the first period, then outscored Fischer 6-2 in the middle stanza.

Gonzalez had reached the championship bout with a similar 17-4 major decision over Elco’s Trenton Brubaker in the semifinals. Gonzalez began his tournament by decking Dylan Demsky of Octorara in the first period.

With his performance at the L-L league tournament, Gonzalez upped his overall record to 26-1. Gonzalez showing in the event bodes well for his postseason chances moving forward.

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Week Ending Feb. 6

Ashlyn Messinger is a member of the new generation. She’s a link from Northern Lebanon’s glorious past to the Vikings’ future.

It may be a lot to put on her shoulders, but Messinger has been charged with the task of carrying on the Vikings’ tradition of success. To this point, the junior forward has done an admirable in her role of leading Northern Lebanon, despite two setbacks this week.

On Saturday, Messinger pumped in a dozen points during the Vikings’ heart-breaking 36-35 home loss to Susquenita. Messinger also struck for 15 points, on a three-pointer and four-for-five foul shooting, in Tuesday’s 51-36 loss at Elco.

Despite the losses, Messinger’s Vikings still remained very much in the District Three Class AAAA playoff hunt.

For the season, Messinger leads Northern Lebanon in scoring, free throw shooting and three-point field goals. In addition, Messinger is one of the Vikings’ top rebounders.

During the fall, Messinger played goalkeeper for the Northern Lebanon girls’ soccer team and backstopped the Vikings to their most successful season in program history.

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Week Ending Jan. 30

He can pass. He can handle. He can defend.

But first and foremost, Peyton Wolfe can shoot. And his greatest skill is exactly what the Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball team needs most.

This week, Wolfe continued to light it up from downtown, as his Vikings went 2-2 over the course of that seven-day period.

On Saturday at Susquehannock, the junior guard drained seven three-point field goals and totaled 24 points in Northern Lebanon’s 57-52 road setback. Two days earlier, Wolfe drilled four three-pointers and tossed in 16 points in the Vikings’ 47-34 home victory over Hamburg.

On Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Wolfe had canned five ‘treys’ and popped for 24 total points in the Vikings’ 71-59 mastering of Tulpehocken. While on Monday at Lancaster Catholic, Wolfe converted a trio of three-point field goals during a 76-64 road loss to Lancaster Catholic.

For those of you keeping track at home, that’s 19 three-pointers and 73 points for Wolfe on the week. But Wolfe is also a proficient shooter at the foul line.

Despite their 2-2 week, the Vikings remain firmly in the hunt for a District Three Class AAAA playoff berth.

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Week Ending Jan. 23

The Annville-Cleona girls’ basketball team hasn’t been good in awhile. As a matter of fact, the last time that the Little Dutchmen were, Brittany Nye was in elementary school.

But, now Nye is all grown up and leading an Annville-Cleona resurrection.

Recently, Nye paced the Little Dutchmen to a 2-0 week. Now at 3-1 on the early season, Annville-Cleona has matched its win total from a year ago.

On Thursday in Annville, Nye pumped in 15 points during the Little Dutchmen’s 49-27 triumph over Pequea Valley. Then a night later, the senior forward struck for a dozen points in another home victory, this one a 46-9 number over Octorara.

To this point of the season, Nye leads the Little Dutchmen in scoring and free throw shooting. Going forward, she’ll serve as a key ingredient in the Little Dutchmen’s push for a rare District Three playoff spot.

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Week Ending Jan. 16

Where there’s smoke there’s fire. And where there’s heat, there’s Amanda Smith.

Smith has been hot, and so has the Elco girls’ basketball team.

Recently, the Raiders’ senior guard led her team to a 3-0 week.

On Friday, Smith dropped in 15 points to pace Elco to a 55-33 road victory at Donegal. Two days earlier, Smith contributed 16 points to the Raiders’ 52-34 triumph over Fleetwood at home.

On Monday, Smith went for 22 points, as the Raiders knocked off Pottsville 48-35 in Myerstown. The 3-0 week pushed Elco to 3-1 on the season.

Smith’s been doing it at the line, beyond the arc and inside for Elco. She leads the Raiders in scoring, three-point shooting and foul shooting.

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Week Ending Jan. 9

Sure there were nerves, excitement and anticipation. It was, after all, the important first game of a different type of shortened year.

But the Falcons were in mid-season form. And Reese Glover was in the middle of everything.

On Friday night at Cedar Crest High School, Glover showed the way, as the Falcons’ girls’ basketball squad opened a COVID-19 shrouded season with a convincing 36-23 triumph over Manheim Township. Glover, a versatile 5-11 senior guard, poured in 16 points to pace Cedar Crest’s point production.

But for Glover, it was more than just the scoring. She also rebounded well, made free throws and provided the kind of calming effect over her teammates that leaders are called to provide.

But perhaps most importantly, every time the Falcons made a run, Glover had her hands in it.

As the season unfolds, Cedar Crest will ultimately have control over its own destiny. And the Falcons will go wherever Glover leads them.

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Week Ending Nov. 21

She wanted to play. Not as much for her own competitive spirit as for the love of her teammates.

So, she went to her coach and pleaded her case. Following some deliberation and soul searching, he put her into the starting lineup, and the way it turned out, everyone was sure glad he did.

On Saturday at Whitehall High School, a less-than-100-percent Anna Miller tallied the winning goal in overtime to propel the Palmyra field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Archbishop Carroll and the Cougars’ third state championship. Miller, who had sat out the Cougars’ previous match – a 3-0 PIAA semifinal triumph over Selinsgrove on Tuesday – used that same persisent character to net the game-winner.

Off a corner play that she inserted just over a minute into the initial extra session, the junior forward took advantage of an opportunity with the ball at her feet and the Bishop Carroll goalie sprawled out in front of her. Miller’s first attempt was low and bounced back to her.

But she stayed with the play, pulled the ball back with her stick and then lifted it into the cage. Mayhem ensued.

All season long, Miller had been a key offensive component during Palmyra’s run to the state championship game. But she had sustained an injury to her foot earlier in the playoffs.

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Week Ending Nov. 14

She’s skilled, she’s smart and she’s got a great feel for the game. Only a sophomore, Olivia Kirkpatrick is already a star.

The playoffs are a great place for players and adolscents to come into their own.

On Thursday night at home, Kirkpatrick spearheaded the Palmyra field hockey team to its 12th District Three championship. The prolific 10th grader registered a goal and an assist – including the eventual game-winner – in the Cougars’ 3-1 triumph over rival Hershey, in the District Three Class AA title tilt.

Midway through the opening quarter, during a corner play, Kirkpatrick assisted Maddie Hudson on the Cougars’ first goal of the game. Then before the end of the first period, Kirkpatrick successfully converted a penalty corner that upped Palmyra’s advantage to 2-0.

Game in and game out, Kirkpatrick contributes to the Cougar effort in a variety of ways. She takes all of Palmyra’s important restarts, she leads by example and her calming nature seems to put her teammates at ease.

Moving forward, Kirkpatrick will be a key cog in the Cougars’ upcoming state playoff run.

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Week Ending Nov. 7

She began as a role player, and she emerged as a leader. She started as a competitor, and developed into a goal scorer.

But Katelyn Rueppel has always been a winner.

On Saturday at home, Rueppel’s spectacular career as an Elco soccer player concluded with a 2-1, double-overtime loss to Mechanicsburg, in the semifinal round of the District Three Class AAA playoffs. Rueppel netted the lone goal for the Raiders during the contest.

The senior forward/midfielder’s goal came early in the second half tied the match at one. It was Rueppel’s team-leading tenth goal of the year.

During her four-year career at Elco, Rueppel’s Raiders captured two District Three Class AA championships and won four Lancaster-Lebanon section crowns.

Rueppel’s future plans include furthering her academic and athletic pursuits at Division Two Mansfield University.

In the winter, Rueppel is also an accomplished basketball player for Elco.

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Week Ending Oct. 31

Her name is Braetan Peters. Her title is ‘Braetan Peters, District Champion’.

It has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?

On Saturday morning at Big Spring High School, Peters captured a rare District Three Class A cross country championship for Annville-Cleona High School. The junior covered the 3.1-mile course in a time of 20:08.4.

Peters started the race strong, and began distancing herself from the rest of the field near the midway point, before pulling away near the end. Peters’ average mile-split was timed at 6:28.5.

Peters’ showing helped the Little Dutchmen to a third-place showing in the Class A team competition. It also qualified her for next weekend’s PIAA Cross Country Championships in Hershey.

A multi-sport performer, Peters also starred on the hockey field for Annvillee-Cleona this fall, racking up four goals.

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Week Ending Oct. 24

He is the consummate teammate. He contstantly places the needs of the team ahead of his own personal wants.

But Ryan Wolfe knew that the best way to help the team would be to do his best individually.

On Tuesday at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon League Cross Country Championships, the Cedar Crest junior turned in his best effort. And because he did, it helped the Falcon thinclads extended their time together.

Wolfe covered Ephrata Middle School’s 3.1-mile course in 16:41.4 to finish fifth individually. Last year as a sophomore, he had placed tenth.

Wolfe’s paced showed the way for Cedar Crest to finish as the runner-up in the team competition. That showing propelled the Falcon team to the District Three Cross Country Championships at Big Spring High School in 11 days.

Wolfe finished about half-a-minute off the winning pace, but for the majority of the race he was able to run with the lead pack.

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Week Ending Oct. 17

Grace Renninger has active feet, quick hands and a nose for the ball. And because she does, the Annville-Cleona field hockey team’s pre-season goals are still very much in sight.

This week, on a Little Dutchmen team that’s balanced and versatile, it was Renninger’s turn to step up.

On Wednesday at home, Renninger tallied a pair of markers to power Annville-Cleona to a key 3-1 Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three victory over Solanco. Renninger’s first goal, from a scramble in front of the Mule cage, broke the ice, while her second tally, on a penalty stroke, iced the result.

Earlier in the week, Renninger had contributed an assist in the Little Dutchmen’s 2-0 road triumph at McCaskey.

Annville-Cleona’s 2-1 week had it 6-5 on the season and put it very much in the hunt for a District Three Class A postseason berth.

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Week Ending Oct. 10

When Ben Feeman puts his mind to something, he’s the kind of kid who wants to excel, not just compete. He’s only been playing golf for two years, but he’s already pretty good at it.

On Tuesday at Fairview Golf Course, Feeman claimed the individual title at the Lebanon County scholastic golf tournament. Feeman defeated Annville-Cleona’s Simon Domencic in a one-hole, sudden-death playoff for the title.

After the Cedar Crest junior and Domencic had completed their rounds with matching 76s, Feeman carded a par on Fairview’s par-four Number One hole.

Feeman had forced the playoff with a clutch eagle at the par-five 17th hole. Earlier, he had rolled in a birdie putt at Fairview’s par-five fourth hole.

Not only was the Lebanon County title the most significant championship of Feeman’s young career, it provided him with a certain degree of momentum heading into Saturday’s District Three golf championships in York.

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Week Ending Oct. 3

It’s funny how somethings go hand-in-hand. Emily Hauck has been absolutely on fire lately, and so has the Northern Lebanon girls’ soccer.

This week, both Hauck and the Vikings stayed red-hot. Hauck scored another goal, as Northern Lebanon stayed unbeaten.

On Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Hauck paced the Vikings to a 2-0 Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four triumph over Lancaster Catholic. Hauck netted the eventual game-winning goal six minutes into the contest.

The victory was Northern Lebanon’s third straight to open the 2020 fall campaign.

For Hauck, it was already her fifth goal of the young season. She has also assisted on three other Viking tallies thus far.

Northern Lebanon’s fast start to the fall has it thinking about a section championship, an L-L League playoff appearance and a District Three Class A postseason berth.

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Week Ending Sept. 26

Braden Bohannon is a man for all seasons. His favorite sport is the one he’s currently competing in.

Right now, Bohannon is focused on football, and it’s full speed ahead.

On Friday night, Bohannon’s gridirion prowess was on full display, during the Elco Raiders’ 40-10 home victory over Annville-Cleona. The senior quarterback rushed for 147 yards and four touchdowns.

Bohannon tallied the Raiders’ first two touchdowns, as Elco opened a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. He ran one in from 11 yards away, then ripped off a 15-yard TD scamper.

But the Bohannon touchdown run that may have been the most important of the evening was the six-yarder he scored only nine seconds before the break. That gave Elco a 28-7 advantage.

Bohannon recorded his fourth touchdown with 3:16 remaining in the third quarter.

Partly through his efforts, Elco improved to 2-0 on the fall.

In the winter and spring, Bohannon is also a skilled contributor to the Raider basketball and baseball squads.

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Week Ending Sept. 19

Isaiah Rodriguez is an intelligent, talented and motivated student-athlete. All he really wants and needs is an opportunity.

On Friday night at Northern Lebanon High School’s Fred Gahres Stadium, Rodriguez showed his gratitude for that opportunity.

Lebanon’s senior star quarterback led the Cedars to a 36-7, season-opening triumph over the home-standing Vikings. Rodriguez was directly involved in five of the six touchdowns Lebanon scored on the evening.

He completed 19 of his 24 pass attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Rodriguez also ran for three scores.

Rodriguez’s first rushing touchdown came 6:16 into the contest. His second, with 55 seconds left in the opening period, staked Lebanon to a 12-0 advantage.

In the second quarter, Rodriguez ran for another touchdown, then threw a scoring strike to Alex Rufe.

Rodriguez is receiving attention from Division Two and Division Three college programs interested in his skill set.

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Week Ending Sept. 12

Golf is both a team and individual pursuit.

Simon Domencic entertains individual aspirations for the 2020 fall scholastic season. But right now, he’s focused on the team.

This week, Domencic’s strong individual play paved the way for two more Annville-Cleona sweeps, as the Little Dutchmen took control of their own destiny in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

On Tuesday at the Lebanon Country Club, Domencic carded a solid score of 80 to help Annville-Cleona to a section sweep of the competition. Domencic’s score was eight over par.

Then on Thursday at Crossgates Golf Course in Millersville, Domencic recorded a similar round of 80 to propel the Little Dutchmen to another dominant sweep. The team triumph was Annville-Cleona’s third of the season and gave it a three-game lead in the Section Four race, with two regular-season matches remaining.

With the big postseason tournaments looming on the horizon, Domencic is averaging less than 80 strokes per outing this season.

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Week Ending Sept. 5

Studies have shown that teams with players who root for each other and work together are more likely to experience success than those who don’t. The Annville-Cleona golf team has entered the fall season with high expecations, and it may be that the Little Dutchmen have uncovered their formula for success.

But just because the Little Dutchmen are working together, doesn’t mean they don’t need somone to show the way.

On Monday at Honey Brook Golf Course, Ian Stefanchik led the way, and his Annville-Cleona teammates followed closely behind. Stefanchik fired a 77 on Honey Brook’s 6,031-yard layout to lead Annville-Cleona to a sweep in their Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four opener.

Stefanchik’s score was low for the Little Dutchmen, who captured the match by 32 shots. Stefanchik’s three scoring teammates all posted scores that were within three shots of his.

Stefanchik’s round at Honey Brook was seven-over par.

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Week Ending August 29

Jim Gardner is usually good for at least one Lebanon County Golf Association victory every year. This year’s came at the County Better-Ball-of-Partners at Blue Mountain.

On Sunday, Gardner, one of the locale’s most consistent amateur players, teamed with partner Chris Gebhard to claim the championship of the popular tournament. Gardner and Gebhard posted a final-round score of 63, or eight-under par, for a 129 total that was good for a four-shot triumph.

Gardner played well throughout Sunday’s round, but especially early, and that propelled his team to the title.

Gardner’s 20-foot eagle at the par-five sixth hole moved his side to four-under for the final round. Then he connected on birdie putts at the par-five eighth hole and the par-four ninth hole to give him and Gebhard a lead they would never relinquish.

Gardner and Gebhard got off to a bit of a slow start in Saturday’s first round of the tournament. But over their final 27 holes, they combined to go 13-under par.

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Week Ending August 22

Mike Schmidt Jr.’s golf game is based on momentum, ball striking and putting. He’s a streaky player who thrives on adrenaline

But when he’s got it going on, there aren’t too many local players better than Schmidt.

On Saturday at Blue Mountain Golf Course, during the first round of the annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament, Schmidt got hot. His inspired play help him and teammate Pete Parpagene to an early three-way tie for the lead at the popular event.

Schmidt and Parpagene combined to fire an opening-round 64, which was seven-under par. The partners collaborated on five birdies, 11 pars and a bogey during Saturday’s first round.

But the highlight of their round came at the par-five fourth hole, where Schmidt registered an extremely rare double eagle. Following a well-placed tee shot, Schmidt blasted his second shot, from the fairway, into the hole.

With the score of two on the par-five, Schmidt and Parpagene went from one-under on their round to four-under par. Even more amazing was the fact that, for Schmidt, it was his second double-eagle in eight days.

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Week Ending August 1

One of the top scholastic tennis players in District Three, there’s no telling what Ben Clary would’ve accomplished during his senior season at Palmyra this spring. But COVID-19 intervened, leaving Clary wondering what could’ve been.

In some small way, the championship of the Mount Gretna Men’s Club summer tournament served as a consolation prize for the former Cougar.

On Thursday in Mount Gretna, Clary secured the singles’ championship of the local tournament with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 triumph over Dylan Tull in the final match. It marked the third straight year that Clary, the top seed, wore the crown at the Mount Men’s Tennis Club tournament.

After splitting the first two sets, and down a service break early in the third, Clary took control of the match and the championship by winning the set’s final five games. Clary had won three straight games to go up 4-1, and take control of the opening set.

But Tull refused to go away and used a handful of key service breaks to win the middle set.

For Clary, now it’s on to Bloomsburg University, where he’ll compete on the hardcourts for the Huskies.

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Week Ending July 25

Stu Hanford has never won the championship of the W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament, which is hosted by his home track, the Lebanon Country Club. It’s a fact that, to a degree, weighs upon him.

Perhaps, he’s just never found the right partner. And if so, this could be his year.

On Saturday, at LCC, during the 75th edition of the event, Hanford and new partner Brian Blalock, barged into the semifinals of the match-play championship flight. During their quarterfinal match in the afternoon, Hanford and Blalock upset the defending champions, Dan Brown and Jason Troutman, 3&1.

Following a back-and-forth battle, Hanford-Blalock asserted themselves late to advance. First, Blalock ran in a birdie putt on the par-four 16th to give his side a one-up advantage, then Hanford closed out the quarterfinal match with a birdie strike at the par-four 17th.

Being one of four teams still standing heading into Sunday’s semifinals, it would seem that Hanford-Blalock entertain as good a chance as anyone to garner the prestigious mantel clocks. For Hanford, it would be a long time coming.

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Week Ending July 4

Justin Arnt won his initial Lebanon County Amateur golf championship on Sunday. It took 36 holes, eight birdies, an eagle, six bogeys and 21 pars to get the job done, but it was nearly three decades in the making.

At Lebanon Valley Golf Course in Myerstown, Arnt’s experience and course knowlege certainly played key roles in capturing his first County Amateur crown. The fact that he had been close before helped him break through this time around.

With a healthy lead going into Sunday’s final round, Arnt played it smart and a little conservative, making the rest of the field come to him by posting a one-over par score of 72. He had certainly put himself in a great spot by firing a five-under-par score of 66 over his opening round.

Arnt had started his second round with bogeys on two of his first four holes, but then righted his ship with back-to-back birdies at Lebanon Valley’s par-five seventh hole and the par-four eighth hole. From there on out, he recorded pars on nine of his ten remaining holes to register a commanding six-stroke victory.

In 2017, Arnt had emerged victorious at the Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners event with Skeet Wentling. But this County Amateur title represented one of the finest accomplishments in his still young career.

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Week Ending June 27

It was his first appearance ever at the County Amateur, and it was his first time playing at Lebanon Valley in quite some time. Safe to say that Craig Kliewer enjoyed it so much that he’ll be doing it again soon.

On Saturday morning at Lebanon Valley Golf Course, in the opening round of the annual Lebanon County Amateur Championship, Kliewer fired a very satisfying one-over par score of 72. That score placed Kliewer, a resident of Lancaster County who plays out of the Lebanon Country, alone in second-place behind first-round leader Justin Arnt.

As may have been expected, Kliewer started a bit slow on a Myerstown course he hadn’t played in nearly two decades. But he picked up the pace on Lebanon Valley’s back nine, posting a score of 33 that was two-under par.

Hovering at three-over par for the day, Kliewer picked up some momentum with a short birdie at the par-four 11th, then followed that with similar birds at the par-five 15th and the par-four 17th. Thanks in part to a double bogey at the par-four fourth hole, Kliewer had stood at four-over par, before registering back-to-back birdies at Numbers Seven and Eight.

For his round, the steady Kliewer carded five birdies, four bogeys and that double.

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Week Ending March 14

Not only is everybody involved, but everyone has a role to play. That’s been one of the big keys to the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team’s success this season.

Because she understands it, Tabitha Hubbard has embraced her role with the Vikings.

On Wednesday at Shamokin Area High School, Hubbard’s role playing was a key factor in Northern Lebanon’s 48-37 triumph over Danville, in the second round of the PIAA Class AAAA playoffs. With the triumph, Hubbard and the Vikings ran their overall record to 24-4.

For her part, Hubbard is asked to do a lot on the court for Northern Lebanon, not all of which can be measured by statistics. The senior guard is an adept ball-handler and a tireless defender, and she consistently displays good court savvy and composure.

With more than 25 made three-point field goals this season, Hubbard also provides the Vikings with a much-needed outside shooting threat.

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Week Ending March 7

Wrestling isn’t for everyone. It requires discipline, physicality and a surprising amount of smarts.

The way it turns out, it fits T.J. Moore’s personality to a tee.

On Saturday at Hersey’s Giant Center, Moore’s evolution as a wrestler continued with a seventh-place medal in the Class AAA 220-pound weight class bracket at the PIAA Championships. The Cedar Crest senior earned his prestigious hardware with a hard-fought 7-1 decision over Dustin Swanson of Garden Spot.

In that particular bout, Moore registered the first seven points, on his way to dominating Swanson. In light of the victory, Moore went 4-2 during his second straight trip to the state tournament, and 40-5 for his senior campaign.

Earlier in the event, Moore had decisioned Dontey Rogan of Cumberland Valley 6-2, dusted Canon-McMillan’s Evan Miller 11-5 and bested Central Dauphin’s Marques Holton 4-2.

For Moore, who also successfully competes in football, lacrosse and track and field for the Falcons, it was just his third season of varsity wrestling. He will be continuing his academic and athletic pursuits at Division One Lehigh University in the fall.

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Week Ending Feb. 29

Sports are chocked full of little surprises. It is one of the elements that makes it great.

Owen Lehman received a pleasant surprise this week, and because he did, he also became one.

On Friday and Saturday at Bethlehem Freedom High School, at the Class AA Southeast Regional Wrestling Tournament, Lehman’s pleasant surprise came in the form of an all-expenses paid trip to Hershey’s Giant Center. But his trip to states was certainly well-earned.

The Northern Lebanon freshman came in sixth in the 106-pound weight class and punched his ticket to next week’s PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships in Hershey. Lehman went 3-3 at the regional event, a mark which left his seasonal record at 37-16.

Lehman earned his trip to Giant Center with a 1:28 pin of Ryan Kelly of Conwell-Egan in the consolation semifinals. Earlier, the Viking ninth-grader had recorded a 9-4 victory over Annville-Cleona’s Ethan Missimer and a 7-5 triumph over Pequea Valley’s Liam McGinley.

No matter what happens at Giant Center and the state tournament, the event will provide Lehman with valuable experience during the progression of his wrestling career.

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Week Ending Feb. 22

He was shooting for gold. But he settled for silver.

Yet the most important thing is that Brandon Breidegan is moving on. And his goal is still very much in sight.

On Saturday at Central Dauphin East High School, Breidegan finished a very rewarding second in the 132-pound weight class, at the District Three Class AA Wrestling Championships. The Northern Lebanon senior was edged 3-2 by Adam Jacob of East Pennsboro in the championship bout.

Jacob had built a 3-0 lead into the third period. Breidegan came up with a late score to close his deficit, but wasn’t left with enough time to pull out the win.

Despite the decision, Breidegan qualified for next weekend’s Class AA Southeastern Regional tournament at Freedon High School. There, Breidegan will be hoping to punch his ticket for a return trip to the PIAA Wrestling Championships at Hershey’s Giant Center the followining weekend.

Breidegan had reached the championship bout at the District Three tournament with a 16-2 major decision of Gary Deyarmin of Schuylkill Valley in the semfinals. Breidegan also posted a 10-0 triumph over Caleb Mantz of Bermudian Springs in the quarterfinals.

Briedegan’s weekend of wrestling at districts moved his personal record this season to 34-8.

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Week Ending Feb. 15

He’s improved his decision-making, his vision, his defense. Ileri Ayo-Faleye has become a more complete player, and has assumed the leadership responsiblities that have come with it.

But it may be that the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team has benefitted most.

This week, the new and improved Ayo-Faleye led the Falcons to a Lancaster-Lebanon League championship. It came more than a week after the 6-7 senior forward helped Cedar Crest to a Section One title.

On Friday night at Manheim Township High School, Ayo-Faleye pumped in 16 points to pace the Falcons to a 45-41 triumph over Warwick in the L-L League title tilt. Ayo-Faleye’s total came on five field goals and six-for-11 foul shooting, and he supplemented his performance with a number of rebounds and a handful of blocks.

Two nights prior, Ayo-Faleye had posted 11 points in Cedar Crest’s 48-43 semifinal victory over Lampeter-Strasburg. His week began with eight points and a 59-36 win over Cocalico.

For the season, Ayo-Faleye leads the Falcons in scoring with a 14 points-per-game average, free throws made and blocks. Going forward, he will be a key component in Cedar Crest’s quest for a District Three Class AAAAAA championship.

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Week Ending Feb. 8

In its quest for a District Three Class AAA playoff berth, the Annville-Cleona boys’ basketball team has really picked up its game lately. And it’s been senior guard Andrew Long who has shown the way.

This week, the Little Dutchmen went 2-1 to strengthen their postseason prospects. Andrew Long had his hands in everything.

On Monday at Kennard-Dale, Andrew Long poured in a game-high 22 points to lead Annville-Cleona to a key 54-45 road triumph. Included in his performance were a couple of three-pointers and four-for-five free throwing.

A night later on Assumption Hill, the Little Dutchmen shaded Lebanon Catholic 55-31 behind the shooting guard’s 14-point effort. On that particular evening, Andrew Long knocked down a three-point field goal and made three-of-four foul shots.

Annville-Cleona concluded its week with a 51-41 home loss to Middletown that left it 12-10 on the year.

For the season, Andrew Long leads the Little Dutchmen in scoring with a 17 points-per-game average. He has also made more than 40 three-pointers this year and has shot free throws at a 68 percent clip.

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Week Ending Feb. 1

A missed shot here, an unsuccessful free throw there, a blown defensive assignment somewhere. Although it doesn’t appear that the Lebanon boys’ basketball team is going to extend its season and qualify for the postseason, that doesnt mean the Cedars haven’t had a successful year.

Raylin Pena did everything he could to will his team towards its preseason goals.

This week, Pena and the Cedars endured two critical losses in their drive towards the playoffs.

On Friday night in Lititz, Lebanon suffered a 55-47 road loss at the hands of Section Two champion Warwick that all but ended its postseason dreams. Pena, a senior guard, poured in a team-high 14 points that included four three-pointers and two-for-two free throwing.

Earlier in the week, the Cedars had experienced a heart-breaking 61-58 setback at Elizabethtown. With the two losses, Lebanon’s record stood at 11-10 overall.

With one regular-season game still remaining, Pena has enjoyed a marvelous senior year for Tim Speraw’s crew. He has averaged 11 points per game, drained more than 50 three-pointers and has shot foul shots at a 78 percent clip.

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Week Ending Jan. 25

He’s off to a great start. His future is bright.

But perhaps most importantly, Griffin Gonzalez has a chance to change the culture of wrestling at Lebanon High School.

On Saturday at Manheim Township High School, during the completion of the 26th annual Lancaster-Lebanon League Wrestling Championships, Gonzalez became the new face of Cedar wrestling when he captured the championship of the 120-pound weight class. Gonzalez, an experienced freshman, nudged Jared Fulton of Solanco 6-2 in the finals.

Gonzalez had reached the championship bout with a 14-0 whitewashing of Garden Spot’s Jeremy Schilling in the semifinals, after edging Aiden Swann of Cocalico 4-3 a round earlier. Gonzalez opened his tournament with a major decision and a first-period fall.

The 5-0 weekend extended Gonzalez’s record in his first year of varsity competition to 25-1. It would be hard to imagine any wrestler in the history of Lebanon High School having a better start to his career.

In the upcoming weeks, Gonzalez will have his mettle further tested in the postseason tournaments of District Three.

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Week Ending Jan. 18

It may be that it just experienced a slow start to its campaign. It might be that its schedule was front-loaded and more condusive to success in the latter part of the season.

But Peyton Wolfe and the Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball team never quit fighting.

This week, Wolfe’s Vikings continued to improve, and the result was three solid victories – and something to grow on.

On Friday at Donegal, the sophomore sharp-shooter poured in 28 points to lead Northern Lebanon to a tense 54-53 road victory. Wolfe knocked down an eye-popping seven three-point field goals and went three-for-four at the foul line.

Two days prior, Wolfe had helped Northern Lebanon to a 38-33 road triumph over Pine Grove.

On Monday in Fredericksburg, Wolfe posted 12 points in the Vikings’ 59-52 upset win over Octorara. Wolfe’s performance included 12 points, a couple of three-pointers and four-for-four foul shooting.

The 3-0 week left Northern Lebanon 5-10 overall.

For the season, Wolfe has averaged over 11 points per outing and has been the Vikings’ most prolific three-point shooter.

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Week Ending Jan. 11

After graduating a core group of seniors, the tradition-laden Cedar Crest girls’ basketball program has been left with a clean and blank slate. It is up to the new Falcons to create the picture that best depicts them.

Reese Glover has been charged with the role of lead artistic consultant.

This week, Glover continued to push the Falcons forward, as Cedar Crest split a pair of Lancaster-Lebanon Section One contests.

On Friday at ‘The Cage’, Glover paced Cedar Crest to a 48-42 triumph over visiting Penn Manor. The junior guard poured in 21 points, which included a pair of three-point field goals and nine-for-16 free throwing.

Earlier in the week at Hempfield, Glover had notched eight points in Cedar Crest’s 47-46 loss to the Black Knights.

For the season, Glover leads the Falcons in scoring at about 14 points per outing, three-pointers and foul shots. She is also a huge contributer for Cedar Crest in the disciplines of ballhandling, rebounding and leadership.

The Falcons’ 1-1 week kept them in the thick of the Section One race and in the hunt for a District Three Class AAAAAA playoff spots.

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Week Ending Jan. 4

She’s the one player who makes the best girls’ basketball team in the county go. That makes Zara Zerman the best female player in Lebanon County.

This week, Zerman continued to coax good things out of the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team.

On Saturday at home, Zerman showed the way to victory in the Vikings’ 44-22 non-league triumph over East Pennsboro. The multi-faceted senior guard posted 21 points, which included a pair of three-pointers and three-for-three foul shooting.

The result made Zerman and the Vikings 10-1 on the season.

That lone loss had come a night earlier, at home in overtime, 50-47 to powerful Lancaster Catholic. In that contest, Zerman struck for another 22 points, and again didn’t miss a free throw.

For the year, Zerman is averaging right around 20 points per outing and she’s coverting charity tosses at an 80 percent clip.

But Zerman’s contributions to Northern Lebanon go way beyond statistics, and can’t be overstated. She is also an unwavering leader, a fearless rebounder and a tough defender.

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Week Ending Dec. 28

The Elco girls’ basketball team is still tinkering with roles, combinations and rotations. Only when the Raiders get some of that stuff ironed out will they reach their full potential.

Amanda Smith is a key piece to that Elco process, because you can plug her in just about anywhere.

Smith is one of the few remaining left-overs from a Raider squad which enjoyed enormous success during the 2018-19 season. Those experiences put the junior guard in a unique position for linking the past to the future, and to help nurture some of Elco’s emerging contributors.

To this point of the season, Smith leads the Raiders in scoring with an average right around 12.8 points per outing. She is also one of Elco’s top free throw shooters and ball handlers.

Through its first ten games of the winter, Smith and the Raiders have gone 5-5 and shown flashes of promise. With Smith leading the way, Elco appears poised to make runs at the Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three postseasons.

She is also one of Lebanon County’s top girls’ basketball performers.

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Week Ending Dec. 21

She is a versatile, all-around student athlete, who is just coming into her own. She is also one of the few remaining members of Palmyra’s 2018-19 Class AAAAA district championship team.

Those two facts make Zoe Smith a great foundation upon which to rebuild on.

This week, Smith continued to help foster and nurture a young Cougars’ girls’ basketball team. The sophomore guard was instrumental in Palmyra going 2-1 over the period.

On Saturday at Cedar Crest, Smith tallied 15 crucial points in the Cougars’ dramatic 38-35 road triumph. Smith recorded five two-pointers, a three-pointer and knocked down two of three free throw attempts.

She also performed admirably on Friday, scoring nine points during a 32-28 home loss to Hershey. On Monday, Smith and the Cougars defeated Red Land 29-26.

If Palmyra and Smith continue to improve, they figure to have a realistic chance of qualifying for this season’s District Three postseason.

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Week Ending Dec. 14

Lebanon High has a long and storied history in the sport of boys’ basketball. It is a tradition that Marquis Ferreira is aware of, and one he has every intention of helping to continue.

In the early going of the 2019-20 season, Ferreira has burst on to the local hoops scene. To this point, the sophomore guard has been one of the Cedars’ most consitent performers.

On Friday at home, Ferreira tallied 17 points, as Lebanon edged McCaskey 63-61 in a key Lancaster-Lebanon Section One-Two crossover contest. Ferreira’s performance included four deuces, a pair of treys and three-for-five foul shooting.

The outcome left the Cedars 2-2 overall and 1-0 in Section Two.

Three nights early, during a 60-53 road setback at Governor Mifflin, the emerging Ferreira had notched 11 points for Lebanon. That outing featured a couple of three-point field goals and two two-pointers.

Through Lebanon’s first four games, Ferreira was among Lebanon’s leaders in scoring, three-pointers and free throw shooting.

As the Cedars continue to grow throughout the season, Ferreira will be counted on to contribute in all those categories, and more.

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Week Ending Dec. 7

Jason Eberhart plays the game of basketball with his feet, his heart and his hands. But most importantly, he plays it with his head.

On Saturday, the cerebral Eberhart was named the most valuable player of the 21st annual Lebanon tip-off tournament. Through his heady and inspiring play, the senior forward showed the way, as his Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team captured the championship of the event for the fourth straight season, with a 59-55 triumph over Elco.

Eberhart dropped in 13 points, made three of his four foul shots and hauled in a handful of rebounds during the championship contest. A night earlier, during the Falcons’ season-opening 70-29 victory over Red Land, the 6-7 Eberhart struck for 15 points, which included five-of-eight free throwing.

Eberhart was a force to be reckoned with in the paint all weekend for Cedar Crest. He did most of his damage around the rim, on stickbacks and inside moves, by moving his feet, making himself available and displaying a desire for the ball.

Moving forward, Eberhart will be counted on for inside scoring, lane defense and leadership, as Cedar Crest looks to contend in Section One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League and qualify for a District Three Class AAAAAA playoff spot.

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Week Ending Nov. 30

Justin Baker finds himself in somewhat of a unique position. He is one of just two seniors on a Lebanon Valley College men’s basketball squad which is in a rebuilding mode.

Baker has responded by working hard, taking the younger teammates under his wing and leading by example.

This week, the former Lebanon standout continued to embrace his role as mentor and advocate for the Flying Dutchmen. On Tuesday night in particular, Baker helped guide Lebanon Valley to an important early-season 79-65 victory over Elizabethtown.

In 32 minutes of playing time, Baker was all over the court, registering eight points, nine rebounds and three assists. The positive result evened the Flying Dutchmen’s overall mark to 3-3.

For the season, Baker leads LVC in scoring, at a 13.5 points per game clip, as well as rebounding. Baker is shooting 52 percent from the floor and 73 percent from the free-throw line.

Moving forward, Baker is expected to play a key role in Lebanon Valley’s season-long improvement process.

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Week Ending Nov. 23

The Lebanon Valley College women’s basketball team’s offense runs through Emily Mealey. That can put a lot of pressure on the 6-0 junior post player.

But Mealey has responded with great decision-making, poise and unselfishness.

This week, Mealey continued to be the driving force behind the Flying Dutchmen’s early season success. On Wednesday, Mealey paced Lebanon Valley to a 62-42 triumph over Marywood College.

With 19 points on nine-of-18 shooting from the field, 14 rebounds – including seven offensive boards, a block, two assists and two steals in 34 minutes of action, Mealey turned in an all-around balanced performance for an undermanned LVC outfit. The outcome moved the Flying Dutchmen to 2-3 in the early going.

The Minersville graduate and Pottsville native currently leads Lebanon Valley in scoring at about 16 points per outing, and in rebounding at more than 12 per game.

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Week Ending Nov. 16

She doesn’t play second fiddle. She takes a backseat to no one.

Think of Mia Julian as a 1B to Lauren Wadas’ 1A. Together, Julian and Wadas created a lethal scoring and leadership combination for the Palmyra field hockey team.

Julian enjoyed an absolutely marvelous senior campaign, helping Palmyra to reach Saturday’s PIAA Class AA championship game at Whitehall High School’s Zephyr Sports Complex, where the Cougars fell to Wyoming Valey West 2-1. For Julian, it was her third trip to the state final, during her four-year career.

Along the way, Julian netted a handful of critical goals for the Cougars. On Tuesday at Milton Hershey School’s Henry Hershey Field, Julian notched a pair of tallies, including the game-winner, as the Cougars trounced Twin Valley 4-0 in a PIAA Class AA semifinal tilt.

During the year, Julian and Palmyra compiled a 22-4 overall mark and the Cougars captured the District Three Class AA championship. Julian plans to continue her academic and field hockey pursuits at James Madison University.

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Week Ending Nov. 9

Tanisha Grewal assumed a different role for the Elco girls’ soccer team this season. But she learned from the best.

And it was her ability to put into action what she was taught and pass on what she had learned that proved to be a key to the Raiders’ surprising success this season.

On Saturday at Northeastern High School in Manchester, Grewal and Elco’s campaign came to an end, with a 2-1 loss to Lansdale Catholic, in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Class AA postseason. But what a ride it was for Grewal and the Raiders.

On Tuesday at Cedar Crest, Elco had scored a 3-0 triumph over Lewisburg in the opening round of the state playoffs.. Along the way, the Raiders had captured their second straight District Three Class AA championship and their fifth straight Lancaster-Lebanon section title.

Grewal, a senior forward, led Elco in scoring, showed acquired leadership skills and was a calming influence during pressure situations for the Raiders. Grewal racked up 17 goals and posted seven assists for Elco this fall.

After serving in a support role during the first few years of her career, Grewal really stepped up this year. And because she did, Elco was able to accomplish things that only it thought it could.

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WEEK ENDING Nov. 2

It’s already been determined that Gwyneth Young is the top female distance runner in Lebanon County and the Lancaster-Lebanon League. And we already knew that the Cedar Crest junior is one of the top runners in central Pennsylvania.

What we discovered recently is that Young is one of the finest runners in the state.

On Saturday at Hershey’s Parkview Cross Country Course outside Giant Center, Young finished a very rewarding seventh at the PIAA Class AAA championships. Young covered the 3.1-mile course in a time of 18:51.

Young went out strong and ran a 5:46 over her opening mile, to place herself among the lead pack. By the two-mile mark, she still had the leaders very much in her sights.

A week earlier, at the District Three Class AAA meet at Boiling Springs High School in Newville, Young was the runner-up with a time of 18:06. Earlier in October, Young had captured the championship at the Lancaster-Lebanon League meet at Ephrata Middle School.

It truly was a spectacular fall season for Young, who also excels on the track for Cedar Crest during the spring.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 26

Lebanon County doesn’t send competitors to the state golf tournament most years. The county certainly didn’t expect to qualify a local player this year.

That should give you an idea of the kind of year Luke Spangler had.

On Tuesday at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York, Spangler concluded a spectacular junior golf season by finishing in a tie for 17th place at the PIAA Class AA Championships. The Northern Lebanon 11th-grader carded a two-day, 36-hole total of 79-84=163, or 21 over par.

During his rounds over two days, Spangler posted 16 pars, three birdies and ten bogeys.

A week earlier, Spangler had qualified for the state tournament by recording a six-over par 78 at the PIAA Eastern Regional event at the 6,648-yard, par-72, Golden Oaks Golf Club in Fleetwood. By so doing, Spangler became the first Lebanon County competitor in 15 years to make it to states, and the first Viking golfer in nearly 30 years to do so.

At the District Three Class AA tournament at Briarwood East Golf Course in York earlier in October, Spangler had finished fourth overall, with a two-round total of 81-78=159, or 15 over par.

In September, Spangler captured the Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championship at Pine Meadows.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 19

Gage Krall’s mom is Stacy Stoner, a former cross country state champion. But Krall has made it his mission to become his own runner, his own competitor.

How he’s done that is by taking what he’s gotten from his mom and put his own personal spin on things. Now his approach is begining to pay dividends.

On Tuesday at Ephrata Middle School, Krall’s evolution as a runner continued, as he captured the individual male championship at the Lancaster-Lebanon Cross Country meet. The Northern Lebanon senior covered the hilly 3.1-mile course in 16:17.5.

The title was especially rewarding for Krall, given the fact that he finished eighth at last season’s L-L League championships, but was the higest placing non-senior. Now it’s on to the District Three, and quite possibly the PIAA, championships for Krall, where shiny medals seem to be very much in his reach.

Krall executed his race strategy to perfection. He ran with the lead pack early, established a comfortable margin for himself in the middle of the race and then had enough left in the tank to hold off the spirited charge of runner-up Tommy Bildheiser of Cedar Crest.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 12

Trevor Porche feeds on repitition. He wants the ball. He’s a workhorse.

As the game goes on, Porche gets stronger. And his hard running has a weakening effect on opposing defenses.

On Friday at home, Porche toted the rock 23 times for 143 yards during a critical 45-35 triumph over Donegal. On Monday during a driving rain storm, the senior running back had rushed 21 times for 176 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-0 blanking of Pequea Valley.

This week, Porche carried the ball 44 times for the Annville-Cleona football team, and the Little Dutchmen posted a pair of impressive victories. Those two facts aren’t coincidences.

For the season, Porche has a total of 175 rushing attempts for 1,026 yards – an impressive average of 5.9 yards per carry – and 11 touchowns. But more importantly, this week’s two wins pushed Annville-Cleona to 5-3 overall and 5-2 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

If Porche and the Little Dutchmen keep it going, they could be in line for another District Three Class AAA playoff appearance. At the end of the week, Annville-Cleona was listed fourth in the Class AA power rankings.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 5

The Palmyra field hockey program boasts a long and storied history of success on the regional and state levels. Along the way, the Cougars have produced dozens of great players who have gone on to enjoy success on the national level.

Now count Lauren Wadas among the best of the best.

On Wednesday at In The Net Sports Complex, Wadas earned a couple of impressive career achievements, during Palmyra’s 10-0 non-league whitewashing of Berks Catholic. The Cougars’ senior midfielder/forward netted the 100th goal of her illustrious four-year career.

In so doing, Wadas moved into second place on Palmyra’s all-time goal-scoring list, behind only Kelli Fitzpatrick, Lebanon County’s all-time leader in goals scored.

Wadas has earned her place among the Cougars’ career scoring leaders as much with competitive drive, heady play and instincts as she has with natural ability. Wadas possesses a hard, accurate shot, a knack for being in the right place at the right time and outstanding field vision.

Earlier in the week, Wadas and the Cougars had bombed Mechanicsburg 8-0. Palmyra’s 2-0 week left it 13-3 on the season.

Currently, Palmyra is the top-rated Class AA team in the District Three power rankings. With Wadas leading the way, the Cougars are serious threats to capture upcoming District Three and PIAA Class AA championships.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 28

As a senior midfielder, Josh Mark has a number of responsiblities within the make-up of the Palmyra boys’ soccer team.

Mark has certain midfield duties. He plays a role on the Cougars’ defense. And his actions as a leader speak volumes.

But Mark’s greatest skill may involve scoring goals.

On Wednesday at In The Net Sports Complex, Mark’s scoring prowess was on full display during Palmyra’s 6-1 triumph over C.D. East. With a hat trick and an assist, Mark figured in two-thirds of the Cougars’ offensive output.

All three of Mark’s goals came in the first half, while Palmyra was building a 4-0 lead. In the middle of the first half, he netted a pair of rebound goals with his right foot to provide the Cougars with a comfortable advantage.

Mark had given Palmyra a quick 1-0 edge 7:55 into the match, when he headed a pass into the Panther net from an open field.

The result kept Mark and the Cougars unbeaten on the season at 10-0-1. With that extended hot start, Palmyra has designs on Mid-Penn Keystone and District Three Class AAAA achievements.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 21

Kicking. Punting. Returning. Calling plays. Defending. Passing. Braden Bohannon does a little bit of everything for the Elco football team.

 But what Bohannon does best is running.

 On Friday at Northern Lebanon high school, Bohannon enjoyed a monster game, while leading Elco to a 37-7 triumph over the hometown Vikings. The Raiders junior quarterback rushed 17 times for 181 yards and four touchdowns.

 Bohannon put the Raiders on the board in the middle of the opening quarter with a 21-yard touchdown run. Then late in the second period, his seven-yard jaunt to the end zone gave Elco a 23-0 advantage.

 Bohannon’s roll continued in the second half, in the form of a 52-yard scoring burst that pushed the Raiders’ lead to 30-0. Bohannon capped his evening with a 48-yard touchdown run early in the final stanza.

 Through five games this fall, Bohannon has put up 604 yards on the ground and has rushed for nine total touchdowns.

 Bohannon is also an accomplished basketball and baseball player for Elco, but his best work might be performed on the gridiron.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 14

Lindsay McFeaters has got a quick stick, a nose for the cage and a flair for the dramatic. For McFeaters, scoring goals is fun.

 But do you know what she enjoys even more? Winning.

 This week, McFeaters continued to be a driving force in the Northern Lebanon field hockey team’s push for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three title.

 On Monday, McFeaters registered an overtime tally that lifted the Vikings to a key 1-0 triumph over rival Elco. McFeaters registered the game-winner 6:09 into the extra session.

 McFeaters also collected the decisive goal in Wednesday’s 4-0 home victory over Lancaster Catholic. It was one of two goals that McFeaters recorded on the afternoon.

 Through seven games this season, the senior forward has notched a total of eight goals.

 The Vikings’ 2-0 week left them unbeaten at 7-0 and in first place in Section Three.

 During the winter and spring seasons, McFeaters is also a key contributor to Northern Lebanon’s girls’ basketball and softball squads.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 7

Steve Lyons has trusted the process. He’s bided his time. He’s waited in the wings.

 But now his time is here, and he’s ready to take full advantage of it.

 On Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium, Lyons looked fully prepared for the moment, as he led the Palmyra football team to a 34-20 triumph over Garden Spot. The first-year senior starter garnered his first career victory by going 12-for-20 passing, for 171 yards and four touchdowns.

 Lyons’ two-yard touchdown toss to Nick Morder with 40 seconds remaining in the first period staked the Cougars to a 7-0 lead, and his 53-yard passing collaboration with Kasey Shughart pushed Palmyra’s advantage to 20-0. Late in the second quarter, Lyons hit Shughart with a 40-yard touchdown pass, then Lyons found Shughart again, this time with a 23-yard touchdown toss, early in the final stanza.

 In addition to being Lyons’ first career win as a quarterback, it was also Palmyra’s initial victory of the season.

 Lyons had spent the better part of the last two seasons learning the Cougar offense behind the now-departed Grant Haus.

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WEEK ENDING August 31

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. But when talent works hard, that’s Isaiah Rodriguez.

 On Friday at Lebanon Alumni Stadium, Rodriguez’s talent and hard work paid off handsomely for the Lebanon football team, in the form of an exhilarating 14-9, last-second triumph over Elco. Rodriguez’s scrambling 12-yard touchdown toss to teammate Andrew Bowers with five seconds remaining proved to be the decisive score.

 On the winning drive, a 12-play 78-yard march, the junior signal-caller completed eight of ten pass attempts for 68 yards and also scrambled for a first down.

 Earlier in the contest, Rodriguez had hit Bowers on a similar 20-yard scoring strike in the left corner of the end zone to help the Cedars to an 8-0 first-quarter advantage. For the game, I-Rod went 15 for 29 passing for 195 yards through the air.

 The outcome evened Lebanon High’s mark at 1-1.

 During the early portions of the season, Rodriguez’s poise, maturity and enhanced decision-making have been apparent. Rodriguez worked hard on his game in the off-season by fine-tuning details, improving his foot work and attending developmental camps.

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WEEK ENDING August 24

 There aren’t many more compelling motivational factors than playing time and one’s place on the team. But players must perform to maintain their starting positions.

 For now, it appears that Chris Danz has a nose in front in his battle with Dalton Reinhart for playing time as the Cedar Crest football team’s quarterback.

 On Friday at Cedar Crest High School, Danz was the most valuable player on the field, during the 48th annual Cedar Bowl. With his passing proficiency and decision-making, the junior signal-caller led his Falcons to a 28-6 triumph over rival Lebanon.

 Danz was on top of his game throughout, completing 12 of 16 pass attempts for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Danz’s first touchdown strike – a six-yarder to Brayden Koehler – late in the opening period staked the Falcons to a 14-0 lead.

 Then, a couple of snaps later, Danz collaborated with end Chris Rios for a 54-yard catch-and-run that pushed Cedar Crest’s advantage to 21-0. On the opening drive of the second half, Danz found Cole Miller with a 39-yard fade which made the Falcons’ lead nearly insurmountable.

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WEEK ENDING August 17

From the outside, it looked like he was a lamb being led to the slaughter. But the way it turned out, Ryan Woelfling was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

 During Saturday’s opening round of the annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament at Pine Meadows, Woelfling was paired with three of the biggest names in local amateur golf – partner Dan Brown, and opponents Jim Gardner and Chris Gebhard. But instead of being in awe of his surroundings, Woelfing simply played his game.

 The composure of the 19-year-old college student and graduate of Elco high school was the key to he and Brown firing a nine-under par 63, an opening-round score which was good enough for a first-place tie with Tom Kintzer and Josh Kreiser. Woelfling and Brown’s first round consisted of an eagle, seven birdies and ten pars.

 Woelfing helped with a 10-foot birdie at the par-three 17th hole, and converted a short birdie putt at the par-five sixth. Woelfling also drained a 15-foot birdie putt at Pine Meadows’ par-four Number 12.

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WEEK ENDING August 10

Ben Clary is an adolescent tennis player on the verge of adulthood. But at this point, Clary possesses the ability to compete with adults and kids his age with equal success.

 Recently, the 17-year-old Clary captured the championship of the Mount Gretna Men’s Club’s 52nd annual summer tournament. The Palmyra senior-to-be defeated 42-year-old Mike Rohrbach 6-0, 6-2 in the championship match.

 Using overwhelming ground strokes from the baseline, Clary broke Rohrbach’s serve three times during his sweep of the first set. Then with the second set tied at a game apiece, Clary won four consecutive games to take control of the match.

 Clary had barged into the championship match by edging fellow Cedar Crest teenager Dylan Tull, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the semifinals.

  All Clary’s second straight championship at Gretna did was to confirm his standing as the top male tennis player in Lebanon County. Scholastically, Clary has won two Lebanon County singles’ championships and three Mid-Penn Conference singles’ titles.

 Come spring of next year, even bigger things appear to be on Clary’s horizon.

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WEEK ENDING August 3

 Dan Brown is a self-made golfer. Following a stellar fast-pitch softball career, Brown taught himself how to play golf, relatively late in life.

 He’s been making up for lost time ever since.

 On Sunday at the Lebanon Country Club, Brown padded his impressive list of local golf accomplishments by teaming with partner Jason Troutman to win the prestigious W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament. It marked Brown’s third Sullivan championship overall, with his second different partner.

 Brown and Troutman captured the title by scoring a 2&1 triumph over Drew Patterson and Chad Stine, in the final match of the championship flight. The victory was clinched when Troutman rolled in a seven-foot birdie putt on LCC’s par-four 17th test.

 Brown-Troutman had reached the title match by edging the duo of Ron Robinson and Andrew Lombardo 2&1 in Sunday morning’s semifinal match.

 In addition to the Sullivan titles he garnered in 2010 and 2001, Brown has won three Lebanon County Amateur championships and has claimed three Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners crowns with two different partners. With a number of Pennsylvania and Harrisburg district titles to his credit, the Cleona resident is recognized as one of the top amateur players in the state.

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WEEK ENDING July 27

It’s not how hard you hit it. Or how far you hit it.

 It’s where you hit it. And most importantly, when you hit it.

 Trevor Binner took the concept of timely hitting to the next level.

 Binner proved to be a key offensive cog during Campbelltown’s extended run in the Region Four American Legion baseball tournament at Ephrata’s War Memorial Field this week. It seemed every time C-town needed a key hit, the veteran Binner delivered.

  During its three regional games this week, Binner came through with first-inning RBI hits in all of them.

 On Sunday, during a 9-3 victory over Waynesboro, Binner smashed a two-run triple that staked Campbelltown to an early 2-0 lead. On Monday, his long run-scoring double to center field propelled C-town to a 1-0 first-inning advantage, and ultimately to a 5-2 triumph over Paxton.

 Then on Tuesday, in a 6-2 season-ending loss to host Ephrata, Binner laced an early RBI-single to give Campbelltown a 1-0 edge.

 Binner and Campbelltown, the Lebanon County American Legion League champions, concluded their summer campaign with an overall mark of 21-4.

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WEEK ENDING July 20

Find the ball out of the pitcher’s hand. See the ball. Hit the ball.

 Austin Baal is more of a natural hitter, a feel hitter, rather than a technical hitter.

 Recently, Baal has been on fire at the plate.

 On Monday at In The Net Sports Complex, Baal received the Jack Bicher Outstanding Hitter  award after leading Campbelltown to a 7-6 triumph over Ephrata, in the championship game of the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League. Baal garnered the coveted honor by going two-for-three and driving in four runs.

 Baal’s two-run, two-out double down the left field line in the bottom of the third inning staked Campbelltown to a 4-1 lead. His two-run homer to right field in the fifth upped C-town’s advantage to 7-2.

 Then on Friday, during the opening day of the Region Four tournament at Ephrata’s War Memorial Field, Baal continued his torrid pace. The first baseman/pitcher scorched a pair of run-scoring singles in each of his first two at-bats, as Campbelltown opened a 6-0 lead, on its way to a 7-5 triumph over Mechanicsburg.

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WEEK ENDING July 13

Billy Massar, Jr. shuns the limelight. He enjoys flying under the radar.

 If you’re not familiar with local amateur golf, you might not be aware of Massar’s career accomplishments.

 On Friday at Pine Meadows Golf Course, Massar padded his all-time resume by winning the championhip of the 32nd annual Lebanon County Senior Amateur tournament. After shooting a one-under-par round of 71, Massar defeated Randy Kohr on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff to claim the title.

 Massar and Kohr halved the first two holes of overtime with bogeys and pars, before Massar rolled in a five-foot birdie putt at Pine Meadows’ par-four third hole. During regulation, Massar had carded five birdies, nine pars and four bogeys to obtain his 71.

 For the 56-year-old Massar, it was his second county senior amateur crown. He wore the first one in 2013 at Blue Mountain.

 Massar has also captured two Lebanon County Amateur championships, in 2005 at Pine Meadows and 1995 at Monroe Valley.

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WEEK ENDING July 6

Jim Gardner possesses two demeanors – his on course one and his off course one. Never shall the two collide.

 On the course, Gradner is stoic and focused and intense. Off the course, he is laid-back, humble and reflective.

 Both of them serve him well.

 On Sunday at Lebanon Valley Golf Course, it was Gardner’s personality which helped him capture the title at the 61st annual Lebanon County Amateur Championship. It was the fourth of Gardner’s prestigious local amateur golf career.

 Gardner fired a final-round, even-par score of 71, that coupled with his first-round score of 63, gave him a total of 134, which was four shots better than the rest of the field. Gardner’s second round included five birdies, five bogeys and eight pars.

 Over the weekend, Gardner established a couple of new Lebanon County Amateur records. His opening round score of 63 on Saturday was the lowest ever posted in county amateur competition, and his two-round total of 134, or eight-under par, was also a new record for the event.

 Gardner’s four Lebanon County Amateur championships is a total only surpassed by the legendary Bob Page.

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WEEK ENDING June 29

As a team, Annville hasn’t hit a lick this summer. So how has it stayed in the thick of the Lebanon County American Legion baseball playoff race?

 Pitching and defense.

 On Tuesday at Annville-Cleona High School, it was Eric Sipling’s turn to toe the rubber for Annville, and he turned in another stellar outing, during a 3-1 victory over Fredericksburg.

 Sipling, a lanky right-hander who also toils for the Elizabethtown College baseball team in the spring, held Fredericksburg in check most of the way and seemed to get stronger as the game went along. Sipling finished what he started, fired 99 pitches, allowed five hits, fanned 11 and walked one.

 After working out of some early trouble, Sipling retired eight Fredericksburg hitters in-a-row over the middle innings. Sipling’s teammates supported him with two first-inning runs, then added an insurance tally in the bottom of fifth and played steady defense throughout.

 The result gave Annville a one-game lead over Fredericksburg in the race for the West Division’s final playoff spot, in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball circuit.

 Back on May 28th, Sipling had turned in a similar route-going performance during a 3-1 triumph at Fifth Ward.

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WEEK ENDING June 22

 Braeden Drescher enjoyed a solid high school season, pitching for Palmyra this spring.

 Over the summer, Drescher has done more than simply build upon that momentum. He has taken it to the next level.

 This week, Drescher continued to spearhead Campbelltown’s quest for goals in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league. On Tuesday, the veteran right-hander was on top of his game, as he hurled Post 831 to a 1-0 triumph over Richland.

 Drescher went the distance on a three-hitter, and he set Richland down in order, during the visitor’s second, third, fifth and sixth at-bats. His outing included 78 pitches, and he struck out seven and did not issue a walk.

 For Drescher, it was just another outstanding performance, as Campbelltown improved to 5-0 on the season.

 With Drescher dealing, and a host of teammates following his pitching lead, C-town figures to be a force that must be dealt with, when the West Division race and Lebanon County American Legion league shakes out next month.

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WEEK ENDING June 15

Hunter Bojanic’s job description has changed. He has gone from a role player – a member of the supporting cast, if you will – to a leading man.

 And what better place to lead than from the lead-off position.

 Bojanic has become both a catalyst and accelerant for the Richland entry in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league this summer. And on Wednesday night at Annville-Cleona High School, Bojanic led Post 880 to an 8-5 triumph over Annville.

 From his spot at the top of the order, Bojanic collected three RBIs, all of which helped Richland establish an early 5-0 lead.

 First, in the top of the second, Bojanic’s two-out, two-run single staked Richland to a 3-0 advantage. Then in the visitor’s half of the fourth, Bojanic drove home another Post 880 run.

 Bojanic is a key element of the Richland defense as its centerfielder, and with his speed, is also an adept base-runner.

 Last season, Bojanic was an emerging star on a Richland club that captured the championship of summer baseball in Lebanon County. This year, he’ll be counted on for more – including leadership – as R-Land seeks to defend its crown.

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WEEK ENDING June 8

Luis Pena-Sierra is off to a red-hot start. But as of yet, his Fifth Ward American Legion baseball team has yet to keep pace.

 If they ever get in-sync, look out.

 This week, Pena-Sierra continued his fast start – both at the plate and on the mound – for Fifth Ward. On Tuesday night at home, Pena-Sierra pitched Lebanon to its first win of the Lebanon County summer legion season, a 3-2 triumph over Myerstown.

 Hurling in relief, Pena-Sierra did not yield a run, surrendered three hits, walked four and struck out three to gain the decision. Meanwhile, at the dish, Pena-Sierra drove in one of Fifth Ward’s three runs, while going one-for-three with a double.

  In the early going this season, Pena-Sierra is batting a blistering .364 with two RBIs and a stolen base. From the hill, Pena-Sierra has worked ten total innings with 11 strikeouts, six walks, an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.10.

 If Fifth Ward is to make a push at a playoff spot in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball league, it will need similar performances from Pena-Sierra.

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WEEK ENDING June 1

 Softball is more than a game to Sydney Mengel. It is a way of life.

 That fact comes through in everything she does on the softball diamond. Mengel cares about the game almost as much as she cares about her teammates.

 Mengel was a key cog in the Northern Lebanon softball team’s drive to one of the most successful springs in program history. It was a road that ended on Friday at Lebanon Valley College, with a 6-3 loss to West Perry, in the consolation game of the District Three Class AAAA postseason.

 A day earlier, Mengel and the Vikings had endured a 3-0 loss to Eastern York at Hershey High School, in the semifinals of the District Three playoffs.

 During this spring season, Mengel, a senior, had anchored both the Vikings’ defense and offense as their shortstop and clean-up hitter. But it may have been that Mengel’s quiet leadership and presence in the dugout had an even greater effect on an up-and-coming Northern Lebanon club which realized its potential.

 The Vikings had alos qualified for the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs and their 18-6 campaign was the most successful season at Northern Lebanon in more than 20 years.

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WEEK ENDING May 25

 Hannah Woelfling grew up playing basketball and soccer. In elementary school, she tried her hand at the softball throw.

 But at some point, she came to enjoy throwing the discus.

 Maybe it was the individual nature of it. Maybe it was the people around her supporting her. Maybe it was the uniqueness of the challenge.

 On Saturday at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, Woelfling finished a very rewarding third in the Class AAA discus competition at the PIAA Track and Field Championships. Not only was it a great way to end a career, it was also an appropriate one.

 The Cedar Crest senior heaved the discus 134-11. It was her best throw in the event and it came on the second round of preliminaries.

 The state bronze capped an outstanding postseason for Woelfing. A week earlier, she had earned a silver medal the District Three Track and Field Championships.

 Woelfing was also crowned the champion of the discus throw at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Meet and at the Lebanon County meet in early May and late April. Woelfling’s future plans include throwing at Division Two Millersville University.

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WEEK ENDING May 18

The thing with shooting for the stars is, if you miss, you’ll get the moon.

 Kayla Long went for it all. She ended up with gold.

 On Saturday, during the second day of the annual District Three Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University, Long, a senior out of Annville-Cleona, attempted a leap of 11-9 in the pole vault, which would’ve been a new meet record, a new A-C school standard and a personal best. But she just missed clearing the bar.

 Earlier in the Class AA competition, Long surpassed 11-0, which earned her top honors and the gold medal. It was one of only two gold medals taken by local competitors from District Three events at Shippensburg.

 For Long, it was her second straight Class AA District Three championship in the pole vault. It was also her third gold of the current postseason, matching the ones she claimed at the Lancaster-Lebanon League and Lebanon County meets.

 Long will do her thing one final time scholastically, at next weekend’s PIAA Track and Field Championships, back at Seth Grove Stadium.

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WEEK ENDING May 11

In many ways, Nothern Lebanon sophomore Dylan Lambrecht is just coming into his own as a thrower.

 Not the biggest of dudes, Lambrecht has learned to generate his power and energy from below his arms and shoulders. He focuses on foot work, technique and speed to get the job done.

 At this weekend’s Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships, Lambrecht’s approach to throwing paid off in a big way. He brought home a pair of metallic medals from Hempfield High School.

 On Saturday afternoon, Lambrecht struck gold in the discus throw. His performance of 161-10 was more than eight feet better than his competition.

 On Saturday morning, the Viking 10th-grader captured a bronze medal in the shot put. His heave of 49-1.5 was a mere five feet off the winning effort.

 Lambrecht’s performance at the league meet has him poised to do big things at the District Three and PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University. Given his form, work ethic and mental toughness, he only figures to get better and better.

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WEEK ENDING May 4

Lauren Schrader is a throw-back, an old-schooler, a purist. When the seasons change, Schrader changes her sport right along with them.

 With this age of specialization slowly creeping up on us, Schrader is the last of a dying breed. She’s a multi-sport student-athlete.

 But not only does the Annville-Cleona senior participate in three sports, she competes – and wins.

 So in Schrader’s world, if it’s spring time, it must be softball season.

 As the spring season winds down, Schrader has been a key cog in the Little Dutchmen’s push towards a District Three Class AA postseason berth. She plays a stellar third base, hits near the top of the Annville-Cleona lineup, even pitches a little bit – but most importantly, she leads by example.

 This week, Schrader’s Little Dutchmen closed out their regular year with a 15-8 lambasting of Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four rival Pequea Valley. Annville-Cleona ended the season with a 12-7 overall record and a 10-6 mark in the section.

 In the fall, Schrader played a similar role in Annville-Cleona’s highly successful field hockey campaign. Then in the winter, Schrader toiled on the hardwoods for the Little Dutchmen basketball squad.

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WEEK ENDING April 27

 One could say that Jepel Gibbs catches on quickly. Or it could be that the Cedar Crest boys’ track and field program is simply adept at molding talent.

 Either way, it has evolved into a win-win situation.

 On Saturday at Lebanon High School, during the annual staging of the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships, Gibbs earned the meet’s Outstanding Male Athlete Award. What made the accomplishment even more remarkable is the fact that Gibbs is in only his second season of competing in track and field on the varsity level.

 Gibbs, a senior sprinter, captured three gold medals and a silver. His day began with a triumph in the 100-meter dash.

 It continued with a second-place effort in the long jump. And it concluded when he anchored the Falcons’ 400-meter relay team to victory, then won the 200-meter dash.

 Gibbs’ performance at the county meet set him up nicely for the big posteason meets going forward – the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships, the District Three meet and quite possibly the PIAA Track and Field meet.

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WEEK ENDING April 20

Emma Kelliher is a solid contributor in field hockey. She is a very good basketball player.

 But it is in softball where she excells.

 This week, Kelliher continued to excel, and so did her Northern Lebanon softball team. Kelliher tossed a pair of shutouts, including a no-hitter, as the Vikings enjoyed a 3-0 week.

 Kelliher was certainly on top of her game on Thursday at home, where she hurled a no-hitter during a 14-0, five-inning whitewashing of Pequea Valley. During that particular outing, the hard-throwing right-hander struck out five and walked one.

 Earlier in the week, on Monday in Fredericksburg, Northern Lebanon blanked Lancaster Catholic 5-0, behind a route-going performance by Kelliher. Kelliher whiffed 11 Crusaders, surrendered four hits and issued a pair of walks.

 The Vikings’ 3-0 week left them 11-2 on the season, 9-2 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League and in the thick of both section and District Three power-ranking races.

 Should Kelliher continue to perform like she has, it would seem that Northern Lebanon is headed for further success in the postseason.

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WEEK ENDING April 13

 They say pitching and defense are the keys to championships. Well, a strong and experienced battery can certainly go a long way in that department.

 It would seem that the Palmyra softball team has a lot of their bases covered.

  This week, senior pitcher Abbey Krahling continued to lead the Cougars’ charge, during their historical start to the season. On Tuesday at home, Krahling hurled Palmyra to an 11-0 victory over Harrisburg. 

 As she has been all spring long, Krahling was on top of her game, combining with reliever Sarah Quigley on an abbreviated no-hitter. Krahling only tossed three innings, but they were perfect, as she fanned seven, recorded six first-pitch strikes and did not issue a free pass.

 While she certainly believes in getting ahead in the count, Krahling’s key to getting hitters out this season has been her location and her ability to move pitches and batters around. Despite her aggressive style, Krahling prefers to allow her defense to work for her.

  Tuesday’s victory over Harrisburg was part of Krahling and the Cougars’ three-win week. Palmyra is now off to a surprising 7-1 start to the season, and all of those victories have come within the confines of the Keystone Division of the Mid-Penn Conference.

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WEEK ENDING April 6

Ahhh, the baseline. It requires a strong forehand and an unwavering backhand.

  It is the place where dreams can come true, reputations are made and championships are won.

 On Saturday at Cedar Crest High School, Ben Clary earned the Lebanon County individual boys’ tennis championship from the baseline. The hard-hitting Palmyra Cougar downed the Falcons’ Jackson Muriaka 6-1, 6-2 in the final match at Number-One Singles to earn the title.

 Ripping hard ground strokes with both sides of his racquet, Clary captured the last four games of the first set. Then, Clary closed out Muriaka by winning the final three games of the second set.

 Clary had reached the championship match with a 6-0, 6-0 blanking of Elco’s Jaydon Grumbine.

 Clary’s county crown was his second straight, both of which have come against Muriaka, and it helped Palmyra to tie Cedar Crest for the overall team championship in the event. In their four career head-to-head meetings, Clary has won two and Muriaka has won two.

 While the matches between Clary and Muriaka have been epic in nature, they don’t figure to be the final ones, moving forward.

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WEEK ENDING March 30

It was merely the season opener. But Andrew Long was in mid-season form.

 It may have just been a sign of things to come.

 On Wednesday after school at Annville-Cleona High School, Andrew Long pitched the Little Dutchmen baseball team to a 10-0 season-opening victory over Lancaster Mennonite. Long earned the pitching win by striking out ten Blazer batters, while issuing two free passes.

 The junior righthander worked the first four innings of Annville-Cleona’s season, before giving way to reliever Josh Speraw in the fifth inning. Long and Speraw combined to shut out Lancaster Mennonite on four hits.

 In support of Long, the Little Dutchmen scored in four of their six at-bats, including the first and third innings when they plated a total of six runs to stake Annville-Cleona to a 6-0 lead.

  Not only will he contribute to the Little Dutchmen on the mound this spring, Long will also do it defensively in the outfield, as well as the plate. He will be counted on heavily, as Annville-Cleona makes pushes for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four championship, a berth in the league playoffs and a spot in the District Three postseason.

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WEEK ENDING March 23

 Relatively speaking, Ariel Jones was a late bloomer. But once the Cedar Crest graduate came into her own, she hasn’t stopped blossoming.

 Jones, a 5-7 combo guard on Shippensburg University’s Division Two women’s basketball squad, was recently named to the D2CCA All-Atlantic Region and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference first teams for her record-breaking sophomore season. This year, Jones set the Shippensburg record for points in a season with 690 total points, led the PSAC in scoring and ranked fourth nationally among Division Two performers with a 25.6 points per game average.

 Jones reached double digits in each of the 27 games she played this season, a mark that included 22 games with more than 20 points and nine games with more than 30 points.

 But Jones did much more than score for the Raiders. The former Falcon led Shippensburg with 97 assists, three-point field goal percentage and led the nation in both free throws attempted and made.

 For Jones, 2018-19 was simply a continuation of a freshman campaign in which she was tabbed the PSAC’s Eastern Division Freshman of the Year, led the PSAC in scoring and set the conference’s record for scoring by a freshman, with 609 points.

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WEEK ENDING March 16

 At the beginning of the season, the Palmyra girls’ basketball team wasn’t the Palmyra girls’ basketball team. There were departures to be replaced, there were roles to be filled, there were questions to be answered.

 If the Cougars were to realize their full potential, players were going to have to step up and personalities were going to have to be developed.

 No one epitomized Palmyra’s season-long emergence as much as sophomore guard Katelyn Becker.

 On Saturday at Altoona High School, the Cougars’ magnificent November-to-March run concluded in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Class AAAAA playoffs, with a 48-39 loss to Thomas Jefferson. But Palmyra couldn’t have gotten so far, without contributions like those from Becker.

 Earlier this week, Becker and the Cougars had beaten Wyoming Valley West 42-24, in the second round of the state tournament, at Pottsville’s Martz Hall.

 For her part, Becker, along with fellow underclassmen Jess St. Clair and Zoe Smith, improved dramatically over the course of the year, physically mentally and emotionally. On the floor, Becker’s contributions came in the forms of three-point shooting, supportive scoring and improved defense.

  Moving forward, look for Becker’s role to morph into more of a leadership one.

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WEEK ENDING March 9

 T.J. Moore is a fast learner. A quick study. An insatiable student.

 But most of all, the Cedar Crest junior is a hard worker.

 On Friday at Hershey’s Giant Center, Moore capped a remarkable winter season at the annual PIAA Wrestling Championships. Moore had reached the pinnacle of his discipline in just his second year as a varsity wrestler, a feat that is almost unheard of in the sport.

 But Moore wasn’t just content to bask in the bright lights of the big stage. He competed admirably against the best in the state.

  Ultimately, Moore’s inspiring postseason run at 220 pounds came to an end with a tough 6-4 loss to Dillon Ferretti of Hempfield, in the third round of consolations. He had reached that point of the bracket thanks in part to a forfeit triumph over Conestoga’s Paul Pelham a round earlier.

 Moore had been relegated to the consolation bracket by a difficult 3-2 loss to Paolo DiSanto of Plymouth-Whitemarsh in his opening round match.

 Moore concluded his junior year with a sparkling 37-10 overall record. Along the way, he copped the bronze medal in his weight class at the District Three Class AAA tournament at Hersheypark Arena.

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WEEK ENDING March 2

 He did it the hard way. But that’s not all that unusual for Colin Leonard.

  The Northern Lebanon senior has always earned everything he’s gotten.

 On Saturday at Wilson High School, during the contesting of the annual PIAA Class AA Southeast regional tournament, Leonard became the first wrestler in Lebanon County history to qualify for the state tournament four times. Leonard punched his ticket by finishing third in the 126-pound weight class.

 It was a somewhat surprising third for Leonard, the reigning District Three Class AA champion who had to battle back through the meat-grinder to get back to Hershey’s Giant Center. Leonard had endured an 8-7 upset setback to Braedan Amole of Octorara in the quarterfinals of his weight bracket.

  Leonard fought back with a 15-0, 3:10 technical fall over Kobin Karper of Boiling Springs in the third round of consolations. Then in the consolation semifinals, he nudged Eli Tuckey of Biglerville 7-3.

 Leonard whitewashed Zach Rupp of Upper Dauphin 8-0 for the regional bronze medal.

 Leonard will carry a 37-6 overall mark and high expectations into the PIAA Championships at Hershey, where he garnered an eighth-place medal last year.

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  WEEK ENDING February 23

It happened in a flash. It was the play of the year in Lebanon County basketball this season.

 And it took a special player to pull it off. One like Amelia Baldo.

 On Friday night at Spring Grove High School, Baldo did what she does best – perform in the clutch – and it propelled the Palmyra girls’ basketball team into the semifinals of the PIAA District Three Class AAAAA postseason tournament. Baldo’s basket with less than a second left on the clock was the game-winner, as her Cougars shaded Spring Grove 43-41 in thrilling fashion.

 With 0.6 seconds showing on the game clock, the senior point guard accepted an in-bounds pass under the basket from a teammate, went directly to her left hand with the ball and laid it off the rim and in to beat the buzzer. It was an amazing chain of events that was hard to believe, even for those who were there to witness it.

 But for Baldo, it was simply making another play, something she’s been doing throughout her solid career as a Cougar, and especially during her senior year. Baldo, along with fellow senior Olivia Richardson, has shown the way in what is turning into a memorable playoff push for Palmyra.

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WEEK ENDING February 16

It was the biggest game in Lebanon County basketball this season. It was one of the most memorable performances of her illustrious career.

 Ryelle Shuey has always been the kind of athlete who possesses the ability to rise the ocassion.

 On Wednesday at Lebanon High School, during the semifinals of the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs, Shuey hoisted the Elco girls basketball team on her shoulders and carried them to a dramatic 36-34 overtime victory over rival Cedar Crest. Shuey scored both the basket that forced overtime and the one which proved to be decisive.

 Off a nice feed from teammate Katelyn Rueppel, Shuey worked her way inside to tally the basket that tied the game at 30 at the end of regulation and forced overtime. Then with 1:38 left in the overtime period, the Raiders’ senior forward notched the eventual winning bucket, with a similar maneuver.

 The field goals were two of eight scored by Shuey that evening, as she finished with a game-high 17 points. Two days later, Shuey and her Elco mates were defeated 66-42 by Lancaster Catholic in the Lancaster-Lebanon League championship game.

 Shuey has committed to Division One Lehigh to further her academic and soccer careers.

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WEEK ENDING February 9

The Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team has been consistently steady throughout the season. Molly Bucher has really come on lately.

 It’s a combination that bodes well for the Falcons moving forward.

 On Monday, Bucher and Cedar Crest claimed the Lancaster-Lebanon Section One championship, with a 55-38 triumph over Penn Manor. It was the Falcons’ third section crown over the last four years, and sixth overall.

 Then on Saturday, Bucher notched seven points in Cedar Crest;s 43-28 home victory over Lampeter-Strasburg, in the quarterfinal round of the L-L League playoffs. Earlier in the week, Bucher had dropped in ten points during the Falcons’ regular-season-ending 37-33 setback at Manheim Township.

 At week’s end, Bucher’s Falcons stood at 17-5 overall, 12-1 in Section One.

 For her part, Bucher has really seemed to embrace her role as ball handler, defender and outside scoring threat as the year has worn on. Bucher is also one of Cedar Crest’s most accurate shooters, both from three-point land and at the charity stripe.

 As the upcoming postseason unfolds, look for Bucher’s role to increase even more with Falcons.

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WEEK ENDING February 2

 Stoic, focused and all business, Bryce Coletti doesn’t say a lot when he’s on the basketball floor. He’s too concerned about the task at hand.

 But he does allow his play to speak for him.

 This week, Coletti continued to lead the Elco boys’ basketball towards its postseason goals. In two games, during which the Raiders went 1-1, Coletti tallied a combined 24 points and contributed in a host of other ways.

 On Friday night at Garden Spot High School, the junior combo guard pumped in 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Elco from falling to the Spartans, 51-48. Then on Saturday afternoon at Northern Lebanon, Coletti collected nine points in the Raiders’ 55-36 victory over the Vikings.

 The two results left Coletti and the Raiders 12-8 overall and 8-4 in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, and sewed up a league playoff spot for Elco.

  Coletti has been a key cog all season long for the Raiders. He is averaging 10.5 points per game, and he’s Elco’s top free-throw shooter, one of the Raiders’ finest three-point shooters and one of their leading assist men.

 During the spring season,  Coletti also stars on the baseball diamond for Elco.

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WEEK ENDING January 26

He’s a warrior, a tactician and a student of his craft. But most of all, Matt Inman is a champion.

 It is a title that the Annville-Cleona junior has earned through hard work, and one that no one will ever be able to take away from him.

 On Saturday at Garden Spot High School, Inman garnered the 113-pound weight class championship at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon League Wrestling Tournament. Inman got the job done with a 6-3 victory over Solanco’s Jackson Hughton in the final.

 A pair of opening-period take-downs propelled Inman to a 4-2 lead in the title bout, and ultimately they proved to be decisive. With 16 seconds remaining in the second period, Inman scored another take-down to pad his lead to 6-3.

 Inman had reached the 113-pound final with a 6-4, semifinal triumph over Mason Casey of Garden Spot on Saturday morning of the two-day event. Inman opened his tournament by decking Elizabethtown’s Skyler Nagel in 1:03 on Friday, then outscored Austin Brass of Ephrata 13-7.

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 WEEK ENDING January 19

 It’s been a back-and-forth, up-and-down kind of season for the Palmyra girls’ basketball team this year.

  But one consistent bright spot for the Cougars has been the play of senior Olivia Richardson. When her team has needed her most, Richardson has provided a steadying influence for Palmyra.

  A 5-10 forward and inside presence, Richardson goes about her business in workmanlike fashion. Richardson, along with fellow senior Amelia Baldo, leads the Cougars in scoring with an average right around 11 points an outing.

 Richardson is also a focused rebounder and an outstanding free throw shooter. In addition, she anchors Palmyra’s active and stingy defense from her position in the post.

 But perhaps most importantly, Richardson is a shining example, a player for the younger Cougars to look up to.

 Through this week, Palmyra stood at 7-7 on the year and on the cusp of a District Three Class AAAAA postseason berth.

  Recently, Richardson committed to further her athetlic and academic pursuits at Millersville University.

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 WEEK ENDING January 12

At the beginning of the season, the Lebanon boys’ basketball team wasn’t sure where it was going or how it was going to get there. The Cedars were in need of players to step up.

 Although there’s been plenty of bumps along the way, Jean Carlos Gonzalez-Belen has certainly done his part.

 This week, Gonzalez-Belen’s emergence and inspired play continued. Gonzalez-Belen tallied a total of 49 points, though it wasn’t enough to prevent the Cedars from absorbing three tough losses.

 On Saturday against highly-regarded Wilson, Gonzalez-Belen struck for 15 points in a 58-52 setback. An evening prior, the junior forward had pumped in a team-high 17 points during a 66-53 setback at Elizabethtown.

 Gonzalez-Belen began his week on Tuesday, by notching 17 points in a 69-59 home loss to Manheim Township.

 With senior Scottie Porter out with an injury, Gonzalez-Belen has come through with a 12 points-per-game scoring average for the Cedars.

 Gonzalez-Belen’s presence inside and on the glass has opened things for teammates outside. But Gonzalez-Belen also possesses the ability to step out beyond the three-point line and hit threes of his own.

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 WEEK ENDING January 5

 Shoot. Score. Distribute. Defend. Lead. The Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team asks a lot of Zara Zerman.

 And whatever she is requested to do, Zerman does to the best of her ability.

 Zerman, a 5-8 do-everything junior guard, has emerged as the Vikings’ go-to girl and unquestioned leader. It’s been a process for Zerman, one that she’s continued to embrace.

 This week, Zerman continued to do everything in her power to lead Northern Lebanon. On Saturday, in particular, Zerman was all over the place during Northern Lebanon’s 41-33 victory at East Pennsboro.

 Zerman poured in a game-high 19 points, which included a three-pointer. The result left Zerman’s Vikings 5-6 on the season.

 Through those 11 games, Zerman is averaging right around 18 points per outing. She also leads Northern Lebanon in three-pointers and is one of the Vikings’ leaders in assists and rebounds.

  In addition, Zerman makes her free throws at an 80 percent clip.

 It remains to be seen whether or not the Vikings will get where they want to go this season. But if they do, it’ll be because Zerman showed the way.

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WEEK ENDING December 29

Adam Long isn’t a leader, he’s a revolutionary. He’s at the head of a movement to turn the fortunes of the Annville-Cleona boys’ basketball program around.

 And where Long goes, his Little Dutchmen teammates will follow.

 This week, at the Northern Lebanon Christmas Tournament, Long once again did his part to help point Annville-Cleona in the right direction. For his efforts, the junior point guard was named to the event’s all-tournament team.

 The honor was well earned.

 On Friday night, Long poured in a game-high 21 points during Annville-Cleona’s 56-38 drubbing of Tulpehocken in the consolation game. An evening earlier, Long had dropped in 11 points in an opening-round 74-53 setback at the hands of Littlestown.

 Through ten games – during which the Little Dutchmen have gone 4-6 – Long has posted a scoring average of 15 points per outing. He’s also an accurate shooter, one of Annville-Cleona’s top free-throwers and three-point marksmen.

 During the spring months, Long can be found toiling on the baseball diamond for the Little Dutchmen, as an accomplished catcher.

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WEEK ENDING December 22

Amanda Smith is the new kid on the block. And she’s kind of taking the local basketball scene by storm.

 As long as she has a passion for winning and knows how to get the job done, Smith will fit in well with the Elco girls’ basketball team.

 The Raiders’ early season success has been one of the most compelling story lines in Lebanon County sports this winter, and Smith’s emergence as a scorer for Elco has been additional pleasant surprise.

 This week, Smith continued to score and the Raiders continued to win. Smith netted a total of 40 points, as Elco completed a 2-1 week to improve to 5-2 on the year and 3-1 in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

 n Monday, the sophomore guard tallied 18 points in the Raiders’ 49-33 triumph at Manheim Central. On Friday, Smith struck for 17 points, but the Raiders fell 39-32 at Lampeter-Strasburg.

 In addition to leading Elco in scoring with an average right around 13 points per outing, Smith is also one of the Raiders’ most dangerous foul shooters.

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WEEK ENDING December 15

Raven Morgan has been around, she’s seen some things. In some ways for Morgan, everything has led up to this.

 It is simply the Cedar Crest senior forward’s time to apply what she has learned from those who came before her.

  Recently, Morgan led the Falcon girls’ basketball team to a 3-0 week. In the process of again making Cedar Crest one of the top teams in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Morgan has established herself as one of the circuit’s top performers.

 On Friday, Morgan poured in a game-high 20 points to lead Cedar Crest to a 41-22 victory at Elizabethtown. On Wednesday, she knocked down a dozen points to help the Falcons to a 37-27 non-league triumph over Wyomissing.

 Morgan kicked off her week on Tuesday, when she tallied 17 points during the Falcons’ 53-44 home win over Wilson.

 Morgan has become Cedar Crest’s leading scorer and one of its top rebounders through an unrelenting motor, a deft touch around the basket and some refined talent.

 It may be that this season, Cedar Crest will go as far as Morgan takes it.

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WEEK ENDING December 8

Asher Kemble is a post presence, an inside guy, a big man. In today’s basketball lingo, he’s a ‘big’.

 This weekend, Kemble certainly came up big for his Elco boys’ basketball team.

 On Saturday night, during the consolation game of the Lebanon Athletic Booster Club’s annual tip-off tournament, Kemble led the Raiders to their first victory of the season, a 60-37 triumph over Red Land. The 6-5 junior forward poured in a game-high 17 points and hauled down ten caroms for the Raiders in the non-league contest.

 Kemble tallied his points on seven mostly inside buckets and three-for-four foul shooting. But perhaps more importantly was Kemble’s energy, intensity and hustle, which set the tone for the Raiders’ effort.

  Because of his performance, Kemble was named to the event’s all-tournament team.

   A night earlier, Kemble had notched four points during a season-opening setback to Cedar Crest.

 Going forward, Kemble’s play on the inside may hold the key to success for an Elco squad which entertains high hopes but is mostly perimeter-oriented.

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WEEK ENDING December 1

 Anne Lehr is the Lebanon Valley College women’s basketball team’s go-to girl. Whether it be a stop, a key bucket, a rebound or a free throw, when the Flying Dutchmen need a play, they look to their 5-7 senior guard.

 And Lehr almost always delivers.

 This week, Lebanon Valley went 3-0, and Lehr was in the middle of all three victories.

 On Saturday in Reading, Lehr notched ten points during a crucial 66-65 road triumph over Albright. It came three days after Lehr had poured in a game-high 27 points – which included 11-for-15 free throwing, four steals and four rebounds – during Wednesday’s 66-60 home win over Stevenson.

 Lehr’s week began with 11 points and five steals in a 78-67 victory over Penn State-Harrisburg. The Flying Dutchmen’s 3-0  week lifted them to 4-4 overall, but more importantly to 2-0 in the Commonwealth Conference.

 A graduate of York Catholic High School, Lehr currently leads LVC in scoring, assists and steals. But one is left with the distinct impression that the best is yet to come.

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WEEK ENDING November 24

 If patience is a virtue, than timing is an accelerant.

 Justin Baker has put in his work, he’s paid his dues. But it may be that his time with the Lebanon Valley men’s basketball has arrived.

 Baker is an important piece in the Flying Dutchmen’s current rebuild. This week, the former Lebanon High star showed that he is an individual to be leaned on, someone to be counted upon.

 On Tuesday at Elizabethtown College, Baker tallied a team-high 23 points, as Lebanon Valley endured an 85-74 loss at the hands of the home-standing Blue Jays. Baker’s output came on some very accurate shooting – eight-of-ten from the floor and seven-for-nine at the charity stripe – and it was complemented by four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

 The result made LVC, which is retooling from heavy losses from last year’s Middle Atlantic Commonwealth championship, 2-3 in the early going.

 Baker, a junior guard, played all but one minute against Elizabethtown. Through five games this season, he is now averaging double-digit scoring for the Flying Dutchmen.

 Going forward, Baker will be counted on for scoring, defense and all-around heady floor play by Lebanon Valley. 

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WEEK ENDING November 17

 Some were surprised by the Palmyra field hockey team’s run to the PIAA Class AA championship game. But it was a surprise not shared by the Cougars themselves.

 It also wasn’t a surprise that Lauren Wadas led them there.

 On Saturday at Whitehall-Coplay school district’s Zephyr Sports Complex, Palmyra endured a 1-0 overtime setback at the hands of Donegal, in the state final. But Wadas and the Cougars could take great consolation from the facts that they played their hearts out against the mighty Indians and that they represented themselves well along the way.

 On Tuesday at Emmaus High School High School, during the PIAA Class AA semifinal contest, Wadas had netted a goal and two assists in Palmyra’s 3-1 triumph over Wyoming Valley West. The outburst gave the junior midfielder 26 goals and 11 assists for the season.

 But scoring is just one of the aspects of Wadas’ game. One of the top 11th-grade field hockey players in the country, Wadas is a tireless worker who commands respect in the midfield and leads by example.

  Over her three-year career, Wadas has tallied more than 50 goals for Palmyra.

 During the winter months, Wadas also stars on the hardwoods for the Cougars.

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WEEK ENDING November 10

 Julia Nelson isn’t worried about awards, personal stats or glory. She is concerned with the team and doing her job and leadership.

 Nelson is the Elco girls’ soccer team’s unsung heroine.

 On Tuesday night at Cedar Crest High School’s Earl Boltz Stadium, Nelson and the Elco’s remarkable campign came to conclusion in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs, when Lewisburg outscored them 4-2 in penalty kicks, after their postseason contest had ended in a 0-0, overtime draw. But what a fantastic ride it was for the senior sweeper and her Raiders.

 Throughout the fall, Nelson starred as the anchor of Elco’s stingy defense. With Nelson consistently clearing balls, marking dangerous opponents and directing the Raiders’ backfield, Elco logged an incredible 17 shutouts in 22 outings this season.

 Offensively, Nelson, who took the majority of Elco’s free kicks this year, contributed a pair of goals and a couple of assists to the Raiders’ cause.

  Throughout the year, Nelson helped Elco to a 20-1-1 overall record, its fourth straight Lancaster-Lebanon section championship, an unprecedented L-L League title and a District Three Class AA crown.

 During the winter months, Nelson also stars on the hardwoods, as a versatile guard on the Elco girls’ basketball team.

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WEEK ENDING November 3

In athletics, successes are meant to be built upon. Gwyneth Young’s success began in the spring, but as this fall progressed, she got better and better and better.
On Saturday morning over Hershey’s Giant Center’s 3.1-mile course, Young’s success peaked at the PIAA Class AAA Cross Country  Championships. The Cedar Crest sophomore finished a very rewarding sixth among females in her classification, in a time of 19:20.

 The performance capped an incredible fall season for Young, one in which she seemed to put her best foot forward as the meets became increasingly competitive. Young’s success can be traced to a spring track-and-field season, where she starred as a 3200-meter runner for the Falcons.

 arlier this fall, Young was third at the Big Spring Invitational, sixth at the Carlisle Invitational and finished first in four of Cedar Crest’s five Lancaster-Lebanon regular-season meets. Then in October, at the L-L Cross Country Championships at Ephrata Middle School, she came in second among girls.

  Later in October, at the District Three Class AAA Championships at Big Spring High School, Young ran a 19:11 to cop a silver medal.

 

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WEEK ENDING October 27

 It is unclear whether or not qualifying for the postseason was enough for the Northern Lebanon field hockey squad. But what is certain is that Carrie Shuey played a key role in helping the Vikings get where they needed to go.

  On Wednesday night at West Perry High School, Shuey and the 13th-seeded Vikings’ season reached a conclusion during a 4-1 setback to fourth-seeded Newport, in the opening round of the District Three Class AA playoffs. While Northern Lebanon’s journey was an up-and-down one, the big picture revealed that the fall was mostly a success for the Vikings.

 And it was Shuey who led the way.

 With advanced hand-eye skills, a nose for the ball and blossoming leadership abilities, Shuey paced Northern Lebaon in scoring during the fall of 2018. The fleet forward notched a total of 18 goals, and assisted on 15 other Viking scores.

 huey had her hands in a remarkable 47 percent of the 70 total goals that the Northern Lebanon offense posted this year.

 The Vikings, who registered some big wins on their way to recording a 12-6 overall mark, finished third in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

 

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WEEK ENDING October 20

There are pros and cons to the on-raging debate of specialization in scholastic sports. The answer may be somewhere in the middle, that the benefits of specialization may vary on an individual basis.

There are very little few doubts that Gage Kral has benfitted from focusing on one particular athletic discipline.

On Tuesday afternoon at Ephrata Middle School, that was blatanly apparent for Krall, during the annual running of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Cross Country Championships. A former two-sport competitor who also used to play soccer in the fall, the Northern Lebanon junior was the top Lebanon County finisher among male individuals at the league meet.

The gutsy Krall covered the up-and-down, 3.1-mile course in 16:40.5 to come in a satisfying eighth overall. The seven runners who finished ahead of Krall were all seniors.

Krall’s performance was just ticks off his personal best time.

Krall went out hard, and when the lead pack picked up the pace, he went with it. Although he didn’t finish as strong as the seniors ahead of him, Krall was within striking distance when the end of the race came into view.

Krall has also qualified for the District Three championships, which will be contested on October 27th at Big Spring High School.

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WEEK ENDING October 13

There have been others. But it may have been the most important goal that Anya Kissinger has scored to date.

One is left with the distinct impression that are more, important goals to come.

On Tuesday afternoon in Myerstown, Kissinger came up with a big one. The Raider forward tallied the only goal in Elco’s 1-0 triumph over Annville-Cleona, a win that would prove to be imperative in the Raiders claiming their first Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championship in 24 years, later in the week.

Kissinger’s game-winner against the Little Dutchmen was set up by teammate Abbie Keath, from the top of the circle, with 1:25 remaining in the first half. Keath dumped the ball down low to Kissinger stationed on the left post of the A-C cage, and Kissinger made no mistakes, sweeping the ball into the goal.

For Kissinger, it was her team-leading 13th goal of the season, to go along with two assists. Elco clinched the Section Three crown on Friday, with a 2-2 tie at Lancaster Country Day.

Kissinger and the Raiders will now ride the wave of momentum created by the section championship into the upcoming Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class A playoff tournaments.

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WEEK ENDING October 6

One must always be cautious when singling out individuals in a team sport.

Hanna Lewis is not a one-person show. Let’s just say that Lewis has been doing more than her share.

This week, Lewis’ prolific scoring season picked up steam, as the Cedar Crest field hockey team continued its push for a postseason berth. On Tuesday at Ed and Jeannie Arnold Field at Earl Boltz Stadium, Lewis, a senior forward for the Falcons, netted her 22nd goal of the fall, during a 4-1 setback at the hands of Manheim Township.

That total is believed to be one of the top goal-outputs in a season, in the history of the Cedar Crest field hockey program.

Lewis has done her damage this season with unrelenting hustle, a knack for positioning – being in the right place at the right time – superior hand-eye coordination and a booming shot. Lewis plans to take her field hockey talents to Lafayette next fall.

Through this week, Lewis and the Falcons sported an 8-8 overall mark and were very much in contention for a District Three Class AAA playoff spot.

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WEEK ENDING September 29

Located in Quentin, Fairview is a fine 6,011-yard, par-71 test of one’s golfing skills. Although she had heard of it, she had never played it, seen it or even walked it before.

But there’s a good chance, Kelsey McConaghy will be back again.

On Thursday at Fairview Golf Course, McConaghy copped the girls’ individual title at the annual Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championships. McConaghy fired a 41 over Fairview’s front-nine, besting Cedar Crest’s Emma Dissinger by three strokes, in an event that was shortened by impending weather.

Playing Fairview for the first time in her life, the Palmyra senior found the course very much to the liking of her long game. But on this particular day, McConaghy’s short game was dead-on as well.

Employing her length, McConaghy birdied two of Fairview’s par-fives on the front. Her 41 helped Palmyra to a second-place showing in the team portion of the tournament.

It was the second Lebanon County individual crown for McConaghy, who is undecided about pursuing the sport in college. It also served as a bit of a redemption for McConaghy, who had enjoyed a somewhat sub-par performance at the Mid-Penn Conference tournament earlier in the season.

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WEEK ENDING September 22

The Elco field hockey team is so hungry for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championship that the Raiders can almost taste it. And what’s making the quest so special is that the Raiders are doing it together, as a unit.

But it is captain Abby Keath who is leading the way.

This week, Keath was the catalyst, as Elco notched two key victories in that quest.

On Tuesday afternoon at Northern Lebanon High School, Keath potted a pair of goals – including the game-winner – when the Raiders shaded the rival Vikings 3-2 in overtime.

Three minutes into the extra session, Keath tallied the decisive goal by using a hesitation move to create space and beat the Northern Lebanon goalie. Earlier in the contest, late in the first half, Keath had scored Elco’s second goal with a hard rush down the right side of the field.

Then on Wednesday at Annville-Cleona, Keath came up with an assist in the Raiders’ important 2-1 decision over the Little Dutchmen.

During the week, Elco went 2-0-1, to improve to 5-0-1 on the season and take over first place in Section Three.

In addition to her important goals, Keath leads the Raiders in assists. To this point of the season, eight different Elco players have found the back of the cage.

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WEEK ENDING September 15

Because she aspires to larger accomplishments, she looked at it as a stepping stone. But that didn’t stop Lily Brubaker from reveling in a Lebanon County championship.

On Saturday morning at Gloninger Woods Park, Brubaker captured the individual female title at the annual Lebanon County Cross Country Championships. It was the Elco senior’s second such championship in three years.

And Brubaker did it in decisive fashion.

Brubaker covered the mostly flat 3.1-mile course in 18:41.8. It was a time that was Brubaker’s personal-best by about a minute and it was 57 seconds faster than runner-up Marissa Mull of Palmyra.

Brubaker got off to a fast start and established a little breathing room by the top of Gloninger Woods Park’s first hill. From there, she steadily increased her advantage to a point where she was competing against herself.

Two years ago, Brubaker captured her first Lebanon County title at Annville-Cleona high school. Last year, she finished second at the meet.

Next month, Brubaker will be seeking to improve on her fifth-place finish at last season’s District Three race.

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WEEK ENDING September 8

The Lebanon High football team may have found its quarterback. But more importantly, the Cedars may have found a home.

On one glorious Friday night at Lebanon Alumni Stadium, everything came together for the Cedars. Behind new starting quarterback Isiaiah Rodriguez, Lebanon recorded its first Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three win ever, in a big way, with a 58-26 beat down of Pequea Valley.

Rodriguez, who has been thrust into the limelight by the relocation of incumbent senior Zakee Sailsman, paced Lebanon’s 472-yard offensive explosion. Rodriguez completed 13 of 16 pass attempts for 178 yards and two touchdowns, and also gained 19 yards on the ground.

Rodriguez’s 37-yard scoring strike to Alex Rufe opened the scoring and gave the Cedars a 6-0 lead early in the opening quarter. Then near the start of the second stanza, the sophomore signal-caller found Kaden Harbaugh with a 52-yard touchdown toss that upped Lebanon’s advantage to 27-0.

Eventually, the Cedars’ lead reached 44-0.

In addition to being Lebanon High’s initial victory of the season, it was also one of the Cedars’ most lop-sided triumphs in recent memory.

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WEEK ENDING September 1

There is no quarterback controversy at Annville-Cleona. Junior Bours and Josh Speraw are competitive teammates who want the same things.

But right now, Bours gives the Little Dutchmen the best chance to win.

On Thursday night at Octorara High School in Chester County, it was Bours who led A-C to their first triumph of the season, a 39-30 victory over the home-standing Braves. While Speraw scored a pair of Little Dutchmen touchdowns, Bours had his hand in Annville-Cleona’s other four, a couple with his legs and a pair with his arm.

Bours also ran in two touchdowns, and tossed a two more. A junior, Bours’ two pass completions both went for long touchdowns and he piled up 92 yards rushing on ten keepers.

Bours’ 49-yard scoring strike to Tyler Long in the first period gave the Little Dutchmen an early 6-0 cushion. His 50-yard touchdown toss to Jalen Price late in the third period pushed Annville-Cleona’s lead to 39-16.

But it was Bours’ earlier three-yard scamper into the end zone which would prove to be the game-winner. Just before halftime, Bours had ripped off a 76-yard touchdown jaunt that gave the Little Dutchmen a 26-10 lead.

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WEEK ENDING August 25

When to run?

When to pass?

Who to throw it to?

Who to hand it off to?

When to change a play?

What to change it to?

Decision. Decisions. Decisions.

Playing quarterback in the Palmyra football team’s offense is all about decisions. But through his grasp of attack concepts, Grant Haus has evolved into a superior decision-maker.

On Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium, Haus’ decision-making played a key role in the Cougars’ 21-17 season-opening victory over rival Hershey. Haus was his usual proficient self, as he tallied a pair of touchdowns with his feet, including the late game-winner.

With just over a minute remaining and Palmyra trailing 17-14, Haus ran one in from two yards away to get his Cougars’ season off on the right foot. Late in the opening period, Haus had staked Palmyra to a 7-0 advantage with a similar two-yard plunge.

For the game, Haus had his hands in 206 of the Cougars’ 292 total yards. The senior signal-caller completed 11 of his 20 pass attempts for 178 yards, to four different receivers.

In the spring, Haus is also one of the most accomplished boys’ lacrosse players in the area.

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WEEK ENDING August 18

What is your favorite kind of links’ fowl? Big birds or little birdies?

In the game of golf, they all count the same. But if Mike Potts had a preference, it would be the short ones.

On Saturday morning at par-72, 5,734-yard Pine Meadows Golf Course, during the opening round of the 30th annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament, Potts was on fire, but more with his irons than his blade.

Potts scored six birdies – mostly from short range – to help him and partner Jesse Brown to the first-round lead at the Lebanon County Golf Association’s most popular event. Sticking approach shot after approach shot close to the pin, Potts and Brown fired a blistering eight-under par 64 to take a three-shot advantage into the second and final day of the 36-hole event.

After starting on Pine Meadows’ Number Six test, Potts closed out his team’s round with short birdies at Numbers One and Five. He also converted short birdies at Numbers Eight and 15.

In addition, Potts chipped in for birdie at the par-five, tenth hole.

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WEEK ENDING August 11

There are many athletes who receive recognition locally for what they have done, for the things they have accomplished. Then there are those rare athletes who can be recognized for what they are about to achieve.

Logan Horn is one of those special athletes whose contributions are a known quantity.

Horn is a senior quarterback for the Cedar Crest football team. As they continue to prepare for the upcoming 2018 fall campaign, Horn may hold the key to the Falcons’ success this year.

Horn will be one of the local players to watch, as the Lebanon County scholastic season unfolds. If there was such a thing as a ‘Player of the Year’ award locally, Horn would be the favorite for it.

Horn is entering his fourth season as the starting quarterback in South Lebanon. At the quarterback position, Horn is known as a dual threat – he’s equally adept at passing as he is at throwing.

But hat may be even more important to the Falcons’ fortunes is what Horn does in the areas of poise, leadership, understanding of the offense and ball protection.

Horn is seemingly good at whatever he does. In the winter, he is an accomplished guard for the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team and in the spring he stars as a shortstop and pitcher for the Falcons on the diamond.

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WEEK ENDING August 4

Ben Clary is on a mission. It is a mission to become the absolute best tennis player he can be.

It is a mission that has always been linked to Jack Muriaka.

On Friday night, Clary defeated Muriaka to earn the singles’ championship of the 51st annual Mount Gretna Men’s Tennis Club’s prestigious tournament. Clary captured the first of the three-set final match 6-2, before Muriaka retired due to an oblique injury.

It was the Palmyra High School junior-to-be’s first singles’ title at Mount Gretna. It also avenged a straight-set loss to Muriaka in last year’s Gretna championship match.

It was also a different result than May’s District Three Class AAA semifinal scholastic match, which was won by Muriaka, a student at Cedar Crest. Clary’s rivalry with Muriaka can be traced to his freshman season at the Lebanon County Scholastic Championships, and the friendly rivals have met in a handful of important matches since.

At the Lebanon County tournament, Clary and Muriaka have split their last two championship meetings.

Also this spring, Clary was crowned the Mid-Penn Conference’s Class AAA singles’ champion for the second straight season. Over the past two scholastic regular seasons, the hard-stroking righthander has not dropped a match.

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WEEK ENDING July 28

His teammates call him ‘filthy’ and ‘dirty’. And to Travis Weaver they are the highest compliments he could be paid.

When his Richland mates do, they’re referring to his pitching. But Weaver can hit a little bit too.

On Thursday of this week, Richland’s best all-around player continued to shine. Weaver, a veteran corner infielder and pitcher, was clearly on top of his game during Post 880’s 6-5, season-ending defeat to Waynesboro, in the semifinals of the rain-shortened, eight-team, single-elimination Region Four American Legion baseball tournament, which was moved to Shippensburg’s Memorial Field.

Facing a 5-0 deficit in a suspended game, Weaver’s pitching kept the Lebanon County champions within striking distance and gave them a chance to win. Over the remainder of the contest, Weaver tossed four-and-two-thirds innings of two-hit, one-run ball.

He whiffed seven and walked two. The hard-throwing, right-hander fanned the first five Waynesboro batters he faced.

But Richland just couldn’t muster enough offense to turn Weaver’s performance into a victory.

Six days earlier at Hanover’s Diller Field, Weaver had pitched Post 880 to a 9-1 triumph over Upper Dauphin in the opening round of the Region Four event. In that particular contest, Weaver struck out seven, walked four and surrendered five hits, before reaching his pitch limit in the top of the seventh inning.

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WEEK ENDING July 21

Locate. Mix your pitches. Hit your spots. Get ahead in the count. Keep batters off balance. Pitch to contact. Trust your defense.

Young Brandon Breidegan is so much more than a thrower, he’s a pitcher. And when Breidegan was on the mound, Fredericksburg had a chance.

On Sunday evening at Fredericksburg’ Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Breidegan earned a no-decision, as his F-burg side dropped a 6-5, eight-inning affair to Richland, in the second championship game of the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league’s six-team, double-elimination tournament. But after the contest, Breidegan earned the Warren ‘Lefty’ Grumbine award for his outstanding pitching during the local summer league’s postseason.

Against Richland’s potent lineup, the 16-year-old righthander’s quality start helped Fredericksburg jump out to a 5-2, fifth-inning lead. But Breidegan was lifted in the sixth and his relief could not hold the lead.

Earlier in the tournament, Breidegan had twirled a three-hit, 5-0 shutout of Annville at Earl Wenger Memorial Field. In that particular contest, Breidegan kept his pitch count below 80, struck out two and walked three.

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WEEK ENDING July 14

What’s the different between expectations and hope?

He didn’t have great expectations for the Lebanon County Senior Amateur Golf Championships. But that doesn’t mean Eric Boltz didn’t have hope.

On Friday afternoon at the par-71, 6,305-yard Fairview Golf Course in Quentin, Boltz was the surprise winner during the 31st annual contesting of Lebanon County senior amateur golf championship. That he was crowned the champion may have more of a surprise to him than the rest of the 23-contestant field.

The only player not over par, Boltz fired a steady 71 to post a two-stroke victory. It was the first major golf title for the 50-something Boltz, a semi-regular on the local amateur circuit.

On this particular day, par was a good score for Boltz, as well as the entire field. He carded 16 pars, one birdie and one bogey, by utilizing a deft touch around the greens.

Boltz suffered his only bogey of the day when he flew his second shot at the 319-yard, par-four tenth hole, and then couldn’t get up and down. But he got over it quickly, when a birdie putt on the par-four 11th hole was true from six feet away.

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WEEK ENDING July 7

There is no substitute for experience. But neither is there a substitute for hustle.

Cameron Hoch combines both. And when he does the Annville legion baseball team benefits, through Hoch’s leadership by example.

This week, Hoch continued to lead Annville’s charge to the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league’s postseason. The veteran catcher played a direct role in A-ville’s dramatic 8-7 extra-inning triumph over Fifth Ward, Thursday at A-C High School.

Hoch provided the winning hit in Annville’s walk-off victory, capping a furious five-run, eighth-inning rally from a four-run deficit. An at-bat earlier, it was Hoch who had forced ‘bonus baseball’ with a run-producing double that knotted the score at three.

Hoch was also became the winning pitcher in the game, as Annville closed its regular season at 8-7.

Hoch plays a key role for Annville as its catcher, lead-off hitter and pitcher. Because of his style of play and demeanor, he is constantly hustling, diving for balls and leaving it all on the field.

Also a one-time football star for Annville-Cleona High School, Hoch was the 2017 recipient of the Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame’s Pop Kelchner award for excellence in scholastic athletics and the class room.

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WEEK ENDING June 30

On the golf course, confidence and aggressiveness walk hand-in-hand. Tyler Massar didn’t play to lose the 60th annual Lebanon County Amateur Golf Championship, he aggressively tried to win it.

On Sunday over Blue Mountain Golf Course’s 6,059-yard, par-71 layout, Massar’s confident approach produced his first County Amateur title. The 24-year-old Palmyra Middle School teacher fired a five-under par 66 over his second day of competition – the lowest round in the tournament – for a two-day total of 136, or six-under par, three shots lower than Dan Brown, John DiGiacomo and Steve Allwein.

Massar had carded a one-under 70 during Saturday’s opening round, and entered Sunday in second place. But over the final round, Massar certainly grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns.

Battling the eventual runners-up down the stretch, Massar emerged victorious with short birides at Blue Mountain’s par-three 12th, par-four 14th and par-three 16th. Massar also began his second round aggressively, in the form of birdies at numbers four, seven and eight.

Massar’s total of 136 tied the Lebanon County Amateur record for the lowest winning score at Blue Mountain. It also tied for the lowest winning score of any Lebanon County Amateur Golf Championship ever.

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WEEK ENDING June 23

Fredericksburg’s Michigan Daub. Annville’s Cameron Hoch. Campbelltown’s Brian Coburn. Richland’s Joe Carpenter.

There are some gifted athletes playing baseball in the Lebanon County American Legion League this summer.

But no one is more valuable to his team that Hayden Johnson is to Fredericksburg.

Johnson is versatile, instintive and gives it his all the time. But what separates him from the rest of the players in the local summer baseball league is his ability to get on base, disrupt a pitcher’s focus and run the bases.

F-burg’s lead-off hitter, the veteran Johnson exhbits patience, a good eye and a level swing at the plate. When he does get on, Johnson is always a threat to steal a base, and ultimately to score a run.

This week, Johnson was in the middle of Fredericksburg’s 6-5 win at Annville on Thursday. Though he didn’t get the win, Johnson started on the mound, pitched well and scored the run that gave Fredericksburg a late 5-3 advantage – on a double, advancing on a ground ball and scoring on a wild pitch.

In addition to his pitching duties and offensive-generation skills, Johnson is also a talented middle infielder, a fierce competitor and an unsung leader.

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WEEK ENDING June 16

Initially, it hurt. It hurt like crazy. But it didn’t take long for the shock to wear off, and when it did the pain evaporated.

Alex Shutter ‘wore on’ and took one for the team. And it never felt so good.

On Tuesday night at Myerstown Legion baseball field, Shutter starred in the role of hero when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and the score tied in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the home team a thrilling 12-11 triumph over Fredericksburg. Shutter’s RBI-HBP capped Myerstown’s three-run rally in the bottom of the final inning.

It was also Shutter who, an inning earlier, had pulled M-town to within 11-9 of the lead, with a clutch two-out, two-run double. It was Shutter’s second two-bagger of the game and he finished with three RBIs.

What made it even more special was that the victory was Myerstown’s first of the season in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league.

With his constant effort, toughness and all-out hustle, the youthful Shutter continues to epitomize the type of culture the Myerstown legion baseball program is attempting to foster.

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WEEK ENDING June 9

Perhaps the Palmyra boys’ volleyball team overachieved. Maybe it arrived ahead of schedule. Or perhaps the Cougars just came together sooner than expected.

But no matter the reason, Tyler Sheaffer was in the middle of everything.

On Tuesday evening at Cumberland Valley High School, Sheaffer and the Cougars had their spring season ended by powerful Northeastern. The Bobcats took three straight games from the Cougars, 25-22, 25-11 and 25-18.

But what a season it was. The loss came in the semifinal round of the PIAA Class AA tournament and the campaign represented the most successful in the short history of Lebanon County boys’ volleyball.

As he has been for most of the season, Sheaffer showed the way for Palmyra. The junior blocker/hitter recorded eight kills, six digs and two blocks.

Sheaffer was especially active in the opening game, when Palmyra threw a scare into Northeastern. Sheaffer and Palmyra led early in that game and fought tirelessly throughout, before running out of steam at the end.

The Cougars, who finished third in the District Three tournament, concluded their surprsing campaign at 17-5 overall. In just their fourth year of competing in the sport, the Cougars had not dropped a state-playoff game in advancing to the semifinals.

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WEEK ENDING June 2

He does it all.

He shoots. He scores. He assists. He defends. He mixes it up. He leads.

But there is absolutely, positively no truth to the rumor that Grant Haus drives the Palmyra boys’ lacrosse team’s bus as well.

On Tuesday evening at State College’s Memorial Field, Haus and his Cougars’ historic boys’ lacrosse season reached a conclusion with a 13-6 loss to District Seven champion Mars, in the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class AA tournament. But don’t blame Haus. For he was his usual spectacular self.

From his attack position, Haus netted four goals in Palmyra’s season-ending setback. That four-goal explosion gave Haus 72 for his junior season, to go along with 35 assists, and 140 goals for his career.

Palmyra’s 22-win season, District Three runner-up finish and advancement to the second round of the state playoffs represented the most prolific season in the brief history of Lebanon County boys’ lacrosse. And the Cougars simply couldn’t have done it without Haus’ contributions.

In the fall season, Haus was also a productive quarterback for the Palmyra football squad.

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WEEK ENDING May 26

In the beginning, Kirstin West wasn’t even sure she wanted to go out for the sport, she had a hard time envisioning herself as a track-and-field student-athlete. Or even which event she might be good at.

But she made herself vulnerable, put herself out there, and through perseverance discovered her niche. It was because of that same spirit that West became the best javelin thrower she could be.

On Saturday afternoon at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, West capped an outstanding scholastic career by earning a bronze medal in the Class AAA javelin, at the PIAA Track and Field Championships. The Palmyra senior’s third-place showing was the shiniest medal earned by a Lebanon County competitor at the state meet.

Seeded 14th entering the competition, West uncorked a 134-6 on her initial heave of the preliminaries to earn the distinction. Earlier in the season, she had gone into the 137s, with her best throw.

Throughout her career, West has garnered more than 15 medals for javelin throwing, on the Lebanon County, Mid-Penn Conference, District Three and PIAA levels. She is the reigning Lebanon County champion in the event.

Also an accomplished volleyball player, West plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, where she will explore further horizons in javelin.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING May 19

Stanley Miller is quite the character. Warm, engaging and humble, Miller never takes himself or his accomplishments too seriously.

He is a better person than he is a track-and-field student-athlete – and that’s saying something.

On Saturday at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, Miller showed exactly what type of sprinter he is at the 94th annual District Three Class AA Track and Field Championships. The Annville-Cleona senior struck gold in his signature event – the 200-meter dash – after finishing as the runner-up in the 100-meter dash.

In the afternoon, Miller got out of the blocks quickly in the 200-meter dash final and enjoyed a slight lead through the turn. He had enough left in the tank to out lean his competition at the tape.

Earlier in the day, Miller had finished second by a whisker in the 100 final. The second seeded Miller battled the entire way before being nudged by Brendan Sparr of Schuylkill Valley by .18 of a second at the end.

The sprint medals represented half of the four Miller earned on the weekend. He took seventh in the Class AA long jump and anchored the Annville-Cleona team to a seventh-place showing in the 400-meter relay.

Miller, who’s also an accomplished soccer player, plans to attend Liberty University in the fall and hopes to compete in track and field there.

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WEEK ENDING May 12

Head up, long strides, little wasted effort. When Gwyneth Young moves, it is an exercise in efficient motion.

Young has been working on her running form for the better part of a year now, all with the hopes that it will pay off with results.

This weekend at Hempfield High School, Young reaped the benefits of that hard work – as well as her guts and determination – at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon Track and Field Championships. The Cedar Crest freshman copped a pair of bronze medals, in the league meets’ two distance events.

On Friday evening, Young posted a 10:57.91 in the 3200-meter run, a time that was faster than any other Lancaster-Lebanon girl had ever run in the event in prior years. But it was a feat that the two competitors in front of her – Jamie Zamrin of Cocalico and Warwick’s Kate Dickow – also accomplished.

Then on Saturday morning, Young returned to Hempfield and again finished third, in the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:05.85. Young executed her plan of keeping the front-runners, Katie Locker of Elizabethtown and Lianna Tirado of McCaskey, in her sights the entire way.

Now it’s on to the District Three Class AAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium for Young, where she’s seeded fifth in the 3200 and 12th in the 1600.

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WEEK ENDING MAY 5

Brian Coburn has grown up quickly on the baseball diamond. He is one of the brightest and most talented young players in Lebanon County, and all of Central Pennsylvania, for that matter.

Coburn can hit, field, pitch and run the bases. He has – and continues to – do it all for the Palmyra baseball team.

This week, Coburn was again one of the key cogs in the Cougars’ on-going drive towards what would be an unexpected Mid-Penn Conference Keystone Division championship. The sophomore has contributed to Palmyra this season at shortstop, as a lead-off hitter and on the mound.

But with his humble attitude and calm demeanor, Coburn has also turned into a leader for the Cougars, despite his modest age.

After going 1-1 this week, Coburn and the Cougars sport an overall record of 13-3 and an 11-1 mark in the Keystone Division of the Mid-Penn.

From the top of Palmyra’s lineup, Coburn has hit at a clip well above .350. As a pitcher, Coburn has earned a victory in five of his six starts.

With Coburn showing the way, don’t be surprised if Palmyra makes some significant noise in the upcoming District Three Class AAAAA tournament.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 28

Shayla Bonzelet enjoyed an absolutely fabulous Lebanon County Track and Field meet on Saturday.

It was a performance worthy of an Oustanding Athlete award. It was just that teammate Hannah Woelfling was a little more worthy.

On Saturday at Lebanon County’s annual celebration of track and field, Bonzelet was on top of her game, and the result was three first-place finishes.

The Cedar Crest sprinter blazed to victory in the 100-meter dash, in a time of 13.15 seconds. Then in the 200, Bonzelet replicated the feat with a gold medal in 26.99

In between, in the 400-meter relay competition, she ran the second leg of the Falcons’ triumphant squad, one that also included Hannah McCurdy, Gabby Warfield and DeAsia Holloman. They combined to run a 51:19.

Individually, Bonzelet tallied more than 22 team points to boost Cedar Crest’s position in the team standings. Collectively, the Falcons won the team event by out-distancing runner-up Palmyra.

Over the next few weeks, Bonzelet will be seeking to build on her local showing at the Lancaster-Lebanon League, District Three, and quite possibly PIAA, postseason meets.

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WEEK ENDING April 21

April Showers bring May flowers.

The Northern Lebanon softball team has planted the seed. Now the Vikings are hoping to reap what they have sewn.

Following a slow start to a cold spring, the Vikings’ process continued to pick up steam this week. And Showers was in the middle of everything.

On Monday afternoon, Showers hurled Northern Lebanon to a key 11-0 shutout of Lebanon County rival Annville-Cleona, in a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three-Four crossover contest. In that game, the hard-throwing right-hander stifled the Little Dutchmen on four hits, fanned three and issued a single free pass.

On Friday night at Paradise Park, Showers was again sharp, but the Vikings dropped a tough 2-1 decision to Pequea Valley. Showers struck out eight, walked one and again yielded four hits, but the home team pushed across the decisive run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

During Wednesday’s 8-1 home triumph over Lancaster Mennonite, it was Showers who got Northern Lebanon off on the right foot, with a two-run ‘long ball’ in the third inning that snapped a score-less deadlock.

Thanks in part to Showers’ efforts, Northern Lebanon enjoyed a 3-1 week, which left it 4-4 overall, after starting the season 1-3.

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WEEK ENDING April 14

No one on the Palmyra softball team enjoys hoisting the ‘L’ flag. But no Cougar hates losing more than Abbey Krahling.

Not just a competitor, Krahling is an emerging hitter, an improving pitcher, and most importantly, an aspiring – and inspiring – leader for the Cougars.

Although the Cougars continued to search for consistency this week, Krahling remained the foundation upon which future successes could be constructed.

On Saturday afternoon, Krahling was spot on from the mound, as the Cougars dropped a tough 2-1 home decision to rival Hershey. The junior right-hander struck out seven, yielded four hits, walked one and neither of the runs she surrendered were earned.

But the effort was typical of a week that saw Palmyra go 2-2, and a season in which it has posted a 3-3 overall mark.

On Thursday after school, Krahling and the Cougars had posted a 4-0 home victory over Central Dauphin East. There was also a 5-4 triumph over Big Spring on Monday and a 10-4 loss to Mechanicsburg on Tuesday.

But moving forward, for Palmyra and Krahling to reach their full potential, they’ll have to harness some level of consistency.

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WEEK ENDING April 7

In softball, if you’ve got a good pitcher in the circle, you’ve always got a chance. It’s a proposition that the Annville-Cleona softball team has lived on over the years, one that the Little Dutchmen have built a program on.

Kaila Grubb is a good pitcher.

This week, Grubb helped Annville-Cleona get off to a good start, in what has been a cold spring season, with her arm – and her bat.

On Thursday after school, Grubb pitched the Little Dutchmen to a 9-4 victory over Lancaster Catholic. She went the distance on an eight-hitter, fanned nine and didn’t issue a free pass.

In her support, Grubb’s Little Dutchmen teammates scored two runs in the top of the fourth, then pieced together a decisive six-run rally in the fifth.

A day later, in Annville-Cleona’s home opener, Grubb contributed to an 11-6 triumph over Lancaster Mennonite with her speed and stick. She was a disruptive terror on the base paths and also added an RBI.

If Annville-Cleona is to contend for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four championship and a berth in the District Three postseason this spring, it will be Grubb who must show the way.

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WEEK ENDING March 31

It was the type of power display that has the ability to warm Falcon fans’ hearts, on even the coldest spring days. And Joseph Carpenter was at the forefront of the offensive explosion.

Just call him the leader of the ‘Bash Brothers’.

On a cool Monday afternoon at Cedar Crest High School, Carpenter led the Falcon baseball club to a 16-2 dismantling over Northern Lebanon, in both Lebanon County teams’ season opener. With Carpenter raking at the plate, Cedar Crest scored eight times in the first inning, then added two more runs in the second and five in the third, and never looked back.

The game was shortened to five innings by the mercy rule.

Carpenter, a senior first baseman, began his year red-hot, going four-for-four at the plate. Included in his afternoon were two doubles and a triple. A Delaware University recruit, Carpenter hit .317 for Cedar Crest as a junior.

But the Falcons are expecting even more from Carpenter this year, as they seek continued improvement on the diamond. Carpenter should hit in the middle of a Cedar Crest order that is loaded with good batters.

Last summer, Carpenter also competed for the Richland entry in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League.

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WEEK ENDING March 24

It was one filled with excitement, and just the right amount of conflict. It featured thrills and heartache, and included team and personal accomplishments.

But the most important part of Alexis Hill’s career was that potential was realized through hard work.

On Saturday at Downingtown West High School, the Lebanon Catholic senior’s fabulous scholastic career came to an end, with a 50-46 loss to Jenkintown in the semifinals of the PIAA Class A playoffs. In her final high school game, Hill tallied a game-high 16 points and pulled down a handful of caroms, but it wasn’t enough to avoid heartache.

During the winter, Hill scored at an 18.5 points per game clip and converted 91 of 155 charity tosses. Lebanon Catholic ended its year 25-7.

Hill will always be remembered as one of the most athletic female players to ever grace the Lebanon County hardwoods. She finished her career with 1,782 career points, a total that ranks her among the most prolific in the history of both Lebanon Catholic and Lebanon County girls’ basketball.

Last season, Hill was named the state Class A Player of the Year after leading the Beavers to the PIAA championship. Hill will continue her athletic and academic careers at Division One Northeast University in Boston.

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WEEK ENDING March 17

Celine Mars enjoys flying under the radar. She likes her actions to speak for her.

Mars does all the little things on the court – finishing around the rim, picking up a teammate when she’s down and playing smothering defense. But they are things that are absolutely essential for the Lebanon Catholic girls’ basketball team’s drive to a second state championship.

This week, as she usually is, Mars was in the middle of two key Beaver victories.

On Tuesday evening at Milton Hershey School’s Spartan Center, Mars rang up 14 points in Lebanon Catholic’s 54-24 drubbing of Greenwood, in the second round of the PIAA Class A postseason. Then on Saturday afternoon at Garden Spot High School, Mars contributed 11 points to the Beavers’ 50-33 handling of The Christian Academy, in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.

The two wins pushed Lebanon Catholic to 25-6 on the season, and into next week’s PIAA semifinal round.

For the season, Mars is averaging right around eight points a game, with over a hundred field goals and forty made foul shots.

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WEEK ENDING March 10

PIAA wrestling medals are a rare commodity in the state of Pennsylvania. They are even more precious for Lebanon County competitors.

Colin Leonard has joined an elite group.

On Saturday afternoon at Hershey’s Giant Center, Leonard joined only a handful of local wrestlers who have earned state wrestling medals, when he finished eighth in the Class AA 126-pound bracket at the PIAA Championships. The Northern Lebanon junior was beaten 12-1 by Jeremy Hanford of Warrior Run, in the seventh-place bout at 126.

But Leonard’s performance over the three days of the state tournament helped him realize a lifelong goal. It also paved the way for what should be an even more impressive senior campaign next year.

Leonard had assured himself of a PIAA medal on Friday, with a 3:17 fall in the third round of consolations.

Leonard opened his tournament on Thursday, by decking Nick Ooosterkamp in the first period of the first-round bout. But he was relegated to the consolation bracket by a tough 3-2 loss to A.J. Burkhart of Athens in the quarterfinals.

Leonard, the District Three Class AA champion at 126, went 2-3 at the state championships and finished his 11th-grade season at 49-8.

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WEEK ENDING March 3

From wide-eyed freshman to key contributor as a sophomore. What lies ahead is team leader and go-to-girl.

It should be very interesting to see how the rest of Zara Zerman’s scholastic career unfolds.

This week, Zerman’s development as a player and leader continued, and it was one of the main factors in helping the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team reaching the state playoffs for a third straight year.

On Tuesday evening at Hershey High School, during a District Three Class AAAA play-in game, Zerman and the Vikings defeated West Perry 51-38. In that contest, the sophomore guard poured in a game-high 20 points, on two three-pointers and six-for-ten free throwing.

Then two nights later at Cumberland Valley High School, during a seeding game for the state playoffs, Zerman led Northern Lebanon to a 35-22 triumph over Kennard-Dale. She posted 19 points, courtesy of a three-pointer and two-for-two foul shooting.

To date, it has been a spectacular sophomore campaign for Zerman. She is averaging 15 points per outing, has drilled more than 30 three-point field goals and is shooting 77 percent from the free throw line.

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WEEK ENDING Feb. 24

Blaise Bressler is a senior. Time is of the essence.

He’s just going to go for it, because he wants to go out with a bang.

On Saturday at Hershey’s Giant Center, Bressler came up with a huge career accomplishment when he won the 160-pound weight-class title at the District Three Class AA wrestling championships. Bressler bested Austin Taylor of Susquehanna Township 5-2 in the title bout, for the second straight week.

Bressler tallied three second-period points, on an escape and a take-down. Then in the final stanza, Bressler padded his advantage with another take-down, 30 seconds in.

Bressler had reached the finals at 160 with a 5:13 semifinal pin of Fairfield’s Colton Schriner, after decking Trey Donmoyer of Elco at the 1:52 mark in their quarterfinal bout.

Bressler’s weekend performance upped to his seasonal record to 46-5.

But the best may be yet to come for Bressler. The district championship put him in great position for next weekend’s Class AA Southeast Regional tournament, the qualifying event for the impending PIAA postseason back at Hershey’s Giant Center.

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WEEK ENDING Feb. 17

Olivia Richardson has been a part of the Palmyra girls’ varsity basketball program for three years now. She’s seen some things, been through some wars.

Richardson has also lived through some transition and has experienced change. And in some ways, she has helped smooth that transition and carry on the Cougars’ family tradition.

Richardson is a 6-0 forward for Palmyra. She continues to enjoy an excellent junior campaign, one in which the Cougars have qualified for the District Three playoffs for the 16th straight year.

Though she’s come on as of late, Richardson has led the Cougars in scoring throughout, posting an average of more than 11 points per outing. On the year, Richardson is shooting at a 39 percent clip and is making nearly 84 percent of her free throws.

She also contributes rebounding, solid defense and leadership to the Cougars’ cause.

Richardson and Palmyra recently concluded the regular season with a sturdy 13-9 record. As the postseason approaches, the Cougars will be seeking a berth in the PIAA Class AAAAA tournament.

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WEEK ENDING Feb. 10

Cole Laney has come a long way as a player and a person. His growth has not-so-coincidentally coincided with that of the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team.

A fearless penetrator, who’s comfortable around and above the rim, Laney has extended his game to include a deadly long-range jumper. But he’s also morphed into a player the Falcons can depend on and lean on.

This week, Laney and the Falcons warmed up for Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAAAAA postseason contests with a key win against Section One opponent and rival Lebanon High.

On Tuesday at ‘The Falcon Cage’, during Crest’s regular-season finale, Laney dropped in a dozen points in CC’s 61-53 victory over the Cedars. The result marked Cedar Crest’s fourth win over Lebanon this season.

It also gave the Falcons an 18-4 final regular-season mark.

Laney will be counted on heavily as Cedar Crest seeks an L-L championship and a deep postseason run. During the regular year, the 6-5 senior forward has pumped in more than 14 points per game, been a consistent free-throw shooter and rebounder and led the Falcons in three-pointers.

Laney also enjoyed a productive fall on the gridiron, his first for the Falcons.

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WEEK ENDING Feb. 3

t’s been a back-and-forth, but mostly positive, season for the Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball team. And through it all, Caleb Light has been a steadying influence for the Vikings.

This week, Light’s inspired play did not relent, as Northern Lebanon continued its push towards Lancaster-Lebanon League postseason and District Three Class AAAA playoff berths. In two key L-L Section Three tilts, Light contributed 28 points to the Vikings cause, while going six-for-nine at the free throw line and tossing in a pair of three-point buckets.

Throughout the campaign, Light has been there for the Vikings when they needed him most. He leads with his heady play, his defense and overall court savvy.

At the end of this week, Northern Lebanon was sitting at 15-6 overall and in third place in Section Three of the L-L.

For the winter, Light is scoring at a 17 points-per-game click that ranks him sixth in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The senior guard leads Northern Lebanon in three-pointers and is making his charity tosses at a 75 percent rate.

This fall. Light also starred on the gridiron for the Vikings, as a wide receiver and defensive back.

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WEEK ENDING Jan. 27

Luis Negeriros just keeps winning, despite the fact that he’s not in the greatest of physical shape. Just think what will happen when he finally does round into shape.

On Saturday afternoon at Garden Spot High School, Negeriros claimed the 182-pound weight-class title at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Wrestling Championships. Winded and not in top physical condition, Negeriros defeated Garrett Fittery of Manheim Central 8-5 in the final bout at 182.

Against Fittery, Negeriros went to work in the second period and scored a take-down 30 seconds into the period. He ended the stanza with a 6-4 advantage, then outscored Fittery 2-1 in the final period.

Negeriros had reached the championship bout with a 3-0 shut out of Manheim Township senior Carter Hasson in their semifinal bout at 182 pounds. After receiving a bye, the top-seeded Negeriros decisioned Isiah Gantt of Conestoga Valley 14-7 in the quarterfinals.

Negeriros’ performance helped Northern Lebanon to a second-place showing among teams at the competition.

Negeriros’ had returned to the Vikings’ lineup just three weeks prior, after recovering from an injury sustained during the football season. Going forward, Negeriros has a bright postseason future, but one that will hinge on how quickly he can get back into wrestling shape.

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WEEK ENDING Jan. 20

Rachel Witherite is a connector, a transition facilitator, a segue. She has been the link between one phase of the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball program and the next.

But do you know what else Witherite is? She’s a mentor, a coach on the floor, a leader.

This week, Witherite continued to lead the surprising Falcons to success. What the senior sharp-shooter learned from past Cedar Crest teams she has passed on to the current one.

Thanks in part to Witherite’s efforts, Cedar Crest enjoyed a 2-1 week. On Thursday night, Witherite collected a pair of three-point baskets to the Falcons’ 45-41 triumph at McCaskey.

On Friday evening at home, Witherite dropped in two more three-pointers during a 45-25 victory over Warwick. Then on Saturday night at ‘The Cage’, she was held to five points but contributed strong defense, as Cedar Crest fell 43-34 to Palmyra in a non-league clash.

Through the week, Witherite and the Falcons sported a 10-6 overall mark and a 7-2 record in Section One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. For the season, Witherite has been the Falcons’ top scorer from three-point land.

During the spring, she brings the same qualities to the softball field for Cedar Crest.

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WEEK ENDING Jan. 13

Jeff Lorah is the prototypical senior leader playing for the prototypical improving team. Sure the Elco boys’ basketball team needs him, but in some ways Lorah also needs the Raiders and the position he has been unintentionally been put in.

This week, Lorah continued his strong senior season, and Elco continued to show noticeable improvement. Those two phenomenon are related more than just on the surface.

Setting the tone, leading by example and contributing on the defensive end, Lorah netted a total of 28 points during the Raiders’ 2-1 week. The highlight of Lorah’s week came in an 84-48 home victory over Columbia on Tuesday night, when he struck for 19 points that included two three-point field goals and five-for-five foul shooting.

For the season, the senior guard is averaging 12 points per outing. He also leads the Raiders in three-point field goals, and is one of Elco’s top free throwers.

Through the week, Lorah and the surprising Raiders sported a 7-6 overall mark and a 5-2 record in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

This fall, Lorah also starred on the gridiron for Elco, as a receiver and defensive back.

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WEEK ENDING Jan. 6

Always putting it first, Neesha Pierre is the consummate team player.

But what she has discovered over the last four years is that by doing so, there are some pretty cool team honors that can come your way. And some very meaningful individual awards, as well.

On Tuesday evening on Assumption Hill, Pierre netted the 1,000th point of her career during the Lebanon Catholic girls’ basketball team’s 81-55 triumph over Lancaster Mennonite. Needing ten points to reach the milestone, the 5-8 senior guard tallied a season-high 19 points.

Pierre got off to a fast start, pouring in nine points in the opening quarter. Then a minute into the second stanza, she picked up her 1,000-th point with a drive to the bucket with her right hand.

In so doing, Pierre became the 16th player in the illustrious history of Lebanon Catholic girls’ program to reach the plateau.

On Friday evening, Pierre went for 12 more points, during the reigning PIAA Class A champions’ 73-43 home win over Columbia. It was the Beavers’ sixth straight victory and left them 8-4 on the year and 4-1 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

For the season, Pierre is averaging more than 11 points per game.

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WEEK ENDING Dec. 30

It’s been an up-and-down, back-and-forth, topsy-turvy season to this point for the Lebanon boys’ basketball. The Cedars have been, at best, inconsistent.

But the one person Lebanon has always been able to count on this winter has been Luis Aquino-Rios.

It was more of the same this week for the Cedars, as they went 1-1, despite the best efforts of its senior guard and leader.

On Thursday evening, during the opening game of the Cedar Crest Christmas tournament, Rios once again shined for Lebanon, pouring in a game-high 21 points to lead his squad to a 58-48 triumph over York Country Day. The following night, Rios struck for two three-pointers and ten total points, but the Cedars fell to the host Falcons 50-38 in the championship contest of the event.

The results left Lebanon 3-6 on the season.

Rios, a hard-working, passionate and heady player, continued to lead the Cedars in scoring with a points per game average right around 17. But he also contributes in the areas of defense, rebounding and overall floor leadership.

Also a good student, Rios aspires to play basketball on the college level.

In addition, Rios was an accomplished player on the gridiron for Lebanon during the fall, piling up 1,085 total yards and 12 touchdowns.

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WEEK ENDING Dec. 23

Liz Voight is steady. She’s a rock. A foundation.

Someone upon which to build success.

Voight has stepped in nicely to her role as a leader of the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team. She had some pretty good role models to follow.

This week, Voight helped the Vikings to a 3-0 slate, as Northern Lebanon continued to surprise with its inspired play.

On Monday night at home, Voight poured in 25 key points during the Vikings’ hard-earned 57-52 triumph over Lebanon Catholic. In that contest, Voight nailed a three-pointer and converted ten of 11 free throw attempts.

The senior guard followed that up on Wednesday evening with a 21-point performance, in a 51-39 victory at Columbia. Voight topped off her week with a 23-point outing at home on Friday night during a 65-53 win over Pequea Valley, one that included ten-for-ten shooting at the charity stripe.

The 3-0 week moved Voight and the Vikings to 6-1 on the year.

Voight now leads Northern Lebanon in scoring with an average right around 18 points per outing. She is also the team leader in three-point field goals made and owns a free-throw percentage that is above 90 percent.

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WEEK ENDING Dec. 16

Amelia Baldo brings a lot to the table for the Palmyra girls’ basketball. And she’s not above setting it as well.

Baldo’s all-around play has been a key to the Cougars’ early season success, which included going 4-0 this week.

The 5-7 junior guard contributed a total of 45 points, a handful of assists and stingy defense to the victories that lifted Palmyra to 6-0 on the year.

On Tuesday evening at home, Baldo netted 11 points in Palmyra’s 41-28 victory over Mechanicsburg. A night later, during a 50-18 road triumph over Hempfield, Baldo went for 15 points.

Then on Friday night in Palmyra, Baldo recorded another 11 points, in a 33-30 win over Susquehanna Township. She rounded out her productive week with an eight-point effort at Milton Hershey on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks in part to Baldo’s performances, Palmyra won six games in eight days to open the season.

Last week the fiery and cerebral guard, who helps mentor future Cougars at the younger levels, was named to the all-tournament team, when the Cougars captured the championship of the Northern Lebanon Tip-Off Tournament.

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WEEK ENDING Dec. 9

It’s always a dicey proposition when singling out an individual in a team sport – especially when it comes to a squad as team-oriented as the Cedar Crest boys’.

Logan Horn was named the most valuable player at the Lebanon Booster Club’s Tip-Off Tournament. But it could’ve just as easily been Blake Thomson who walked away with the individual hardware.

With his decision-making, court savvy and overall play-making abilities, Thomson played a key role in helping the Falcons to the tournament championship. The senior guard tallied a total of 24 points in Cedar Crest’s two wins in the event.

During Saturday evening’s 49-46 victory over the host Cedars, Thomson struck for 11 points, including a three-pointer and two-for-two free throwing. On Friday night, Thomson went for 13 points, a three-pointer and four-for six at the foul line, as Cedar Crest nudged Elco 68-44 in its season opener.

But Thomson contributed just as much defensively in Cedar Crest’s outings, as he did on the offensive end.

The Falcons have high hopes for the 2017-18 campaign, and Thomson is one of the biggest reasons why.

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WEEK ENDING Dec. 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

From a one-time state champion to a national champion. Boy, ddi she know how to pick a college.

Let’s just say that the Palmyra field hockey program prepared Jess Dembrowski well to compete at the next, very high level.

Dembrowski, a 2017 graduate of Palmyra High School, recently won an NCAA Division One national championship as a freshman with the University of Connecticut field hockey team. Late last month, Dembrowski and the Huskies defeated Maryland 2-1 at Trager Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

The win completed UConn’s undefeated 23-0 season, and it was the Huskies’ third NCAA Division One national in the last five years. But their first one with Dembrowski in the fold.

As a rookie, Dembrowski started all 23 games for the Huskies, tallied seven goals and notched five assists. Two of Dembrwoski’s goals were game-winners.

As a sophomore at Palmyra in 2014, Dembrowski played an integral role in the Cougars winning a Class AAA PIAA championship.

Dembrowski’s teammate at Palmyra, Cheyenne Sprecher served as a freshman reserve goalkeeper for UConn this season.

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WEEK ENDING Nov. 25

Three seasons ago, Sam Light may the decision to transfer from Millersville University to Lebanon Valley College, to play in front of the home folks and win a championship. And although the latter has yet to happen, he can’t be displeased with his decision.

Light is looking at his senior year as his last chance to make that championship happen.

On Tuesday night at Lou Sorrentino Gymnasium, Light and the Flying Dutchmen’s pursuit of that elusive title continued, with an 82-72 non-conference triumph over Elizabethtown. Though Lebanon Valley’s championship drive is still in its infancy, the outcome made it an impressive 4-0 this season.

As has become his custom, Light led the Flying Dutchmen in a number of ways. On nine-of-12 shooting from the field, the 6-0 guard out of Northern Lebanon poured in a game-high 22 points in 30 minutes of action, and also contributed seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.

For the season, Light is averaging right around 20 points per outing and is shooting .460 from the floor. He is also a blistering 30-for-31 from the charity stripe.

Light also leads the Flying Dutchmen in three-pointers.

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WEEK ENDING Nov. 18

It may have been his best game in his team’s worst. But each has progressed enough to extend the season.

The more time that Evan Horn spends with the New Hampshire University football program, the better they get.

On Saturday afternoon at Bob Ford Field in Albany, New York, Horn and the Wildcats closed out the 2017 regular season with a disappointing 15-0 loss to the University of Albany. But the good news for Horn and New Hampshire is that their fall will continue in the postseason.

Horn, a 2016 graduate of Cedar Crest and a red-shirt-freshman safety, was all over the field for the New Hampshire defense. Horn recorded his first career sack – one of his two tackles-for-loss on the day – and collected a total of three solo tackles and five assists.

This fall, Horn has become more and more involved in the Wildcat defense, logging 17 solos and 18 assists for 35 total tackles. The 6-0, 201-pound Horn has also picked off a pair of passes and broken up four others.

Next Saturday, Horn and the 7-4 Wildcats will host Central Connecticut State in the opening round of the NCAA Division One-FCS playoffs.

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WEEK ENDING Nov. 11

The Northern Lebanon football squad turned big plays into a big season. And no one epitomized the Vikings’ big-play capabilities more than Christian Trader.

On a Week Eleven Friday night at Fred Gahres Stadium, Trader continued to show off his big-play, big-game skills, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Northern Lebanon from falling to Lampeter-Strasburg, 34-19 in the opening round of the PIAA District Three Class AAAA playoffs. It was two long Trader pass receptions in the first half that had the Vikings smelling upset.

First, Trader hauled in a 63-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Michigan Daub to stake the Vikings to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Then Trader scored on a 53-yard catch-and-run collaboration with Daub in the second period to put Northern Lebanon ahead 19-14.

For the game, Trader caught five balls for 182 yards.

Trader tallied 13 touchdowns this fall, only one of which came from less than 25 yards way. Three of those touchdowns covered distances of 80 yards or more.

Trader’s explosiveness helped the Vikings to the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championship, their third in four seasons.

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WEEK ENDING Nov. 4

It was a performance for the ages. The only thing that could detract from it was that it came in a loss.

On Friday night in Landisville, Lebanon junior quarterback Zakee Sailsman put on a spectacular individual show that won’t be forgotten in some time, during the Cedars’ season-ending 59-48 loss to Hempfield. Sailsman established a new Lancaster-Lebanon League record by accounting for an unbelievable 601 total yards of offense.

The electric Sailsman completed 34 of 46 pass attempts for 506 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran 15 times for another 95 yards and three more scores.

In the first half, Sailsman completed two touchdown passes of 70 yards or more to Jeremiah Beckley. And with the Cedars trailing most of the evening, Sailsman tossed a pair of third-quarter scoring strikes to Luis Aquino-Rios that pulled Lebanon to within 42-35 of the Black Knights.

The outing just served to enhance Sailsman’s staggering offensive numbers for the season.

He finished the campaign with 185 completions in 308 attempts for 2392 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air. Sailsman also ran for nine scores.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 28

For the past three seasons, Lexie Smith has been part of three Palmyra field hockey teams that have reached the PIAA Class AAA championship game. Now a senior, Smith and the Cougars were destined to fall short of that lofty achievement.

But that doesn’t mean Smith didn’t use that experience to help this year’s edition of Palmyra become the best it could be.

On Saturday at Hempfield High School, Smith’s Cougars’ 2017 campaign came to a conclusion with a 3-0 loss to powerful Penn Manor, in the quarterfinals of the District Three Class AAA tournament. But it was Smith who had influenced the Cougars’ journey to get there.

Four days earlier at Penn Manor High School’s Comet Field, Smith had tallied the game-winning goal that moved Palmyra into the quarters. Her score, with seven minutes remaining, proved to be the difference, as the Cougars edged Warwick 3-2.

From the right portion of the circle, Smith lofted a high shot on the Warwick cage that landed at the goalie’s feet. With teammate Gabby Corricelli operating in the area, the ball squirted between the keeper’s pads and into the goal.

The goal was the 14th of Smith’s senior campaign.

Palmyra ended the season with a 13-6-1 overall mark.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 21

So, exactly what is a leader? A leader is a person who inspires others, a person who exhibits great character, someone who causes change.

Someone who shows the way.

On Tuesday afternoon at Ephrata Middle School, during the annual contesting of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Cross Country Championships, Jake Barrett exhibited all those qualities of a leader, and more. The Cedar Crest junior ran a solid sixth in the boys’ race.

But his performance also inspired his Falcon teammates to go faster, run further and achieve more. Following Barrett’s lead, Cedar Crest finished a surprising second as a team, behind only league champion Hempfield.

Barrett got out to a fantastic start, but instead of falling back to the rest of the pack, maintained his position. By staying true to his training and teammates, Barrett ran consistently throughout the race.

Barrett finished in a time of 16:40.1, some 34 seconds off the winning time posted by Christian Groff of Hempfield.

Barrett’s performance certainly bodes well for his chances at the District Three Cross Country Championships, which will be staged at Big Springs High School next weekend. A good showing there could propel Barrett on to the state cross country meet, a goal of his since he began competitive running.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 14

Tanisha Grewal is not Ryelle Shuey. She is her own unique individual, player and scorer.

But Grewal has carved out her own niche by following Shuey’s example, playing off her and tweaking her game accordingly.

On Saturday morning at Conestoga Valley, Grewal’s evolution of a scorer continued, during the Elco girls’ soccer team’s 3-2 overtime loss to Manheim Township, in the quarterfinal round of the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs. Grewal netted a goal with 19:59 remaining that gave the Raiders a 2-1 edge.

Grewal’s accuracy and understanding of the game was on display when she recognized the importance of putting a ball on frame late in the game. Her ripped right-footer from 25 yards out caromed off a Blue Streak defender and past Manheim Township keeper Delaney McKnight inside the left post.

But seven minutes later, the Blue Streaks’ Katherine Lopez re-tied the game. Once in overtime, talented Alison Heckman won it for Manheim Township with a well-placed shot from 30 yards away.

Grewal’s tally gave her ten goals on the season, to go along with ten assists – a total that is second only on the team to Shuey.

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WEEK ENDING Oct. 7

The Annville-Cleona football team’s option offense is based upon choices and making decisions on the fly.

The first choice is the dive to the fullback. The second choice is the quarterback keep. The third choice is the pitch to the tailback.

Most of the time the first option is the best option, but especially so when that Caleb Turner is that option.

On Saturday afternoon, Turner continued to be a very viable option for the Little Dutchmen, during their 42-12 homecoming victory over Columbia. The fullback once again led Annville-Cleona in carries with 19, and gained 97 yards with those totes.

Turner’s four-yard touchdown blast late in the second quarter gave Annville-Cleona a comfortable 20-6 margin at halftime. The score capped a 12-play, 80-yard march.

With the result, the Little Dutchmen upped their overall mark to 5-2 and moved their Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three record to 2-1.

Turner leads Annville-Cleona in both rushing attempts and rushing yards gained this season. He has carried 127 times for 684 yards – an average of just under five yards per attempt – with five rushing touchdowns.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 30

Cody Tobias liked it once, so he tried it again. What he discovered was that twice is nice.

On Tuesday afternoon at the par-71 Royal Oaks Golf Course in Lebanon, Tobias repeated as the champion of Lebanon County scholastic golf. With his 71, Tobias. a senior out of Elco, was the only competitor to match par, as he edged teammate Blaine Weaver for the crown.

Tobias’ performance also propelled the Raiders to their second straight team title at the local event. With Tobias, Weaver and Ryan Woelfling posting the three lowest scores in the tournament, Elco easily out-distanced runner-up Palmyra for the collective crown.

The key to Tobias’ round was his fast start. He birdied four of his first six holes, and eventually got his round to five-under par.

Although Tobias gave all five shots back to par, in no way did it diminish his accomplishment

Tobias is entertaining the possibilities of majoring in turf management and playing golf in college.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 23

Patient. Team-oriented. Committed. To say Paxson Hayes has waited his turn would be an understatement.

But once his time came, Hayes certainly made the most of it.

On Saturday afternoon at Lebanon Valley College’s Arnold Field, Hayes tallied a pair of touchdowns in the Flying Dutchmen football squad’s 24-14 victory over FDU-Florham. For the senior tailback out of Annville-Cleona, they were the first two touchdowns of his college career.

Hayes’ first touchdown, a seven-yard scamper, gave Lebanon Valley a 7-0 lead with 2:55 left in the opening quarter. The TD capped a nine-play, 61-yard march by the Flying Dutchmen.

His second score came 5:26 into the second half, and it was a two-yard plunge which pushed Lebanon Valley’s lead to 14-6. That touchdown was the final play of a ten-play, 51-yard possession.

The result moved Lebanon Valley to 2-2 on the season.

Afterwards, Lebanon Valley head coach Joe Buehler praised Hayes’ running style, saying his low center of gravity made him hard to tackle and an ideal ball carrier around the goal line.

For the season, the 5-11, 198-pound Hayes has toted the pigskin 13 times for 67 yards.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 16

As they sometimes do, the race went to the runner what wanted it the most. Turns out, Matt Carroll has a competitive streak in him a mile wide.

On Saturday morning at Annville-Cleona High School, Carroll’s competitive nature served him well, as he captured the boys’ individual race at the annual Lebanon Country Cross Country Championships. The Palmyra sophomore covered the challenging 3.1-mile course in 16:58.9.

Nestled among the lead pack from the start, Carroll made his move near the halfway point of the race. With no one seemingly willing to break away, Carroll took the initiative, and then ran away with the race – both literally and figuratively.

It was Carroll’s strong effort over the race’s final one-plus mile that propelled him to victory. Carroll opened leads of as much as a couple of hundred yards and finished with a 22-second advantage over fellow Cougar Jakolby Fackler.

But Carroll’s hard, long kick also proved beneficial in another way – it helped Palmyra secure the event’s team title, by just tenth’s of a point over Elco.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 9

You’ve undoubtedly heard of ‘three yards and a cloud of dust’. Well this is ‘get two yards at the line of scrimmage and fall forward for two more’.

In other words ‘second-down-and-six-yards-to-go’ is much better than ‘second-down-and-eight-yards-to-go’, or ‘it ain’t no fun trying to tackle Noah Myers’.

On Friday night at Annville-Cleona High School, Myers’ running and decision-making continued to key the success of the Little Dutchmen football squad, as the home team spanked their guests from Camp Hill, 39-20. Myers, a 6-4 220-pound senior quarterback, tallied five touchdowns, all on the ground, all on keepers and gained a total of 161 rushing yards on 22 carries.

Myers, who is speedier than he leaves on, scored his first touchdown early in the first quarter, on a 59-yard jaunt to put Annville-Cleona up 6-0. Myers scored again in the middle of the second quarter to push the Little Dutchmen’s advantage to 19-7.

And his third TD, a one-yard plunge after halftime, proved to be the winning score. Myers’ final two touchdowns, a 14-yard run and a ten-yard scamper, put the outcome out of reach.

With Myers showing the way, Annville-Cleona, now 2-1, piled up a total of 389 yards on the ground.

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WEEK ENDING Sept. 2

He would match rather distribute, give it up to a teammate. That’s just the kind of guy Logan Horn is.

But he’s not above doing it himself, especially when it’s the best thing for the team.

On Friday night at Arnold Field at Earl Boltz Stadium, Horn, Cedar Crest’s junior quarterback, blurred the line between individual play and team play during the Falcons’ 42-14 victory over Lebanon High in the 46th contesting of the annual Cedar Bowl game. When the Cedars took his teammates away, Horn accounted for five touchdowns, 170 rushing yards and 140 passing yards.

With his Falcons trailing 6-0 early, Horn turned the momentum to the Cedar Crest side for good, with first his right arm and then his legs. Horn hit fellow basketball player Cole Laney with a six-yard scoring strike and rambled 15 yards into the end zone, as the Falcons grabbed a 14-6 lead they would never relinquish.

Before the half was out, Horn pitched to teammate Nate French, who carried the lateral 12 yards for a score and tallied his second TD on the ground himself.

With the result, Cedar Crest captured its sixth straight Cedar Bowl triumph.

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WEEK ENDING August 26

It may have only been Week Zero, but Stevie Herb picked up right where he left off in 2016.

On Friday night at Fred Gahres Stadium, Herb, a senior running/defensive back for the Northern Lebanon football squad, was all over the field and showed the way for the Vikings in their 32-7 season-opening victory over rival Pine Grove. S. Herb scored three touchdowns, as Northern Lebanon jumped on the Cardinals early and never allowed them to get started.

In fact, S. Herb tallied the first three touchdowns of the season for the Vikings, including a pair within two minutes late in the opening quarter that sent the home team on its way.

First, S. Herb plunged into the end zone from a yard out to give Northern Lebanon a 7-0 lead 6:50 into the contest. Then he picked off an errant Pine Grove aerial and raced 50 yards to pay dirt.

Early in the second stanza, S. Herb scored from seven yards away to up the Vikings’ advantage to 19-0.

S. Herb, who started the last seven games of his junior campaign and played well, collected a total of 93 rushing yards on 19 carries.

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WEEK ENDING August 19

Relatively speaking, this week wasn’t a great week for Derek Fisher. But it was another week in the big leagues, so how bad could it be?

This week marked Fisher’s fourth with the Houston Astros, after the Rexmont native and Cedar Crest graduate was called up from Class AAA Fresno on July 25. Fisher, a former star at the University of Virginia, is attempting to realize his Major League baseball dream by carving out a productive career with Houston.

Fisher is just the sixth Lebanon County resident to play Major League Baseball, and the first in nearly 70 years. He is on pace to accomplish things at the highest level of baseball that no other local native ever has.

In June, the 23-year-old Fisher was recalled from Fresno for five days and played in the first five major league games of his career. But he was subsequently sent back to the Class AAA Fresno Grizzlies.

A fine defensive outfielder and an accomplished base runner, Fisher figures to have to hit to stay in the majors, especially on an Astros’ roster loaded with talent. To this point, Fisher has appeared in 26 major league games.

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WEEK ENDING August 12

It’s sometimes hard to grasp Ben Clary’s progression as a tennis player. He plays well beyond his years, partly because he possesses patience beyond his age.

Recently, Clary, a sophomore-to-be at Palmyra High School, employed patience, understanding of the game and an unrelenting baseline game to finish second at the 50th Annual Mount Gretna Men’s Club tennis tournament. Clary advanced through the men’s singles draw at the clay court event, before falling to Jack Muriaka, 7-5, 6-4 in a hard-fought battle in the final match.

Using his persistence and strong forehand, Clary had Muriaka on the ropes all evening long.

Clary captured the initial game of the match on his way to an early 3-2 edge. But that was before Muriaka claimed four of the final five games and the first set.

In the second set, Clary won the first three games and led 5-4 after a key service break. Again Muriaka fought back to win it.

Clary had reached the championship match by defeating Jared Howatt in the semifinals.

Four months prior, Clary had finished as the runner-up in the singles’ draw at the Lebanon County Boys’ Scholastic Tennis Tournament, again to Muriaka. But that was before Clary went on to win the Mid-Penn Conference’s singles title.

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5

The people we surround ourselves with definitely have an effect us. And some of them can make us better.

Kind of like the influence Chris Gebhard has had on Noah Firestone.

On Sunday at the Lebanon Country Club, during the final match of the championship flight of the 72nd edition of the W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament, Firestone sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to defeat Chad Stine-Drew Patterson for their first title of the prestigious event. If Firestone had missed his clinching putt, Gebhard had a back-up lined up from 18 inches out.

Partly because of their older brother/younger brother chemistry, Firestone and Gebhard clicked all weekend long. Both the youthful Firestone and the seasoned Gebhard had finished second at previous Sullivans, with different partners.

Firestone and Gebhard had reached the final match with a 3&2 triumph over Tyler Massar and Brady Demey in Sunday morning’s semifinal. After firing a five-under 67 during qualifying that earned them the seventh seed in the championship flight, Firestone and Gebhard won four straight matches to bring home the championship.

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WEEK ENDING July 29

Because the success that the Fredericksburg American Legion baseball team experienced this summer was so much based on team work and unity, it would be difficult to single out one player as its most valuable. But one would be hard pressed to name an individual who was more integral to Post 915’s success than Noah Gingrich.

On Wednesday at Ephrata’s War Memorial Field, during the second day of action in the Pennsylvania American Legion tournament, Gingrich and Fredericksburg saw their campaigns come to an end with a 10-6, 13-inning loss to Wessleysville. A day earlier, Gingrich and his mates had endured a 5-1 setback to defending state champion Swoyersville, in their opener.

During Fredericksburg’s run to Region Four and Lebanon County championships, Gingrich was a spark, a table-setter at the top of the Post 915 lineup all summer long, using his patience, selective eye and quick hands to get on base. Gingrich was also a steady fielder for Fredericksburg, making the tough plays look routine and making the routine plays look easy.

But Gingrich’s greatest value to Fredericksburg may have been in his leadership, his calming influence on teammates and by what he did through actions.

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WEEK ENDING July 22

Partly through golf, Jeff True leads an active senior lifestyle. He’s played in numerous senior tournaments across the United States.

But it took True coming closer to home to score one of his biggest triumphs.

On Friday at the par-71 Royal Oaks Golf Course, True mastered the art of the par to win the 31st edition of the Lebanon County Senior Amateur Championship. He recorded more pars than anyone else in the field – 15 – and registered a birdie and two bogeys to count a one-over par score of 72, which was a shot lower than runner-up Jeff Hoke.

For True, 71 and a graduate of Lebanon High School, it was his first County Senior Amateur title in a handful of tries.

True was consistent and straight all day long. He meticulously avoided trouble, something which is not always easy to do at Royal Oaks.

True got his round to one-under par when he chipped in from 25-feet at the par-three fifth hole. His two hiccups came at the par-five ninth hole and the par-four 14th hole.

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WEEK ENDING July 15

Actually, he could’ve won both awards. But humble Seth Walmer was just pleased with the honor he received.

Walmer was recently tabbed as the recipient of the Warren ‘Lefty’ Grumbine award for being the outstanding hitter in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League’s best-of-three championship series. Walmer’s performance at the plate, and on the mound, propelled Fredericksburg to the local summer circuit’s title, as they beat Campbelltown two games to none.

In Tuesday’s clinching 5-0 triumph at Palmyra High School, Walmer stroked a two-run single to help Post 915 to jump out to a two-run lead, then later added a sacrifice fly. A night earlier at Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Walmer drilled a similar two-run single in the opening inning of Game One that got Post 815 started on its way to a 3-1 victory.

Of the eight runs scored in the final series, Walmer drove in five of them.

But Walmer was also dominant on the mound. He went the distance in Game Two and shut out Campbelltown on three hits.

Relying on his defense, Walmer struck out one, walked one and required just 68 pitches to get the job done. It was the fourth time that Walmer beat C-town this season.

The Lebanon County championship was Fredericksburg’s 24th overall, but first since 1993.

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WEEK ENDING July 8

Cameron Hoch has enjoyed absolutely marvelous athletic and academic careers. Recently his accomplishments on the playing fields and in the class room were feted with the C.S. Pop Kelchner award as the top local male student-athlete, by the Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Hoch, a member of the Annville American Legion Baseball Club, won it for his grades and work in football, basketball, baseball and track and field at Annville-Cleona High School. Hoch was also honored as the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section Three football player-of-the-year for leading the Little Dutchmen to a share of the section championship this fall.

In the spring, Hoch helped Annville-Cleona to the L-L League and District Three Class AAA postseasons in baseball, while also competing in the javelin. Hoch has committed to continue his athletic and academic careers as a football player for Division Two Shippensburg University.

From his lead-off spot, Hoch, a strong defensive outfielder, has been a catalyst for Annville during its summer-long quest for a second straight Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League championship.

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WEEK ENDING July 1

Every one has been different. And they’ve all been a little more special than the previous.

After spending years trying to break through, Dan Brown has now won three county amateurs over the last seven summers.

On Sunday at the 6,305-yard, par-71 Fairview Golf Course, Brown captured his third overall Lebanon County Amateur Golf Championship. And he did it by putting together two solid rounds.

The 51-year-old Brown fired a four-under par score of 67 over his second round. That, coupled with his opening-day 69, gave him a total of 136, or six-under par, which was one stroke lower than runner-up Cody Kersey.

Brown’s 136 total tied the lowest score ever in the event. He also became only the fifth player in the 59-year history of the county amateur to collect three titles.

Trailing first-round leader Mat Rowe by two shots entering the final day, Brown got off to a fast start, with four birdies over his first eight holes. But the shot that may have clinched the championship for Brown was a 35-foot birdie putt on the par-four 11th hole.

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WEEK ENDING June 24

One round does not a tournament make. But when it’s the round of your life, well that’s something special.

On Saturday morning at the 6,305-yard, par-71 Fairview Golf Course, during the opening round of the 59th annual Lebanon County Amateur Golf Championship, Mat Rowe fired his best round ever. His four-under par 67 was the lowest Rowe had ever gone with the stakes so high, and it earned him his first lead ever in a major event.

A graduate of Elco and Penn State University and a relative unknown on the local amateur scene, Rowe collected five birdies an eagle and a bogey to establish a two-stroke advantage over Dan Brown, Cody Kersey and the rest of the field.

Rowe was a modest one-under par through 11 holes, but he used a trio of birdies to go three-under par from Holes 12 through 17 to get to four-under. But the highlight of Rowe’s round came at the 498-yard, par-five seventh hole, where he drained a 25-foot putt for eagle.

Rowe had played in the three previous Lebanon County Amateurs, and his previous best finish was a tied for seventh.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING June 17

What is this thing that Lebanon High School has going with the Big 33 Football Classic?

Khalique Washington isn’t even sure himself. But that doesn’t mean he’s above carrying on the tradition.

On Saturday evening at Cedar Dauphin Middle School’s Landis Field in Harrisburg, Washington became the latest Cedar to compete in the annual senior all-star football game. Washington was the tenth Lebanon High School graduate to compete in the Big 33 Classic, and the first since quarterback Mark Pyles played in it in 2014.

But more than just there to soak up the honor, Washington was there to play hard and win. Playing at both right and left offensive tackle, Washington did his part in Pennsylvania’s 44-33 victory over Maryland, during the 60th edition of the storied event.

Contributing his pass blocking and run blocking skills, the 6-5, 280-pound Washington helped Pennsylvania roll up 392 yards of total offense. Pennsylvania took control of the outcome with 27 unanswered points, beginning midway through the third quarter.

Washington, who also starred on the basketball floor for Lebanon this winter, has committed to take his talents to Dodge City Community College in Kansas.

 

 

WEEK ENDING June 10

To some people, zeroes mean nothing. To others, they mean something.

To Isaac Wengert, zeroes mean everything.

On Tuesday evening at Annville-Cleona High School, Wengert was posting zeroes – seven to be exact – like they were going out of style.

Wengert, Fredericksburg’s hard chucking right-hander, whitewashed Annville 1-0 for a key Lebanon County American Legion League triumph. Sharp from the outset, Wengert whiffed six, walked one and allowed just one hit in his route-going effort.

Three times during the contest, Annville advanced the potential tying run to second base. But each time, Wengert made pitches when he needed to most.

The triumph was significant for a number or reasons.

It exacted a certain measure of revenge for Wengert and Fredericksburg, for Annville’s upset of F-burg in last year’s Lebanon County American Legion best-of-three championship series. It also gave Fredericksburg a leg up on Annville in what should be a summer-long battle for league supremacy.

The win lifted Fredericksburg to 6-1 overall and kept it in first place in the local circuit, with a 3-0 mark.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING June 3

The success that the Palmyra boys’ lacrosse team experienced this spring was due to the contributions of many good players, not a handful of great ones. That team approach took the Cougars farther than any Lebanon County club had gone before.

But if there was one Cougar who distinguished himself from his teammates it had to be Kyle Nolan.

On Tuesday evening at Exeter High School, in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA postseason, Nolan’s season and career ended with a 15-9 loss to District One representative Strath Haven. But what a year it was for Nolan and Palmyra.

Nolan fittingly tallied the final goal of a Cougar comeback that fell short. It was the only goal of the game for the senior attacker, but the 85th of his season, to go along with 38 assists.

A couple weeks earlier, Nolan had been named the Mid-Penn Conference’s player of the year, by a vote of the circuit’s coaches.

Palmyra finished the campaign with a 21-2 mark that marked the most wins ever by a boys’ lacrosse team from Lebanon County. The Cougars also captured the locale’s first and only District Three championship.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING MAY 27

Can she do it? Yes, Cam can!

There is certainly something to be said about self-actualizing and becoming the best one can be. In many ways, it is the ultimate goal in scholastic athletics.

And what a powerful tool for a student-athlete to carry into the real world.

On Saturday afternoon at Seth Grove Stadium, on the campus of Shippensburg University, during the PIAA Track and Field Championships, Camryn Simpson established herself as the fourth best Class AAA long jumper in the state. But perhaps more importantly, Simpson leaped farther than she ever had before.

The Palmyra junior nailed an 18-5 on her final jump of preliminaries in the big school long jump, to advance to the finals of the competition. Although she was unable to better her effort, Simpson’s leap was good for fourth-place hardware and just a quarter-of-an-inch short of third place.

But Simpson’s 18-5 was not only a personal best, it also eclipsed her own Palmyra school record.

A week earlier at the District Three Track and Field Championships, on the same Seth Grove Stadium infield, Simpson had captured a bronze medal in the Class AAA long jump.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING MAY 20

It all came down to perhaps the final throw of her career. But when she needed it the most, she simply nailed it.

That’s called performing in the clutch.

Meet Kirstin West, the reigning District Three Class AAA javelin champion.

On Saturday afternoon at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, during the district meet, West earned that title on her final throw. The Palmyra junior entered the competition seeded third and was situated in third place after five throws.

When West let it go, she knew it was something good. And when the judges laid out the measuring tape, they came up with a length of 140-9.

Not only was it the winning throw, the 140-9 was also West’s personal best and just two feet short of the Palmyra High School record. In addition, the throw qualified her for next weekend’s PIAA Track and Field Championships, back at Seth Grove Stadium.

Earlier this postseason, West, who also excels in the sport of volleyball, captured the javelin title at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships at Lebanon High School.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING May 13

He prefers to go from the front. But obviously he can come from behind as well.

Maybe Derin Klick is just good at running the 800 meters, period.

On Saturday at Hempfield High School, during the annual contesting of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships, Klick again won his signature event, in spirited fashion. Klick employed a strong kick to win the 800 meters in a time of 1:54.5.

But it wasn’t easy. Is it ever?

Klick watched as two of his competitors went out strong and assumed a noticeable margin. Sitting in third place, the Lebanon High senior made his move with about 150 meters remaining in the race, as he sprinted by them down the home stretch.

It was Klick’s third straight championship in the 800 meters at the league meet. But the other two came from the lead position.

Two weeks earlier, at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships on his home track, Klick had won the 800 meters in 1:57.4 and anchored the Cedars triumphant 1600-meter relay squad.

Klick is also the reigning Lebanon County cross country champion.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING May 6

When you want to change the culture of a softball program – the direction in which it is heading – the best place to start is ‘inside the circle’. And if you want to build a pitching staff, a great place to start is Melanie Showers.

The emergence of Showers as a pitcher has helped redefine and revamp Northern Lebanon as a softball program.

This week, Showers continued to spearhead the Vikings’ resurgence.

On Wednesday evening at Manetas Park in Denver, Showers was overpowering while leading Northern Lebanon to a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three 7-2 road win over Cocalico. Working ahead in the count, moving her pitches in and out and up and down, and changing speeds, the junior right-hander hurled a complete game, scattered five hits, whiffed 12 and issued just a single walk.

That, combined with a 2-1 win over Elco earlier in the week, left the Vikings 11-6 on the season. With three regular-season games remaining, Northern Lebanon is in great shape to qualify for the District Three Class AAAA tournament.

Showers has certainly done her part, with three wins and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6-1.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 29

Stanley Miller runs in a fast crowd.

So, exactly how fast is Miller? He’s the fastest man in Lebanon County.

On Saturday at Lebanon High School, Miller put forth a remarkable performance at the annual Lebanon County Track and Field Championships. It was the best performance by any male at the county meet not named Jesse Cruise.

Using his speed, the Annville-Cleona sprinter captured three events. Miller struck gold in the meet’s most glamorous event – the 100-meter dash – with a time of 11.40.

Miller also finished first in the 200-meter dash, where he was clocked in 23.03. And Miller generated enough foot speed to pop a 21-3.5 in the long jump, which was also good enough for a gold medal.

Miller’s speed will certainly be put to the test as the track and field postseason progresses, first at the Lancaster-Lebanon League meet at Hempfield High School and then at the District Three Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University.

Miller’s peak could qualify him for states.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 22

There are some very good baseball players in Lebanon County. Mitch Long may or may not be the best of the lot.

Perhaps a better way to approach the argument might be to ask: ‘Who’s better?’

This week, the Annville-Cleona center fielder/pitcher continued his torrid senior campaign, helping the Little Dutchmen go 3-0 against three Lebanon County squads. At week’s end, Long had four home runs, 20 RBIs and a batting average around .600, through 11 games.

On Friday afternoon against rival Elco, Long blasted a solo dinger to help the Little Dutchmen to a key 2-1 victory. Earlier in the week, Long’s Little Dutchmen had shaded Northern Lebanon and Lebanon Catholic.

At week’s end, Annville-Cleona is sporting an 8-3 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

Long has also been an ace on the mound for the Little Dutchmen this spring, piling up strikeouts and wins. Soft-spoken by nature, Long has become more vocal this season and has taken on a bigger leadership role for Annville-Cleona.

This past fall, Long contributed to the Annville-Cleona football team’s success on the gridiron.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 8

It’s very difficult to quantify Kyle Knight’s exact importance to the Elco baseball team. Perhaps the only way is the best way – by the Raiders’ win-loss record.

As a right fielder for Elco, Knight is on the down side of an absolutely marvelous senior season. One that has been made even more rewarding by what Knight endured as a junior.

On the baseball diamond, Knight is a catalyst, a calming influence, a player the rest of the Raiders look to for guidance. Knight is a patient, selective lead-off hitter and a very good defensive outfielder.

Thanks in part to all those things he brings to the table, Elco enjoyed a 2-1 week, one which left it 7-2 on the spring. That start represents one of the best in Raider baseball history.

After sustaining a serious knee injury early in the 20015 football season, Knight, a three-sport student-athlete, missed most of his junior year, athletically. But he has bounced back nicely, and to this point has enjoyed splendid fall football and winter basketball campaigns for the Raiders.

Knight has committed to continue his athletic and academic careers, as a football player at Division Two Lock Haven.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 8

Never underestimate the power of sibling rivalries.

But what may have been Jack Muriaka’s true motivation was simply keeping it in the family.

On Saturday afternoon at Cedar Crest High School, Muriaka captured the Flight One singles crown at the 23rd annual Lebanon County Scholastic Tennis Championships. It marked the fourth time out of the last five years that a Falcon named Muriaka earned the title of ‘Lebanon County’s top high school tennis player’.

In the championship match, Muriaka downed Ben Clary of Palmyra, 6-2, 6-2. Muriaka, who’s undefeated in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, had advanced to the final at Flight One singles with a 6-0, 6-2 besting of Elco’s Mason Bennetch.

Muriaka spotted Clary an early 2-1 edge in their match, then asserted himself by winning seven straight games. Muriaka had his service broken only once against Clary.

Muriaka’s title helped Cedar Crest to a repeat championship in the team competition.

Two years ago, Muriaka’s older brother Colin completed a run of three straight Lebanon County Flight One. For Jack, a sophomore, it was his first Flight One crown.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 1

She is a natural. She’s also the best softball player no one’s ever heard of.

If the Lebanon softball program had about five more of her, the Cedars would be well on their way to turning things around.

Introducing Auri Lassalle. Lassalle is a talented and athletic sophomore shortstop who is about to burst on to the local scholastic softball scene and take Lebanon County by storm.

On Wednesday afternoon at Lebanon High School, Lassalle’s skills were fully on display, during a 9-8 non-league setback to Elco. Lassalle did everything in her power to secure a victory for the home team.

Her bat was a big part of the Cedars jumping out to an early 6-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning, Lassalle’s line-drive triple helped push Lebanon’s lead to 4-0. Then two frames later, the dynamic shortstop blasted a two-run ‘big fly’.

Lassalle was also a force for the Cedars in the field and on the bases.

On the softball diamond, Lassalle can do it all. She has great range, a big-time arm, speed, hand-eye coordination, instincts and a good head for the game.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 25

It’a extremely difficult to win a state championship. It’s even harder to win one with a first-year point guard.

That the Lebanon Catholic girls’ basketball team accomplished the feat is a tribute to head coach Patti Hower’s vision and coaching. And Neesha Pierre’s team spirit, hard work and willingness to learn.

On Friday afternoon at Hershey’s Giant Center, the Beavers did indeed win their third state championship, with a 55-43 triumph over Juniata Valley. Pierre was a big reason why Lebanon Catholic was able to obtain scholastic sports’ ultimate goal.

As you she had done all regular and post-season long, Pierre was in the middle of everything that went right for the Beavers – directing traffic, competing at both ends of the floor and hauling down 12 rebounds.

During preseason practice, Pierre, a former two-guard, was moved to the point when Mariah Sholly did not come out for the team. A bit uncomfortable there at first, Pierre grew into her new role.

It seemed as Pierre became more accustomed to her, job Lebanon Catholic got better and better as the year progressed.

Then of course there was the matter of leadership. Her teammates came to rely on her, look to her, even though she wasn’t necessarily the best player on the squad.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 18

With great gifts come great responsibility. Megan Brandt possesses a lot of God-given basketball ability.

This week, Brandt continued to embrace the responsibility that comes with talent, as she and the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team advanced in the PIAA Class AAAA postseason.

On Thursday night at Shamokin High School, Brandt led the Vikings to a 51-25 triumph over Mifflinburg, in the second round of the state playoffs. The senior forward pumped in 15 points on six field goals and three-for-four foul shooting, and also played a key role in Northern Lebanon’s stifling defensive effort.

Brandt, who a week earlier had helped the Vikings to their first District Three championship in program history, is averaging a team-leading 13.5 points per game this season. Brandt is also Northern Lebanon’s top rebounder and an excellent help defender inside.

Brandt recently moved into third place on the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball program’s list of all-time scorers.

Also an excellent soccer player, Brandt has committed to continuing her athletic and academic careers at Division Two Bloomsburg University.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 11

It was a horrible way to end a career. And what made it even worse was how successful that career had been.

On Friday afternoon at the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships at Hershey’s Giant Center, Northern Lebanon senior Luke Funck’s career officially ended when he forfeited his second-round consolation bout in the 182-pound weight class. Funck was forced to forfeit the match when he suffered a torn ligament in his left ankle a day earlier, 1:42 into his state opener against Myersdale senior Christian Hutzell.

Funck appeared to have the initial points of the bout with Hutzell 18 seconds in, but grimaced in pain as he attempted to take him to the mat. Funck battled through the pain before succumbing to it 1:24 later.

Funck entered the PIAA competition as the top-ranked Class AA wrestler at his weight and with a legitimate shot of winning only Lebanon County’s second state gold medal in the sport. Funck was making the third state wrestling appearance of his career, one that featured a fourth-place showing last season.

Funck, who plans to wrestle in college, finished his season with a 47-5 record, and his career with over 160 wins and over 100 pins. During his senior campaign, Funck won weight-class championships at the Southeast Regional tournament, the District Three Championships and the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 4

Some leaders are born. Others have responsibility thrust upon them.

Zoe Zerman is a natural leader. But she has always been there when the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team has called upon her.

On Friday evening at Hershey’s Giant Center, Zerman led the Vikings to their greatest accomplishment in program history – a District Three Class AAAA championship. Zerman’s Vikings defeated Bishop McDevitt 46-44 in a tense final game.

Despite being saddled with foul trouble, Zerman paced the Northern Lebanon attack with a three-pointer, four deuces, five-for-five foul shooting and 16 total points. Earlier in the week, during Tuesday’s 50-43 semifinal triumph over Lancaster Catholic at Warwick High School, the senior guard struck for 20 points.

Throughout this historic Northern Lebanon campaign, Zerman’s duties have included – but have not teen limited to – ball handling, distribution, rebounding and, perhaps most importantly, guarding the other team’s best player. Zerman has averaged 13 points per outing for the Vikings this season and is also one of their top free-throw shooters and rebounders.

Zerman has committed to further her academic and athletic careers at Division Two Kutztown University.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 25

For senior student-athletes, there is no better place to end scholastic careers than states. Zach Kelly is a senior and he’d really like to go out with a bang.

On Saturday afternoon at Hershey’s Giant Center, during the annual District Three wrestling championships, Northern Lebanon’s Kelly copped the title of the Class AA 138-pound weight class. Kelly capped a 3-0 run through the bracket with a thrilling 3-1, 3OT triumph over Middletown junior Devin Martin in the final.

After Kelly and Martin had traded escapes in regulation, the combatants battled through two score-less overtime periods and the part of a third. Kelly won it with a two-point near-fall near the end of the third extra session.

Kelly had reached the title tilt with a 13-3 semifinal major decision over Jack Bennett of Schuylkill Valley. The Viking 12th-grader opened his tournament by decking Evan Hoffman of Upper Dauphin in the quarterfinals.

Not only did the results lift Kelly’s personal record to 39-8, it put him in a good spot for qualifying for the PIAA Class AA postseason, back at Giant Center in two weeks. But to reach his ultimate goal, Kelly must first navigate the state qualifier that is the regional tournament.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 18

Camryn Shaak is like a rock, a foundation. Not only can you lean on him, he’s always there for you, especially when you need him most.

This week, Shaak was at his steady, consistent best, as his Lebanon boys’ basketball squad took home the silver medal from the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs. Shaak netted a total of 36 points in the Cedars’ three league playoff games, all the while contributing his hustle, intensity and overall floor game to LHS’ cause.

On Friday night at Manheim Township High School, Shaak struck for nine points in Lebanon’s 49-47 setback at the hands of Lancaster Catholic, in the league title tilt. Two days earlier, during a 59-48 semifinal triumph over Lancaster Mennonite at Cedar Crest, the senior guard popped for seven points.

On Monday evening at home, Shaak’s four three-pointers and 20 points paced Lebanon’s come-from-behind victory over Ephrata. Through 25 games this winter, Shaak and the Cedars have compiled a 20-5 overall mark.

Shaak has been Lebanon’s leading scorer this season with a 12 points per game average, the Cedars’ top three-point shooter and a deadly free-throw marksman.

In the spring, Shaak is also an accomplished baseball player for Lebanon.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 11

For the most part, the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team has enjoyed a successful 2016-17. But at times, the Falcons have been a bit inconsistent, a little up-and-down.

Yet through it all, Blake Thomson has been there for Cedar Crest, steady and solid as a rock.

This week, the Falcons put the finishing touches our their year. On Tuesday night, Cedar Crest closed out its regular season with a 53-48 setback at rival Lebanon.

The Falcons went 15-7 during the year, 8-6 in Section One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, and just missed out on the league playoffs. Cedar Crest earned the eighth seed for the an upcoming District Three Class AAAAAA postseason which will send its top six finishers on to states, and the Falcons have earned the right to host an opening round game in the tournament.

During the year, the consistent Thomson has been in the middle of Cedar Crest’s good, and has helped the Falcons through the bad times.

The 6-0 senior combo guard leads the Falcons in scoring with an average of nearly 14 points per outing, is among Cedar Crest’s leaders in three-pointers and is making 76 percent of his free throws. Thomson also plays good defense for Crest, handles the ball and leads by example.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb 4

They don’t name most valuable players in high school basketball. But if they did, Lebanon’s Luis Aquino-Rios would be the boys’ MVP of Section One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League – and quite possibly of the entire league.

The Cedars recently wrapped up a championship in their first year back in Section One, with a decisive triumph over Penn Manor. And while Lebanon did it as a team and with a lot of interchangeable parts, Aquino-Rios was the one player who brought all the pieces together for the Cedars.

The junior guard has averaged over 11 points per game this season, has made three-quarters of his free throws and has been Lebanon’s most accurate three-point shooter, all the while handling the ball, running the offense and defending one of the opponents’ most prolific scorers. Also an accomplished football player, Aquino-Rios worked tirelessly in the off-season, on his shooting, his strength and his ball handling skills, all in preparation for this particular moment.

At week’s end. Lebanon stood 17-4 overall and 12-1 in Section One. With Aquino-Rios leading the way, the Cedars seem poised to make runs at both L-L League and District Three Class AAAAAA championships.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 28

Some come between freshman and sophomore years. Others happen during the sophomore-to-junior transition.

Blaise Bressler’s big jump came between his junior and senior campaigns.

Bressler’s development, evolution and maturation as a wrestler has been and continues to be prominent. It’s almost like he’s a different wrestler this season.

At this weekend’s annual Lancaster-Lebanon League Wrestling Championships at Garden Spot High School, Bressler’s improvement as a wrestler was very apparent. The new Bressler captured the championship of the 152-pound weight class in impressive fashion.

Bressler, a senior, logged four falls on the way to his title. In the championship bout at 152, Bressler took opponent Max Martin of Cocalico down ten seconds in, put him on his back and then completed the pinning combination in 35 seconds.

Bressler has become somewhat of a pin master. The fall was the 22nd of his season and it moved his personal record this year to 32-6.

Not bad for a competitor who had a .500 record as a junior.

Bressler’s performance also helped the Vikings to their second straight team championship at the L-L league meet.

Bressler’s future plans include wrestling in college and perhaps becoming a pilot one day. Bressler also competed on the Northern Lebanon football team in the fall.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 21

If you know Ariel Jones and you’ve seen her play basketball, you’re not surprised by the fact that she’s a thousand-point scorer. What’s surprising is how quickly she became one.

From the seventh game of her sophomore season to the 14th game of her senior season. A span of 66 games and a scoring average of nearly 20 points per outing.

On Tuesday night at ‘The Cage’, Jones became the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball program’s newest 1000-point scorer during a 62-42 demolition of McCaskey. The senior guard reached the coveted milestone early in the third quarter – on a three-pointer – and finished with a game-high 28 points, courtesy of four total three-pointers, six two-pointers and four-for-four foul shooting.

Later this week, Jones added to her career point total with in a 51-28 triumph at Warwick and with a dozen in a 51-28 victory at Palmyra. With those wins, Jones’ Falcons improved to a sparkling 16-0 on the year.

For the season, A.J. is averaging just a click over 20 points a game and leads the team in three-pointers and with a free-throw shooting proficiency that’s over 80 percent.

Jones, who is considering a couple of local Division Two programs among her future college plans, is also an accomplished soccer player and holds the Cedar Crest record in the high jump.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 14

If you don’t follow Lebanon County boys’ basketball closely, you probably don’t know the name ‘Alex Yeager’. Not necessarily flashy, Yeager flies under the radar locally.

But one would be hard pressed to find any County baller who has improved as much, who has become as fundamentally sound, who has overachieved as much as Yeager.

This week, Yeager continued his assault on stardom with 36 points during two Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball outings.

On Tuesday night in Lancaster, the 5-10 junior combo guard poured in a team-high 17 points on six two-point field goals, a three-pointer and two-for-three foul shooting in a 75-50 road setback at Lancaster Mennonite. Then on Thursday evening in Myerstown, Yeager pumped in 19 points – on six total field goals, half of which came from beyond the arc, and four-for-six free throwing – during a 59-52 loss to the Elco Raiders.

Despite the Vikings’ 4-8 overall mark, Yeager has averaged more than 14 points per game this season, has made nearly 76 percent of his charity tosses and is second on the club in total three-pointers.

Yeager is a big part of Northern Lebanon’s bright future.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 7

Mason Bossert has never met a ‘three’ he didn’t like. He has built a solid scholastic basketball career around his ability to shoot ‘the rock’.

In fact, Lebanon County sports will remember him as one of the most prolific three-pointer shooters in its history.

On Tuesday evening in Myerstown, Bossert surpassed the 1,000-point plateau for his career during Elco’s 72-67 home setback to rival Annville-Cleona. Bossert collected his milestone with 1:50 left in the first half, on a charity toss while the Raiders were attempting to cut into the Little Dutchmen’s lead.

On the night, the 6-1 point senior guard poured in a game-high total of 25 points, on five three-pointers and four-for-six free throwing. Despite Bossert’s efforts, Elco fell to 2-7 on the season.

Bossert currently leads the Raiders in scoring with a points per game clip around 21. He has made nearly 30 three-pointers this season, on top of the 99 he drained over the course of last seasons.

Somewhat of a gym rat, Bossert aspires to compete in the sport on the college level.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 31

Scoring doesn’t define Isaac Blatt as a basketball player. Handling the ball, setting up teammates and playing defense does.

Let’s just say Blatt is a complete player, and leave it at that.

On Wednesday evening, Blatt tallied the 1,000th point of his career on the same night his Palmyra boys’ squad captured a championship. Blatt poured in a game-high 28 points, including his milestone point on a charity toss near the end of the Cougars’ 63-44 triumph over Ephrata, in the championship game of the Mounts’ holiday classic.

A day earlier, the Cougars had knocked off Elco 68-53 to reach the title tilt.

The 6-5 guard recorded his point total on 11 field goals, that included a pair of three-pointers and five dunks, and four-for-eight foul shooting. But his contributions to Palmyra’s championship went well beyond that, and into the realms of leadership, intangibles and sportsmanship.

The results moved Blatt and the Cougars to 8-1 on the year.

Blatt is also an outstanding baseball player, and as of yet is undecided about his future plans.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 24

You can see it in the way she moves, in the way she runs, in the way she shoots. Alexis Hill is healthy.

And so is the Lebanon Catholic girls’ basketball team.

After having her sophomore season at Lebanon High School cut short by nagging back issues, Hill has been the Beavers’ brightest off-season addition.

This week, Hill’s brilliant play continued, as Lebanon Catholic served notice that it will be a force to be reckoned with in the Lancaster-Lebanon League with two huge wins over local rivals.

On Monday evening on Assumption Hill, the athletic Hill poured in 15 points to spearhead the Beavers’ 45-42 triumph over Northern Lebanon. Then two nights later in Myerstown, the 5-11 junior forward struck for 16 points, as Lebanon Catholic upended Elco, 62-46.

Hill’s performances in both outings were critical, within the confines of Lebanon Catholic’s offensive sets, on the defensive end and in the open floor.

Through six games this season, Hill is leading Lebanon Catholic with a scoring average approaching 20 points per outing. The Beavers currently sport a 5-1 overall record and a 3-0 mark in Section Three of the L-L.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 17

When it comes to basketball, Olivia Richardson is following in her sister’s footsteps. And that’s a really good thing.

Or maybe the game just runs in her veins – and family.

Not unlike her older sister Carly, who’s now playing Division One basketball at Bucknell University, before her, Olivia is leading a hoops resurgence at Palmyra High School. She is at the forefront of the Cougars’ smooth transition from one era to the next.

Under new head coach Mary Manlove, the Cougars enjoyed a 3-0 week, and O. Richardson had her hands in all three victories.

On Tuesday evening at Mechanicsburg, Richardson struck for seven points during Palmyra’s important 37-30 road triumph over the hometown Wildcats. A night later at home, Richardson poured in a team-high 14 points in the Cougars’ non-league win over Hempfield.

Then on Friday night in Harrisburg, Richardson contributed 11 points to the Cougars’ 49-38 victory over Susquehanna Township. All quality wins that Richardson and the Cougars earned by playing hard and playing smart.

In light of the outcomes, Palmyra now boasts a surprising 4-1 overall mark.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 10

They say that the best player on any basketball team inherently becomes its leader. Cole Laney is the best player on the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team.

At this weekend’s 18th annual Lebanon Booster Club Tip-Off Tournament, Laney led the Falcons by example.

Laney, an emerging junior forward, was named the event’s most valuable player, partly because he led Cedar Crest to the championship.

On Saturday evening, Laney knocked back a game-high 19 points to help the Falcons to a 58-42 triumph over the host and rival Cedars in the title tilt. A night earlier, Laney opened his 2016-71 campaign with 18 points during an 87-63 victory over Elco.

But Laney caught the attention of the tournament organizers and voters with his all-around performances on both nights – his rebounding, his defense, his solid decision-making. As the season goes on and Cedar Crest further discovers exactly who it is, Laney will be counted on to fill a leadership void left by graduation.

Laney was also a selection to Lebanon Sports Buzz’s preseason all-Lebanon County boys’ basketball team.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 3

Marquis Davis is the new kid on the block. And the best way to fit in is to play well.

Let’s just say that Davis has done an admirable job of ingratiating himself to his Lebanon Valley College men’s basketball teammates.

Davis’ potential and importance to the Flying Dutchmen were never more evident than they were on Wednesday evening at Lou Sorrentino Gymnasium. Davis turned in his best Flying Dutchmen performance to date, during a 78-55 whipping of Widener.

The junior point guard poured in a game-high 21 points on seven-for-ten shooting from the floor, a total that included six three-point field goals. In addition, Davis dished out a pair of assists, came up with a steal and overall played well defensively.

A transfer from Randolph-Macon, Davis’ ‘threes’ were timely in that they came when Lebanon Valley was extending its lead. Not only does Davis give the Flying Dutchmen a reliable third scoring option, he is also a calming influence on the Flying Dutchmen from his point guard position.

Davis was a three-year captain at Toms River South High School in New Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 26

Becky Evans is the little engine who could. She’s also the little engine who fuels the Lebanon Valley College women’s basketball team.

For as Evans goes, so go the Flying Dutchmen.

On Saturday afternoon at Lou Sorrentino Gymnasiun, Evans was again on top of her game. Her play propelled the Valley women to a 74-63 home triumph over Misericordia.

After the Flying Dutchmen forged a 33-32 edge at the break, they outscored Misercordia 41-31 over the second 20 minutes of action. But Evans was all over floor in both halves.

The junior guard out of Pine Grove totaled 21 points on 40 percent shooting from the field and five-for-five free throwing. Over her 37 minutes of action, Evans also contributed five assists, four rebounds and three steals to the LVC cause.

Through four games, Evans is averaging 14.8 points per outing and Lebanon Valley is 2-2.

Evans was also a key cog in a scholastic program at Pine Grove that has enjoyed both regular and post-season success during the 2010s.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 19

They say a good goalie can erase a defense’s mistakes. They also say that when one gets hot, he or she can can carry a team a long way.

The Palmyra field hockey team couldn’t have reached the state championship game without the stellar play of Cheyenne Sprecher.

This week, it was the performance of Sprecher which helped propel the Cougars to their third straight PIAA title tilt. Now a senior, Sprecher has been in the cage for each of those three runs.

Behind Sprecher’s aggressive, heady and steady play, Palmyra shut out rival Lower Dauphin 1-0 on Tuesday night at Milton Hershey School’s Henry Hershey Field, in the semifinals of the state playoffs. The outcome pushed Palmyra into Saturday’s PIAA Class AAA championship game at Whitehall-Coplay School District’s Zephyr Sports Complex, opposite District 11 champion Emmaus.

The shutout was Sprecher’s second in the state playoffs and her fourth postseason whitewashing overall.

Sprecher has committed to continue her athletic and academic pursuits by accepting a full grant-in-aid to Division One University of Connecticut.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 12

No individual likes to be compared to another person, especially an elder sibling. But while Jess Dembrowski is certainly her own person, the similarities between her and older sister Katie are striking.

Her leadership traits. Her playing skills. Her instincts for the game.

This week, the Palmyra field hockey team’s maturation as a unit continued, in the early rounds of the PIAA Class AAA postseason. And J. Dembrowski played a prominent role in that success.

Dembrowski had her hand – and stick – in three of the four playoff goals that the Cougars scored, including a pair of game-winners, as Palmyra netted two wins to advance to the state semifinals for the third straight fall.

Dembrowski tallied the decisive goal in Saturday’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Unionville, at Exeter Township High School. With time running down in the second half, Dembrowski stuck with a play she initiated and knocked home a rebound.

Earlier in the game, Dembrowski had assisted on teammate Kylie Bomgardner’s goal that knotted the score at one.

On Tuesday at Milton Hershey School’s Henry Hershey Field, during the opening round of the state tournament, Dembrowski notched the initial tally of a 2-0 triumph over Council Rock South.

Dembrowski now has a team-leading 23 goals on the season.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 5

Noah Myers has always grasped the Annville-Cleona offense, he’s always understood it. Where he’s improved immensely is executing it, which involves making quick decisions at critical moments in plays.

There is little doubt that Myers’ managing of the Little Dutchmen’s veer/option offense has been a key to them winning a championship.

Myers’ excuteion was never better than it was on Friday night at home, when Annville-Cleona was claiming its share of the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three title with a 34-14 triumph over Donegal, in its season finale. With his legs and right arm, Myers had his hands in 224 total yards and three touchdowns.

After tying the game at seven with an 11-yard touchdown jaunt in the opening quarter, it was a 69-yard Myers’ pass to Griffin Hertz that re-tied the game at 14 shortly before halftime. Myers also scored on a 28-yard scamper in the fourth quarter that provided the icing for Annville-Cleona’s cake.

The junior signal-caller finished with 95 yards rushing on 17 keepers. Myers also completed three of his six pass attempts for 139 yards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 29

Stand next to Mason Cooper and you’d swear he’s a basketball player. But talk to him and it becomes very obvious he’s a football player, through and through.

And a very good one. Perhaps one of the best defensive players in all of Lebanon County.

On Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium, Cooper’s all-around efforts helped key his Palmyra Cougars to an important 35-24 victory over Trinity. Employing his trademark hustle and determination, Cooper was all over the field, both as a defensive end and a tight end on offense.

The win was the Cougars’ Lebanon County-leading seventh of the season, and it kept Palmyra in the running for a District Three Class AAAAA playoff berth.

What makes the 6-5 Cooper so difficult for opposing offenses to deal with is his rare combination of size, strength and reach. He has been the foundation upon which Palmyra has built one of the most formidable defenses in the Mid-Penn Conference.

Cooper, who earlier in the year scored a touchdown on a fumble return, has posted career highs in receptions and receiving yards this year. He has scored seven career touchdowns for the Cougars.

During the spring, Cooper is also an accomplished thrower for the Palmyra boys’ track and field squad.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 22

October is the optimal fall month for peaking. When it comes to both foliage and running.

It would seem that Jesse Cruise is peaking at the perfect time of the season, as a runner and a leader. But it may be the Cedar Crest boys’ cross country team that is reaping the greatest rewards.

On Tuesday evening at Ephrata Middle School, during the annual contesting of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Cross Country Championships, Cruise and the Falcons approached their full potential. The senior ran the challenging 3.1-mile course in 17:05.7 to finish tenth among individuals.

Cruise’s performance spurred Cedar Crest to a gratifying second-place tie with Hempfield in the team standings, just behind champion Manheim Central. Following Cruise across the finish line was junior teammate Adam Wolfe.

Competing with Wolfe almost the entire way, Cruise enjoyed both a fast start and a strong finish. But he did fall short of his goal of running with the lead pack.

Up next for Cruise and the Falcons will be another chance to reach new heights, at the District Three Class AAA Cross Country Championships in Hershey.

In the spring, Cruise is an accomplished distance runner for the Cedar Crest track and field unit.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 15

Is Tyler Horst more valuable to the Elco football team on the offensive side of the ball or the defensive side? It’s kind of like asking: Which is more valuable an apple or an orange?

Let’s just say one would be hard pressed to identify a local player more valuable to his team than Horst.

On Friday night in Myerstown, Horst enjoyed another big game for Elco – on both sides of the ball – while leading the Raiders to a 43-24 triumph over visiting Columbia. In addition to his stellar play at the linebacker position, Horst toted ‘The Rock’ 20 times for 119 yards and three touchdowns.

Horst’s six-yard jaunt to the promised land early in the second quarter pushed the Raiders’ lead to 18-7. Then a four-yard burst by Horst just ticks before the break provided Elco with some halftime breathing room.

The 6-1, 220-pound bruiser capped Elco’s scoring late in the third period and gave the Raiders a 43-8 bulge.

Through seven games this season, Horst, a senior workhouse, has piled up 522 yards on the ground on 117 rushing attempts and has tallied seven touchdowns.

Horst is entertaining aspirations of playing football on the next level, but it would likely be as a linebacker.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 8

Sometimes the best team doesn’t win. That’s why they play the game.

But sometimes the best player does win. That’s why he’s the best.

On Monday afternoon at Pine Meadows Golf Course, Cody Tobias simply reinforced a fact that some already knew – that he’s the top high school golfer in Lebanon County. Over the 5,734-yard, par-72 layout, the Elco junior earned the individual title at the Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championship.

Tobias fired a very respectable one-over par 73 to top runner-up and teammate Ryan Woelfling by five strokes. A two-time District Three qualifier, Tobias’ outing also helped the Raiders to their first ever team crown at the event.

While Tobias’ showing was a bit of an up-and-down affair, there was certainly more good than bad about it. Over his round, Tobias carded five birdies, nine pars, two bogeys and two double bogeys.

Tobias started well, with birdies on two of his first three holes. He sank a 20-foot birdie putt at the 304-yard, par-four eighth test and two-putted for a ‘chicken’ at the 409-yard, par-five tenth.

Tobias also birdied Pine Meadows’ par-four 16th hole, its difficult par-four second hole by driving the green and the par-five fifth.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 1

The Northern Lebanon football team isn’t off to the kind of start that it’s accustomed to. But the reason isn’t that the Vikings are starting their third different quarterback in three years.

Michigan Daub has held up his end of the bargain.

On Friday night at Fred Gahres Stadium, Daub enjoyed another outstanding effort, but it wasn’t enough, as Northern Lebanon dropped a 48-31 decision to its guests from York Suburban. Daub directly had his hands in 228 of the Vikings’ 315 total yards, but his side seemed to be playing catch-up all night long.

Daub completed ten of his 21 pass attempts for 216 yards and a touchdown. He also scored a pair of TDs with his legs.

Daub’s first rushing touchdown, a four-yard keeper, came early in the second stanza and knotted the score at 13 apiece. Then in the third quarter, Daub scored on a two-yard plunge to pull Northern Lebanon to within 34-25 of the lead.

In the final quarter, Daub connected with teammate Christian Trader for a 26-yard touchdown toss that made the score 41-31.

The outcome made the Vikings 2-3 overall, but they are 1-0 in a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three where they are two-time defending champions.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 24

Noah Myers can chuck a football a country mile. But it’s his legs – and eyes – which have been the Annville-Cleona football team’s biggest offensive weapon this season.

On Friday night, Myers’ running ability helped produce another Annville-Cleona victory, this time over rival Elco.

At Elco Stadium, Myers’ execution of the Little Dutchmen’s triple-option offense proved critical in a 27-21 triumph over the Raiders. As the quarterback and initiator, Myers showed the way for an Annville-Cleona attack which churned out 355 yards on the ground.

Myers did his part with 115 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns.

Facing a 7-0 deficit midway through the second period, Myers got the Little Dutchmen on the scoreboard. He exploited a crease in the Elco defense and then out ran the Raiders 77 yards to pay dirt.

It was also a Myers touchdown run late in the same quarter that gave Annville-Cleona the lead at halftime, one it would never relinquish. Myers 12-yard scamper 27 seconds before the break put the Little Dutchmen ahead 20-14.

With the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three opening win, Annville-Cleona improved to 3-2 on the year.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 17

Members of the Lilaceae family, lilies prosper with proper light and water, and when they’re firmly rooted in fertile soil. But one of the subfamilies – the Brubaker strain – apparently does best when it is on the move.

On Saturday afternoon at Annville-Cleona High School, during the contesting of the annual Lebanon County Cross Country Championships, Lily Brubaker got rolling, and enjoyed one of her finest moments as a student-athlete to date. Brubaker won the girls’ race and claimed the female individual championship at the event.

But what made it more impressive was the fact that the Elco sophomore was competing in her first country cross country championship ever, during her first season out for the sport. Brubaker covered the challenging 3.1-mile course in 20:08.8, to claim the title by almost seven seconds.

And Brubaker also accomplished the feat in dramatic – comeback – fashion.

Down by almost a hundred yards to Palmyra’s Ellie Keck through the middle portions of the race, Brubaker steadily closed her deficit over the final mile. Finally, with about a hundred yards to go, Brubaker made her move and passed Keck with a strong kick on a small incline.

After that, Brubaker never looked back.

Her performance also helped the Raider girls to a third-place showing in the team standings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 10

Given the intricacies of his team’s new offense and his age, it may take a while for Zakee Sailsman to fully grasp his duties as the signal-caller for the Lebanon football team. Or he may be a quick study.

One of the two.

On Friday night at Ephrata High School, during the Cedars’ impressive 37-8 road win, the athletic Sailsman showed he’s beginning to figure some things out. The sophomore quarterback had his hands in four of Lebanon’s touchdowns and 291 of the Cedars’ total yards.

On the ground, Sailsman rushed 13 times for 139 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, Sailsman completed four of six pass attempts for 152 yards and three touchdowns, as the Cedars raced out to a 37-0 third-quarter advantage and never looked back.

Sailsman got Lebanon off on the right foot when he hit teammate Jeremiah Beckley with a 52-yard scoring strike that gave the Cedars a 7-0 lead. Then Lebanon upped its advantage to 13-0 in the opening minutes of the second quarter when Sailsman found Phil Hillesheim with a 50-yard touchdown toss.

Sailsman hooked up with Beckley for another touchdown through the air before halftime, and late in the third scored a TD with his feet, this one from 34 yards away.

After that, he rested.

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 3

Think of the Cedar Bowl as one big stage. It is a place where stars are born and heroes show off their mettle.

It’s also a place where memories are created.

On Friday night at Lebanon Alumni Stadium, during the 45th Annual playing of the Cedar Bowl, Tate Seyfert enjoyed a break-out performance. The senior receiver stepped up and led his Cedar Crest mates to a convincing 26-14 victory over rival Lebanon High.

While Seyfert was all over the place on offense and defense, his main role for the Falcons was as a touchdown-maker. He scored three times to place his personal stamp upon the spectacle.

Seyfert helped exorcise the Falcons’ big game butterflies by hauling in a 19-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Logan Horn, to give his side a 10-0 lead late in the opening period. Then Seyfert took to the ground and scored on an eight-yard jaunt to the end zone on Cedar Crest’s first possession of the second half.

Seyfert punctuated the performance later in the third period, grabbing a 38-yard scoring strike from Horn that put the Falcons ahead 26-7.

Not a bad night of work.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 27

It was such a team win that everyone stood out. But if one had to single out one individual, that individual would have to be Alon Rhette.

It was Week Zero, but Rhette and his Palmyra football squad appeared to be in mid-season form.

On Friday night in Camp Hill, Rhette’s Cougars opened their 2016 scholastic football campaign with a surprising 31-0 whitewashing of the home-standing Lions. While the Cougars excelled in all facets of the game – special teams, defense, kicking – it was the running game that stood out.

Operating behind an active offensive line, Rhette churned and bulled and powered his way to 122 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Rhette, a tough running senior, spearheaded a Cougar running attack that produced 208 yards on the ground.

Rhette’s touchdown with 44 ticks remaining in the opening quarter got the Cougars off and running, staking them to a 7-0 lead. Rhette then applied the finishing touch to the triumph 30 seconds into the final period when he raced into the right side of the end zone from 28 yards out.

Palmyra is coming off a 2015 season in which it qualified for the District Three playoffs.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 20

Everybody knows Camyrn Shaak can hit a three-pointer. But who knew Shaak could hit a baseball – so far, so hard, so long?

Despite his sleek frame, he is able to generate power from unknown sources.

On Saturday afternoon, Shaak’s power was on display for everyone to see, during Coleman Memorial Park’s 30th annual hitting contest. Shaak captured the contest’s legion division in impressive fashion.

With his 25 swings, Shaak, a senior-to-be member of the Lebanon High School baseball club, accumulated an eye-popping 93 points, to easily out distance runner-up Elijah Blauch’s total by 36 points..

During his at-bat, Shaak swatted three balls that left the yard.

Overall, it was Shaak’s seventh Coleman Memorial Hitting Contest championship.

In addition to being an accomplished hitter and pitcher for the Cedars in the spring, Shaak also competes for the Fifth Ward entry in the Lebanon County American Legion League over the summer. In the winter, Shaak is two-guard and sharp shooter for the Lebanon High boys’ basketball team.

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 13

Derek Fisher is a very talented young baseball player. But he is an even harder worker – tireless, some might say.

Fisher’s work is beginning to pay off.

On Sunday, Fisher was promoted to the Houston Astros’ top minor-league affiliate, Class AAA Fresno of the Pacific Coast League. A 2011 graduate of Cedar Crest High School, Fisher had spent most of his summer playing for Houston’s Class AA club in Corpus Christi, Texas.

For the Hooks, Fisher hit .245 in 102 games, with 16 home runs and 59 RBIs. In 371 Class AA at-bats, Fisher also recorded 13 doubles, four triples, stole 23 bases and sported a slugging percentage of .431.

Fisher’s promotion to Class AAA also bodes well for his future in the Astros’ organization. While he is expected to spend the rest of the season with the Grizzlies, Fisher could get a shot to make Houston’s major-league club in the spring of 2017.

Fisher was selected by the Astros with the 37th overall selection in the 2014 MLB draft, following a successful junior campaign at the University of Virginia. He was rated as the 26th overall prospect in that draft.

Fisher was also chosen by the Texas Rangers in the 2011 MLB draft in the spring of his senior season at Cedar Crest. But he declined to sign and matriculated to the Cavaliers.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 6

When he last played, he was a wide-eyed college student. This time around, he was a full-grown adult male.

It may be that Ryan Mellinger’s tennis game took on a little seasoning over that span.

On Thursday evening, Mellinger celebrated his return to the 49th annual Mount Gretna Men’s Club tennis tournament by copping the championship of the hallowed event. The third-seeded Mellinger notched a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 triumph over top seed and defending champion Mike Lesko in the title match.

The 37-year-old Mellinger, who hadn’t competed in the event in 15 years, won five straight games early in the third and decisive set to settle the back-and-forth affair. Mellinger’s five-game winning streak came at a time when it appeared elusive momentum was squarely in Lesko’s corner.

The first set was on serve at 3-2, when Mellinger broke Lesko to assume a two-game advantage. Mellinger then held his next two service games to close out the set.

Playing with partner Dave Wolfe, Mellinger also finished second in the doubles competition. Mellinger and Wolfe absorbed a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 loss to Colin Muriaka and Jack Muraika in final doubles’ match.

Mellinger had reached the championship match with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 semifinal triumph over number-two seed Jackson Muriaka.

WEEK ENDING July 30

It may have been a marriage of convenience for Noah Firestone. But the way it played out, it was like a match made in heaven.

On Saturday at the 6,562-yard, par-72 Lebanon Country Club, during the third day of competition at the 71st annual W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament, Firestone’s acceptance of Chris Gebhard’s proposal had every look of a right decision. Firestone, a native of Palmyra, and Gebhard, a Lebanon Country Club member, combined their talents for a 3&2 triumph over 14th-seeded Michael DiSante and David Schrantz, in an opening round match of the prestigious event’s championship flight.

Firestone and Gebhard had earned the tournament’s number-three seed in the championship flight by firing a blistering 64 during qualifying earlier in the week.

Last year, Firestone reached the championship match of the Sullivan with partner Brady Goodling. But when Goodling turned professional, Firestone found himself without a partner for this season’s event.

That’s when Gebhard, who was also partner-less, stepped in and proposed a collaboration to Firestone, one day when their paths crossed at LCC prior to the Sullivan. The pairing was almost an instant success.

Firestone also plays competitive golf at the collegiate level, recently transferring from Monmouth University to Bowling Green.

 

 

WEEK ENDING July 23

Tommy Kintzer is a superintendent. That means he knows his way around a golf course.

Because he was once the superintendent at Blue Mountain, he came to know every inch of that Fredericksburg golf course. It was knowledge that served him well at the 29th annual Lebanon County Senior Amateur championship.

On a scorching Friday over Blue Mountain’s 5,558-yard, par-71 layout, Kintzer fired a two-under par 69 to win his first County senior amateur title on his initial attempt. Kintzer edged another first-time senior – Danny Brown – thanks in part to a 20-foot, uphill birdie on the final hole, Blue Mountain’s 306-yard, par-four 18th.

Kintzer, the one-time superintendent at Iron Valley Golf Course and the current superintendent at Pine Meadows, posted a total of three birdies, 14 pars and a single bogey over his round. But Kintzer’s championship was as much a testament to his patience as it was his golf course knowledge.

After starting his day with seven straight pars, Kintzer got into the red with a short birdie on the par-five eighth hole. Then at the par-three 12th, Kintzer reached two-under with a twisting 15-foot birdie.

A bogey at the par-four 17th hole tied Kintzer with Brown for the lead. But that was before his heroics on number 18.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING July 16

The Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League did not name a Most Valuable Player for its best-of-three championship series. But if it would have, it would’ve been Alec ‘Gator’ Barr.

Barr was named the summer circuit’s Warren ‘Lefty’ Grumbine’s Outstanding Pitcher. But he was also clearly the best player on the field overall.

On Wednesday night at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Barr pitched Annville to a surprising 1-0 victory over the home-standers, in the decisive third and final game of the set. During his route-going decision, the talented right-hander scattered four hits, struck out two and walked none.

Barr was the model of efficiency. Pitching to contact and his defense playing well behind him, Barr needed a mere 58 pitches to get through his seven innings of work.

He allowed a Fredericksburg runner to advance as far as second base just twice during the game.

But with his eye at the plate and daring base-running, Barr was a thorn in Fredericksburg’s side the entire series.

Barr has plans to further pursue his baseball exploits on the collegiate level.

 

WEEK ENDING July 9

Though there were more than a few tense moments, Fifth Ward did ultimately manage to advance to the semifinal round of the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League’s postseason. But perhaps more importantly, Fifth Ward continued to change a climate.

And Jorge Garcia has been one of the main transformers.

Garcia was certainly in the middle of things this week, as third-seeded Fifth Ward edged sixth-seeded Richland, two games to one in a best-of-three opening-round series. Garcia scored the winning run in the eighth inning of the middle game of the series on Wednesday night at Elco High School’s Lyle Krall Field, after igniting the rally with a one-out single.

The following evening at Fifth Ward Athletic Field, Garcia and Lebanon edged Richland 1-0 to move on to the semis.

Then on Saturday night at Annville-Cleona High School, Garcia got Fifth Ward off on the right foot against second-seeded Annville. His booming home run to left field in the top of the second inning of Game One jump started his club’s offense and Fifth Ward went on to score two more runs in the frame to assume a 3-1 lead.

Though Fifth Ward would go on to drop its semifinal opener to Annville 5-3, it was apparent that Garcia and his mates had very much become contenders.

 

WEEK ENDING July 2

There are so many good things, so many positive performances going on the local sports scene, that sometimes its difficult to identify one Athlete of the Week. But this week, it was a no-brainer.

Jim Gardner’s showing at the Lebanon County Amateur made him an easy and obvious selection.

On Sunday at Pine Meadows Golf Course, Gardner completed a dominant and historic outing at the 58th edition of the championship of local amateur golf. Gardner carded an even par score of 72 over Pine Meadows’ 6,767-yard test, for a five-under par total of 139, seven shots lower than runner-up Chris Gebhard’s score.

Gardner entered Sunday’s final day with a four-shot advantage, courtesy of a blistering opening round of 67 the day prior. Gardner’s closing round featured four birdies, 12 pars and four bogeys.

Gardner’s County Amateur title was his second in-a-row, a feat last accomplished by Chad Schulze in 1998. In addition, Gardner became only the third competitor in the history of the event to capture three championships overall.

 

WEEK ENDING June 25

Izaiah Trimble is a graduate of Cedar Crest High School. Most of his teammates are from Annville-Cleona High School.

But Trimble has experienced no difficulties fitting in with the Annville American Legion baseball club. That’s because actions always carry more weight than words.

On Tuesday night at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Trimble was a major contributor to his new team’s most important win of the summer season. His hit in the top of the fifth-inning gave Annville a lead it would never relinquish, during a 4-3 victory over the home-standing F-burg Chix.

Nursing a 2-1 lead, Trimble stroked a two-run single that scored mates Cole Waldhausen and Hunter Long and pushed Annville’s advantage to three runs. Despite a spirited Fredericksburg rally in the bottom of the final inning, Annville managed to hold on for triumph.

The result was significant in that it moved second-place Annville to 5-4 and within three-and-a-half games of front-running Fredericksburg in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League standings. It was also Fredericksburg’s first loss of the summer.

On that particular evening, Trimble also manned a steady shortstop for Annville. In addition to his exploits on the diamond for Cedar Crest this spring, Trimble also successfully competed in basketball and football for the Falcons.

WEEK ENDING June 18

In baseball circles, it’s known as a ‘no-no’. But for Jordan Nichols and the Fredericksburg American Legion baseball team, it was a Yes!, Yes!, Yes!.

Nichols is one of the premiere pitchers in the local summer baseball circuit. But this week, he was down right dominant – and dare we say, un-hittable.

On Wednesday evening at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Nichols’ overpowering stuff was on full display. The veteran southpaw twirled a masterful no-hit shutout, during F-burg’s 1-0 triumph over Campbelltown.

Actually, Nichols’ performance was just another excellent outing from Fredericksburg’s pitching staff. Through eight games this season, F-burg pitchers have surrendered a total of seven runs.

Nichols’ outing also kept his side’s record unblemished, at 8-0. Not only is Fredericksburg the front-runner in this summer’s Lebanon County American Legion League race, it now appears to be the favorite to claim the circuit’s championship.

And one would be hard-pressed to identify a more important reason than Nichols.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING June 11

A more talented baseball player one would be hard-pressed to find locally. But Evan Hallowell’s value to the Palmyra Cougars goes beyond that, to his character.

His leadership skills. His supportive nature. The way he goes about his business.

Hallowell’s tangibles and intangibles were two of the key components to Palmyra’s run to the PIAA Class AAA playoffs. It was a run that came to halt on Monday at Parkland High School, during a 7-6, opening-round loss to District 11 champion Palmerton.

But as is his nature, Hallowell was in the middle of everything right about the Cougars’ performance, including a hit and a run scored, from his number-three hole in the lineup. Defensively, Hallowell also held down a steady center field for Palmyra.

The Cougars, who came in second during the regular season in the Mid-Penn Conference’s Keystone Division, concluded their campaign at 17-8.

Individually, Hallowell batted .354 this spring, which included 23 hits and 16 RBIs.

Hallowell’s efforts also landed him a spot on Lebanon Sports Buzz’s All-Lebanon County baseball team.

 

WEEK ENDING June 4

Evan Horn didn’t really do all that much last week. Maybe started preparing for playing football at New Hampshire University in the fall.

But Horn is being honored as Athlete of the Week anyway, for his career achievements at Cedar Crest High School. And what a career it was.

Horn’s spectacular athletic career as a Falcon recently came to an end on a long jump runway inside Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, during the preliminary round of the PIAA Track and Field Championships’ Class AAA competition, Probably not the way he envisioned it. But Horn was never one to dwell on the end of his scholastic career, or over think things, anyway.

In four short years, with the help of the Falcons’ coaching staff, Horn transformed himself into a state-level track-and-field athlete, in both the long jump and the javelin.

On the basketball floor, Horn helped transform an also-ran Cedar Crest boys’ program into a District Three Class AAAA power and a two-time Lancaster-Lebanon League champion. When the ultra-competitive Horn was on the floor, the Falcons were something special to behold.

In football, Horn also helped lead a Falcon resurgence. Last season, Horn’s Falcons qualified for the District Three Class AAAA postseason for the first time in more than 20 years.

Because of his accomplishments, Horn has been nominated as one of the finalists for the ‘Pop’ Kelchner award, given annually by the Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for athletic excellence locally.

To say he will be missed in South Lebanon, well that would be a gross understatement.

 

WEEK ENDING May 28

Due to her involvement in a number of sports, Reagan Hess is a very busy young lady. But Hess still finds time for a hobby.

You see, the Annville-Cleona junior is a collector. She collects medals.

At this weekend’s PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, Hess added two more to her collection. They were the eighth and ninth medals she earned this spring.

On Friday evening, Hess garnered a silver medal in the Class AA long jump with a leap of 19-1, a personal best. Then on Saturday afternoon, she picked up some fifth-place hardware in the 100-meter dash, with a time of 12.23.

A week earlier, at the District Three T&F meet, on the same Seth Grove Stadium grounds, Hess had copped three gold medals. She won the 200-meter dash, the 100-meter dash, as well as the long jump.

But back in April, at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships at Lebanon High School, Hess took home four gold medals. Hess, who could become Lebanon County’s all-time leading goal scorer among female soccer players this fall, finished first in the long jump, the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and anchored Annville-Cleona’s winning 400-meter relay team.

 

WEEK ENDING May 21

Dakota Leonhard had a difficult decision to make, a choice if you will. Throw at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships or escort his girlfriend to the prom.

After carefully weighing all his options, Leonhard chose to skip the league meet in favor of the dance. But what made the Northern Lebanon senior’s decision a little bit easier to wrap around was the fact that he had a back-up plan.

On Friday and Saturday at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, during the 92nd annual contesting of the District Three Track and Field Championships, Leonhard made up for lost time. He competed successfully in both the Class AAA shot put and javelin competitions.

First, Leonhard was the runner-up to Manheim Central’s Tyler Hoag in the shot put. Leonhard uncorked a heave of 54-4.75 to grab the silver.

Then, Leonhard garnered the bronze medal in the javelin. Leonhard’s best throw of the day covered 180-06.

Both efforts earned Leonhard spots in the PIAA Track and Field Championships, back at Shippensburg’s Seth Grove Stadium next week.

And thus the beauty of time management and prioritizing.

 

WEEK ENDING May 14

Ariel Jones is a basketball player by trade. So that means she should be good at jumping, right?

Well, yes, Jones is good at jumping. But more because of her overall athletic ability than any skill she has developed on the basketball floor.

On Friday and Saturday at the Lancaster-Lebanon Track and Field Championships, at Hempfield High School, the Cedar Crest junior did some different kinds of jumping. But she did it with as much style, grace and effectiveness as she does in her favorite sport.

Jones newly honed jumping skills netted her two golds and a silver at the league meet. The event did not recognize an outstanding female athlete, but if it had, Jones would’ve been in the running.

Saturday morning, Jones captured the high jump competition with an effort of 5-2. Then later in the day, she posted a 17-9.25, more than a foot better than her personal best, to win the long jump event.

Jones actually missed a third gold medal by less than an inch, when she finished as the runner-up to McCaskey’s Precious Reid-White in Friday evening’s triple jump.

But what’s most remarkable about Jones accomplishments is that she’s only been jumping competitively for less than two years.

 

WEEK ENDING May 7

It wasn’t a particularly great week for Cole Blatt. But the same can certainly not be said for Blatt’s spring.

Blatt has probably been the Elco baseball team’s most valuable player to this point of the season, one during which the Raiders are challenging for berths in the Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAA postseasons.

Through 14 games this season, the senior southpaw has been the ace of a Raiders’ pitching staff that has enjoyed more than its share of success. In 26 innings pitched, Blatt has surrendered a mere 13 hits, struck out 12 and walked 11.

He also sports a minuscule earned run average below 1.00.

But Blatt is getting the job done at the plate for Elco as well. This season, from the top of the Raiders’ order, Blatt is batting a torrid .478 with four runs scored, three RBIs and an on-base-percentage over .500.

Partly through Blatt’s efforts, Elco had compiled a 9-5 overall mark and an 8-4 league record, through week’s end. If Blatt can continue his stellar play, the Raiders stand a good chance of making a rare playoff appearance.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 30

A big fish in a small pond? Perhaps.

But the title of ‘Lebanon County’s Top Scholastic Male Tennis Player’ is something that no one will ever be able to take away from Nick Tull.

On Monday at Cedar Crest High School, Tull her earned that title when he captured the championship of the Number One Singles bracket at the Lebanon County Tennis Championship. And Tull left no doubts about it, with his 6-0, 6-0 whitewashing of Annville-Cleona’s Julian DyReyes-Kapp in the final match.

The Cedar Crest senior was all over DyReyes-Kapp from the start, and never relented. Tull wore down the Little Dutchman with a devastating combination of high-powered serves, well-placed backhands and strong forehands.

Tull’s championship represented the tenth straight season that a Cedar Crest player has won the Number One Singles title.

But maybe even more sweet was the fact that Tull’s crown helped the Falcons to the overall team championship. The title was the Falcons’ 15th overall, in the 22-year history of the event, but their first outright crown since 2012.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 23

When the job is tough, and someone has to do it, Hunter Long knows how to get it done right. He is the Annville-Cleona baseball team’s go-to guy.

At the plate, and behind it.

Long was certainly the right man for the job on Monday at home against Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three front-runner Manheim Central. The senior catcher led the Little Dutchmen to an important 6-2 victory over the Barons.

Long drilled a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning to provide Annville-Cleona with what would prove to be the decisive runs. Long’s drive was key in that it provided an immediate response to the two runs Manheim Central had scored in its previous at-bat to knot the score.

But Long also got it done behind the plate, from his catching position. He called a good game, and generally handled winning pitcher Eli Setlock well.

The result made Long and the Little Dutchmen 7-2 overall and 5-2 in Section Four of the L-L. It also snapped Annville-Cleona’s modest two-game losing skein.

For the week, Long hit .375 with a double and four RBIs. For the season, Long is batting well over .300 with 10 RBIs.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 16

Kayla Bonawitz has seen it all during her career with the Palmyra softball program. The good and the bad. The tranquility and the controversy.

But during the past four years, Bonawitz has always been a steadying influence on the players around her. She has led by example with her play on the field.

Last week, Bonawitz continued to lead the Cougars’ resurgence, both on the bench and in the field. At the plate, from the top of the Palmyra batting order, the senior shortstop went a combined five-for-eleven – a .455 clip – with two RBIs, a pair of doubles and four runs.

During a 12-0 home rout of Harrisburg on Tuesday, Bonawitz pieced together a two-for-four afternoon. Then the following day, in a 15-2 romp over Middletown, she went three-for-four and scored three times.

Through eight games this season, Bonawitz and the Cougars are sitting at 4-4 overall. Bonawitz continues to hit well above the .400 line.

Bonawitz, who entertains aspirations to play the game at the next level, is also the Cougars’ best fielder and captain of the defense. So if one was to make the assumption that Bonawitz is Palmyra’s best all-around player, well he or she probably wouldn’t meet with too much argument.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 9

Dylan Spagnola is a selective, aggressive, disciplined batter at the plate. His goal is to make contact, put the ball in play and get a hit – in that order.

But on Friday afternoon in Harrisburg, it was an at-bat during which Spagnola didn’t get a hit that proved to be his most productive.

Spagnola’s run-producing ground-out scored teammate Brandon Charochak with the winning run from third base, as the Palmyra baseball team edged Central Dauphin East 5-4, in a tense Mid-Penn Keystone Division struggle. It was the only at-bat during which Spagnola did not register a hit.

Spagnola entered the critical plate appearance with three hits in his previous three at-bats. one of which was a double. With the result, the Cougars improved to 4-3 overall and 2-3 in the division.

Earlier in the week, during an 11-1 loss to rival Hershey, Spagnola had posted a two-for-four line at the dish.

Through the week, Spagnola was hitting right around .261 at the plate for the spring.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 2

Maddie Gable knows when to lead, and when to follow. This season, the Cedar Crest softball team may need Gable to lead more than she ever has before.

And Gable certainly knows how to lead, both with words and by example.

On Tuesday afternoon at Northern Lebanon High School, Gable showed the way for the Falcons, during an important 4-3 road win against their Lebanon County rival Vikings. Gable was on top of her game, on the mound and at the plate.

The senior captain went the distance to pick up the ‘W’. The right-hander scattered ten hits, surrendered three earned runs and struck out three in her seven innings of work.

At the plate, from the middle of the Falcons’ order, Gable was more prolific. She collected three hits in four official at-bats.

The triumph pushed Cedar Crest’s early season record to 1-1.

Gable is a second-year captain on a Falcon team that is the midst of some rebuilding this spring, that from a program which is seeking direction. Gable’s contributions to the CC cause will certainly be felt in 2016, and beyond.

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 26

Lebanon doesn’t beat Cedar Crest very often, in many sports. Football. Basketball. And especially baseball.

But on Thursday afternoon in South Lebanon, the Cedars came up with a rare victory over the Falcons. And Cody Kissinger was in the middle of everything.

In the season opener for both rivals, Kissinger pitched Lebanon High to a 6-5 victory over Cedar Crest. The sturdy junior right-hander got the pitching victory by going the distance, scattering nine hits, allowing two earned runs, striking out two and walking none.

It was Lebanon’s first win over Cedar Crest in baseball in 22 years.

Kissinger also helped himself at the plate. Batting out of the clean-up spot in the Cedars’ lineup, Kissinger drove home a run and also scored one himself.

Kissinger’s RBI-hit in the top of the first inning staked the Cedars to a 1-0 lead. Lebanon went on to score two more runs in its opening at-bat, then extended its lead to 4-0 in the top of the third.

Also an accomplished football player and basketball player, Kissinger had been on the losing side when the Cedars and Falcons squared off on the gridiron and hardwood earlier this school year.

 

WEEK ENDING March 19

Sometimes when high school student-athletes go off to college, we lose track of them. So if a former scholastic star is going to toil in anonymity at college, it might as well be close to home.

Over the past few years, Zach Smith has been quietly putting together a solid baseball career at Lebanon Valley College.

This week, the former Cedar Crest stand-out helped the Flying Dutchmen to a 1-3 week. After being swept at Widener on Saturday, Smith and Lebanon Valley found themselves standing at 5-9 on the spring.

Smith, a heady, athletic performer, has done his part by playing a solid shortstop for LVC. At the plate, the senior is closing in on the 100th-hit of his Flying Dutchmen career.

Last season, Smith was honored as with an all-MAC Commonwealth second-team selection. In 2015, Smith started 28 of Lebanon Valley’s 29 games and hit at a .319 clip.

He scored 21 runs drove home 16 teammates and accumulated 34 total bases. He also reached base at a .414 rate and swiped a couple of bags.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 12

To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.The bad news for Luke Funck is that he’s not the best Class AA 182-pound wrestler in the state of Pennsylvania. The good news is he knows what it looks like, and what it takes to become a state champion.

This weekend’s PIAA Wrestling Championships conducted at Hershey’s Giant Center was certainly an eventful one for Funck. The Northern Lebanon junior finished a very respectable fourth in his 182-pound weight-class bracket.

But what was intriguing for Funck was the fact that he was beaten by the three gentlemen who finished above him on the medal podium. But here’s the best part: all three of those wrestlers are seniors.

In the Class AA consolation final on Saturday afternoon, Funck endured a 4-1 setback to Dakota Greer of Franklin, the returning state champion at 182 pounds. Funck had been relegated to the third-place bout by a similar loss to eventual state champion Greg Bulsak of South Park on Friday evening.

Funck concluded his 11th grade year at 42-3 and as the first Viking wrestler to earn a state medal since assistant coach Jim Collins captured gold 15 years ago. Funck also became the first Lebanon County wrestler to take home a state medal in ten years.

 

WEEK ENDING March 5

Minus her sidekick, there were times on Friday night that Alyssa Austin tried to everything by herself. There were other times when she felt all alone.

Or at least lonely.

With fellow star Ariel Jones on the bench and unavailable, Austin took on an even greater responsibility for the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team, during their PIAA Class AAAA opener at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School. But Austin could only do so much, as the Falcons endured a 65-42 season-ending setback to Central Bucks South.

Austin tallied all 12 of Cedar Crest’s first-quarter points, and the Falcons hung tough with the third-place finisher out of District One for the contest’s first 13 minutes. But Austin picked up her third foul with about three minutes left in the first half, and was forced to join Jones on the pines.

After that, it was pretty much all downhill for the Falcons. Austin did return for the second half and did not pick up another foul, but Cedar Crest could not muster a run at Central Bucks West.

For her part, Austin, a 6-1 junior post player, finished the game with 19 points, six blocks and five rebounds. Austin enjoyed a marvelous 11th-grade campaign, after elevating her game last year as a sophomore.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 27

As a first-year senior on a team that starts four sophomores, Allison Warren’s role on the Lebanon Catholic girls’ basketball team is fairly clear. Set the tone. Lead by example. Provide a calming influence.

It may have taken Warren a bit of time to grow into her role. But as she has, the results have become clear.

On Thursday afternoon at Hershey’s Giant Center, Warren helped the Beavers roll to their 18th District Three Class A championship. Warren pumped in a game-high 21 points which included three ‘treys’, as Lebanon Catholic dismissed Halifax 67-43.

But not only were Warren’s points quantity, they were also quality. They were key points that can at critical junctures in the first half, when the game was being decided, not unlike her timely rebounds and crucial assists.

On Tuesday night, Warren was also instrumental in the decision that sent Lebanon Catholic to the championship game – a 57-36 semifinal triumph over the Christian School of York. On that night, Warren drained a pair of three-point field goals and pumped in 18 points to tie teammate Neesha Pierre for high scoring honors.

Lebanon Catholic improved to 18-4 all-time in District Three title tilts.

 

WEEK ENDING FEB. 20

Isaac Blatt was one of only a couple of juniors named to Lebanon Sports Buzz’s preseason Al-County boys’ basketball squad. And Blatt had the type of season that did nothing to dispel that recognition.

Blatt’s 11th-grade campaign came to a close on Monday, when he and his Palmyra boys’ basketball team endured a 45-44 home setback to Gettysburg, in the opening round of the District Three Class AAA tournament. But Blatt and the Cougars did not go quietly – or without a fight.

With an eye on the quarterfinals, Blatt almost single-handedly placed the Cougars on his back late in the third quarter, after being taken down hard while attempting a dunk.

The athletic 6-6 forward notched Palmyra’s initial eight points of the final quarter, as the Cougars transformed a six-point hole into a 37-35 advantage. Blatt turned an offensive rebound into an old-fashioned three-point play, he drilled a three-pointer from the top of the arc, then jammed home another put-back bringing the Palmyra faithful to their feet.

Blatt, also an accomplished baseball player for Palmyra, possesses a unique skill set for hoops. An explosive first step, long arms, sharp shooting eye, tough handle and excellent court vision make him a force to be contended with on both sides of the court.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 13

As a player, sophomore Liz Voight has really come into her own this season. And as a member of the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team, Voight’s evolution has really helped the Vikings become the team they could be.

Through her shooting and relentless style of play, Voight has turned into a much needed third scoring option for Northern Lebanon. This week, Voight may have enjoyed the best three game stretch of her career, helping the Vikings reach their first ever Lancaster-Lebanon League championship game.

On Monday at home, Voight canned 13 points, as the Vikes nudged Manheim Township 47-41 in their L-L quarterfinal meeting. On Wednesday at Lebanon High School, Voight tallied another 13 points during Northern Lebanon’s 40-21 semifinal demolition of Lebanon Catholic.

Then on Friday at Warwick High School, during the title tilt against Lancaster Catholic, the tenth-grade sniper tossed in eight points. For the week, Voight drained a total of five three-point field goals.

It should be interesting to follow Voight’s progression as Northern Lebanon attempts to make its mark in the upcoming District Three Class AAA postseason, and tries to qualify for the PIAA tournament.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 6

There was a time when Caleb Buchmoyer focused on his offense. Then, Buchmoyer became the Elco boys’ basketball team’s prime defensive stopper.

Now, Buchmoyer performs at an equally high level on both ends of the floor.

On Saturday evening at McCaskey High School, in the opening round of the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs, Buchmoyer tallied 14 points in Elco’s 71-55 loss to the hometown Red Tornado. Certainly not the outcome Buchmoyer and the Raiders were looking for, but the reward may have been in them actually getting to this point of the season.

The 6-1 senior guard’s stellar play has helped produce one of the finest Elco boys’ basketball seasons in school history. The Raiders were making their first appearance in the L-L postseason in 13 years.

Certainly Buchmoyer brings a lot to the Elco table.

On offense, Buchmoyer is a deadly shooter, a fearless driver of the basketball and a sound decision-maker. Defensively, he has the strength and quickness to match up with the other team’s top scoring threat, whether he be a guard or forward, and he is a stout rebounder as well.

Elco is seeded fifth in the upcoming District Three Class AAA playoffs, and Buchmoyer will be one of the keys to just how far the Raiders advance.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 30

Trevor Leonard didn’t win the 132-pound weight class at the Lancaster-Lebanon League wrestling championships. He dominated it.

Not unlike he and his Northern Lebanon mates did in the team portion of the event.

On Friday and Saturday at Garden Spot High School, Leonard logged three falls on his way to the 132-pound title. In his final bout, Leonard scored an early take-down then decked Gary Clark of Garden Spot at the 1:03 mark.

Leonard’s weekend performance upped his personal mark to 32-4.

His showing also contributed to the Vikings’ overwhelming team effort. Northern Lebanon piled up 237.5 team points to surpass runner-up Manheim Central by 55.5 points and become the first Lebanon County, Section Three and Class AA squad to ever win the L-L League team title.

With that in their back pockets, the Vikings have now set their sights on District Three Class AA and PIAA team glory. Leonard also has high aspirations for himself in the individual portion of the wrestling postseason, which gets underway in the middle of next month.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 23

Matt Vines possesses a switch. It’s an off-and-on switch.

Vines has the ability to transform himself from a mild-mannered, humble young man into a fierce and relentless warrior.

It’s a switch that served him well during the fall season for the Northern Lebanon football team. It’s also a switch that can be quite effective in wrestling.

On Monday night at home, Vines patiently waited his turn to provide a helping hand in Northern Lebanon’s duel meet with rival Elco. And once he stepped on to the mat and got his chance, he contributed in a big way.

Vines’ first-period fall provided Northern Lebanon with six team points, as the Vikings jumped out to a 35-0 lead on the Raiders. Vines’ middle-weight and lower-weight teammates then proceeded to place the finishing touches on an impressive 64-9 victory.

The win clinched at least a tie for what could be Northern Lebanon’s fourth straight Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four championship – a title the Vikings sewed up later this week with a triumph over Columbia.

Northern Lebanon has high hopes for the rest of the 2015-16 campaign, both as a team and individually. And Vines is a big part of those plans.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 16

It’s a new spin on the old Catch-22 conundrum for Ariel Jones.

She wants to play a whole game. But she plays so well over the first three quarters that she often spends the fourth watching from the bench.

This week was another big one for Jones and the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team, as the Falcons went 3-0 and the junior guard poured in a total of 50 points. All in about nine quarters of playing time.

Jones’ biggest accomplishment of the week may have come on Thursday when she and the Falcons shaded rival Lebanon High 54-21. Jones tallied 14 points and controlled the flow of play, as Cedar Crest retained bragging rights for at least one more year.

A night earlier in Elizabethtown, Jones went off for a trio of three-pointers and 22 points, as Cedar Crest drubbed the hometown Bears 62-42 in a different Lancaster-Lebanon Section One-Two crossover affair. But her week began on Monday against Garden Spot, when the Falcons posted a convincing 69-33 win behind 14 points from Jones.

With the week, Cedar Crest has now won seven straight contests to push its overall mark to 14-1. The Falcons remained perched atop the Section One standings, thanks in large part to the play of Jones.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 9

Becoming a better basketball player was not among Andy Orr’s New Year resolutions. That’s because he doesn’t need to become better.

Orr, a 6-8 monster inside for the Lebanon Valley College men’s basketball team, is this week’s Lebanon Sports Buzz’s Athlete of the Week. He was also named to D3hoops.com Men’s Basketball Team of the Week.

On Wednesday at Lou Sorrentino Gymnasium, Orr was all over the place, leading the Flying Dutchmen to an 82-74 victory over Stevenson. In the contest, Orr, a sophomore out of Conrad Weiser, logged 37 minutes, tallied 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting and eight-for-eight free throwing, hauled in nine boards and blocked five shots.

Three days later, Orr helped Lebanon Valley to an 88-74 triumph at Wilkes, LVC’s fourth straight win. On Saturday, Orr registered 17 points on seven-for-13 shooting, knocked down a trey and grabbed eight caroms.

Orr is the reigning Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth rookie of the year and currently leads the circuit in scoring with a 20.2 points per game average. Orr also ranks third in the league in both rebounding and blocked shots.

But most importantly, it has been Orr’s play which has propelled the Flying Dutchmen to the top of the MAC Commonwealth Standings, with a 4-1 league mark and a 10-4 overall record.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 2

Neesha Pierre was excluded from Lebanon Sports Buzz’s pre-season, All-Lebanon County girls’ basketball squad. Ever since, all she’s been doing is proving she was worthy of inclusion.

This week, Pierre showed she is one of the top female talents locally by capturing the MVP award at the Lebanon Booster Club’s annual Christmas tournament.

Lebanon Catholic’s rising star was a near unanimous selection, as she led the Beavers to a surprising championship in the four-team event, which featured three Class AAAA competitors. Pierre scored a total of 38 points, defended tenaciously and controlled the tempo with her dribble in the Beavers’ two victories.

Pierre tallied a game-high 20 points to lead Catholic to a 58-52 overtime triumph over Manheim Township in Tuesday’s title tilt. Six of the sophomore guard’s points came in OT, where the Beavers outscored the Blue Streaks 12-6, after regulation had ended in a 46-all draw.

A night earlier, Pierre poured in 18 points during Lebanon Catholic’s 51-45 defeat of host Lebanon High.

Not unlike Pierre herself, Lebanon Catholic has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2015-16 season to date. With wins in five of their last six outings, the Beavers improved to 6-3 on the year.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 26

When Austin Yetter is hot, he knows it early. He can feel it. For Yetter, the basket takes on the size of a soccer goal.

And when Yetter gets hot he can carry a team.

On Tuesday night in Hershey, Yetter’s hot hand carried the Palmyra boys’ basketball team to a convincing 58-46 triumph over the hometown Trojans. Yetter drained a total of eight three-point field goals and poured in a game-high 28 points.

Yetter also had his hot hand in a late second-quarter 12-0 run, during which the Cougars created a bit of distance between themselves and Hershey. The senior sniper nailed a pair of ‘threes’ during the critical stretch and tallied a total of ten points, as the Cougars carried a 30-16 advantage to intermission.

The win pushed Palmyra to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Keystone Division of the Mid-Penn Conference. With Yetter leading the way, the Cougars have aspirations of competing for a Keystone Division crown and making noise in the upcoming District Three Class AAA tournament.

And when he’s hot, why not?

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 19

Molly Gundermann is some sort of ‘Big Shot’.

Not that Gundermann is better than anyone else, or that she thinks that way. It’s more of a reference to what she does on the floor, because she always seems to hit the big shot.

On Tuesday night at home, Gundermann hit the big shot in the Palmyra girls’ basketball team’s key 33-29 overtime victory over Mechanicsburg.

Gundermann’s clutch three-pointer from the top of the arc, with six seconds left in regulation, tied the game at 27 and forced ‘bonus basketball’. Once there, the senior forward dropped a ‘stop and pop’ and nailed a charity toss, as the Cougars tallied the first three points on their way to outscoring the Wildcats 6-2 in the extra session.

Loser’s of four straight, the thrilling triumph may have been just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Cougars. With the win, Palmyra improved to 2-4 on the year.

And somehow it was appropriate that it was Gundermann who did the damage. Gundermann is one of only a handful of remaining Cougars linked to Palmyra glory days – one of the most successful periods in the history of Lebanon County girls’ basketball.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 12

Role model. Steadying influence. Leader by example.

Chandelle Keller is those things and many more to the Elco girls’ basketball team. And how she performs her role will not only determine the Raiders’ fate this season, it will also have an influence on the Raiders’ program for years to come.

Keller’s influence on the Raiders was never more apparent than it was on Friday night on Assumption Hill. The senior forward showed the ways, as Elco scored a key 45-42 Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three-Four crossover overtime victory at Lebanon Catholic.

Keller poured in a game-high 14 points and grabbed a handful of rebounds, but perhaps her most important contribution to the triumph was her heady play during crunch time.

Keller notched a critical hoop during a fourth quarter in which Elco completed its rally to force overtime. Then Keller notched the first basket in overtime to put the Raiders ahead to stay.

During a stretch from the fourth quarter and into overtime, Elco tallied 11 unanswered points.

Keller is an athletic senior inside presence in a Raider starting lineup that features two freshmen and a sophomore.

Through Friday night’s road victory, Elco is off to a 2-0 start.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 5

With all the positive things going on with Lebanon County scholastic athletics these days, it’s sometimes difficult to decide on which student-athlete to honor. This week, there’s very little question.

Buzzer-beater. MVP. Championship.

Colton Lawrence.

On Saturday evening, Lawrence’s buzzer-beating three-pointer from the right wing gave the Elco boys’ basketball team a chilling and thrilling 61-60 triumph over Lebanon, and the championship of the Cedars’ tip-off tournament. After snaring the rebound of a missed free throw with five seconds left in the title tilt, the Raiders’ senior forward raced the length of the floor and unleashed a three-pointer that touched nothing but the bottom of the net.

The three-pointer gave Lawrence 29 points for the evening, and all but cinched the tournament’s most valuable player trophy. A night earlier, during the Raiders’ dominating 78-33 season-opening victory over Muhlenberg, Lawrence poured in 22 points, in a variety of ways.

In light of Lawrence’s performances, the Raiders are off to a 2-0 start. Elco has high expectations for 2015-16, some of which include going further than teams in Raider boys’ basketball history have rarely gone before.

And clearly if the Raiders are going to reach those destinations, it will be Lawrence leading the way.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 28

Mark Pyles is living proof that we reap what we sew. Work hard enough, and it can take us anywhere.

Not only has Pyles earned a starting position on the Bucknell University football team in less than two years on campus, hiis persistence and dedication have now produced an all-star nod.

Earlier this week, Pyles was honored as a Patriot League second-team, all-star selection at outside linebacker. The former Lebanon High linebacker and quarterback was one of 11 sophomores chosen to all-Patriot League teams.

During his sophomore season, Pyles led the Bison in tackles with 95 total, 53 solo and 42 assists. Seven-and-a-half of those tackles were for loss and two were sacks.

Through his commitment to the weight room, training and learning the Bucknell defensive play book, Pyles earned a starting job with the Bison during the off-season. During spring practice, Pyles earned Bucknell’s 2015 strength and conditioning MVP.

A 2014 graduate of Lebanon High, Pyles led the Cedars to a District Three Class AAAA playoff appearance in his senior season. Pyles was also selected to represent Lebanon High in the 2014 Big 33 High School Football Classic in Hershey.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 21

She’s a scorer. And she’s a leading scorer. But most of all, Kiley Gallagher is a leader.

Gallagher is so adept at both skills that she led the Palmyra field hockey team all the way to the state championship game.

On Wednesday at Exeter Township High School, during the semifinals of the PIAA Class AAA postseason, Gallagher netted a pair of goals to lead the Cougars to a 3-0 triumph over Downingtown East.

Gallagher gave Palmyra a 1-0 lead with 12::21 left in the first half when, stationed at the doorstep, she converted a baseline feed from Lexi Smith. Gallagher also scored the goal that placed an exclamation point on the triumph, with 16:11 remaining, when she walked into the Downingtown East circle and unleashed a forehand blast that made it 3-0.

But Gallagher and Palmyra fell one win short of their dream of a state title three days later, as they were edged 1-0 in overtime by Emmaus. Stopping and containing Gallagher was obviously part of the Green Hornets’ game plan, as the Cougars were shut out for the first time all season.

The possessor of great hand-eye coordination, speed and a lethal shot, the senior forward is headed to Boston University on a Division One athletic grant-in-aid.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 14

You’ve undoubtedly heard it before. But it is so profound that it bears repeating.

Offense puts fans in the stands. But defense wins championships.

The Palmyra field hockey team is marching towards a fourth championship of the fall, and it is the defensive play of Carli Herman that is showing the way.

This week, the senior captain played a huge role in two important Cougar wins – both shutouts. Herman was the defensive catalyst, as Palmyra opened play in the state tournament with a 2-0 white washing of Owen J. Roberts on Tuesday, and then a 3-0 quarterfinal blanking of rival Lower Dauphin on Saturday afternoon.

The triumphs propelled Palmyra into the final four of the PIAA Class AAA playoffs.

With Herman calling the shots and spearheading the effort, the Cougar defense barely allowed their opponents inside their circle, much less to attempt many shots on goal. Herman, who has committed to play field hockey at the next level, is a heady defender who relies on a long reach, toughness and superior stick skills.

On its way to District Three, Mid-Penn Conference and Keystone Division titles this fall, the Palmyra defense has surrendered less than a half-a-goal per game.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 7

How evenly matched were the two sides? So close that they were separated by one play, a single shot, one goal.

Either team was capable of making it. But Erin Huffman did, for the Palmyra Cougars.

On Saturday afternoon at Milton Hershey School’s Henry Hershey Field, Huffman’s goal produced a District Three Class AAA field hockey championship for Palmyra. Huffman’s goal with just over four minutes remaining was the difference, as the Cougars edged emerging rival Penn Manor 1-0 in the title tilt.

And it was a goal befitting the intensity and meaning of the contest.

The play originated from the Palmyra defensive backfield and in many ways was a counter-attack by the Cougars. Deftly stick-handling, Huffman carried the ball half the field, into the Comets side of the field and into the left portion of their circle.

Once there, Huffman unleashed a quick, precise reverse shot that ended up inside the right goalpost of Penn Manor’s cage.

Not only did Huffman’s tally exorcise some demons from two of Palmyra’s previous meetings with the Comets, it produced the Cougars’ tenth overall District Three championship.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 31

It was one of the top plays of the entire Lebanon County scholastic season. It was a play which helped define and shape the Elco girls’ soccer team’s fall.

What else would you expect from an MVP?

Just moments after being named the most valuable player in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Ryelle Shuey showed why. Shuey’s goal with 1:26 remaining lifted the Raiders to a 3-2 victory over Schuylkill Haven, in Monday’s opening round match of the District Three Class AA postseason, contested at Elco Stadium.

But it was certainly no ordinary goal. From the middle of the pitch, 30 yards out, Shuey gathered a loose ball, and in one smooth motion turned and lofted a perfect chip that beat the Schuylkill Valley keeper high.

The tally completed a Raider rally from a 2-0 deficit, which they faced 16 minutes into the second half. The freshman forward had tied the score at two with 16:45 remaining on a perfectly place penalty kick and also assisted on teammate Jenna Oliviero’s goal that got Elco on the board.

With the result, Elco, the reigning Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three champion, moved to 15-4-1 overall and into the quarterfinal round of districts.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 24

It may just be that Jared Harnish is a late bloomer. But he has certainly come into his own as a senior.

In September, Harnish established himself as the top cross country runner in Lebanon County. This week at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championships, the Elco 12th-grader re-affirmed that fact.

On Tuesday afternoon at the annual league meet, contested on Ephrata Middle School’s 3.1-mile course, Harnish ran a very respectable seventh. He was Lebanon County’s top finisher by five spots.

Following a bit of a sluggish start, Harnish found his stride a mile into the race. He kept the leaders in sight the rest of the way, finishing with a time of 16:35.9, his personal best

Harnish entered the competition as the reigning Lebanon County boy’s champion, thanks to a strong run at the local championships contested at South Hills Park earlier in the season. On that day, Harnish clocked a 17:18.34, despite not being pushed by Cedar Crest’s strongest contingent of runners.

Needless to say, Harnish is looking forward to the upcoming District Three championships, which will be run at Big Spring High School on Halloween.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 17

It’s a correlation that is simply undeniable. The program’s all-time leading scorer playing a huge role in one of the program’s greatest wins ever.

Senior midfielder Matt Light was all over the pitch of Talon Field, on the campus of Cocalico High School, during the Annville-Cleona boys’ soccer team’s thrilling 2-1 upset win over Elizabethtown on Saturday afternoon. Passing, throwing, kicking, dribbling, probing, leading, thinking, reading.

Light’s free kick, 11:18 into the second half, helped create a 1-0 lead for the Little Dutchmen. From 25 yards away, Light located teammate Javier Gonzalez stationed on the left post of the Bear goal, and his perfect service found Gonzalez, and Gonzalez found the back of the net.

Light has well over 20 goals this season, and last season became Annville-Cleona’s all-time leading goal scorer. On Friday nights, Light doubles as the Little Dutchmen football team’s place kicker, and is one of the top performers in the Lancaster-Lebanon League at that position as well.

Light has designs on playing soccer in college, perhaps at the Division Two level.

WEEK ENDING Oct. 10

Tim Bomberger has the perfect demeanor for golf. Not too serious. An ability to turn business-like when it’s called for. And the resolve to never get down on himself.

On Tuesday at the par-72, 6,361-yard Lebanon Country Club, Bomberger’s personality served him well.

The Cedar Crest senior was the medalist at the annual Lebanon County Scholastic Golf Championship, and in the process led the Falcons to the team title. Bomberger carded a six-over par 78 over LCC’s testy test and it helped Cedar Crest to an accumulative score of 244, which was ten strokes lower than runner-up Palmyra.

It was the third County team championship in-a-row for Cedar Crest, and Bomberger has been a part of all three.

After going one-over par through his first six holes, Bomberger’s round could’ve gone south after he suffered a double bogey that led to a five-over par total over a four-hole span. But Bomberger righted his ship and went even par over his final eight holes to win it.

Bomberger was buoyed by a birdie at the 398-yard, par-four fourth hole. He also birdied the country club’s 152-yard, par-three 14th.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 3

Andrew Olson had a great game for the Elco football team, perhaps his best as a Raider. But in dramatic fashion, he saved his very best for last.

On Thursday night at Annville-Cleona High School, Olson caught the game-winning touchdown strike from quarterback Jeff Martin to left the Elco football team to a key and thrilling 40-39 overtime victory over the Little Dutchmen. Olson’s catch came on the last play of overtime – on a fourth down and goal from the 14-yard line – after Annville-Cleona had gone ahead with a score on the first possession of the extra session.

Lining up on the right side of the gridiron, Olson worked the middle of the field, cut sharply to cause separation between himself and his defender and then curled back to the right pylon of the end zone. When he turned, Olson saw a zipping Martin aerial headed towards him, which he grabbed before cradling it to his body and making sure his feet were in-bounds.

Nearly as dramatic was the short flip from Martin which Olson turned into a 58-yard touchdown play. That tied the score at 33 with 3:08 left in the fourth quarter and forced overtime.

Olson concluded his evening with nine catches and 150 yards.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 26

Dylan Weaver is the new kid on the block in Fredericksburg. But it hasn’t taken him long to fit in.

Scoring touchdowns has a way of endearing you to teammates.

Weaver’s speed, moves and game-breaking ability have given the Northern Lebanon football team a whole different dimension, and have made an already potent Viking team even more dangerous. On Friday night at Fred Gahres Stadium, Weaver’s skills were on full display.

Weaver tallied three touchdowns to help the Vikings to a 57-26 victory over Ephrata, in both teams’ Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three opener. Weaver, a flashy junior transfer from Central Dauphin, had his hands – and legs – in the middle of a four-touchdown explosion late in the first half that broke the game open and ultimately signaled the mercy rule.

First, Weaver toted the pigskin 60 yards to pay dirt to give the Vikings a 20-7 lead. Then, Weaver returned a punt 62 yards to the promised land to push Northern Lebanon’s advantage to 35-7.

Weaver rounded out his evening by scampering three yards for the touchdown that made it 50-14 Northern Lebanon.

The result made the defending Section Three champion Vikings 4-0 on the year.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 19

Katie Fields likes scoring goals, and she loves winning. And if the goals Fields scores produces wins, well so much the better.

And if she ties a record along the way, she may even get brownies.

On Tuesday afternoon in Fredericksburg, Fields tied a program record, as the Elco field hockey team trounced Northern Lebanon 6-2. Fields poured in four goals to match the previous Raider record established by Nikki Gerhart in 2004.

Fields tallied her first two goals 57 seconds apart in the middle of the first half, to give Elco a 3-0 lead. She picked up her third goal just before the break, then concluded her prolific afternoon early in the second half.

If there was a common theme to Fields’ goals, it was that she displayed a nose for the ball on all of them. While certainly the possessor of advanced stick skills, Fields’ goals were more a result of desire than talent.

But perhaps most importantly, Fields’ four goals helped Elco register its initial win of the campaign. The result leveled the Raiders’ Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three mark to 1-1, and upped their seasonal record to 1-2-1.

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 12

Alon Rhette is one half of a lethal one-two running combination. This week, close friend and teammate Carl Reigle was a jab, and Rhette was the right, overhead, hay-maker.

On Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium, Rhette’s running and all-around play helped the Palmyra football team to a 30-22 victory over Lebanon County rival Elco. Rhette, a junior speedster, rushed 15 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

With the Cougars protecting a 10-7 edge early late in the opening stanza, Rhette ripped off a 47-yard touchdown run through the teeth of the Elco defense, to extend Palmyra’s lead to nine points. Then early in the second quarter, Rhette’s 68-yard jaunt to ‘The House’ pushed the Cougars’ advantage to 23-7.

The Raiders never fully recovered.

For his part, Reigle added 92 yards on 22 totes of the pigskin, as the Cougars, at times, established movement up front.

A tireless worker and a prime-time performer, Rhette also starred on the other side of the ball for Palmyra.

Palmyra’s win over the Raiders upped their early season record to 2-0.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 5

It was a double dose of kudos, all around.

Junior Justice Belleman was enjoying his just desserts for being named the Most Valuable Player at the 44th annual Cedar Bowl. But while he was, he was paying tribute and credit to his offensive line.

Belleman and the offensive line were clearly the difference on Friday night at Earl Boltz Stadium. With the lethal combination controlling the line of scrimmage and the tempo of the game, Cedar Crest dominated and overwhelmed rival Lebanon High 41-7.

In just under three quarters of action, Belleman rushed 13 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns. During the entire game, Cedar Crest ran the ball 41 times and passed it four times.

On its first possession of the year, the Falcons marched 53 yards in seven plays to get a five-yard Belleman scoring jaunt and a 6-0 lead. Then less than six minutes later, Cedar Crest turned a Lebanon turnover into the 21-yard Belleman touchdown run that upped its advantage to 19-0.

The triumph represented Cedar Crest’s fourth straight win over Lebanon High, and 28th overall in a series that dates back to 1972.

 

WEEK ENDING August 29

Logan Fullmer has been a winner at every level on which he has competed. Recently Fullmer became a winner and a champion.

Fullmer, a graduate of Cedar Crest, was the winning pitcher for Worcester as the Bravehearts claimed the championship of the Futures College Baseball League in New England. Fullmer hurled the Bravehearts to a 6-4 triumph over the Bristol Blues, in the championship game at Muzzy Field.

It was actually Zack Tower who made Fullmer the winning pitcher, with his two-run triple in the top of the tenth inning that broke a four-all tie. Fullmer got the victory with three innings of relief, during which he struck out four.

The Bravehearts’ Futures College Baseball League championship was their second in-a-row. During its latest run, Worcester went 4-1 in the FCBL’s playoff format.

In the regular season, Fullmer, a pitcher for the Maine University baseball team during the school year, compiled a 1.33 ERA over 33 innings in 21 games. A right-hander, the hard-throwing former Falcon struck out 44 and was credited with three saves.

 

WEEK ENDING August 22

Local amateur golf events don’t post leader boards, so competitors are never quite sure where they stand in relation to one another. Players never know if they have ground to make up, or if they’re actually leading.

On Friday at the 28th annual Lebanon County Senior Amateur tournament, contested on Royal Oaks’ 6,153-yard, par-71 layout, 53-year-old Dave Brown thought he had lost the championship when he missed a five-foot birdie putt on the par-four 17th. But in reality, Brown had won it a few earlier with a string of three birdies in-a-row.

Brown’s birdies on Royal Oaks’ 12th, 13th and 14th holes proved to the difference, as he fired an even-par 71 to score a one-shot victory over defending champ Kerry Wentling, former champion Bill Massar, Jr. and playing partner Greg Adams. It was Brown’s first individual triumph in his competitive golfing career.

Brown rolled in a four-foot bird on the 393-yard, par-four 12th green. He tapped in for birdie at the par-five 13th hole, after missing a 15-foot eagle putt. And Brown drilled a 20-foot birdie roll at the 405-yard, par-four 14th.

Instantly, Brown went from two-over par to one-under par. He finished his round as the only competitor in the 40-player field who wasn’t over par.

 

 

WEEK ENDING August 15

Sometimes months elapse between the times Kyle Martel gets to do the thing he loves. While he’s waiting, Martel practices patience.

One might think that when Martel, an aspiring stock car-racer, gets behind the wheel that his first inclination is to put the pedal to the metal and go as fast as he possibly can. But in reality, quite the opposite is true.

During the recent running of the sixth annual Pocono Mountains 150, an event in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, on Pocono International Raceway’s 2.5-mile tricky triangle, patience once again proved to be a virtue for Martel. A Lebanon native and a Cedar Crest graduate, Martel finished a respectable 19th in the 60-lap race.

What was most impressive about Martel’s run was the fact that he did it from the final starting position. By running hard and running smart, Martel avoided numerous incidents and cautions to improve his finishing position by 13 spots.

Martel’s cautious approach had him running 20th by the 40th lap of the race. He ran 19th for most of the event’s final 20 laps.

WEEK ENDING August 8

There is certainly something to be said for youth being served on the local tennis scene. The younger you are, the brighter your future.

Fourteen-year-old Jack Muraika became Lebanon Sports Buzz’s youngest ‘Athlete of the Week’ recently when he finished as the runner-up at the 48th annual Mount Gretna Tennis Club’s open tournament. Muraika fell to 23-year-old and former college player Mike Lesko 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 in the event’s championship match.

But the title tilt may have been closer than the final score appeared.

With Muraika more than holding his own from the baseline, the freshman-to-be at Cedar Crest High School claimed four of the match’s first five games. But it was around that point Lesko took control of the play, using the first-set tiebreaker to claim the match’s momentum for good.

Yet Muraika’s greatest accomplishment might have been getting to the championship match at all. He defeated a number of older, more seasoned and higher-seeded players along the way.

Certainly Muraika’s showing in Mount Gretna bodes well for his upcoming years as a Falcon, and should serve as a source of experience from which to draw upon.

 

WEEK ENDING August 1

Because Noah Firestone, a native of Annville, attended high school outside of Lebanon County – at Mount Calvary Christian Academy, specifically – in many ways he flew under local golf’s radar. So, the 70th annual W.B. Sullivan Better-ball-of-Partners tournament could be considered Firestone’s coming out party.

On Sunday at the Lebanon Country Club’s 6,562-yard, par-72 layout, Firestone and teammate Brady Goodling earned a runner-up finish at central Pennsylvania’s most prestigious team event. With darkness descending on LCC, Firestone and Goodling were edged by Chad Stine and Drew Patterson on the 23rd hole of the championship flight’s final match.

And it was that close to being a title for Firestone and Goodling. It was Stine’s two-foot birdie putt on the fifth extra hole that gave his side the crown.

But Firestone played steadily throughout the three-day tournament.

Earlier in the championship match, Firestone had given his team the lead with a two-foot birdie at the par-four 13th hole. A day earlier, Firestone had drained a dramatic 35-foot birdie putt on LCC’s par-four 18th hole to send he and Goodling to a one-up victory over Alex Church and Jeff Castle and into the tournament’s semifinal round.

Firestone has committed to take his considerable golf talents to Monmouth College in New York, where he will be a freshman this fall.

 

WEEK ENDING July 25

Midway through the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League’s season, Myerstown manager Johnny Mentzer advised all of his batters to take less pitches and to be more aggressive early in the count. Brett Baweic took the advice to heart, and because he did, he became one of the summer circuit’s most dangerous, consistent and productive hitters.

B. Baweic was certainly one of Myerstown’s bright spots, as the Lebanon County champions went 1-2 at the recent eight-team, double-elimination Region Four tournament, contested at Ephrata’s War Memorial Field.

On a hot and sticky Monday afternoon, during a summer-ending 9-1 loss to Linglestown, B. Bawiec collected three more hits. The day prior, B. Bawiec had also gone three-for-four and finished with a team-leading seven hits in the tournament, including an RBI-single in Myerstown’s opening-round 1-0 triumph over Pleasuresville.

Myerstown had gone 6-1 in the Lebanon County American Legion postseason to claim the locale’s spot in the region legional. And B. Bawiec was one of the biggest reasons why.

B. Bawiec had been on fire since the calendar turned to July, and his hot hitting continued through the postseason. Ever since he began looking for fastballs early in his at-bats.

 

WEEK ENDING July 18

Kyle Bogdanovich may or may not be the best hitter in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league. What makes that a matter of conjecture is the fact that the local summer circuit is home to some pretty good batters.

But Bogdanovich was the best hitter in the county legion league when it mattered the most – during the postseason. He’s got the trophy to prove that.

On Wednesday night at Palmyra High School, K-Bog’s bat was the big stick in Myerstown’s championship-clinching 4-2 triumph over Campbelltown, in the final game of the Lebanon County American Legion League’s double-elimination playoffs. After the hostilities had been settled, K. Bogdanovich was recognized as the postseason’s top batter, with the Jack Bicher Outstanding Hitter award.

With Myerstown trailing Campbelltown 2-0 in the top of the fifth inning and in desperate need of a spark, K. Bogdanovich provided one. His two-run single in the frame knotted the score.

Then during Myerstown’s winning seventh-inning rally, K. Bogdanovich kept things going with a single that helped set up teammate Cody Horst’s decisive safety.

One of Myerstown’s quiet emotional leaders, K. Bogdanovich, who also played a huge role in M-town’s local title last season, has seemingly been on fire at the plate since the county legion league’s postseason got underway.

 

WEEK ENDING July 11

It took Ian Whitman most of the summer to round into his old pitching self. But now that he has, he has the look of a hurler who could lead a club to a championship.

On Saturday night at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Whitman looked like – well, like Whitman – in pitching Post 915 to a 2-1, nine-inning triumph over Annville, in F-burg’s opener of the double-elimination Lebanon County American Legion baseball league’s postseason. Whitman had a job to do, and didn’t mind if he had to work a little overtime to get it done.

Whitman needed all of 120 pitches to go all nine innings, finish what he started and pick up the win. Battery-mate and catcher Chase Dubendorf made a winner out of Whitman with his two-out hit to right field in the bottom of the second extra frame.

Whitman, who has been eased back into the Fredericksburg rotation after not pitching in the spring, fanned eight and walked one. The stocky right-hander surrendered only four Annville hits.

The win was regular-season champion Fredericksburg’s tenth straight overall and lifted it to 14-2 on the summer. It also set up a showdown with Campbelltown in the undefeated game of the Lebanon County American Legion League’s playoff format.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING July 4

When Wyatt Beakler is ‘on’, he’s a dominating, difficult-to-hit, tough-to-figure-out southpaw starting pitcher. And when he’s ‘on’, he makes the Fredericksburg pitching staff the most talented and deep pitching staff in the entire Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League.

Beakler has been ‘on’ most of this summer. And so has Post 915.

On Tuesday at Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Beakler was certainly ‘on’, and because he was, most of Myerstown’s hitters were ‘off balance’.

Beakler shut down Myerstown 2-1 in the opener of a doubleheader. He picked up the pitching victory, by scattering five hits and finishing what he started.

Beakler surrendered a first-inning run to the visitors, but nothing the rest of the way. The lanky left-hander fanned seven during the outing and issued a pair of free passes.

The victory was Fredericksburg’s fifth straight and second of the week. And by the time the week had ended, Post 915 had eight straight wins, a 12-2 record and a firm handle on the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League’s regular-season championship.

Beakler heads a pitching staff that also includes Jordan Nichols, Ian Whitman, Zane Merkel and Brett Minnich.

 

WEEK ENDING June 27

Jimmy Gardner is a family man and a father. But on this Father’s Day, any gift would’ve been hard-pressed to match the prize that Gardner earned at the 57th annual Lebanon County Amateur golf tournament.

On Sunday afternoon at Lebanon Valley Golf Course’s 6,136-yard, par-71 layout, Gardner earned the championship of local amateur golf with a second-round 69 and a 141 total, or one-under par. Gardner finished three strokes ahead of co-runners-up, Andy Gibbons and Tony Deraco.

But Gardner couldn’t have garnered his crown without a little bit of help from first-round leader John DiGiacomo. Gardner entered Father’s Day’s final round six shots behind DiGiacomo, who scuffled to an eight-over par 79 and a fourth-place showing.

Gardner’s decisive round was comprised of five birdies, three bogeys and ten pars. The title was also a nice complement to the 2006 Lebanon County Amateur championship Gardner won at Blue Mountain.

But the icing on the cake for Gardner was the fact that he was serving as the County Amateur’s tournament director for the final time. Justin Arnt will be taking over the position that Gardner had held for more than the last decade.

 

WEEK Ending June 20

Connor Bawiec was the best player in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League last season. And he’s back this season.

So does that mean Bawiec is the best player in the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League this summer? We’ll allow you to draw your own conclusions.

Using his arm and bat, Bawiec helped Myerstown to a 3-1 week. After dropping a 5-0 decision to Fredericksburg on Sunday, Bawiec helped the reigning league champions to consecutive wins over Fifth Ward, Richland and Richland again.

In Friday’s 9-0 win at Richland’s Lyle Krall Field, Bawiec collected three hits – a double and two singles. On Tuesday, during a 3-2 11-inning shading of Fifth Ward, Bawiec pitched well over the first ten innings, striking out ten and refusing to issue a free pass, but did not figure in the decision.

Myerstown’s big week left it 4-3 in the local summer baseball circuit.

Bawiec, a 2014 graduate of Cedar Crest, was the driving force behind Myerstown winning last season’s league championship. During this past school year, Bawiec toiled for the Elmira College baseball team in New York.

 

 

 

WEEK Ending June 13

It has become apparent during the early going of the wooden bat Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League, that pitching and defense will rule and runs will be at a premium. But Trevor Gill took the those trends one step further.

On Tuesday evening at Palmyra High School, Gill, a hard throwing right-hander, twirled a one-hit complete game to lead Campbelltown to a 5-1 victory over Richland. Gill was on top of his game from his initial delivery, but remained just as strong as the game wore on.

Gill fanned seven and surrendered four bases-on-balls. But he didn’t walk a batter after the third inning and he set down the final 14 Richland batters he encountered.

But perhaps the most impressive part of Gill’s outing was the fact that he threw only two breaking balls during his seven innings of work. He was hitting his spots, and so dominant with his heater, that Richland batters were having a hard time catching up to him.

The only Richland hitter to get to Gill was lead-off man Wes Wentling, via a third-inning single. Wentling’s hit ultimately led to Richland’s only run, but thanks to a Campbelltown error it turned out to be of the unearned variety.

With Gill’s triumph, Campbelltown improved to 2-0 in the early going of the league.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK Ending June 6

There exists a baseball instructional guide on how to make oneself a winning pitcher. Justin Ulrich didn’t write the book, but he did guest author a chapter.

Late in a game, get inserted as a relief pitcher. Do your job and then when the game is on the line, simply get a hit.

To put his on particular spin on the scenario, Ulrich just turned an ‘e’ to an ‘o’. He didn’t get a hit, he got hit.

While it may not be as glamorous, Ulrich getting hit by a pitch was the key moment in the Annville American Legion baseball team’s 4-3 opening-night victory over Fredericksburg on Friday night. Part of Annville’s three-run rally in the bottom of the seventh, Ulrich ‘took one for the team’ with the bases loaded and nobody out to force in the tying run.

An at-bat later, Annville’s stirring comeback was completed when Fredericksburg was guilty of a throwing error. The rally also made Ulrich the winning pitcher.

The lanky right-hander had come on in relief of Alec Barr and Jordan Gohn in the top of the seventh inning, for his initial work of the season. In his lone inning of work, Ulrich did not allow a run, struck out one and walked one.

 

 

 

 

WEEK Ending May 30

For the first time in history, two students – Adam Bahney and Galen McNaughton – are sharing Lebanon Sports Buzz’s Athlete of the Week honor.

And for good reason. That’s because Bahney and McNaughton made a little history of their own.

Recently at Hershey’s Racquet Club, the Elco seniors captured a rare state championship by besting Holy Ghost Prep’s Mark Pabalan and Brandon Fritze 6-3, 6-1 in the PIAA Class AA championship final. Never trailing at any point in the championship match, Bahney and McNaughton broke Pablan-Fritze’s serve in the eighth game of the first set, then used three more service breaks in the second set to claim the title going away.

Earlier in the day, Bahney and McNaughton had posted a hard-earned 7-6, 6-3 semifinal triumph over sophomores John Yurconic and Mason Groff, of Salisbury. In that match, the Raiders rallied twice from seemingly insurmountable deficits to reach the championship test.

The state championship capped a spectacular undefeated postseason run by Bahney and McNaughton. The Elco duo had also claimed the District Three Class AA doubles championship, as well as the Lancaster-Lebanon League title.

McNaughton and Bahney closed out their careers with an impressive 52-4 record as doubles’ partners.

 

 

 

WEEK Ending May 23

Erin Winters made a career out of setting the bar higher and then eclipsing it. And by so doing, she ascended to heights that no one from Lebanon County had ever reached before.

On Saturday at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University, Winters capped the most successful female vaulting career in the history of Lebanon County. The Lebanon High senior finished fifth in the Class AAA pole vaulting event.

Winters cleared the second-highest height in the competition – 12-0 – but was awarded fifth because of more misses. The gold medal went to Bishop McDevitt’s Tesia Kempski, who went 12-9.

Winters’ hardware capped a marvelous senior campaign. A week earlier, Winters had gone 12-4 to finish second at the District Three meet.

At the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships at Hempfield High School, Winters had topped the pole vault competition with a 12-6. Winters was also crowned the female pole vault champion at the Lebanon County meet.

A one-time multi-sport star, Winters will concentrate on the pole vault when she attends George Mason University in the fall.

 

 

 

WEEK Ending May 16

A quarterback in the fall, Adam Fox has a cannon for a right arm. It is an arm that translates well to track and field, and the javelin throw.

Fox is also driven, focused and motivated. It is a competitive spirit that translates well into any athletic endeavor he chooses to pursue.

On Friday afternoon at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, during the opening day of the District Three Track and Field Championships, his strong right arm and strong will to win served Fox well. The Annville-Cleona junior out distanced the competition to capture the Class AA gold medal.

Fox entered the competition seeded second behind defending champion Matt Reinhart of Berks Catholic. But on his second attempt after reaching the finals, Fox unleashed a 173-7, which was three feet farther than Reinhart, who finished as the runner-up.

Later in the day, Fox finished sixth in the Class AA shot put event. Fox’s medals were half of the four taken home by Little Dutchmen from the first day of the District Three meet.

Fox has been heaving the javelin for three years now, and under the right circumstances in the future would consider pursuing the discipline on the college level.

 

WEEK ENDING May 9

Some scholastic student-athletes realize their middle-school potential. And some done.

And for others, it just takes a little more time.

It would appear that Lebanon sophomore middle-distance runner Derin Klick is currently coming into his own, in his own time.

On Saturday afternoon at Hempfield High School, during the Lancaster-Lebanon Track and Field Championships, Klick ran a great race in the 800-meter final. Klick was clocked in a winning time of 1:57.41 to edge a contingent of four other Lebanon County runners, including Cedar Crest sophomore Jesse Cruise, by .73 of a second.

Klick went out strong and battled Cedar Crest senior Jared Glosser for the early lead. Klick was momentarily passed by Cruise, with about 100 meters remaining in the race, but had enough left in his tank to out kick him to the finish line.

For Klick, a junior-high star runner, it was his most impressive performance at a big scholastic track and field meet to date. The Cedar tenth-grader will look to keep it going next weekend at the District Three Class AAA championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.

 

WEEK ENDING May 2

It may be the ultimate sign of respect in sports. Refusing to allow an athlete to compete against you because you fear he or she has the power to single-handedly beat you.

It was that kind of week for Isaac Wengert.

During Wednesday’s 8-7 home loss to Manheim Central, Wengert was shown that type of respect, as the Barons intentionally walked him, not once, but two times. When Central had pitched to Wengert earlier in the contest, the Northern Lebanon center-fielder had gone deep twice, as part of a three-for-three performance that featured four RBIs and three runs scored.

But Wengert’s week was far from over. Then on Friday in Fredericksburg, Wengert strutted his stuff in front of rival Cedar Crest.

Wengert was the winning pitcher in a 7-2 defeat of the Falcons, going the distance on a five-hitter, while fanning five and issuing one free pass. At the dish against Crest, Wengert also contributed two hits – one of which was a double – and three RBIs.

The Vikings’ win over Cedar Crest kept their hopes of qualifying for the District Three Class AAA postseason alive.

 

WEEK ENDING April 25

It is truly debatable as to which carries more prestige Lebanon Sports Buzz’s Athlete of the Week honor or the Lebanon County Track and Field Championship’s Outstanding Male Athlete award. Well, there’s really no sense arguing with Jeronimo Rodriguez.

On Saturday at Lebanon High School, Rodriguez copped his second consecutive Outstanding Athlete at the county meet with a record-setting performance. The Cedars’ senior sprinter simply had speed to burn.

Rodriguez established a new Lebanon County record in the 400-meter dash, clocking a 49.0 to best Northern Lebanon’s Joe Vedilago’s 2012 mark by 0.3 of a second. Rodriguez also struck gold with a strong performance in the 200-meter dash.

In addition, Rodriguez finished third in the long jump. He also ran an extremely fast split while anchoring Lebanon High’s 1600-meter relay team to a third-place showing.

Now it’s on to the bigger meets – the Lancaster-Lebanon League, District Three Championships and possibly the PIAA Track and Field meet – for Rodriguez, where the competition becomes increasingly challenging. Should Rodriguez stay true to himself and run his own races, he will get where he needs to go.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 18

He was supposed to be a fill-in, an innings eater. But the way Mitch Long had it figured, if he was going to take the mound, he might as well pitch his heart out.

This week, the Annville-Cleona baseball team won two games. And Long was the Little Dutchmen’s winning pitcher in each win..

On Friday afternoon at Lyle Krall Field in Myerstown, Long pitched Annville-Cleona to a 12-0 five-inning, mercy-rule triumph over Elco. The sophomore southpaw was certainly on top of his game, limiting the Raiders’ potent attack to three hits, striking out two and walking one.

On Tuesday afternoon at home, Long had pitched five solid innings to earn the win in a 10-8 victory over Lebanon High. Long fanned seven Cedars and walked four.

But not only does Long know what to do with a ball in his hand, he also knows what to do when he steps into the batter’s box. In four games this week, Long slashed at a .357 clip, scored seven runs and drove in six other runs, with a double and a triple.

It was those types of performances which has the Little Dutchmen competing for a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four crown and a District Three Class AA playoff berth.

 

WEEK ENDING April 11

It was a four-game week for the Elco softball team. And even better, a three-win week for the Raiders.

It was also a good week for Claire Shaak. Shaak was the winning pitcher in each of the Raiders’ three victories.

On Monday behind Shaak, Elco knocked off Cocalico. On Wednesday, Shaak’s Raiders ten-runned Lebanon High. And on Friday, Shaak blanked Lancaster Catholic in five innings.

For the week, the senior right-hander whiffed 30 opposing batters, including a ten-strikeout performance against the Crusaders. But that wasn’t all for Shaak.

She also shone at the plate, particularly against Lebanon. Shaak, who hits in the middle of the Elco order, collected three hits in four trips to the plate against the Cedars, drove in five runs and scored three times.

Elco’s three-win week pushed its overall mark to 4-3, the sames as its Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three record. With Shaak leading from the mound and in the batter’s box, the Raiders figure to be in the thick of the section race all spring long and make a bid for a District Three Class AAA playoff spot.

 

 

WEEK ENDING April 4

The spring weather has been uncooperative as usual, but despite the conditions, the Northern Lebanon baseball team is off to a hot, fast start. And Jordan Nichols has been in the middle of everything good for the Vikings.

On Monday afternoon in Fredericksburg, Nichols pitched the Vikings to an 11-6 victory over Lebanon. The senior southpaw was on top of his game, fanning a dozen Cedars and walking a pair while picking up the pitching victory.

Nichols had carried a no-hitter and a 4-1 lead into the top of the fifth inning, a lead the Vikings would never relinquish.

Then on Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Nichols contributed a double to Northern Lebanon’s 4-3 triumph over Cocalico. That victory kept the Vikings’ early season record unblemished at 3-0.

Northern Lebanon did suffer its first loss of the spring on Friday at Manheim Central, an 8-2 setback to the Barons. But the Vikings have established themselves as a contender in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, as well as a contender for a District Three Class AAA playoff berth.

And Nichols has established himself as a key contributor to Northern Lebanon’s success.

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 28

It’s nice to see that Alex Rich is doing OK.

How do we know that Rich is feeling better? Well, four goals and three assists is a pretty good indication.

On Monday evening at Ed and Jeannie Arnold Field at Earl Boltz Stadium, Rich figured in more than 40 percent of her team’s scoring as the Cedar Crest girls’ lacrosse team hammered county rival Palmyra 17-4 in the spring season opener for both squads. It was also Rich’s domination of mid-field draws off of stoppages that helped the Falcons to an insurmountable 12-0 halftime lead.

Rich had missed a good bit of the final portion of the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team’s run to the second round of the PIAA Class AAAA postseason with concussion-like symptoms. During the regular season, Rich’s staunch defense, role playing and leadership helped the Falcons to a Lancaster-Lebanon League championship.

But Rich is even more at home on the lacrosse field. The athletic senior midfielder has committed to take her lacrosse talents to Division One Louisville.

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 21

Like Final Fours? Who doesn’t?

We can certainly classify Katie Dembrowski into that group that does. But what sets Dembrowski apart is the fact that she knows how to get to them.

This week, Dembrowski competed in her second state final four in four months. There’s not many student-athletes in the history of Lebanon County sports who can say they’ve played in two in their careers.

On Tuesday night at Reading High’s Geigle Complex, the basketball portion of the Palmyra senior point guard’s career came to an end in the PIAA Class AAAA semifinals, with the Cougars’ 61-55 loss to Central Bucks West. Dembrowwski was her usual steady self, handling the ball strongly, finding teammates in good spots, hitting open shots and competing fiercely on defense.

Back in Novemember, it was Katie D.’s play which had helped the Palmyra field hockey team share a controversial Class AAA state championship with Penn Manor. With Dembrowski leading the way, the Cougars’ PIAA postseason run ended with a one-all tie in the Class AAA championship game.

Next up for Dembrowski is a track and field swan song in the spring, before she heads off to Penn State play Division One field hockey.

 

WEEK ENDING March 14

So, exactly when did Katy McClellan become such a proficient three-point shooter?

Actually, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that McClellan has expanded her game. She’s so good at everything else she does on the basketball floor, why should three-point shooting be any different?

This week, McCellan continued to shoot the trey very efficiently. And she and the Palmyra girls’ basketball team continued their run deep run into the PIAA playoffs in their first venture in Class AAAA.

On Friday at Garden Spot High School, McClellan drained a pair of treys as part of her 12 points, and the Cougars pulled away from Cardinal O’Hara 54-42, in the quarterfinal round of the Class AAAA state postseason. Three nights earlier at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, in the second round of the PIAA tournament, the senior forward counted a ‘three’ among her team-high 18 points, as Palmyra routed Mount Saint Joseph 57-38.

With deft rebounding skills, a tenacious defensive approach and the ability to take her defender off the dribble, McClellan’s versatility has been a key part of the Cougars’ success this season. And now McClellan counts three-point shooting among her arsenal.

Upon her graduation from Palmyra, McClellan plans to continue her academic and athletic careers at Division Three Smith College in Massachusetts.

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 7

They don’t give out an award for Lebanon County’s most improved girls’ basketball player. But perhaps they should.

How about being named Lebanon Sports Buzz’s Athletes of the Week?

No one locally has made greater improvements over the last three months than Ariel Jones. Cedar Crest’s sophomore guard has gone from a player fighting for playing time to being one of the most integral parts of her team.

On Saturday afternoon at Harriton High School in Rosemont, Jones helped lead the Falcons to a 53-44 upset of Downingtown East, in the opening round of the PIAA Class AAAA tournament. Jones went four-for-for at the foul stripe, drained a three-pointer and pumped in 15 points to tie senior teammate Rachel Miller for team-high scoring honors.

The state playoff win was the reigning Lancaster-Lebanon League champion’s first in a number of seasons.

As the season has progressed, Jones’ confidence has grown by leaps and bounds, right along with her production. A heady driver of the basketball, a good decision-maker and a fierce defender, Jones worked her way into the Falcons’ starting lineup at the midway point of the season, and has done nothing but grow ever since.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 28

Evan Horn is a difference maker who practices deference.

Sometimes, merely out of respect Horn will defer to his older Cedar Crest boys’ basketball teammates. He only asserts himself when his squad needs him the most.

On Saturday afternoon at Hershey’s Giant Center, Horn was up front and present during the Falcons’ time of need. With Cedar Crest short-handed in the District Three Class AAAA championship game against York High, the junior guard stepped up with a trio of three-point field goals, 21 points, a boat load of rebounds and a handful of assists.

Despite perhaps his greatest effort of the season, Horn’s Falcons fell to the Bearcats for a second season. On Wednesday at Giant Center, Horn had scored 11 points to help Cedar Crest to a 58-49 semifinal triumph over Reading.

Horn’s inspired continues to make him one of the top performers in all of District Three.

The Falcons will carry a 26-3 overall mark into next week’s PIAA Class AAAA tournament.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 21

Work hard within the team structure. Put teammates ahead of yourself. Play your role. Or more succinctly: be a good team player.

If you do, and to it long enough, good things – including individual accolades – will come your way.

That pretty much sums up Kristen Smoluk’s girls’ basketball playing career in a few words.

On Friday night at Warwick High School, the individual milestone that Smoluk reached during the Palmyra girls’ basketball team’s 54-27 triumph over Hempfield was as much a testament to her abilities as a teammate, her hard work and the Cougars’ success than anything Smoluk could accomplish on her own. With 33 seconds remaining in Palmyra’s District Three Class AAAA quarterfinal contest, Smoluk sank a free throw that was her tenth point of the evening and the 1,000th of her career.

The evening was also significant in that it was the 100th win of Smoluk’s and fellow seniors Maria Tukis’, Katy McClellan and Katie Dembroski’s four-year career. A hundred wins is a career total that few groups of Lebanon County student-athletes, in any sport, have reaached.

The triumph also qualified the Cougars for the District Three Class AAAA semifinals, as well as their fourth straight trip to the PIAA postseason.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 14

While the Class of 2015 has been responsible for getting the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball program to this point of its development, it’s the sophomores who have been carrying the Falcons as of late. But when Cedar Crest needed her most, it was a seasoned senior who stepped up her play.

On Saturday afternoon at Manheim Township High School, senior guard Nikki Wagner tallied 15 points to lead the Falcons to a 58-49 triumph over McCaskey and to a Lancaster-Lebanon League championship. Wagner knocked down three key three-pointers, including a couple early, to go with a steadying floor game, flawless ball handling skills and tenacious defense.

It was the culmination of a great week for N. Wagner, one in which Cedar Crest won three straight league playoff games.

On Thursday, during a 47-33 semifinal victory over Cocalico, N. Wagner posted a 14-point performance which also included a trio of treys. Two nights prior, N. Wagner had pumped in three other ‘threes’ and 17 points in the Falcons’ hard-fought 68-62 opening-round win over Lancaster Catholic.

For Cedar Crest, it was its seventh Lancaster-Lebanon League championship, and first since 2010.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 7

Neither was it planned or scripted. But a more appropriate way for Brittany Ulrich to register her 1,000th point would be hard to imagine.

The consummate team player reached the coveted career milestone while leading her team to a seasonal championship.

On Tuesday night at Garden Spot High School, the Lebanon girls’ basketball team’s senior point popped for a game-high 18 points – including the one which pushed her all-time total into four digits – during a 42-33 victory over the home-standing Spartans. The triumph clinched the Cedars’ second straight Lancaster-Lebanon Section Two title.

Ulrich eclipsed the 1,000-point mark off the dribble, with a hard, right-handed ‘take’ to the bucket.

Sure Ulrich can score, in the lane, behind the arc, at the free throw line. But the fiery 5-7 guard has made a career out of handling the ball, finding teammates in the right places, making those around her better – and leading.

As the Section Two champions, Ulrich’s Cedars will compete in the upcoming Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAAA playoff tournaments.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 31

Numbers never lie. But sometimes they’re misleading, and other times they don’t tell the entire truth.

Caleb Buchmoyer’s numbers are down this season. But his team’s numbers are up.

Those are two facts which are directly correlated.

This season, Buchmoyer has given up individual statistics for the betterment of the Elco boys’ basketball team. And the junior guard has become very defensive about this new assignment.

Buchmoyer has taken on the task of guarding, hounding and generally harassing the other team’s best offensive player. Using a physical approach, quick feet and active hands, Buchmoyer’s defense has helped the Raiders take their game to the next level.

This week, the Raiders won at rival Northern Lebanon and suffered a home defeat at the hands of powerful Manheim Central. Buchmoyer netted a total of 13 points, as the outcomes left Elco 12-9 for the year.

Elco’s 12 wins is the program’s most in recent years. The Raiders also continue to challenge for rare Lancaster-Lebanon and District Three Class AAA playoff berths.

WEEK ENDING Jan. 24

Joey Emborsky had been knocking on the door for the last three years. Then he finally got his invitation to the ball.

He didn’t want to dance with the princess or anything like that. He just wanted to go in and have a look around.

On Saturday at the Lancaster-Lebanon Wrestling Championships, Emborsky qualified for the finals of his weight class for the first time in four tries. Emborsky had reached the semifinals of the league tournament in each of the past three seasons, before defeating Cedar Crest’s Barry Breidegan in the semis at 145 pounds.

It seemed to matter very little that the Northern Lebanon senior fell to Solanco’s Dalton Groff, via a fall in the finals.

Emborsky had advanced to the semifinals with a 10-5 triumph over Connor Pavlik of Manheim Central in the quarterfinal round of his bracket. Emborsky opened his tournament with a resounding 15-1 victory over Warwick’s Jason Kempiniski.

Emborsky’s performance at the L-L meet upped his seasonal record to 14-5. Emborsky’s team points helped the Class AA Vikings to a third-place finish at the event, a showing that was higher than any Lebanon County wrestling squad which had come before them.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 17

She’s last on the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team’s alphabetic roster. But she’s first in the hearts of the Viking faithful.

Affectionately known around Fredericksburg as Z.Z., Zoe Zerman’s play may be the biggest reason for Northern Lebanon’s amazing turnaround this year.

A heady, slick ball handling, poised point guard, Zerman has led the Vikings to a 12-5 overall mark to date. Last year, Northern Lebanon won a total of six games over the course of the entire season.

The Vikings have won five of their last six games, including a week in which they went 2-1. While Northern Lebanon may be a long shot to qualify for the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs out of rugged Section Three, the Vikes are a good bet to qualify for the District Three Class AAA postseason.

Last week, Northern Lebanon won 54-20 at Annville-Cleona and 63-53 at Columbia, but sustained a tough 55-54, overtime home loss to mighty Lancaster Catholic. Zerman, a 5-8 sophomore, led her side in scoring on each occasion.

Zerman poured in a career-high 27 points – on nine field goals and nine-for-14 free throwing – against the Crimson Tide. She notched a game-high 20 points against the Crusders, and tallied 16 points against the Little Dutchmen.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 10

Following a somewhat sluggish start, the Palmyra boys’ basketball team has really picked up its play of late.

The same can not be said of Isaac Blatt. A versatile sophomore, Blatt’s play for the Cougars has been amazingly steady all season long.

It may be that that Palmyra has just started to follow Blatt’s lead recently.

On Friday night, Blatt went four-for-four at the foul line and poured in 16 points in Palmyra’s 52-46 triumph at rival Lower Dauphin. On Tuesday night, Blatt netted 15 points in the Cougars’ 81-71 home setback to mighty Bishop McDevitt.

What was significant about those two Blatt performances was that not only did he lead his team in scoring on those nights, but they also marked the sixth and seventh games in-a-row in which Blatt has scored in double digits. For the season, Blatt has been in double figures 12 times in Palmyra’s 14 outings.

With the Cougars relying on Blatt, Palmyra has emerged victorious in four of its last six games to thrust itself firmly into the District Three Class AAA playoff picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 3

Solid. Steady. Dependable. When you’re trying to win basketball games, it’s sure nice to have someone to rely on.

When one talks about being steady, no one brings it night in and night out like Colton Lawrence. It is his consistency which has helped the Elco boys’ basketball team become consistent winners this season.

With a variety of moves, the ability to use either hand, a deft shooting touch and a range that extends beyond the three-point arc, Lawrence can be counted on to lead the Raiders in scoring on most nights. The athletic 6-2 forward is as comfortable playing with his back to the basket, as he does facing it.

Lawrence’s offensive arsenal makes him one of the most dangerous attackers locally and one of Lebanon County’s leading scorers.

But points isn’t the only thing that Lawrence brings to the table. He is also a tenacious rebounder, an imposing defensive presence and a player to whom teammates look for leadership.

With Lawrence leading the way, the Raiders have put themselves in the position to contend for rare Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAA playoff spots.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 27

The casual Lebanon County basketball fan hasn’t heard of Alexis Hill – yet. It would seem that it’s just a matter of time before Hill becomes a local household name.

This week, Hill continued to burst on to the local basketball scene, and the Lebanon High girls’ basketball team continued to improve and impress.

On Saturday night, in the opening round of Lebanon’s Holiday tournament, the Cedars’ athletic freshman forward was all over the floor during her team’s 53-45 triumph over Lebanon Catholic. Employing quickness, length and tenacity, the 5-9 Hill pumped in ten of her team’s first-quarter total of 14 points, as the Cedars opened an eight-point lead over the Beavers they would never relinquish.

Hill finished with a game-high 19 points and a game-high 18 rebounds.

The victory was Lebanon High’s fifth in its last six contests and lifted it to 6-3 on the year.

Earlier in the week, Hill also led the Cedars in scoring, in a 46-44 overtime setback at the hands of Ephrata. Hill notched 13 points, on six two-point field goals and a charity toss.

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 20

Alyssa Austin burst on to the varsity scene last year as a freshman. This season, Austin is the leading candidate for Lebanon County’s unofficial ‘Most Improved Girls’ Basketball Player’ award.

Austin’s breakthrough sophomore season continued on an upswing recently, as she helped Cedar Crest to a 2-1 week.

On Monday night at Ephrata, Austin enjoyed a monster night, pouring in a game-high 23 points and hauling in 17 rebounds in the Falcons’ 55-41 win over the home standing Mounts. Austin followed that up with a 12-point effort during Wednesday’s 45-19 home trouncing of Conestoga Valley.

On Friday night in Lancaster, Cedar Crest dropped its initial league contest of the season – 49-48 to McCaksey – but don’t blame Austin, who tossed in a game-high 17 points.

Partly due to Austin’s inspired play, the Falcons are off to a 4-2 start in 2014-15, 3-1 in Section One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

A 6-3 post presence, Austin gets the job done with superior footwork, diligent determination and a soft touch around the goal. Though she is still very early in her scholastic development, Austin is said to have already drawn attention from Division One college recruiters.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 13

Maria Tukis has gained a reputation as one of the fiercest, most intense defenders in central Pennsylvania, and deservedly so. But this season, her fourth and final on the varsity level, Tukis has turned up the volume on her scoring.

Of course, it is just a different mean to the same end.

This week, Tukis led the Palmyra girls’ basketball team in scoring in two of its three games, all three wins.

On Tuesday, Tukis poured in 18 points to help the Cougars rally by Hempfield 52-43 in a key non-league match-up in Cougarland. Then on Friday night in Palmyra, Tukis posted 15 points to share team-high scoring honors with Molly Gundermann, during the Cougars’ 52-41 triumph over Red Land.

Earlier in the week, Tukis showcased her defensive skills in a crucial 44-39 victory over Mechanicsburg, in Palmyra’s Mid-Penn Keystone Division opener. The 3-0 week propelled the Cougars to 5-0 on the year.

Tukis is also an accomplished runner, a one-time District Three champion and a two-time PIAA champion – in both cross country and track and field.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 6

Jahlil Ortiz threw down monster dunks in each of the Lebanon boys’ basketball team’s first two games of the season. And while both only counted two points on the scoreboard, it was that type of inspired play which spurred the Cedars on to a pair of victories.

Ortiz’s leadership by example also earned him the Most Valuable Player award from the Lebanon Booster Club’s Tip-Off Tournament.

On Friday night, after battling early foul difficulties, Ortiz came on in the second half to tally 16 of his team-high 18 points in a 63-54 triumph over Lancaster Mennonite. On that night, Ortiz’s dunk came in the midst of a third-quarter burst when Lebanon was distancing itself from the Blazers.

Then on Saturday evening, Ortiz recorded 13 points and a bunch of boards during the Cedars’ 48-38 win over Elco, in the championship game of the event. Just as important as Ortiz’s points and ‘throw down’ was the defensive effort he provided to help contain Raider star Colton Lawrence.

More and more it appears that if Lebanon High is going to get where it wants to go this season that it will be Ortiz who will have to lead the way.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 29

He holds no documents, deeds or titles to prove possession or ownership. But make no mistake about it, the Lebanon Valley College men’s basketball squad is Kevin Agnew’s team.

Agnew’s senior season is off to a great start, and not so coincidentally, so is the Flying Dutchmen’s.

On Saturday in Grantville, Agnew was up to his old point-guard tricks again, during LVC’s 83-80 road triumph at Messiah. Agnew played all 40 minutes, dropped in a game-high 24 points on seven-for-16 shooting and nine-of-ten free throwing and handed out five assists.

The triumph lifted Agnew’s Flying Dutchmen to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the Commonwealth Conference. Earlier in the week, Agnew had tallied 29 points, knocked down eight-of-ten foul shots and dished out four assists, without the benefit of a bench break, in a 78-71 setback at Delaware Valley.

Through six games this year, the Lebanon Valley captain has averaged 22.8 points an outing and also leads the team in assists. But what Agnew brings to the table for the Flying Dutchmen can not be documented in any score book.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 22

It’s been an astounding start to the season for Bridget Rothert. Two Most Valuable Player awards are a great foundation upon which to build success.

On Saturday in New York City, Rothert earned her second MVP honor in the early going, as she led the Lebanon Valley College women’s basketball team to its second tip-off tournament championship of the year, this one at Hunter College. An evening prior, Rothert had poured in a career-high 31 points and established a new Flying Dutchmen standard for three-pointers in a game with seven, during a 74-59 triumph over Eastern.

The Hunter tip-off tournament championship gave Lebanon Valley College a three-win week. It also kept the Flying Dutchmen undefeated on the season at 5-0.

A weekend earlier, Rothert, a 5-7 junior guard, was honored as the MVP of the Gwynedd Mercy tip-off tournament. Rothert netted 23 points in the Flying Dutchmen’s 84-63 triumph over the host team in the championship game.

Through five games this year, Rothert is averaging over 18 points a game, while leading Lebanon Valley in assists, rebounds and three-pointers.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 15

Pennsylvania doesn’t name a scholastic ‘player of the year’ in the field hockey. But if it did, Palmyra’s Katie Dembrowski would certainly be in the running for the award.

After all, being the best player on the best team in the state has got to count for something.

On Saturday afternoon at Whitehall-Coplay school district’s Zephyr Sports Complex, Katie D. closed out a marvelous high school career with a state championship. Although it was a co-championship necessitated by Palmyra’s one-all draw with Penn Manor, it was clear on that day who was the best player on the field – and team for that matter.

On a corner play midway through the second half, Dembrowski set up teammate Kiley Gallagher for the Cougars’ lone goal. It was a nifty little shuffle pass to her left that created space for Gallagher to drive one home.

Earlier in the season, Dembrowski, who concluded her senior campaign as the Cougars’ second leading scorer, from her midfield position, was honored as the Mid-Penn Keystone Division’s ‘Co-Player of the Year’. Dembrowski, who has committed to a full ride to Division One Penn State, is also recognized as one of the top scholastic performers in the country.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov.8

She has strong wrists, quick feet and superior hand-eye coordination. But Erin Huffman also possesses desire, determination and intangible nose for the net.

It’s difficult to determine which of those skill set makes her a better goal-scorer. But when you combine the two, the result is, well, awesome.

When the Palmyra field hockey team has needed a goal this season, it has turned to Huffman. And more often than not, Huffman has delivered.

Huffman, a junior forward, was by far the Cougars’ leading scorer during the fall of 2014. And since Palmyra has made it to the post season, the Cougars’ go-to girl has continued to produce.

On Tuesday evening at State College School District’s Memorial Field, in the opening round of the PIAA Class AAA playoffs, Huffman struck again, during Palmyra’s overwhelming 3-1 triumph over Mifflin County. With 7:16 remaining in the state opener, Huffman tallied a hustling, falling-away, put back of a rebound that gave her side a 3-1 lead, and all but assured that the Cougars would be advancing to the quarterfinal round.

For Huffman, it was her eye-popping 29th goal of the year. Combine that with the seven assists she has collected and Huffman has totaled 65 points thus far.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 1

Cedar Crest’s Josh Bucher missed most of his senior football season with an injury. And quite frankly, that was a shame.

Not only will Bucher never ever get that eligibility back, it left observers wondering what the Falcons could’ve accomplished with their regular signal-caller at the controls.

On Friday night in Millersville, Bucher was on top of his game during Cedar Crest’s season finale, a 43-28 upset triumph over Penn Manor. The Falcons finished their 2014 campaign with two straight wins, and each time Bucher was the starting quarterback – not unlike he was in CC’s season-opening triumph over rival Lebanon High.

Against the Comets, Bucher connected on 16 of his 26 passing attempts for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Bucher also ran for a score, a 44-yard scamper in the opening quarter which staked the Falcons to a 7-0 advantage.

Also in the first period, Bucher hooked up with junior Evan Horn for a 35-yard touchdown pass that gave Cedar Crest a 13-0 lead it would never relinquish. Then after Penn Manor had pulled to within 22-14 of the Falcons, Bucher hit senior Dominic Garloff with a pair of fourth-quarter scoring strikes to put the outcome to bed.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct.25

Some tactical and personnel changes have helped spark this current playoff run that the Elco boys’ soccer team is on. But even more important to the Raiders’ recent success has been their transformation in demeanor and approach.

And no one embodies that never-say-die, just-keep-going, full-ahead spirit more than Austin Smith.

Smith, a highly-skilled, dangerous attacker, is a threat to create or score every time a soccer ball enters his personal space. The senior forward seemingly fears nothing and isn’t afraid to put his teammates ahead of personal safety.

On Thursday evening at Hersheypark Stadium, Smith starred in both roles of creator and finisher, as Elco edged Pequea Valley 2-1 in overtime of a District Three Class AA playoff match. It was the Raiders’ ninth win in their last ten outings and propelled them into next week’s Class AA semifinals.

In the latter portions of the first half, Smith needed very little operating room to knot the score at one, a mere minutes after Pequea Valley had assumed a 1-0 edge. Collecting a loose ball at the top of the box, Smith controlled it, but then without taking a dribble, rifled a low right-footed shot into the right corner of the goal.

Then less than two minutes into the extra session, Smith accepted a Zach Swonger feed and went hard down the right sideline. After creating a bit of space for himself, Smith crossed a perfect pass across the goal mouth to the waiting head of Justin Kimmet, stationed on the left post.

Goal! Goal! Goal!

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 18

It’s really not an unusual practice these days, participating in track and field or cross country as a way of staying active or remaining in shape for a primary sport. Jeff Inman took up cross country and running to stay aerobically fit for his passion, wrestling.

But something amazing happened when he did. He was transformed into a wrestler-runner.

On Tuesday afternoon at Ephrata Middle School, Inman was all runner, all the time. The Annville-Cleona senior was the top local finisher at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon Cross Country Championships.

After running with the lead pack for most of the 3.1-mile race, Inman finished a solid 14th. The timer clocked Inman in 17:19, easily the best time he has ever posted on that particular course.

It was an especially satisfying performance for Inman, who also runs long distance for the Annville-Cleona boys’ track and field squad in the spring. He had battled a series of injuries throughout his final scholastic cross country campaign.

But where Inman really excels is on the mats. Two years ago as a sophomore, Inman qualified for the prestigious PIAA Wrestling Championships at Hershey’s Giant Center.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 11

Following a concerning early season injury, it’s nice to see Cody Kissinger back playing football. The Lebanon High football team is certainly glad to have him back as well.

On Friday night, Kissinger showed exactly why he was able to edge senior Justin Martin in a heated battle for the Cedars’ starting quarterback position, during preseason camp.

Against Lancaster Catholic at Alumni Stadium, the Cedars’ sophomore signal-caller was absolutely on fire. Despite falling to the Crusaders 49-34, Kissinger threw for an eye-popping 385 yards.

Working within the confines of the Cedars’ Air Raid attack, Kissinger completed 22 of 38 pass attempts, for two touchdowns and two interceptions. It was a career night for the emerging quarterback.

Kissinger’s first touchdown toss covered 38 yards to Luke Eisenhour and pulled Lebanon High to within 14-7 late in the opening period. His second scoring strike went for 27 yards to flashy Nick Negron and moved the Cedars to within 21-14 of Lancaster Catholic, 42 seconds into the second quarter.

Eisenhour and Negron were just two of the five Cedar teammates targeted by Kissinger. Negron caught seven balls from Kissinger, Eisenhour pulled in five, Omel Francois hauled in four, Xavier Baez had three and Malik Hunter one.

 

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 4

Monica Sheaffer has had a front row seat for the evolution of the Palmyra girls’ volleyball program. And in many ways Sheaffer has grown up right along with the Cougars.

But much more than a casual bystander, Sheaffer has been a very active participant.

On Tuesday evening inside the gymnasium of Palmyra High School, Sheaffer, a 6-0 front-row hitter and blocker, actively participated in the Cougars’ 3-0 Mid-Penn Colonial Division sweep of nemesis Trinity. Sheaffer was seemingly everywhere, including providing an intimidating presence at the net, as Palmyra dismissed the Shamrocks 25-13, 25-20 and 25-23.

During the competition, Sheaffer registered ten kills, four blocks and two aces. For the season, the hard-hitting Sheaffer has recorded 134 kills.

The triumph was Palmyra’s 34th in its last 36 matches, dating back to 2013. The victory also kept the Cougars unbeaten in the Colonial, in their drive to a second straight division crown.

During Sheaffer’s career at Palmyra, the Cougars’ v-ball program has displayed steady, and sometimes even remarkable, improvement, to the point where it now resides among the elite in Class AAA in District Three. Sheaffer’s contributions towards that success has been invaluable.

 

 

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 27

The Lebanon boys’ soccer team was like a nearly-completed jigsaw – there was one piece missing from the puzzle. That piece was a backbone, and apparently Seth Testerman had ‘the spine’ for the job.

Since Testerman has taken over as their goalkeeper, the Cedars have come together nicely. So much so that Lebanon High is now on the brink of history.

This week, Testerman, a former field player, logged a couple more whitewashings, extending his shutout streak to over 240 minutes of action, and Lebanon’s win streak to five matches.

On Tuesday in New Holland, Testerman backstopped the Cedars to a 1-0 triumph over Garden Spot. Then on Thursday afternoon at home, Testerman was at it again, leading the Cedars to a key 1-0 victory over Ephrata.

Not unlike his athletic teammates, Testerman was performing quite nicely as a position player. But when head coach Todd Gingrich approached him about a need as Lebanon’s last line of defense, Testerman took the job and ran with it.

Now, with Testerman in the net, the Cedars are knocking on the door of history. With a strong finish to the season, Lebanon is poised to make its first-ever trip to the postseason.

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 20

If one had only one word to use in describing Matt Vines’ job on the Northern Lebanon defense it would be ‘espionage’. If one could use only one word to characterize Vines’ position with the Vikings, it would be ‘spy’.

You see Vines does his best work behind enemy lines.

Vines, a junior two-way down lineman, is also in charge of terrorism, mayhem and disruptions for Northern Lebanon. His philosophy is to ‘blow up a play, before it gets underway’.

On Friday night at Ephrata’s War Memorial Field, Vines was all over the place for the Vikings’ defense during their 47-6 triumph over the hometown Mounts. But mainly, he lived in Ephrata’s backfield.

Employing a rare combination of speed, strength and quickness, the Vines-led Northern Lebanon defense yielded a mere 128 yards of total offense, and a paltry 64 rushing yards. The Viking ‘D’ forced six fumbles, caused ten ‘three-and-outs’ and recorded 17 tackles-for-loss, many of which Vines was in on.

The defense is a big reason why Northern Lebanon is off to a 3-1 start and eyeing a possible Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three championship.

But Vines, the reigning Lebanon County 220-pound wrestling champ, is also a key contributor to the Northern Lebanon offense, consistently opening holes in opponents’ defenses from his left guard spot.

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 13

Madison Fortna loves to live on the baseline and unleash big forehand after big forehand. It’s an approach to the game of tennis that served the Cedar Crest senior well on Wednesday.

Competing on her home court, Fortna’s ground-stroke game earned her a Lebanon County girls’ tennis championship, as she used it to dominate Sydney Nye of Elco. In the title tilt at number-one singles, Fortna defeated Nye, 6-1, 6-2.

Actually, Fortna had opened up a 5-0, first-set advantage on Nye on the previous Saturday, before rain came and suspended the match. When action resumed, Fortna needed just two games to close out the opening set, then notched an early service break to open a 2-0 lead in the second set.

Fortna extended her second-set lead to 4-1, before taking the final two games to claim the match.

The Lebanon County championship was the second in as many years for Fortna, the only 12th-grader on a young Cedar Crest squad.

Fortna’s title at number-one singles helped the Falcons to a runner-up finish to Elco in the team competition.

WEEK ENDING Sept. 6

Back-up? Naah! Second-stringer? Nope. Reserve? Not quite.

How about ‘patient star in waiting’? Perfect.

On Friday night at Elco Stadium, Tyler Gallagher got an opportunity to showcase what he can do at the quarterback position for the Palmyra football squad. And he made the absolute most of the opportunity.

Subbing for injured starter Michael Lewis, Gallagher shredded the Elco defense during the Cougars’ 41-30 non-league triumph over the Raiders. Gallagher completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 236 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

After the Raiders had grabbed an early 7-0 lead, Gallagher hit standout senior teammate Mitchell Cooper for a pair of touchdowns to help Palmyra forge a 21-21 halftime tie. Then in the fourth quarter, Gallagher found Peter Robertson for a 24-yard touchdown toss at the end of a ten-play, 89-yard drive that gave the Cougars their first lead of the evening, 28-24.

Gallagher closed out his night – and for all intents and purposes the Raiders – with 6:32 remaining, when he collaborated with Carl Reigle on a 64-yard middle screen that upped Palmyra’s lead to 34-24.

WEEK ENDING August 30

Isaac Ray looked really good on the Week One film. He was even better in person.

Ray, Northern Lebanon’s senior signal-caller, was in midseason form during the Vikings’ 24-14 season-opening triumph at Pine Grove on Friday night. Exhibiting an uncanny feel for what the defense was giving him and executing Northern Lebanon’s offense impeccably, Ray was a threat with both his feet and arm.

Engineering his team’s option attack, Ray had his hands – and legs – in all three of Northern Lebanon’s touchdowns and 24 of the Vikes’ points. Ray went 14-for-16 for 203 yards, a touchdown and a pair of two-point conversion tosses, and carried 12 times for 85 yards and a pair of rushing scores.

Ray’s eight-yard keeper in the third quarter opened Northern Lebanon’s scoring. He then tossed a 57-yard scoring strike to John Randolph early in the fourth quarter, before putting the outcome out of reach with a 55-yard touchdown scamper.

For a Northern Lebanon club trying to turn around its 3-7 fortunes from a year ago, it was a great way to get the 2014 campaign off on the right foot. Ray is also an accomplished performer for the Vikings boys’ basketball team during the winter months.

WEEK ENDING August 23

Jimmy Gardner is a facilitator, an organizer and Lebanon County’s biggest local amateur golf advocate. It just so happens he can play a little bit as well.

Gardner recently teamed with Brian Auman to win the annual Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament at Pine Meadows Golf Course. Gardner and Auman carded a second-day 69 to follow up a blistering opening-round 64, and claim the trophy by three shots over defending champions Mike Schmidt, Jr. and Ryan Weaber.

Gardner and Auman carried a two-shot advantage into the second round, then secured the title with a three-birdie stretch late in the day. Auman ignited the run with a tap-in birdie at number 14.

Then, Auman rolled in a ten-foot birdie putt at the par-four, 15th test. Then on the par-four 16th, Gardner all but clinched the victory by draining a short birdie putt.

Earlier in the summer, Gardner had teamed with Andy Gibbons to qualify for the championship flight of the prestigious W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners event, where they reached the quarterfinals of match play at the Lebanon Country Club. In June at Royal Oaks Golf Course, Gardner won the first flight at the Lebanon County Amatuer golf championships, a tournament which he directed.

WEEK ENDING August 16

This week, Lebanon Sports Buzz is honoring Lou Sorrentino as its ‘Athlete of the Week’. Not so much for what he accomplished in the last seven days, but for what he accomplished in a lifetime.

Not unlike the way ‘Sweet Lou’ was remembered by his alma mater.

Recently, Lebanon Valley College named its most popular athletic facility after its former athletic director, coach and student-athlete. From this week forward, the Flying Dutchmen’s basketball and volleyball palace will be known as ‘Lou Sorrentino Gymnasium’.

It was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his entire adult life to LVC athletics. Sorrentino was perhaps the most influential figure in the century-long history of Lebanon Valley sports.

Sorrentino, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 78, served as the Flying Dutchmen’s athletic director until his retirement in 2000. Sorrentino coached four sports at Lebanon Valley – football, basketball, baseball and golf – and during one school year headed three different programs.

As a player in the early 1950s, Sorrentino earned an astonishing 12 varsity letters for his participation in three sports.

WEEK ENDING August 9

There’s something to be said for athletes performing at their highest level when the game is on the line. Sometimes it’s not as much about where or how or why, as it is about when.

Brady Goodling’s sense of timing – and just a bit of a flair for the dramatic – produced a championship for his side at one of the most prestigious golf events in the area.

On Tuesday evening at the Lebanon Country Club’s 6,562-yard, par-72 test, Goodling struck local golf’s shot of the summer, as he and partner Kyle Deisher edged Mike Schmidt, Jr. and John DiGiacomo on the first sudden-death playoff hole of the championship flight’s final match to win the W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners tournament. Technically, ‘the shot’ came on Goodling’s second stroke on LCC’s 523-yard, par-five 15th hole.

With the match all-square, Goodling mashed a five-wood 230 yards to within eight feet below the stick. With DiGiacomo and Schmidt scrambling to recover from the ‘game-changer’, Goodling calmly stepped up and sank the eagle putt to win the hole and the event.

Not only did Goodling’s performance under pressure end a spirited match which had been postponed nine days by a thunderstorm, he dramatically removed a huge monkey that had been living on his team’s back for three years. Goodling and Deisher had advanced to the last two championship matches at the Sullivan, but lost both.

Goodling is a member at the Lebanon Country Club, a graduate of Manheim Central High School and a senior member on the Monmouth College golf team.

 

WEEK ENDING August 2

If Kerry Wentling was to walk away from competitive golf, he would retire as an undefeated champion. But there would be no defense for that.

On Friday afternoon at Lebanon Valley Golf Course in Myerstown, Wentling won the title of the 27th annual Lebanon County Senior Amateur tournament on his first try. Competing on his 5,761-yard, par-71 home course, Wentling fired a five-under par score of 66 to nudge runner-up Logan Sheetz by a couple of shots.

Wentling’s round featured six birdies, an eagle and three bogeys. But the key to his title may have been the hot putter he wielded. Wentling counted a mere 25 putts among his 66 strokes.

After trailing Sheetz by a shot at the turn, Wentling made his move on LVGC’s back nine. Wentling really got it going coming in, and carded a four-under par 31 on the back.

Wentling had gotten to three-under par by draining a 15-foot eagle putt on the par-five seventh hole. But bogeys at the next two holes brought him back to earth, temporarily.

Wentling has no intentions of vacating his championship. Plans are already being hatched for Wentling to defend his crown in 2015.

 

WEEK ENDING July 26

Travis Risser may be in the twilight of his baseball-playing career. But this week, he showed he can still bring it.

On Friday evening at Palmyra High School, Risser pitched the Palmyra twilight baseball team to a 9-3 victory over Linglestown. With the win, Palmyra improved to 20-2 and clinched the regular season championship of the East Shore Twilight League.

Risser was both effective and efficient during his outing. In keeping his pitch count in the neighborhood of the century mark, Risser whiffed five and issued one free pass.

Outside of the second frame, the hard-chucking righthander yielded a single lone hit. He exited the game after five innings of work, with Palmyra enjoying a 9-3 bulge.

A former three-sport star for Palmyra High School, Risser is now 29 and one of the elder statesmen for a Palmyra twilight club which is made up of mostly college players. While the competitive fires still burn fiercely inside of Risser, he also enjoys hands-on teaching as well as leading by example.

Risser, a former professional chucker, is also a pitching coach for head coach Tim Gingrich’s Cougar scholastic team.

WEEK ENDING July 19

He was honored for being ‘Jake The Rake.’ Yet his biggest contribution may have come as ‘Jake The Snake.’

On Thursday night, Myerstown outfielder Jake Stager received the Jack Bicher Hitting Award as the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league’s best-of-five championship series’ most productive batter. Consistently squaring up ‘his pitch’, Stager collected more safeties than any of his teammates or counterparts in Annville blue.

But Stager may have turned in the play of the entire series, with his legs and nerve. In the bottom of the sixth inning of the opening game in Myerstown, Stager stole home for the only run of his side’s 1-0 victory.

Though it was a struggle the rest of the way, Myerstown never allowed Annville to get even in the series, before ultimately claiming the title, three games to one.

The county championship was Myerstown’s first in 30 summers and propelled it into the the eight-team, double-elimination Region Four American Legion tournament at Fredericksburg’s Earl Wenger Memorial Field.

Stager, who also starred as a member of the Elco football and baseball high school teams, plans to attend Bloomsburg University in the fall and walk on to the Huskies’ Division Two football squad.

WEEK ENDING July 12

Mitch Rodkey doesn’t say much, and when he does it’s with a soft confidence. When he’s on the bench, he sometimes sits by himself, away from his teammates, especially when he’s pitching.

So can someone with such a introverted personality be a leader? When you play the game the way Rodkey does, you certainly can.

The Annville American Legion baseball club looks to Rodkey often for an example, and for guidance. And when it does, Rodkey rarely disappoints.

Last week, Rodkey’s play on the field showed the way, as Annville swept Fredericksburg 2-0 in a Lebanon County American Legion baseball league best-of-three semifinal series. With the series victory, Annville, the runner-up during the regular season, moved on to meet Myerstown in the circuit’s best-of-five Warren ‘Lefty’ Grumbine championship series.

In a 4-1 Game One victory over F-burg, Rodkey twirled a complete-game eight-hitter, fanned five, walked three and knocked in what would prove to be the game-winning run with a two-run dinger to centerfield in the second inning. The following night, Rodkey stroked a key RBI-double during Annville’s four-run top-of-the-eighth-inning rally that sewed up the set.

During the recent school year, Rodkey, who will attempt to make the Arizona State University’s Division One baseball team as a walk-on, led the Annville-Cleona Little Dutchmen to the postseason in two sports – football and baseball.

WEEK ENDING July 5

This time, Dan Brown’s focus was a little closer to home. And when Brown focuses his attention on one thing, he usually succeeds.

On Sunday afternoon, Brown, a four-time Harrisburg District Golf Association ‘Player of the Year’ captured the championship of the 57th annual Lebanon County Amateur Championship. Brown fired a three-under par score of 68 over Royal Oaks’ 6,747-yard, par-71 layout for a two-round total of 140, which was two shots lower than runner-up and playing partner Andy Gibbons’ 70-72=142.

It was Brown’s second Lebanon County amateur title. He also wore the crown at Pine Meadows three years earlier.

Brown’s focus was apparent during the second and final round, with the tournament title on the line. He went one-under par over his final three holes and made up four shots on Gibbons over that stretch.

Brown parred Royal Oaks’ par-four 16th and par-four 18th holes, but may have struck the shot of the event on the par-four 17th hole. He stuck his iron approach shot on the hole to within seven feet of the flag and then calmly sank the birdie putt that changed the entire momentum of the event.

WEEK ENDING June 28

Darin Shirk embodies the definition of the five-tool player.

He can field.

He has an accurate cannon for a throwing arm.

Not only is he fast, but he’s a good base-runner.

He can hit for average.

And he can also hit for power.

In other words, Shirk is one of the most talented players in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league. What he also is is a catalyst for Fredericksburg.

Scuffling early on, Fredericksburg got off to a slow 1-5 start. But since then, Shirk, the club’s three-hole hitter and centerfielder, has picked up his play, and so has Fredericksburg.

Currently, Fredericksburg is locked in a vicious battle with three other teams for the county league’s final two final playoff berths.

Win lose or draw, Fredericksburg will host the eight-team, double-elimination Region Four tournament at Earl Wenger Memorial Field during the middle of next month. It will provide Shirk with a new, different and bigger stage to showcase his talents.

WEEK ENDING June 21

It didn’t start out all that well. But as the game wore on, things just kept getting better and better for Jack Mays.

On Friday night at Elco High School’s Lyle Krall Field, in the first inning of Richland’s Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League tilt with Fredericksburg, Mays ran teammate Travis Zimmerman into a rundown by not immediately locating the ball in the outfield. Because Mays was running with his head down, Zimmerman was forced to abandon third base and was eventually tagged out by an F-burg fielder.

It took just a couple of pitches for Mays to redeem himself. Mays’ daring steal of home during a teammate’s subsequent plate appearance resulted in the run that tied the score at one.

But that was just the beginning of Mays’ big night. In the bottom of the third, when R-land was taking control of the outcome, Mays stroked an RBI-single that gave his side a 2-1 margin.

Then in the fourth, Mays turned the affair into a route. His double with the bases-loaded plated three teammates and gave Richland a 9-1 bulge.

Mays, the third hitter in the batting order, has been one of the main reasons why Richland has turned it around and became the most improved team in the local summer baseball circuit.

 

WEEK ENDING June 14

Clayton Wolfe goes about his business with smarts, stamina and experience. But perhaps the biggest weapon in his arsenal on the mound is trust.

Trust in his abilities. Trust in his training. And trust in his teammates.

On Monday evening at Earl Wenger Memorial Field, Wolfe turned in a very trusting – and trustworthy – outing, as his Richland side shaded Fredericksburg . 4-2. It was Richland’s first win in the early going of the Lebanon County American Legion Baseball League, after posting just two victories in each of the prior two summers.

In pitching six-and-two-thirds of an inning, Wolfe struck out only one. That meant that the other 19 outs the crafty 18-year-old righthander recorded were either ground outs or fly outs, which were entrusted to his defensive teammates.

Wolfe also did an admirable job of working out of trouble. Though he issued only one free pass, he scattered ten hits and stranded a bunch of Fredericksburg runners on base.

Richland foresees noticeable improvement for the 2014 campaign, perhaps even challenging for a playoff spot in the local summer baseball league. If Richland is to get where it wants to go, Wolfe will figure into the scenario.

WEEK ENDING June 7

One could say that he simply picked up where he left off. Or maybe Colton Long just has what it takes to go ‘the distance’.

Either way C. Long made the transition from the scholastic ranks to American Legion baseball quite smoothly.

On Friday, C. Long pitched Annville to a 2-0 victory over Fredericksburg. The triumph was Annville’s second in the opening week of action in the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league.

Following a marvelous spring campaign for the Annville-Cleona high school team, C. Long was on top of his game in the early going of legion ball. Against Fredericksburg, he checked the perennial contenders with an assortment of pitches, whitewashing them while going the distance.

From the mound and third base, Long was a key contributor to the Little Dutchmen’s run to the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four crown this spring. He also helped Annville-Cleona shock Warwick and then Northern Lebanon during surprising wins in the L-L’s postseason tournament.

C. Long and the Little Dutchmen also advanced to the semifinal round of the District Three Class AA playoffs.

 

WEEK ENDING May 31

They say leaders are born not made. Well, Hayley Hirn turned herself into quite a leader.

And all it took was a little maturing, a little experience and some coaxing from head coach Dave Bentz.

Hirn, a senior catcher on the Annville-Cleona softball team, recently placed the finishing touches on a fantastic scholastic career. She came in as a wide-eyed freshman and exited as the Little Dutchmen’s unquestioned go-to-girl.

Over the course of her career, Hirn established herself as a feared hitter, an excellent defensive catcher and a great handler of pitchers. With all due respects to teammate Chrisi Lerchen and Cedar Crest’s Katie Gable, no one in Lebanon County enjoyed a more productive spring season than Hirn.

All Hirn did this year was help the Annville-Cleona program maintain a level of softball excellence that began nearly 30 years ago. With Hirn spearheading the effort, the Little Dutchmen finished second in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, sprung a surprising upset in the opening round of the league playoffs and qualified for the District Three Class AA postseason.

Hirn will be replaced at the catching position next season, but her role on the team can not be replicated.

 

WEEK ENDING May 24

Erin Winters isn’t much over five feet tall. But the heights to which she has elevated herself are higher than any other female Cedar ever.

Strike that. Winters has vaulted herself higher than any other female student-athlete in the history of Lebanon County track and field.

On Saturday at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, during the PIAA Track and Field Championships, Winters captured a fourth-place medal in the girls’ Class AAA pole vault. The Lebanon High junior cleared 12-0, but couldn’t get to the 12-6 height that winner Bridget Guy of Hempfield Area attained.

By reaching 12-0, Winters matched her personal best. It is a mark that no other girl in the history of Lebanon County pole vaulting has ever achieved.

But being the locale’s best ever isn’t good enough for Winters. She has stated that she would like to hit 13-0 before her career ends next season.

Earlier this spring, Winters had claimed the gold medal at the District Three Class AAA competition, also at Shippensburg’s Seth Grove Stadium.

WEEK ENDING May 17

Sidni Peiffer went above and beyond everyone’s expectations. Everyone’s except maybe her own.

On Friday night during the District Three Class AA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University’ s Seth Grove Stadium, Peiffer leapt higher than she ever had before. And because she did, the Annville-Cleona sophomore was the surprise winner of the Class AA high jump.

Peiffer skied a personal-best 5-3 on her second attempt to win the event by an inch over Shannon Donnelly of Boiling Springs. Prior to once-in-a-lifetime leap, the highest Peiffer had gone was 5-0.

Peiffer’s gold medal helped Annville-Cleona to finish second among Class AA teams at the meet. Peiffer was also an important point-getter during a regular season in which the Little Dutchmen captured the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three team championship.

A week prior, at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships at Hempfield High School, Peiffer finished fifth with a 5-0 effort.

WEEK ENDING May 10

Sometimes words get lost in translation. It may just be that ‘Pierre’ in french means ‘fast’.

At least it did on Saturday at Hempfield High School, during the annual Lancaster-Lebanon Track and Field Championships.

Denzel Pierre showcased his ever developing speed – and especially his closing speed – while excelling in three events at the league meet. The Cedar Crest senior sprinter captured the event’s premiere competition – the 100-meter dash – and, along with Peter Groff, Jared Brandt and Mitch Weaver, won the 400-meter dash, before finishing second in the 200-meter dash.

Pierre may have been his best in the 100. After a mediocre block start, Pierre put in another gear halfway through the race to win it by a close margin.

Pierre’s winning time of 10.79 in the 100-meter dash was not only a personal best, but also one of the quickest among District Three Class AAA sprinters this spring.

With his showings, Pierre was one of the top points-getters for a Cedar Crest squad which won its first L-L league team championship in ten years. During the regular year, Pierre was a heavy contributor to the Falcons’ Section One title.

 

WEEK ENDING May 3

After bursting on to the local baseball scene with a breakthrough sophomore season, Ian Whitman appeared poised to make the world his own. But his junior year just didn’t work out for him, and Whitman and the Northern Lebanon baseball team struggled in 2013.

But this season, Whitman has rediscovered his past form. And because he has, the Vikings have become the talk of Lebanon County scholastic sports this spring.

A hard-throwing senior right-hander, the cordial Whitman is the unquestioned leader of Northern Lebanon’s surprising pitching staff. Where Whitman is taking the Vikings is to the postseason promised land.

On Monday evening at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg, Whitman hurled yet another complete game, leading the Vikings to a 7-5 triumph over Garden Spot. With the win, Northern Lebanon remained red-hot and kept their charge towards a Lancaster-Lebanon League playoff berth and a District Three Class AAA postseason appearance very much alive.

Since starting the season 3-4, Northern Lebanon has been one of the most consistent baseball teams in Section Three and the league. One need not looking any further than Whitman for reasons why.

WEEK ENDING April 26

Because our student-athletes are so talented and accomplished, it’s sometimes difficult week-to-week to distinguish one’s performance over other’. But this week’s athlete of the week is pretty much a no-brainer.

Not unlike the Outstanding Female Athlete award at Saturday’s annual Lebanon County Track and Field Championships was.

Not only did Reagan Hess steal the show at Lebanon High School, she dominated it. The freshman phenom from Annville-Cleona was the county coaches’ unanimous selection as the meet’s OA.

Using her special speed, Hess won every event she entered, and established two new Lebanon County standards in the process. Hess finished first in the long jump, the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and anchored the Little Dutchmen’s victorious 400-meter relay team.

Hess’s winning time of 25.5 in the 200 was the fastest ever run by a female athlete in the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships. Then Hess combined her talents with those of teammates Tori Malloy, Timeshah Clark and Veronica Merone to set a new local record of 50.2 seconds in the four-by-one.

With the big scholastic track and field meets on the horizon, it should be interesting to see how Hess fares as the competition heightens.

WEEK ENDING April 19

Conor Bawiec might be Lebanon County’s most talented baseball player. And he may just be the Cedar Crest Falcons’ most valuable player.

It is Bawiec’s talent and leadership by example that has Cedar Crest in the middle of the Lancaster-Lebanon Section One race.

The Falcons are the best team they can be when Bawiec, their number-one starter, is toeing the rubber of the mound. A hard-throwing righthander, Bawiec gets opposing batters out with his velocity, the movement of his ball and his ability to spot pitches.

From his third spot in the batting order, the 6-3 senior is a catalyst for the Cedar Crest offense. Employing a selective eye, Bawiec the batter is a good contact hitter, who also possesses power and speed.

With Bawiec showing the way, the Falcons are engaged in a three-way battle with Warwick and Penn Manor for the Section One title, as well as the runner-up position which would also produce an L-L league playoff berth. Cedar Crest is also fighting for a berth in next month’s prestigious District Three Class AAAA tournament.

In addition, Bawiec aspires to ply his baseball trade on the next level. He is currently considering a number of Division Three programs at which to continue his academic and athletic pursuits.

WEEK ENDING April 12

Colin Muriaka got what he came for. Well, sort of.

Let’s just say he achieved 1.5 of the goals he set for himself.

On Saturday afternoon at the 20th annual Lebanon County boys’ scholastic tennis tournament, Muriaka was just a tad disappointed that he and his Cedar Crest Falcons had to share the team title with Elco. But Muriaka did take home the big prize.

Muriaka earned the title of Lebanon County’s top singles’ player by defeating friend and rival Adam Bahney of Elco 6-4, 6-2 in the championship match of the event. Muriaka, who had bested Bahney for the same crown last season, employed some hard ground strokes from the baseline to limit Bahney’s ability to come to the net.

The key moment in the match came early, in the third game of the first set, when Muriaka broke Bahney’s serve. Muriaka rode that service break and the momentum it created to win 11 of the next 16 games.

Muriaka also upheld Cedar Crest’s tradition of excellence at number one singles at the county tournament. Muriaka’s championship represented the eighth year in-a-row that a Falcon captured that honor.

 

WEEK ENDING April 5

Some people enjoy watching Katie Gable run, her long strides cutting the corners of each bag. Others like the way Gable attacks the softball from the batter’s box.

But when the Cedar Crest senior combines both aspects of the game, well it truly is a site to behold.

Gable struck the big blow on Saturday in Fredericksburg, when the Falcon softballers claimed their first victory of the season, a 9-5 downing of County rival. Her bases-loaded triple keyed Cedar Crest’s six-run fifth-inning outburst that gave it a comfortable 8-1 lead.

Gable’s triple to the fence in left field scored three teammates, and moments later the lead-off hitter came around to score the Falcons’ sixth run of the frame. It should be noted here that Gable is also a solid, if not spectacular, fielder at second base for Cedar Crest.

But it doesn’t end there. Gable is one of the fastest student-athletes in Lebanon County and uses her speed to successfully compete in the sprint events for the Cedar Crest girls’ track and field squad.

And during the fall season, Gable played goalie and backstopped the Cedar Crest girls’ soccer team to its second straight Lancaster-Lebanon League championship.

 

WEEK ENDING March 29

Zach Southall knows his role on the Annville-Cleona baseball team. And he plays it to a tee.

Southall is a table-setter, an agitator, a catalyst. His job is to get on base, disrupt the opposing pitcher’s concentration and generally set the tone for the Little Dutchmen offense.

But when called upon, the senior two-hole hitter can certainly be flexible.

On on a frigid Monday afternoon against Pine Grove, Southall turned run producer. With his side on the wrong end of an early 3-1 deficit, Southall ripped a two-run double into right-center field to knot the score at three.

Though the Cardinals would go on to score an 11-5 non-league decision over Annville-Cleona, that fact didn’t make Southall any less clutch. Southall also contributed a fine defensive effort in centerfield to the Little Dutchmen, who slipped to 1-1 in the early going, and their cause.

During the fall football season, Southall also manned the demanding quarterback position for the Little Dutchmen.

 

WEEK ENDING March 22

The role of reserves are almost always undervalued, partly due to their limited playing time. But because they have to be ready to go at the drop of a hat, reserves play an invaluable role in the success of teams.

Or put a better way, basketball teams are only as good as the kids they have coming off the bench.

On Tuesday evening at Altoona Area High School, Kailey Werkheiser was called upon to step up for the Palmyra girls’ basketball team, and she delivered in a big way. With forward Kristen Smoluk down with an injured shoulder for the Cougars’ PIAA Class AAA semifinal clash with Blackhawk, Werkheiser provided Palmyra with some much-needed instant offense.

Werkheiser nailed a season-high four three-pointers off the bench, as Blackhawk ended Palmyra’s magical run with a 49-41 outcome. But there were times when Werkheiser’s shooting single-handedly kept the Cougars in the contest.

Werkheiser’s trey with 58 seconds remaining in the third quarter pulled Palmyra to within 36-32 of the Blackhawks, and then her fourth of the game, 1:10 into the final stanza trimmed Blackhawks’ lead to 38-35.

Earlier in the contest, in the final 52 seconds of the opening period, Werkheiser drilled a pair of treys to help the Cougars tie the score at 12.

 

WEEK ENDING March 15

If you want to compete in the state basketball playoffs, you better be able to guard. And this year, Josh Bucher and the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball went as far as their defense could take them.

Bucher was the finest defender on a Falcon team stacked with tough defenders. When it came to doling out assignments, the junior guard always drew the opponent’s top offensive threat.

On Wednesday night at Coatesville High School, it seemed ironic and somehow fitting that the most successful boys’ basketball season in Cedar Crest history came to an end with a 49-43 overtime loss to LaSalle College, despite the fact that Bucher’s Falcons turned in one of their stingiest defensive efforts of the year. Bucher’s hard nose was stuck right in the middle of a Cedar Crest defensive effort that, up until the early portions of the fourth quarter, had held the Explorers to 19 points.

Ultimately it was the Falcons’ offense which abandoned them during crunch time, as they ended their season with a sparkling 26-6 mark.

But defense isn’t the only thing that Bucher brought to the table. Bucher, who is also an accomplished footballer, was a heady guard who made good decisions with the ball, got his teammates involved in the offense and led the Falcons in made three-pointers.

 

WEEK ENDING March 8

Want to count the number of Lebanon County residents who, over the years, have won a wrestling match at the state tournament?

Well let’s put it this way – you’ll need that second hand, but you won’t have to take off your socks or shoes.

On Thursday, Elco junior heavyweight Wes Bankus became a member of that exclusive club, and he did it in fine fashion. Bankus pinned Saul Wilkins, a junior out of Wilkes-Barre GAR with 11 seconds left in the first period, in the very first match he ever wrestled at the PIAA Championships at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Bankus started fast, registering a takedown of Wilkins in the bout’s opening ten seconds. Then in the middle of the first period, Bankus turned Wilkins to his back, setting up the eventual fall.

Unfortunately for Bankus, his postseason run reached a conclusion the following day. Bankus was edged 4-3 by Jake Beistel of Southmoreland in their Class AA quarterfinal bout, then was eliminated by Fairfield’s Brett Harris via a pin.

Through his performance, Bankus finished among the top 12 Class AA heavyweights in the state. A Lebanon County champion, Bankus finished fifth at the Class AA Southcentral regional tournament, third at the District Three championships and came in fourth at his sectional meet.

Bankus ended his campaign with a 44-15 mark.

WEEK ENDING March 1

We’ll spare you all the punny rhetoric about how Madison Rakow is a ‘big’ reason why the Lebanon girls’ basketball team is headed to the state playoffs. Let’s just say there’s a lot of people who look up to Rakow.

Seriously! Her hard work. Her budding confidence. Her improvement.

The strides the Cedars have made this year have mirrored Rakow’s growth, or perhaps more accurately, Lebanon and its 6-2 junior center have run parallel courses. Not sure how many onlookers knew at the beginning of the season that the Cedars would qualify for the PIAA Class AAAA playoffs or understood what kind of player Rakow could become.

This week, Rakow was in the middle of a great defensive effort by Lebanon High, one that propelled it into the state postseason. In a PIAA qualifier at Warwick High School on Thursday, Rakow and the Cedars shut down Lancaster-Lebanon League foe Hempfield 37-26 to claim seventh place in District Three and the final state berth that goes with it.

Rakow’s improvement from December to March can not be overstated. She’s more aggressive and confident on both the offensive and defensive ends, she has gone from a part-time reserve to a full-time starter whose presence is missed when she’s not in the game and she’s developed a shooting range that now reaches beyond the three-point line.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 22

In scholastic athletics, there are very few stories that conclude with happy endings. Sam Light’s story was certainly no exception.

Light’s season and career came to an end this week during the Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball team’s loss at Susquehanna Township, in the opening round of the District Three Class AAA playoffs. And one couldn’t help but feel that Light and the Vikings deserved a better fate.

Light poured in 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent that the Vikings from falling to the home-standing Indians 71-47. While Light was hampered by an injured left hand sustained at practice two days prior, one was left wondering how much the injury affected the outcome.

Two weeks prior, Light had become Northern Lebanon’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing a mark set by Travis Ludwig 24 years earlier. Light finished his career with 1,655 points, a total that left him out of Lebanon County’s all-time top ten.

Light, who was the leading scorer in the Lancaster-Lebanon League for three years running, did his damage with fearless drives to the basket, dead-eye three-point shooting, an uncanny knack for getting to the foul line and the composure to knock down critical free throws.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 15

Very few athletes in the history of Lebanon County sports have possessed the ability to impact scholastic basketball games in the ways Evan Horn does. And sometimes those ways are so subtle that they go unnoticed or don’t show up on stat sheets.

When watching Horn play, we are constantly reminding ourselves that he is ‘only a sophomore.’

Last week, Horn was at his finest, when the stakes were high and his team needed him most. It was a week during which Horn’s Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team went 3-0, and all three were contests played in the confines of the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs.

Against rival Lebanon High in Saturday’s final at Manheim Township, the sophomore guard netted 14 points, but more importantly imposed his will upon the Cedars. Horn controlled the flow of the game with his athleticism, his strength and physicality driving to the basket, his ability to get to the foul line, his ballhandling, his court vision, his decision making and of course, his defense.

If the Lancaster-Lebanon League would name an MVP for its championship tournament, the award would’ve gone to Horn.

Cedar Crest has now won 33 of its last 40 outings, dating back to the end of last season. It was at about that time that Horn was breaking into the starting lineup.

Horn is also an accomplished track and field athlete and football player. He has said in the past that his passion for football trumps all of his other athletic endeavors.

WEEK ENDING Feb. 8

In the grappling world, Tanner Pyles is know as a ‘pinner’, a ‘fall guy’. Pyles wrestles to deck people, to earn the ultimate submission, to win without question.

And what he sets out to do, Pyles usually accomplishes.

Last week, Pyles, Annville-Cleona’s pin-master extraordinaire, enjoyed an absolutely marvelous and historic week. Pyles wasn’t named the Outstanding Wrestler at the 20th annual Lebanon County Tournament, but he could’ve.

Pyles went 5-0 on the day and won the 152-pound weight class, with – get this – five pins. It marked the second year in-a-row Pyles had won a Lebanon County championship in just such a fashion, and it was Pyles’ third local title overall.

But that wasn’t all. Amongst Pyles’ five wins was the coveted 100th of his career, and it gave him a sparkling 35-2 seasonal record. Of Pyles’ 35 wins, 28 of them – or 80 percent – have come via the pin.

Pyles does his work with aggression, experience and by relying on his natural abilities. Those attributes should serve Pyles well when he opens what he hopes will be an extended postseason journey at the District Three Class AA sectional tournament hosted on his home mats at Annville-Cleona next weekend.

WEEK ENDING Feb. 1

Two years ago, Lebanon girls’ basketball coach Ben Brewer would go up to anyone who would listen and talk about this ‘tough little freshman point guard who’s going to be pretty good.’ For some, it was difficult to see through Brittany Ulrich’s unimpressive appearance and see her potential.

But not only was Brewer prophetic, he was also right. Ulrich has grown up before our very eyes, and so have the Cedars right along with her.

Last week, the Ulrich-led Cedars went 3-0 with wins over Cocalico, Solanco and Hempfield and clinched the Lancaster-Lebanon Section Two championship. The steady Ulrich contributed 36 points in the win, a handful of assists and flawless ball handling.

The wins made Lebanon victorious in 13 of its last 14 tries, and Ulrich has been the biggest reason why. A 5-7 junior point guard, Ulrich has truly evolved into the Cedars’ unquestioned leader, displaying poise in the clutch, a knowledge of Lebanon’s offensive flow and a true feel for her own skills.

Because of Ulrich’s play and the fact that they have earned a Section Two title, the Cedars will play host to two playoff home games over the upcoming weeks. And home is a great place for Ulrich and Lebanon to launch an extended postseason foray.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 25

Adam Gilson is in the running for Lebanon Sports Buzz’s coveted honor of ‘Lebanon County Wrestler of the Year’. As a matter of fact, Gilson is the early leader for the award.

Last week, Gilson, a senior 195-pounder out of Cedar Crest, established himself as the local wrestler to beat when he captured the championship of his weight class at the Lancasteer-Lebanon League championships. He became just one of a handful of local competitors to claim a title at the league meet.

On Saturday evening, Gilson notched a takedown of Hempfield’s Tommy Bennett 24 seconds into overtime of the 195-pound final to earn the crown. Gilson had reached the championship match with an 8-4 decision of Carson Snavely of Warwick in the semifinal round.

On the prior eve, Gilson has opened his tournament by pinning McCaskey’s Ricky White at the 1:25 mark. Gilson’s 3-0 showing at the L-L tournament lifted his seasonal record to 23-2 and his career mark to 89-41.

Up next for the upwardly-mobile Gilson are the Lebanon County championships, sectionals, districts and hopefully spots in regionals and states. Last season, Gilson missed out on another coveted honor – competing at the PIAA Championships at Hershey’s Giant Center – by a single win.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 18

Last week, Alex Frattaroli notched the 1,000th point of his prolific and productive career. This week, Lebanon Catholic’s senior forward got a start on his second thousand.

On January 8, during a home game against rival Annville-Cleona, Frattaroli reached the career milestone with a three-pointer in the fourth that gave him 22 points for the game. His 22 were also a game-high and helped the Beavers turn back the Little Dutchmen 69-47.

But Frattaroli wasn’t content to stop there.

On Tuesday in Fredericksburg, Frattaroli pumped in 19 points, but it wasn’t enough as his Beavers fell to Northern Lebanon in a backyard scrap. Then on Friday, in the midst of a 70-57 triumph over Elco, Frattaroli went for 14 points in the paint.

A bit undersized for his inside position, Frattaroli gets the job done against taller defenders with a quick first step, tenacity and smarts. A guard growing up, Frattaroli was moved inside later in his career and the change has paid huge dividends for he and the Lebanon Catholic boys’ basketball team.

WEEK ENDING Jan. 11

It’s been said that as Cheyenne Hassler goes, so goes the Elco girls’ basketball team. And the Raiders are in the midst of a very productful and rewarding campaign.

So guess who’s having a splendid senior season?

Last week, Hassler’s play helped surprising Elco go 3-0 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, with road wins over Northern Lebanon and Manheim Central and a home triumph over Donegal. With a total of 46 points, Hassler led the Raiders in scoring in each of the three victories.

A deadly and streaky sniper, Hassler drained a total of eight three-point field goals during the week. With her play, Hassler, a 5-8 guard, has lived up to her recognition as a Lebanon Sports Buzz pre-season All-Lebanon County selection.

But most importantly, Hassler’s guidance and direction has the Raiders on a winning track. Elco’s 3-0 week upped its overall record to 7-4 and its Section Three mark to 7-0.

With a section championship and a District Three Class AAA playoff berth firmly in their sights, the Raiders may also go as far as Hassler takes them.

 

WEEK ENDING Jan. 4

When Richard Iwuagwu plays the game of basketball, he leaves it all out of the floor. Blood, sweat, tears, even knee skin.

Iwuagwu plays it as much with his heart, mind and guts, as he does with his feet, hands and legs.

Iwuagwu is a senior guard on the Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball team, and he’s one of the biggest reasons why the Vikings are off to a 6-3 start. Iwuagwu is also one of the unquestioned leaders for Northern Lebanon, but his actions always speak louder than his words.

Around the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Iwuagwu is known for his defensive prowess. But what he brings to the table, night-in and night-out for the Vikings, is all-out hustle and determination.

But besides always guarding the other team’s best player, Iwuagwu is also an adept ball-handler, accurate three-point shooter, an under-rated rebounder and a kid who seems to come up with every loose ball. Off the court, Iwuagwu is out-going, intelligent, respectful and courteous.

Simply put, Iwuagwu possesses an infectious personality. And because he conducts himself off the court the same way he does on it, it’s a personality that never wavers.

WEEK ENDING Dec. 28

Sometimes going from a sophomore to a junior can be the biggest developmental jump in scholastic athletics, bigger than going from a freshman to a sophomore or going from a junior to a senior.

The game seems to slow down. Individuals take on more leadership responsibilities. And players grow into their bodies.

Rachel Miller has certainly elevated her game this season, and the most logical explanation for her improvement is going from a sophomore to a junior.

Last week, Miller led the Cedar Crest girls’ basketball team to the championship of the Eastern York Holiday tournament, and while she was doing it, the 11th-grade guard picked up the event’s most valuable player award along the way.

During the Falcons’ 48-42 overtime triumph over Susquehannock in the final game of the event, Miller connected on three three-point field goals and poured in 15 points. Miller tallied half of her team’s points in the extra session, as Cedar Crest outscored Susquehannock 8-2.

The night before, Miller went for four three-pointers and tallied 18 points during Cedar Crest’s 54-49 shading of host Eastern York.

Partly because of Miller’s stellar performance, Cedar Crest is off to a surprising 5-2 start to the season. Averaging 11.8 points per outing, Miller is currently stands third among female scorers in Lebanon County.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 21

On a club that’s as deep, balanced and versatile as the Cedar Crest boys’ basketball team, it becomes sometimes difficult to single out individuals. Let’s just say that when it comes to Andrew Eudy, he stands head and shoulders above his teammates.

For it has been the play of Eudy, a 6-6 senior center, as much as anybody, that has been responsible for the Falcons’ historic fast start.

Last week, Eudy and Cedar Crest found themselves with three Lancaster-Lebanon League games on their docket, and the Falcons posted three victories, all in convincing fashion.

On Friday at ‘The Cage’, the Falcons shaded Section One nemesis Manheim Township 50-42. On Wednesday, Cedar Crest handled rival and previously unbeaten Lebanon High 67-48. And on Monday, the Falcons played rude hosts while blowing out Solanco 67-37.

Eudy went for a combined 30 points in those three CC wins, perhaps a modest number until one considers the intangibles that Eudy brings to the floor on a nightly basis. Things like rebounding, shot blocking, interior defense and his inside offensive presence.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 14

Last season as a junior, Carly Richardson was one of the Palmyra girls’ basketball team’s tri-captains. This season as a senior, Richardson has elevated her role of a leader to the next level.

Watch her closely on the floor and it seems like she treats her teammates like younger sisters, encouraging them when they need guidance, helping them up when they fall down and being stern when they need discipline. Richardson keeps leading and the Cougars keep winning.

Last week, Richardson also led by example. In two Palmyra wins, Richardson posted a combined 33 points, did more than her share on the glass and even performed some nifty ball-handling feats.

On Tuesday, during Palmyra’s Mid-Penn Keystone Division opener at Cedar Cliff, Richardson, a senior guard headed to Division One Bucknell, knocked down five three-point field goals on her way to 18 points, as the Cougars lambasted the Colts 63-36. Two days later back in ‘Palm Town’, Richardson connected for 15 points and her Cougars pulled away from Elco 54-33 for a non-league triumph that kept them unbeaten.

Since Richardson burst on to the area hoops scene as a sophomore, Palmyra has compiled a remarkable 63-5 overall mark.

 

WEEK ENDING Dec. 7

Not unlike most teams, the Lebanon boys’ basketball team entered the 2013-14 campaign with some ambiguity surrounding its players’ roles. After the Cedars’ first two games, those roles became a bit more clear.

Senior Jorian Ginnetto’s role for the Cedars appears to be to score, rebound, provide energy and lead. Ginnetto’s job description also seems to involve making plays down the stretch.

On Friday and Saturday, Ginnetto played basketball like it was his job and his workmanlike performance led Lebanon High to the championship of its own tip-off tournament. And for his efforts, Ginnetto was named the most valuable player of the annual event.

Ginnetto was at his best when his side needed him the most – down the stretch. Ginnetto came up with big play after big play, and nailed his free throw attempts, as the Cedars pulled away from Muhlenberg for a 58-48 triumph in the final game of the tournament.

Ginnetto finished his evening with 25 points and a boat load of rebounds. A night prior, during the Cedars’ season-opening win over Elco, Ginnetto was also a force inside and collected 11 points.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 30

There are no sure bets in horse racing. But if one is looking for a pretty good bet, place your money on Kaylia Albright.

As a jockey at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Albright is enjoying an absolutely marvelous racing season. Last week was simply a microcosm of that season.

In 638 starts in 2013, Albright, a 2009 graduate of Northern Lebanon High School, has won 88 races, captured the runner-up spot 90 times and taken third-place another 90 times. What that means percentage wise is that Albright-piloted horses have been in the money 42 percent of the time.

Currently, the 22-year-old Albright is ranked sixth among jockeys at Penn National. The horses she has ridden have earned $1,661,917 in prize money.

It may very well be that horse racing courses through Albright’s veins. A third-generation horse person, Kaylia hails from Penn National’s famous Albright family.

Before her, Kaylia’s mother, father, uncle and grandparents were all actively involved with the sport.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 23

That it didn’t take long for Tyler George to fit into a senior-dominated Lebanon Valley College football team this year is a telling fact in and of itself. George learned the offense, worked hard and kept his mouth shut.

But when Saturday afternoons came around, George allowed his play on the field to speak for itself.

George, a junior wide receiver for the Flying Dutchmen, was one of a few bright spots for Lebanon Valley on Saturday afternoon in Springfield, Ohio, where LVC endured a 59-17 loss to Wittenberg in the opening round of the NCAA Division Three national tournament. It was the Flying Dutchmen’s first-ever appearance in the Division Three playoffs, but George performed at the same high level that he always does.

The former Elco star led Lebanon Valley in receiving on the day, hauling in three Brian Murphy passes for 81 yards. Murphy and George collaborated on a 35-yard scoring play late in the third quarter that pulled the Flying Dutchmen to within 45-17.

But it would prove to be LVC’s last touchdown of a season that ended 8-3. Murphy also hit George for a 37-yard gain during the game.

George ended the season as the Flying Dutchmen’s third leading receiver, with 21 catches for 302 yards and four touchdowns. George averaged over 14 yards per reception.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 16

Caitlin Bach is being asked to contribute to the Lebanon Valley College women’s basketball team this season in a way that transcends statistics. But that doesn’t mean the 6-0 senior forward can’t put up some spectacular numbers along the way.

On Saturday afternoon, Bach led the Flying Dutchmen to the championship of the Lebanon Valley’s George ‘Rinso’ Marquette tip-off tournament, both on and off the floor.

Bach tallied 14 points and hauled down a dozen rebounds, as LVC ran by Baruch 77-55 in the title tilt. For her efforts, Bach was tabbed as the Most Valuable Player in the event – for the third straight year.

On Friday night, during an 87-47 dismantling of Neumann, Bach turned in a 14-point, 16-rebound performance.

One of just two seniors on Lebanon Valley’s 20th-ranked squad, the Manchester, Maryland product was selected as an All-Commonwealth Conference all-star last season as a junior. Bach also holds three Flying Dutchmen program records, for free throws attempted in a season, offensive rebounds in a season and overall rebounds in a season.

WEEK ENDING Nov. 9

You’ve undoubtedly heard of Run-DMC. But have you ever heard mention of Catch-JDLC?

While not a musical act, J-DLC has been known to put on a show on the gridiron.

Jeremy De La Cruz, aka Catch-JDLC, is a star senior receiver for the Lebanon football team. And on Friday night, De La Cruz entrained the Cedar faithful in his final performance in red and blue.

De La Cruz was all over the field, as usual, at Dallastown High School, as the Cedars fell to the home team 37-20, in the opening round of the District Three Class AAAA postseason. De La Cruz caught ten passes from quarterback and close friend Mark Pyles, for 111 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

After the Cedars fell behind 23-6 late in the third period, De La Cruz began an LHS rally by hauling in a 17-yard strike from Pyles. It was that connection which had staked Lebanon the Cedars to an early 6-0 lead, when they connected on a three-yard scoring play.

De La Cruz’s show pushed the receiving total for his season over the 1,000-yard mark. De La Cruz, who is also a stalwart on the other side of the ball for Lebanon, helped the Cedars turn a 0-10 2012 season into a rare District Three postseason appearance.

 

WEEK ENDING Nov. 2

Sometimes you shoot. Sometimes you pass. And sometimes you simply put the ball on goal.

And sometimes if you do enough well, good things happen.

Katie Dembrowski’s ability to simply get the ball on net paid huge dividends for the Palmyra field hockey team, Saturday at Henry Hershey Field on the campus of Milton Hershey school. One a shot and one a pass, but both turned into goals, as Palmyra nudged Oley Valley 2-1 in the District Three Class AA title tilt.

Dembrowski’s shot attempt off a corner play in the middle of overtime turned out to be the game-winner when freshman sister Jess was there to tip the drive home. Earlier, 7:46 into the second half to be exact, a diving Erin Huffman had converted a long Dembrowski pass, after the star junior midfielder controlled the ball up the field and into the center of action.

The district championship was Palmyra’s seventh in the last 14 seasons. And it was Dembrowski who had helped put the Cougars in that position.

On Tuesday at Lower Dauphin Middle school, Dembrowski had assisted on a pair of Cougar goals, as Palmyra was defeating Lancaster Mennonite 4-1 in a semifinal match of the tournament. Dembrowski set up Kiley Gallagher and Megan Miller for the goals that gave Palmyra a 2-0 lead.

Through the district final, Dembrowski, who is also an accomplished basketball player and track-and-field athlete, has recorded 12 goals and 17 assists.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 26

In 2012, Miranda Salvo followed Maria Tukis to a District Three championship. This season, Salvo blazed her own trail.

On Wednesday afternoon at Hershey Parkview’s 3.1-mile course, Salvo won the Class AA individual championship in inspirational fashion. The Palmyra junior conquered the hilly and challenging course and the field, running a 19:15 to out distance her nearest competitor by 25 seconds.

Salvo ran a spectacular race in her mind and with legs. She kept herself at or near the front of the race for the first two miles, then broke away from the pack as the finish line came within reach.

Salvo’s performance also inspired her teammates to a second-place finish in the team standings. Last season, Salvo was a follower, as the Cougars claimed both the District Three and PIAA Class AA team trophies.

For Salvo, more and more the top rungs of the medal podium are becoming comfortable places. During the 2013 spring track and field season, Salvo was a main cog in a Palmyra 3200-relay squad which captured both district and state gold.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 19

There’s not too many things better than an undefeated season. Unless of course it’s a championship at a year-ending meet.

But if you can attain both, well now you’ve got the makings of a perfect campaign.

On Tuesday afternoon at the Lancaster-Lebanon League meet, contested on Ephrata Middle School’s 3.1-mile course, Daniel Neiswender validated an unbeaten cross country season with an individual title. The Cedar Crest senior pulled away from his competition with a strong kick and finished the race in his second fastest time ever, a 16:27.

And if that wasn’t enough, Neiswender’s performance paced the Falcons to a 40-point triumph over McCaskey in the team competition. Cedar Crest’s team title also placed an exclamation point on an undefeated – 21-0 -regular season.

Neiswender, who prefers to run at the back of the lead pack, was forced to take the lead at the halfway point by a slow pace. But everything turned out the way Neiswender had hoped, as he maintained his front-running status.

The performance also represented a departure from history for Neiswender, who had not run well at previous league meets.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 12

This fall, Palmyra enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring seasons in the history of Lebanon County field hockey. Meanwhile, Cougar Erin Huffman posted one of the highest individual totals ever for goals in a campaign.

Those two facts are certainly related and intertwined. But just how much is a matter of speculation.

Huffman scored three more goals this week and the Cougars added two more triumphs to their win total. First the prolific forward notched the game-winner in a 3-0 victory over Central Dauphin, then she tallied a pair during a pair in a 4-0 whitewashing of rival Hershey.

Through the 18-game regular season, Huffman posted an eye-popping 27 goals and added a pair of assists. That’s a staggering average of goal-and-a-half per game.

To do her damage, Huffman relies on a relentless, hard-nosed, hustling style of game. And of course, Huffman benefits from the talented supporting cast which surrounds her.

Thanks in part to Huffman’s nose for the goal, the Cougars have compiled a sparkling 17-1 mark through the regular season. Palmyra, which is the defending District Three Class AA champions, has earned the top seed for this season’s district tournament.

Should Palmyra piece together another lengthy postseason run, you can bet that Huffman will play a large role in it.

 

WEEK ENDING Oct. 5

Sometimes what you don’t do is just important as what you do do. What Nate Rader didn’t do was panic, compound his mistakes or make a ton of bogeys.

And what Rader didn’t do helped produce a championship.

On Monday afternoon at the Lebanon Country Club, Rader captured the individual title of the Lebanon County Scholastic Golf championship. Ultimately the key to Cedar Crest senior’s crown was his damage control.

Rader fired a seven-over par 79 over LCC’s 6,361-yard, par-72 layout and finished regulation in a tie for top honors with Carl Johnson III of Northern Lebanon. But Rader edged Johnson on the first hole of a playoff with a par.

And it was pars which got Rader to ‘bonus golf’ in the first place. During his round, Rader posted nine pars and a birdie at a course where he works par-time.

Rader’s steady play also inspired his teammates. Rader’s low score showed the way, as he teamed with Evan Dissinger, Zach Gristic and Tim Bomberger to post a team score of 252, which was three shots lower than runner-up Northern Lebanon’s.

WEEK ENDING Sept. 28

Derek DiAngelis is the first option in the Northern Lebanon football team’s triple option offense. And sometimes the first option is the best option.

A hard, tough runner between the tackles, DiAngelis is Viking quarterback Isaac Ray’s initial read in NL’s read-option offense.

If Ray sees a hole for his fullback, he gives DiAngelis the football. If not he holds on to it, runs with it or pitches it to his tailback.

On Friday night in Kinzers, Ray saw a lot of holes for DiAngelis, and the 5-11, 200-pounder ran through them, with authority. Northern Lebanon’s ability to exploit Pequea Valley’s interior with DiAngelis proved decisive in its 28-21 victory over the Braves.

DiAngelis carried 14 times on the night – more than any other Viking back – and racked up 114 of Northern Lebanon’s 205 rushing yards. DiAngelis’ 37-yard touchdown romp in the first quarter got the Vikings off and running.

That scored gave NL a 7-0 lead, one that it would open up to 28-14 in the final quarter.

And one could say that the versatile and flexible DiAngelis is an all-around guy. Not only does he also excel in wrestling, DiAngelis took third in the Class AA pole vault competition at last spring’s PIAA Track and Field championships.

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 21

Welcome to another chapter of Lebanon Sports Buzz’s continuing series ‘A History of Old-School Football from Back in the Day’.

Back when helmets were made of leather and footballs really were ‘pigskins’, there roamed the old gridirons two separate, but just as colorful, groups called ‘The Four Horsemen of Notre Dame’ and ‘Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside’. Northern Lebanon’s Dominic Trader is sort of a combo of those two legendary throwbacks.

Trader is but one member of the Vikings’ four-headed rushing attack, one that also features quarterback Isaac Ray, inside power guy Derek DiAngelis and slasher Travis Gates. Trader’s role in Northern Lebanon’s triple option approach is to run outside the tackles, use his speed to get to the sidelines and put pressure on the flanks of a defense.

On Friday night, at Fred Gahres Stadium in Fredericksburg, Northern Lebanon’s rushing machine was firing on all cylinders.

TheVikings ran the ball 47 times, gained 334 yards on the ground and did in nemesis Annville-Cleona 33-26. Trader, a blossoming junior, touched the ball just seven times, but gained 140 yards on those totes, including a touchdown.

Trader gained a good chunk of his yardage on outside flips from Ray. On one particular such play early in the second quarter, Trader started in motion before the snap, came behind Ray as the play began, took a pitch from his quarterback and got to the right sidelines before an A-C defender could touch him.

Trader did all the rest, scampering 51 yards for the touchdown that gave Northern Lebanon a 10-6 advantage, one it would never relinquish.

 

WEEK ENDING Sept. 14

It’s really rather a simple approach: Get the ball to Mitchell Cooper and let him do his thing. But in this age of over-thinking, sometimes what works best is getting back to basics.

Mitchell Cooper certainly did his thing on Friday night in Mount Joy, and because he did, the Palmyra football team now has something to build upon.

Cooper, a junior wide receiver, was spectacular in leading the Cougars to a 31-30 triumph at Donegal. He caught 13 aerials from quarterback Michael Lewis for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

Cooper and Lewis collaborated on a 16-yard scoring play in the fourth quarter that proved to be the game-winning touchdown. At that point of the contest, Palmyra was staring down a 30-24 deficit and the prospect of yet another defeat.

But partly because of Cooper’s play, Palmyra snapped a 13-game losing streak that dated back to the 2011 campaign. The Cougars’ last win came against Manheim Central, in that year’s District Three Class AAA postseason.

It was Cooper and Lewis who got the Cougars off on the right foot against the Indians, as they hooked up for a 24-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter which game Palmyra a 10-0 lead. Behind two more TD tosses from Lewis, the Cougars enjoyed a 24-12 halftime cushion.

Through three games this season, Cooper now has 27 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Cooper is averaging over 13 yards per catch.

WEEK ENDING Sept. 7

Five touchdown passes would be a season for some quarterbacks, and a career night for others. But Mark Pyles didn’t stop there, for Number Six was the most important one of all.

Because Number Six proved to be the game-winner.

On Friday night at Lebanon Alumni Stadium, the Lebanon High football team snapped an 11-game losing streak with an electrifying 40-39 win over Northern Lebanon. And the Cedars needed all six of Pyles’ career-high touchdown tosses to get the job done.

Down 39-32 in overtime, and faced with a fourth-down-and-17, do-or-die situation, Pyles found favorite target Nick Negron over the middle for the touchdown that put Lebanon in position to win. Then on the two-point conversion, Pyles rolled out to his right and hit Negron for the two-point conversion that gave the Cedars the win and sent their bench into bedlam.

To this point of Pyles’ career, winning has been an elusive element to the one player who means more to his team than any other in Lebanon County. But ask him about it and the 6-0, 210-pound senior signal-caller will tell you there is nothing more important to him.

Pyles, who, when faced with the option, seems to be deciding to throw more this season, has thrown nine TD tosses through two games this season, going a combined 32-56 for 462 yards. He’s also carried the football 40 times for 188 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Pyles is nearing a decision on where he will play football at the next level. Projected as a linebacker in college, Pyles is said to be considering 20 scholarship offers from Division One and Division One-AA universities across the East.

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 31

Great performers crave opening night and the big stage. And when it comes to Lebanon County scholastic football, there is no bigger stage than the Cedar Bowl.

One could certainly say that Gage Ocker’s performance on opening night matched the magnitude of the venue.

Ocker, a senior quarterback, paced the Cedar Crest football team to a 40-24 triumph over Lebanon High, during Friday night’s 42nd renewal of the locale’s most heated rivalry, on Ed and Jeannie Arnold Field at Earl Boltz Stadium. Running the Falcons’ read-option offense to perfection, Ocker toted the pigskin 14 times for 166 yards and four rushing touchdowns.

And like any greater performer, Ocker’s timing was impeccable. All four of Ocker’s touchdown runs came after the Cedars had established an 18-13 lead early in the third quarter.

The highlight for Ocker, who split time with quarterback Josh Bucher mainly in the second quarter, came on a 68-yard scoring gallop three minutes into the final quarter, one which gave Cedar Crest a 33-18 lead. What should be interesting to follow as the 2013 campaign unfolds is Ocker’s an Bucher’s roles in the QB time-share.

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 24

There is no shame associated with being a runner-up. In fact, when one considers the competitors to whom Chris Gebhard has finished second to, it can be quite an honor.

At the recent Lebanon County Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament, contested on Iron Valley’s 6,542-yard, par-72 course, Gebhard starred in the role of ‘bridesmaid’ – again.

Gebhard and partner Steve Allwein were bested by Mike Schmidt, Jr. and Ryan Weaber in a three-hole playoff for the title of the annual two-day event. The two teams had finished the 36 holes of regulation with identical 70-71=141 totals, or three-under par.

In June at Fairview Golf Course, Gebhard had finished second to Schmidt at the the Lebanon County Amateur Championship, after Schmidt scorched the Quentin course for an opening-round 66 or five-under par. That performance marked a record fifth time in which Gebhard had finished second at the County Amateur.

Known for his steady and even-keeled play locally, Gebhard has won the Lebanon County Amateur tournament twice and the county better-ball once. Gebhard is a former Vanderbilt University and Cedar Crest High School star.

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 17

It is one of the most prestigious and highest honors that a female soccer player in the country can earn. It is also an honor which no one in Lebanon County has ever earned.

But it is one that Haleigh Echard richly deserved.

Echard, a senior to be at Cedar Crest High School, was recently invited to try out for the United States under-18 women’s national soccer team. Echard, 16, is one of 24 girls from across the nation selected to a training camp for the under-20 team which will represent the United States at the 2016 World Cup.

Echard flew to Carson, California for the week-long camp from August 3rd through the 11th. Earlier this summer, Echard committed to taking her academic skills and soccer talents to Division One Pennsylvania State University.

Last fall, Echard led the Falcons to their first-ever Lancaster-Lebanon League championship, as well as a rare appearance in the District Three Class AAA postseason tournament. She heads a strong CCHS class of 2014 which will make the Falcons contenders for both titles again this fall.

Echard is a rare talent. With her quick first step and speed, she possesses the ability to blow by defenders with ease, and her great peripheral vision allows her to see the entire field and find teammates who don’t appear to be open to the untrained eye.

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 10

It’s sort of all or nothing for Kyle Martel these days.

Sure the down time – just sitting around waiting – is a bummer. But when the Lebanon native does get a chance to do the thing he does best, the thing he enjoys most, he makes the most of it.

Martel is in the process of patiently nurturing a budding big-time stock car racing career, one which right now involves picking and choosing the events he will compete in. Martel, 25 and a graduate of Cedar Crest High School, sometimes goes months without hitting the track.

But recently, Martel was afforded an opportunity to race twice in less than 24 hours. And it was quite apparent Martel was ready when the checkered flag fell.

First at Pocono International Speedway’s 2.5-mile Tricky Triangle, Martel ran a very respectable tenth in the ARCA circuit’s Modspace 125. Then the following day, Martel finished 22nd in the Camping World Truck Series’ Pocono Mountain 125 in Long Pond.

Both were finishes to learn from and build off of, so when Martel gets his next chance at racing, he’ll be even more ready.

 

WEEK ENDING Aug. 3

It may have been adopted, but it was his home course just the same. And it was a course on which he wasn’t accustomed to losing.

In fact, the last time he tasted defeat at the Lebanon Country Club was at about this time last year.

On Sunday, Brady Goodling, a Manheim native and a member at LCC, and his partner Kyle Deisher, did lose on LCC’s 6,562-yard, par-72 layout, but it took some doing. Goodling and Deisher dropped a one-up decision to Scott Mayne and Derek Price in the final match of the championship flight of the 68th annual W.B. Sullivan Better-Ball-of-Partners golf tournament.

Goodling and Deisher opened up an early two hole advantage and protected it for most of the 18-hole match. But it was Mayne and Price who got hot at the right time, before winning the title on the final hole.

The loss was Goodling’s first at LCC in about a year. In 2012, with the same tournament title on the line, Goodling and Deisher fell to Andy Gibbons and Jimmy Gardner in the championship match.

Just a few weeks prior to Goodling and Deisher’s performance at this year’s Sullivan, Goodling had won his third consecutive Lebanon Country Club men’s championship, which is also contested under a match-play format.

 

WEEK ENDING July 27

Bryce Betz didn’t write the book on pitching. But he’s usually on the same page with his pitching teammates.

There weren’t too many positives to come out of Campbelltown’s performance at the eight-team, double-elimination Region Four American Legion baseball tournament, contested recently at Diller Field in Hanover. But Betz, a cerebral hard-working catcher, was one of them.

Campbelltown was eliminated from the event by a pair of one-run losses, but Betz did everything in his power to keep his team in it. Betz did an admirable job of calling pitches and handling pitchers, and by doing so, he gave Campbelltown two very good chances to win.

In Campbelltown’s 5-4 opening-round loss to Spring Grove, Betz was behind the plate for Mitchell Sauley’s strong outing. Then a day later, in a contest C-town would eventually lose to Ephrata 3-2, Betz caught Josh Sollenberger, as the southpaw took a shutout into the ninth inning.

In both losses, Campbelltown enjoyed early leads.

Betz, who also starred for the Palmyra High School team in the fall, is headed to Lebanon Valley College, where he plans to play baseball for the Flying Dutchmen and compete on LVC’s collegiate swim squad.

 

WEEK ENDING July 20

His teammates affectionately refer to him as ‘Bin-Bin.’ But on this day at least, he might as well have been called ‘Win-Win’.

Sunday was a very good day for Johnny Binner, a special one in fact. For rare is the day when a hurler records two pitching victories.

And both were playoff wins.

On Sunday, in a home-and-home doubleheader to open the Lebanon County American Legion baseball league’s Warren ‘Lefty’ Grumbine best-of-five championship series, Binner was the winning pitcher in both ends of the twinbill, as Campeblltown opened a commanding 2-0 lead on Myerstown.

In the morning opener at Palmyra High School, Binner came on in relief of starter Tyler Morder, pitched the final two innings and got the win when his mates rallied from a three-run deficit for a 5-3 win. Then in the afternoon nightcap in Myerstown, Binner was the starter and winner, as he went the distance on a six-hitter, struck out one and walked one, in a 12-5 C-town triumph.

Binner, a sturdy righthnader, tossed 118 pitches on the day, and most importantly allowed his side to save arms for the rest of the series.
When Campbelltown completed its sweep the next day, Binner was named the championship series’ Most Valuable Pitcher. He should’ve been named the set’s Most Valuable Player.

 

WEEK ENDING July 13

Throughout his playing days in Palmyra, Tyler Morder has certainly been part of his share of wins and championships. Morder brings a certain level of intensity to the diamond that makes him a winner, even before he steps between the chalk lines.

But while he has been a major contributor to those triumphs, Morder has never changed the course of a game – or even a season – in quite the same way he did on Thursday night at Earl Wenger Memorial Field in Fredericksburg. With his team in desperate need of a spark, Morder dared to be great.

Morder was a runner on third base with one out and his Campbelltown club locked in a 2-2 seventh-inning tie with home-standing Fredericksburg, in Game Two of a Lebanon County American Legion best-of-three semifinal series that F-burg already led 1-0. On a ball hit to the shortstop of a draw-in Fredericksburg infield, Morder stared his opponent down, waited until the fielder uncorked his throw to first base and then broke for home.

Now while Morder has some pretty decent wheels, what made the play successful was a tremendous ‘avoid-the-tag’, hand-slide away from Fredericksburg catcher Drew Bene. In the final analysis, Morder beat the play by a fairly comfortable margin and may have saved Campbelltown’s season.

The very next night, still riding the momentum created by Morder’s daring sprint, Campbelltown completed its comeback by winning the third and decisive game in the set.

Morder, who has committed to play baseball in college at Seton Hill, has also been an effective chucker for C-town, during its fourth straight run to the regular-season championship in the Lebanon County American Legion league.

 

WEEK ENDING July 6

Tyler Napierala is the most talented player in the Lebanon County American legion baseball league. Whether or not that makes him the best player in the summer circuit or the league’s most valuable player, well that is simply a matter of conjecture.

Napierala, a 19-year-old outfielder/pitcher, is truly a five-tool performer for the Annville entrant in the local league. And there is literally very few things that Napierala can’t do on a baseball.

Napierala is a smooth, gliding center-fielder. He’s a fast and smart base runner. He can hit for contact and he can hit for power. He’s got a great arm, and is a fierce competitor, on and off. Napeirala is also a cerebral player and leader who knows how the game should be played.

This week, Napierala was again a main contributor in Annville’s pursuit of the Lebanon County American Legion postseason. In a key match-up with Myerstown, with both sides jockeying for playoff position, Napierala got his team going by smashing a solo home run.

Later, Napierala drew a key walk during Annville’s decisive six-run rally, as his club improved to 8-3 on the season.

Napierala, who was a driving force behind the last team other than Campbelltown to win the County Legion championship, competed for the Lackawana Junior College baseball team this past spring.

WEEK ENDING June 29

He doesn’t play in the Lebanon County Amateur golf tournament every year. But when Mike Schmidt, Jr. does compete, he’s very competitive.

Schmidt, Jr. was very, very competitive at the 55th annual Lebanon County amateur championship, contested recently at Fairview Golf Course in Quentin.

Schmidt captured the title of ‘Lebanon County’s Finest Amateur Golfer’ in record fashion. Schmidt torched Fairview’s par-71, 6,305-yard layout for a six-under par total of 136, which tied the previous low for a winning total at the County Amateur.

Schmidt fired a five-under par 66 over his opening round to take total command of the tournament, heading into the final day of competition. Over his final round, Schmidt carded a one-under par 70 to best runner-up Chris Gebhard by five strokes.

The title was Schmidt’s second overall and second in six years. Schmidt won his first County Amateur championship in Royal Oaks Golf Course in 2008, played in the event in 2009 and 2011, but did not compete, in 2010 or 2012, so he has won two of the last four County Amateurs in which he has competed.

 

WEEK ENDING June 22

Josh Sollenberger is 19. And when it comes to baseball and the Lebanon County American Legion League, he’s an old man.

Further proof that everything is relative, even age.

Sollenberger is not an old man in the conventional or traditional sense. But for his age, he is wise, experienced and someone his teammates look to for guidance.

Sollenberger is a four-year performer for the Campbelltown entry in the local summer baseball league. He was an important cog in C-town’s run to the Lebanon County championship and the Region Four tournament last season, but most of his former teammates have graduated from the club and moved on to other things.

So Sollenberger has taken it upon himself to mentor and lead those ready to step into those leading roles. This week, Sollenberger led by example, during an early season showdown with perennial league heavy Fredericksburg.

Sollenberger pitched Campbelltown to a surprisingly easy 11-1 victory over F-burg. Sollenberger, a crafty southpaw, scattered seven hits, struck out four and walked one in his route-going effort.

This spring, in his first season on Division Three collegiate level, Sollenberger enjoyed a solid campaign for the Elizabethtown College baseball team.

 

 

WEEK ENDING June 15

Josh Hammaker is a difference maker. He has the ability to change the complexion of a game, the chemistry of a team and the direction of a program.

That was very apparent last week.

Hammaker, a catcher for the Fifth Ward Lebanon County American Legion League team, helped the Golden Gophers to their first win of the season, a 6-4 triumph over Richland. Hammaker stroked a pair of run-scoring singles, each of which gave Lebanon the lead, and did an admirable job of calling pitches and handling pitchers.

Hammaker was also involved in two pivotal defensive plays at the plate during the contest.

Hammaker will be a key performer if Fifth Ward is to make the jump from playoff outsiders to postseason contenders this season. Hammaker was not a member of the Golden Gophers last season and did not play summer baseball locally.

Due to an injury, Hammaker got off to a slow start as a catcher for the Cedar Crest baseball team. But he came on at the end of the scholastic season to post solid numbers for the Falcons.

 

 

WEEK ENDING June 8

Off the field, he’s known for his engaging personality and his boyish charm. On the field, he’s known for his biting curveball and pinpoint control.

But for one day at least, Tanner Fitting made some big noise at the plate, with a bat in his hands.

On Tuesday at Fifth Ward Athletic Field, Fitting’s offense led the Annville American Legion baseball team to a 7-5 triumph over the home-standing Golden Gophers. Fitting led his bat do the talking, going four-for-four with three RBIs and a roundtripper.

With the victory, Fitting and Annville moved to 2-0 in the early going of the local summer baseball circuit.

It’s a good start for Annville, most of whose players are two weeks removed from a high school season in which they helped Annville-Cleona qualify for the District Three Class AA and Lancaster-Lebanon League postseasons. It was a season which Fitting played a key role.

Most importantly, Fitting was the unquestioned emotional leader for the Little Dutchmen this spring. But the senior southpaw also served as Annville-Cleona’s top hurler and stopper from the mound.

Fitting’s presence and play will undoubtedly determine exactly how much damage Annville does in the County American Legion league over the next month.

WEEK ENDING June 1

Evan Downey enjoyed an absolutely marvelous senior season. Shoot, Evan Downey enjoyed an absolutley marvelous scholatic career.

That is if you like goals. And who doesn’t?

With 58 goals and 39 assists in 18 games – a gaudy average of 4.5points per outing – Downey, a senior out of Palmyra, led the Mid-Penn Conference in boys’ lascrosse scoring for the second straight season. Over the past two springs, Downey used his nose for the goal to accumulate a total of 101 goals and 73 assists.

But that’s not all.

Those totals propelled Downey past former teammate Will Haus, who recentlyhelped Duke to an NCAA Division One national, and into the top spot as Palmyra’s most prolific scorer ever. Downey is also recognized as the Lebanon County boys’ lacrosse’s all-time leading scorer.

Downey, who paced the Cougars to an 11-7 mark in 2013, also starred in soccer and swimming for Palmyra. Next fall, Downey is headed off to Division Three Cabrini in Radnor, where he will continue to pursue his academic and athletic careers on the collegiate level.

 

WEEK ENDING May 25

Do you know the difference between an element sensor and Ben Mason? One’s a metal detector and the other is a medal collector.

Of course, during this recently completed scholastic track and field postseason, if Mason detected a medal he also collected it.

Mason, a senior at Annville-Cleona high school, brought home a haul of medals from Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium over the past two weekends – six to be exact, and all of the shiny metal complexion.

On Saturday, Mason earned three medals at the PIAA Class AA meet. He helped anchor both of Annville-Cleona’s state-championship winning relay teams – the 3200-meter and 1600-meter squads – and individually copped a silver medal in the 400-meter dash.

The previous Saturday, at the District Three Class AA Track and Field, Mason struck gold in the 400-meter dash with a personal and Little Dutchman school record. With the help of Little Dutchmen teammates Shawn Wolfe, Mark Bachman, Jeff Inman and Eric Bowman, Mason also took home top honors in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter relays.

So it turned out to be a grand finale for the graduating Mason, also an accomplished cross country runner who helped Annville-Cleona to team glory in that sport during the fall season.

 

WEEK ENDING May 18

We have reached the point of the track and field season where a lot of seeds have been planted. While Avree Wright has avoided that dubious distinction, it may be that the she is just blossoming as a thrower.

On Saturday morning, at the District Three Class AA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg Univeristy, Wright defended her top seeding in a big way. Entering the Class AA shot put as the competition’s number one seed, Wright more than lived up to everyone’s expectations.

The Annville-Cleona junior took home a gold medal, winning the shot with her first throw. Wright’s heave of 37-1.25 was well off her previous best of 38-4, but comfortably ahead of runner-up Emily Fisher of Greenwood’s 36-9.

Wright will ride the momentum generated at districts into this weekend’s PIAA Meet, back at Shippensburg. If achieved, Wright’s stated goal of setting a new personal standard for herself and of establishing a new Annville-Cleona school record would put her in a great position for a garnering a medal at the state championships.

 

WEEK ENDING May 11

When presented with stressful situations, athletes are inclined to break down and revert to their natural instincts. But if they can somehow stay in the moment, focus on their fundamentals and retain their form, athletes can turn nerves into glory.

That mind-set has been the key to Denzel Pierre’s improvement over the current track and field postseason. Or perhaps put another way, Pierre has gotten faster by practicing what he’s been taught.

Pierre, a junior sprinter for the Cedar Crest boys’ track and field squad, has seen his times slowly go down since the postseason has hit. And such was the case at the Lancaster-Lebanon League meet at Hempfield on Saturday.

Pierre ran a 10.89 to win the 100-meter dash by an eyelash over Hempfield’s Tory Long and Northern Lebanon’s Joe Vedilago. Pierre also ran the anchor leg for a Cedar Crest 400-meter relay team which surprisingly struck gold.

Two weeks earlier, at the Lebanon County Meet, Pierre burst on to the local sprinting postseason by upsetting Vedilago in the 100-meter dash.

So how low can Pierre go? That will be just one of the local subplots as the District Three and PIAA Championships unfold over the next two weekends at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.

 

WEEK ENDING MAY 4

It may be that baseball is not Adam Shoemaker’s first love or passion. But he’s a competitor, a fierce one.

And when he competes, Shoemaker puts his heart – and every other part of himself – into his pursuit.

On Friday afternoon at Elco’s Lyle Krall Field, Shoemaker, a senior right-hander, pitched on his home mound for the final time in his career. And he made it a memorable one, even going as far as to not wanting to leave it until the job was complete.

Shoemaker tossed a complete game, as the Raiders edged Garden Spot 3-2. ‘Shoe’ scattered seven hits and five walks and struck out two.

He also stranded 13 Spartans on the base-paths, as his teammates played stellar defense behind him.

It may very well be that the conclusion of the current 2013 spring season might be the last baseball that Shoemaker ever plays. And if it is, Shoemaker enjoyed an outstanding career for Chris Weidner’s program.

Shoemaker, who is headed to Division Two Shippensburg to play football in the fall, has not ruled out playing Lebanon County American Legion baseball for Myerstown this summer.

WEEK ENDING April 27

Joe Vedilago is preparing to break out on his own and explore the scholastic track and field world. But Vedilago understands that before he does, he had to take care of business at home.

On Saturday afternoon at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships at Lebanon High, Vedilago kicked off what he hopes will be a very eventful senior postseason by taking home the Outstanding Male Athlete award.

Vedilago, a senior out of Northern Lebanon, rebounded from a close loss to Cedar Crest’s Denzel Pierre in the 100-meter dash by winning the 200- and 400-meter dashes, and by anchoring a Viking quartet which finished as the runner-up in the 400-meter relay. Vedilago has also been a driving force behind the Northern Lebanon boys run to a Lancaster-Lebanon Section Three team title.

Vedilago was also the Outstanding Male Athlete at last year’s Lebanon County meet, and appeared poised to wreak further havoc as the postseason unfolded. But a hamstring injury at the Lancaster-Lebanon League championships two weeks later pretty much ended his campaign, preventing him from competing at the District Three and PIAA Championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.

Vedilago, one of the most highly regarded 400-meter sprinters in the state, will certainly be one of the athletes to keep an eye on as the area track and field meets go through their progressions.

 

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20

There’s an old baseball adage that says the best way to build a team is to be strong up the middle – catcher, pitcher, shortstop, center-fielder. Well apparently, the best way to rebuild a softball program is from the pitcher’s circle.

At least that’s the approach that the Palmyra softball team has taken this spring.

Currently, the Cougars are in the midst of an amazing turn-around, going from also-rans to playoff contenders. And the key to the metamorphosis has been the Cougars’ pitching.

Sophomore hurler Cat Wicker has led the charge in Palm-town. The emergence of Wicker has simply allowed Palmyra to be a better team all-around.

Although Wicker is still improving, it’s been her consistency on the mound that has kept Palmyra in games and allowed them to be more competitive. Wicker will improve on her velocity as she matures and will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in coming years.

But right now, Wicker’s effectiveness revolves around putting the ball in play, allowing her defense to work for her and cutting down on her free passes.

WEEK ENDING April 14

With her athletic docket jammed, Katie Gable has a lot going on this spring. So it’s a good thing that she’s fast, because it allows her to arrive at the appointed time.

The fleet Gable is actually splitting her time this season at Cedar Crest between two athletic endeavors, softball and track and field. And it just so happens that she is using her speed to excel in both.

Last week, Gable enjoyed a big week, and because she did, she helped both the Falcon softballers and thinclads to emerge victorious.

Early in the week, Gable produced the game-winning hit in a Cedar Crest softball triumph over Penn Manor. With her team down a run, Gable had jump-started her team wither her legs, and inspiring the comeback.

On Thursday, Gable’s speed was instrumental in the Falcon girls’ track and field team sweeping Lebanon County rivals Annville-Cleona and Lebanon High. Gable won the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and anchored Cedar Crest’s victorious sprint relay team.

In softball, Gable is a terror on the base paths, disrupting pitchers and applying pressure to the opponents’ defense. In track and field, Gable has provided a boost and helped fill a need that the Falcons had in the sprints.

Though playing two varsity sports in one scholastic season is a challenge, Gable has stayed true to her commitments to both programs.

 

WEEK ENDING April 6

Colin Muraika is very much aware that the turtle won the race.

Not that Muraika is slow. He just understands the power of steady, consistent and persistent.

On Saturday in South Lebanon, Muraika’s steady approach paid big dividends, in the form of the Lebanon County boys’ scholastic tennis individual title. After sweeping through his semifinal match, Muraika downed Elco junior Adam Bahney, 6-0, 7-6 (7-0) in the finals at Number One Singles.

At one point in the tournament, Muraika won 20 straight games. How about that for consistency? Consistently good.

Muraika didn’t flinch when Bahney discovered his power game in the middle of the second set. He settled down, right his ship, won the 12th game of the set and then notched seven straight points in the tiebreaker to claim the title.

Afterwards, when questioned about his success against the big serves and huge ground-strokes of Bahney, Muraika revealed that he was just looking to ‘out steady’ him. Muraika also understood the company the title put him in – some of the top tennis players who Lebanon County has produced.

Muraika’s championship also represented the seventh year in-a-row in which a Cedar Crest player has been dubbed the finest locally. In addition, Muraika’s performance helped the Falcons to a second-place showing in the team competition.

 

WEEK ENDING March 30

There’s a hole in the top of the mound on the ball field at Cedar Crest High School, one that’s not at all related to the pitching rubber.

Actually what it is is a void, a void created by graduation, and one hoping to be filled by Conor Baweic.

Baweic is very aware that he has big shoes to fill, stepping in for departed hurlers Logan Fullmer and Dan Black. But so far, so good.

At 6-2, Baweic is the biggest reason that the Cedar Crest baseball team is off to a 3-1 start. The junior righthander also lends credence to the mantra ‘Tradition never graduates.’

On Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Baweic pitched the Falcons to a 2-0 victory over Northern Lebanon. He was in control throughout.

Baweic surrendered but a lone single, whiffed seven and did not issue a free pass. He allowed only one Viking to get into scoring position.

It was also Baweic’s second pitching victory of the young season. Earlier in the spring, Baweic had led Cedar Crest to a season-opening triumph over Hershey.

 

WEEK ENDING March 23

Lebanon baseball coach Robert Nordall went into Friday’s season opener with Elco at Coleman Memorial Park looking for a number-one pitcher. What Nordall got was a whole lot more.

He got attitude, passion and the possible leader of a revolution.

By blanking the Raiders 2-0, the Cedars, a program starved for a new direction, registered their first season-opening victory in six years. And the player behind the triumph was junior right hander Cameron Martin.

On a cold and blustery afternoon, Martin was nearly dominant on the mound, shutting down Elco on four singles. Martin struck out nine, walked none, retired the Raiders in order during three of their at-bats and allowed just one runner to reach second base.

It was the type of pitching performance that could not only get a team off to a good start, but one that could help change a program’s culture of winning.

 

WEEK ENDING March 16

A space honoring local athletes’ weekly accomplishments is no place for recognizing career achievements. But for Kate Carmo we’ll make an exception.

So exactly what is Carmo being recognized for? Winning!

During these past two seasons, when Carmo blossomed into a solid performer and a versatile, do-it-all guard, her Palmyra girls’ basketball team compiled an overall mark of 47-6. That’s a winning percentage of 89 percent for those of you scoring at home.

On Wednesday evening at Martz Hall in Pottsville, Carmo and the rest of the Cougars’ undefeated season came to an agonizing end, in the from of a 40-36 loss to Scranton Prep, in the second round of the PIAA Class AAA playoffs. Though Palmyra fought hard to the bitter end, it just couldn’t seem to get over an early double-digit deficit.

One of the reasons the Cougars have been able to win on such a consistent basis over the last two years is the type of ‘whatever-it-takes’, hard-work, determined attitude displayed by Carmo, a senior, and followed by her younger teammates. While it may not have started out that way, over her career, Carmo developed into an unquestioned leader of the Cougars.

Carmo was also one of the few Palmyra players who intended to continue to compete in basketball once she moves onto college.

 

 

WEEK ENDING March 9

In the 60-plus year history of the sport locally, only one Lebanon County wrestler – Northern Lebanon lightweight Jim Collins – has ever won a PIAA Championship. Given that fact, qualifying for the state tournament has become both an attainable and realistic goal for local competitors.

Last week, Jeffrey Inman achieved the ultimate goal for County wrestlers.

A 132-pound sophomore out of Annville-Cleona, Inman qualified for the state tournament by placing second at the Class AA Southeast Regional. Once there, Inman went 1-2 during his first PIAA Championship experience at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Inman opened his stay in Hershey Thursday morning with a 4-2 overtime decision over Williamson junior Trevor McWhorter. The win put Inman in the position of having to win one more bout to claim a state medal, but it wasn’t meant to be.

In the quarterfinals of his weight class bracket, Inman ran into undefeated Jason Nolf of Kittaning, who dealt him an 8-2 defeat. Then with his season on the line, Inman couldn’t get anything going in the second round of consolations and fell to Brookville’s Dalton Zimmerman 3-1.

Though his initial trip to states was an up-and-down ride, it should served as valuable experience – and motivation – for Inman to get back there next season.

WEEK ENDING March 2nd

Logan Stovall experienced his share of growing pains during his career with the Palmyra boys’ basketball program. But what he matured into was close to the ultimate team player.

Playing out of position at the center spot, Stovall sacrificed personal statistics for team victories this season. But no matter what the Cougars needed or asked of him, Stovall was always there for his team and teammates.

And he may have been the biggest reason Palmyra self-actualized in 2012-13.

A tough guard, Stovall poured in a game-high 29 points in Monday night’s District Three Class AAA semifinal at Hershey’s Giant Center, where the 13th seeded Cougars upended top-seeded Susquehanna Township 68-58. With his defense, rebounding and scoring, Stovall was clearly the difference as Palmyra defeated the mighty Indians for the second time this season, and fourth time in the team’s last five meetings.

On Thursday in the District Three championship game, the Cougars didn’t fare as well, falling to defending champion Berks Catholic 59-42, despite the fact that Stovall did his part. The 6-3 senior pumped in 16 points in the loss, and was the only Palmyra scorer to reach double digits.

WEEK ENDING Feb. 23

At small schools, the roles on basketball teams are much more defined and structured. And when a player is missing, it sends shock waves through the entire organization.

It’s safe to say that the Annville-Cleona girls are a better basketball team with Alex Siebecker in the lineup.

On Friday night, the Little Dutchmen certainly welcomed the return of Siebecker from a minor injury, as it hosted Camp Hill in the quarterfinal round of the District Three Class AA postseason. In fact, the presence of the junior combo guard made all the difference in the world.

Siebecker’s free throw with mere seconds remaining proved to be the decisive point in A-C’s 34-33 triumph over the Lions. Out of a timeout and in-bounds play, Siebecker shook loose from her defender, accepted a pass and then went strong to the basket, where she was fouled – in the midst of a tie game with time running down.

Siebecker had missed the Little Dutchmen’s previous outing, a lop-sided loss to Manheim Township in the opening round of the Lancaster-Lebanon League playoffs.

Part of the so-called ‘Three Amigas’ in Annville – along with Elaina Wanamaker and Kayla Parks – Siebecker was a driving force behind the Little Dutchmen’s second-place finish in Section Four of the L-L this season, and A-C gaining the number-four seed in the District Three Class AA tournament.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 16

WWW.lebanonsportsbuzz.com has some very strict standards concerning the number of players it selects for its all-Lebanon County basketball teams. But Clay Penchard elevated his level of play so high this season that he simply played his way on to the local sports authority’s all-county team.

Penchard, a slashing 6-2 senior wing out of Cedar Crest, was recently one of six – not five – local players selected to Lebanon Sports Buzz’s 2012-13 all-Lebanon County boys’ basketball team. Penchard’s inspired performances at the end of the season helped send the Falcons on an historic basketball binge.

Through his leadership, athleticism and ability to get into the lane offensively, Penchard paced the Falcons to 12 victories in 13 late season games. At one point midway through the season, Cedar Crest had sported a less than impressive 5-7 overall mark.

Included in Cedar Crest’s late run were Lancaster-Lebanon League playoff victories over Lancaster Catholic and Elizabethtown. That spurt came on the heels of the Falcons’ first league playoff appearance in 37 years.

With Penchard playing his game, Cedar Crest continued its run in the first half of the Lancaster-Lebanon League championship game with McCaskey, before falling to the mighty Red Tornado in the second half.

And don’t be surprised if Penchard turns up on the local Division Three college basketball scene next winter.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 9

Things haven’t always gone Josh Spaulding’s way. But it seems that when Spaulding has encountered difficulties, he’s learned and grown from them.

Spaulding, a 6-5 senior center on the Lebanon boys’ basketball team, really elevated his level of play during the second half of the 2012-13 campaign. And when he did, the Cedars took off as well.

Spaulding was the driving force behind Lebanon High’s eight-game winning streak at the end of the regular season, one which propelled it to the Lancaster-Lebanon League postseason. By mere fractions of a power-rating point, the Cedars just missed out on qualifying for the District Three Class AAAA playoffs, after getting off to a 5-9 start to the year.

A tenacious defender and an under-rated scorer, Spaulding brought continuity and steadiness to the Cedars’ lineup. He also matured into the role of a leader.

In the basketball world, Spaulding is known as a ‘high-energy guy’. His game is based on excitement, emotion and energy, and when he’s able to channel those forces in a positive manner, that’s when he’s at his best.

 

WEEK ENDING Feb. 2

It is one thing to baton down the hatches and weather the storm. It’s another thing to survive and get by.

But it’s quite a different proposition to shine in the face of adversity.

That’s exactly what the Northern Lebanon girls’ basketball team and Taylor Smith have accomplished this season. When things have been their most bleak, Smith and Vikings have been at their brightest.

Now how many teams in the area can say they are in contention for a Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class AAA playoff berths after having lost three starters? Northern Lebanon can, and Smith, a senior forward, is one of the biggest reasons why.

With the Vikings depleted and former JV players now playing prominent roles, Smith has been a steadying influence, as solid as a rock and a source of leadership. But not only has Smith grown in the intangible portions of competition, she has also stepped up her individual game.

A tireless worker on both sides of the glass, Smith has emerged as Northern Lebanon’s top option offensively and its leading scorer. With a variety of moves, Smith scores around the basket against bigger and more physical opponents.

WEEK ENDING Jan. 26

Adam Gilson may be the local poster child for the notion that our society places too much emphasis on winning. On Saturday at Conestoga Valley High School, Gilson did not finish first at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Wrestling Championships.

But in some ways, what the Cedar Crest junior accomplished was more difficult than finishing first.

Gilson claimed the bronze medal in the 182-pound weight class. He defeated Dylan Maxwell of Donegal in the consolation final.

By fighting his way back through the ‘meat grinder’ that is the consolation bracket, Gilson actually won more bouts – five – than the champion of the bracket.

After opening his tournament on Friday night with a 14-0 whitewashing of Ephrata’s Bobby Nye, Gilson was edged 8-7 by Hempfield’s Tommy Bennett in their quarterfinal bout. Battling a touch of sickness, Gilson was relegated to the consolation portion of the weight class.

Once there, Gilson pinned Brock Fittery of Manheim Central at the 2:58 mark and dusted Lebanon’s Adam Kearney 11-5. Then Gilson reached the consolation final by decking Jesse Kann of Penn Manor in 18 seconds.

Gilson’s 5-1 showing at the event lifted his seasonal record to a very respectable 22-5.

WEEK ENDING Jan. 12

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.

WEEK ENDING Jan. 12

From the outside looking in, it’s difficult to decipher exactly how Sammy Light does the things he does on the basketball floor. But that might be the exact secret of Light’s on-court success – we can’t see what’s inside of him.

What makes Light a very good basketball player is that he’s a competitor, inside and out. And his game is based on heart, head, toughness, character and experience, more than physical tools.

Light, a 5-11 junior guard, led the Lancaster-Lebanon League in scoring last season and is one of the top scorers in the circuit this year. He is one of the biggest reasons why the Northern Lebanon boys are in the midst of one of its best seasons in this century, and are in position to enjoy one of the finest boys’ basketball years in school history.

In addition, the Vikings are in line for rare berths in the District Three Class AAA and L-L League postseason tournaments.

A leader with a high basketball IQ, Light can drain the ‘three’ and dish out assists as easily as drive to the basket and start the fast break. But Light’s best attribute might be getting to the free throw line, where he’s a deadly marksman.

WEEK ENDING January 5th
We all mature at varying rates.
So it may be that Adam Newhard recently experienced a growth spurt. Because the Palmyra boys’ basketball team’s senior guard certainly seems to have grown up, not just physically, but also emotionally.
Newhard has been a key cog in the Cougars’ recent winning streak. On Friday, Palmyra won its fifth straight outing by knocking off previoulsy unbeaten Susquehanna Township 65-57 in ‘Palm Town’.
And Newhard, more than any other Cougar, was responsible for the triumph. The sharp-shooting sniper connected on three three-point field goals and pumped in 16 points during a fourth quarter in which Palmyra held off, then pulled away from the Indians.
The Newhard-inspired win streak has Palmyra 8-3 overall and 4-2 in the Keystone Division of the Mid-Penn Conference. More of a role player last season for the Cougars, Newhard has evolved into Palmyra’s top scoring threat, as well as one of the most prolific point-makers in Lebanon County.

 

WEEK ENDING December 29

One of the keys to succes for the Elco girls’ basketball team this season will be identifying scorers to complement leader and bomber Cheyenne Hassler. And the list of potential candidates is as long as it is capable.

On Thursday and Friday, Halie Parker took her turn stepping up. And because she did, the Raiders took home a championship.

Parker, a southpaw senior point guard, was named the most valuable player of the Lebanon Booster Club’s Christmas tournament. It was a fitting reward for Parker, who, with her all-around play, led Elco to the tourney’s title.

The Raiders defeated Lebanon High 33-31 in the championship game of the event.

Parker’s scoring was only a part of her contribution to the Raiders’ performance. She nailed key free throws in pressure situations, dished out assists, came away with steals and provided a steadying influence for her teammates.

What Parker’s play – offensively and defensively – also did was limit and neutralize the contributions of Lebanon’s guard-heavy attack

WEEK ENDING December 22

There’s something different about Timmy Orr this season. He’s more physical, quicker and confident.

And there’s a bounce in his step.

Orr, a senior guard on the Lebanon Catholic boys’ basketball team who eats and sleeps basketball, worked tirelessly during the offseason to assure that he would enjoy a stellar season campaign. There was also the promise of possibly playing basketball on the next level.

To this point, Orr’s hard work has paid big dividends, for himself and the Beavers. Orr is the leading scorer and rebounder on a Catholic club that currently sports a 6-2 mark.

But Orr’s star has never shown more brightly than it did on Friday night at home against Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four front-runner Lancaster Mennonite. Orr’s strong drive to the basket with three seconds remaining proved decisive in the Beavers’ thrilling 70-67 triumph.

But Orr played an all-around good floor game, while piling up a team-high 28 points. When the Beavers need a spark, a big play or just simply a little bit of leadership, they certainly have a great place to turn.

WEEK ENDING December 15

How many times have you heard it? ‘So-and-so paced the winners offensively’, ‘John Smith showed the way with X-amount of points’ ”Joe Basketball poured in a game-high…’

Offense. Offense. Offense.

But can a player set the tone for his or team’s defense? And if he or she can, how valuable does that make them?

Richard Iwuagwu possesses that particular skill set. And that might make him the best male basketball player in Lebanon County who no one has ever heard of, or the locale’s most under-appreciated and under-rated performer.

A junior guard for the Northern Lebanon boys’ basketball squad, Iwuagwu is definitely one of the top defenders in the County. And he may be Lebanon County’s best defensive player, period.

On Tuesday night at New Schaefferstown, Iwuagwu’s defense was instrumental in getting the Vikings off on the right foot against Tulpehocken. Because of its defense, Northern Lebanon led 12-0 seven minutes into the non-league affair and 20-1 12 minutes in, then was never seriously headed.

The win improved the Iwuagwu’s Vkings to 2-1 on the season.

 

WEEK ENDING December 8

She can nail the ‘3’. She can drive to the basket. She can rebound. She can defend, tenaciously. She can slash. She’s a leader. She can ‘dish the rock’. She can provide an inside presence.

She’s versatile.

She’s Carly Richardson. And she’s the top female basketball performer in Lebanon County.

This weekend, Richardson was provided an opportunity to play her wares, during two days of action in the Northern Lebanon Tip-Off Tournament in Fredericksburg. And the junior wing didn’t disappoint.

Richardson led the Cougars to the championship of the event, as her club defeated Pine Grove 64-37 in Saturday’s title tilt. Richardson poured in a game-high 19 points and through her efforts was named to the all-tourney team.

Behind Richardson, Palmyra opened the event by dismantling Lebanon High 59-19 on Friday night.

If you’re under the impresssion that Richardson and Cougars are pretty good, you might be on to something.

WEEK ENDING December 1

It’s way too early in the 2012-13 season to name the Lebanon Valley College men’s basketball team’s most improved player. Let’s just say that Matt O’Brien is well on his way.

On Saturday afternoon at the LVC Gymasium in Annville, O’ Brien tallied a team-high 19 points to lead the Flying Dutchmen to a 63-56 victory over Widener. O’Brien, a senior forward, knocked down all nine of his foul shots, drilled two three-point field goals, collected three assists and three rebounds and picked up two steals.

Because of O’Brien’s inspired play, Lebanon Valley evened its overall mark to 3-3 and upped its Commonwealth Conference record to 2-1.

To this point of the season, O’Brien, who hails from Brick, New Jersey, is averaging nearly a dozen points an outing. Last season as a junior, O’Brien started only one game for the Flying Dutchmen and averaged about four points per game.

 

WEEK ENDING November 24

It might be a stretch to say that the Lebanon Valley College women’s basketball team goes as Kiely Chaklos goes. In reality, Chaklos is just another cog in the Flying Dutchmen’s very talented wheel.

But a very important one.

On Wednesday, Chaklos led the Flying Dutchmen to a 63-38 triumph over Elizabethtown, in the Commonwealth Conference opener for both clubs. What made the victory even more significant was the fact that Lebanon Valley has won the last two conference championships.

Chaklos was on top of her game, as the Flying Dutchmen put the outcome out of reach early in the second half. The sophomore point guard notched a game-high 17 points on five-of-11 shooting, seven-for-eight free throwing, and hauled down eight rebounds, as Lebanon Valley improved to 3-0 on tbe season.

Despite being only a sophomore, the 5-4 guard is one of the Flying Dutchmen’s two captains. Last season, Chaklos was the Commonwealth Conference’s rookie of the year and was named the most valuable player of the conference’s postseason tournament.

 

WEEK ENDING November 17

The Lebanon Valley College men’s basketball team’s offense must run through Danny Brooks. What could determine the degree of the Flying Dutchmen’s success this season is what Brooks does with the ball once he gets his hands on.

During Lebanon Valley College’s season-opening Rinso Marquette tournament this weekend, it became obvious that Brooks would be the object of every LVC opponent’s defensive focus this season. It was no coincidence that the Flying Dutchmen enjoyed two strong showings and that Brooks was in mid-season form.

In Saturday’s championship game of the event, against Middleburg, the fourth ranked Division Three team in the country. Brooks kept the Flying Dutchmen close throughout with game-highs of 30 points and 13 rebounds. The night before, Lebanon Valley had reached the title tilt with a 66-58 triumph over the College of Staten Island, thanks in part to Brooks’ play inside and 16 points.

A 6-6 senior forward out of Abingdon, Maryland, Brooks was an all-Commonwealth Conference performer last season when he led the circuit in scoring with a 20.7 points per game average.

WEEK ENDING November 10

Track and field, field hockey or basketball? Let the debate begin.

The subject of the debate is Katie Dembrowski and exactly which sport is her best. It may be whichever one she is currently involved in.

What isn’t debatable is the fact that Dembrowski is Lebanon County’s top field hockey performer.

Dembrowski, a sophomore forward, figured in both goals, as the Palmyra field hockey team recently endured a heart-stopping, 3-2 season-ending loss to Villa Maria, in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs, at West Chester East High School in Chester. Dembrowski finished the season as the Cougars’ leading scorer.

Eight minutes into the second half, Dembrowski converted a penalty stroke to give Palmyra a 2-1 edge. Midway through the first half, ‘Katie D.’ had set up teammate Megan Miller for the goal that tied the game at one.

As a freshman last spring, Dembrowski was anointed the ‘Outstanding Female Athlete’ at the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships. Dembrowski, a 5-7 point guard, is also expected to be a key contributor to what is expected to be a very competitive Palmyra girls’ basketball team this winter.

WEEK ENDING November 3
Early in the fall cross country season, Palmyra girls coach Barb Mellinger was an interested observer as to exactly who would step up and become the leader of her Cougars’ pack. At the Lebanon County Cross Country Championships, Mellinger was quoted as sayiing that any one of a number of her runners could finish first, on any given day.
On that particular day at South Hills Park, a sophomore, Maria Tukis, won the girls’ individual title and led Palmyra to the girls’ team championship. From that day forward, the Cougars never stopped following Tukis’ lead.
And ultimately, Tukis led Palmyra to a state championship.
That PIAA Class AA crown came on Saturday at Hershey’s Parkview Course, where the Cougars edged Dallas 91 team points to 94. And Tukis set the pace for Palmyra by finishing ninth overall.

Ten days earlier, Tukis and the Cougars had won the District Three Class AA individual and team championships on the same Parkview course. During the season, the Tukis-led Cougars were also crowned champions of the Mid-Penn Conference, the Keystone Division of the MPC and the Lebanon Valley College Invitational.

The state title was Palmyra’s first in cross country and just the school district’s four team championship overall.