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.

 – Jeff Falk