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.

– Jeff Falk