Sports Shorts from Around the Valley: Week of January 15th

This section was started as a way to share some of the many noteworthy items that occur on a regular basis.  In order to do so, we’ve moved to a weekly edition that will be updated as we gather new items we think you should know about.  We hope you enjoy.

If you have anything for us, please reach out via email or through our socials.

If you like this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media: Twitter/X – @lebcosports1 and Facebook.

For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.

Aguirre Adds to Medal Collection

Last weekend, local Taekwondo star Joshua Aguirre traveled to Chicago to compete in the AKA Warrior Cup. This event touts itself as the longest-running martial arts tournament in the country. Despite not being 100% following a leg injury, Aguirre returned home to Lebanon with three medals. His haul included two golds, as he took the top spots among 12-13 year old males in traditional weapons and traditional forms. The black belt also earned silver in Tang Soo Do/MooDukKwan forms. (published 1/20, 5 am)

Photo credit: Facebook / Milly Aguirre

Bowers Receives All-American Honor

On Friday, MaxFieldHockey.com announced their High School All-American Teams. Making the list as a Third Team selection is Palmyra forward Keely Bowers. This is in addition to the Third Team honor she previously picked up from the NFHCA. The senior has committed to continuing her playing career for Monmouth University. However, before she can fully shift her focus to playing D-I field hockey, Bowers will continue using her basketball skills to help the Lady Cougars continue to improve on their current 12-2 record that has them sitting among the top teams in District 3. Click for the full list of MaxFieldHockey All-Americans. (published 1/20, 5 am)

Elzek Announces Commitment

On Thursday, Annville-Cleona kicker Mina Elzek announced on X (Twitter) that he had committed to Seton Hill University. When he reports to campus in the fall, Elzek will have preferred walk-on status. (published 1/20, 5 am)

1000% commited❤️💛 @coachfiegener @CoachDay_ @ACFootball_Club @AC_coachG @LebCoSports1 @TommyLong22 pic.twitter.com/rlDrqmqQjn

— Mina Elzek (@minaelzek1) January 18, 2024

EasternPAFootball.com Names All-Star Teams, Includes Ten Local Players

Last week, EasternPAFootball.com named their All-Star teams for the 2023 season. Ten players representing our high schools in Lebanon County were named to the lists. On the list were three 1st Team All-Stars that comprised of: 2A – Darrian Holloway (Annville-Cleona / Offensive Line), Cael Harter (Annville-Cleona / Defensive Back); 4A – Jake Williams (ELCO / Running Back). Two local players were named 2nd Team All-Stars: 4A – Luke Shaffer (Northern Lebanon / Linebacker); 6A – Owen Chernich (Cedar Crest / Special Teams). In addition, five players were named Honorable Mention selections: 2A – Jon Shay (Annville-Cleona / Defensive End), Damien Miller (Annville-Cleona / Defensive End); 4A – Elliott Kreider (ELCO / Linebacker); 5A – Kadin Jones (Palmyra / Linebacker); 6A – Aiden Schomp (Cedar Crest / Tight End). All of the players receiving honors are seniors, except for Shay, who will still have one more varsity season remaining. (published 1/20, 5 am)