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.

– Jeff Falk