Boys Basketball Results Tracker: December 2-6

In this post, we will attempt to bring you details from as much of the Boys Basketball action from around LebCo.  It will be a rolling summary, as we get details, that will serve as a place where you can find out about what is going on.

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Friday, December 6

Lebanon 51, ELCO 43

Cedar Crest 59, Exeter 53

Annville-Cleona 65, Biglerville 31

Palmyra 56, Brandywine Heights 29

Wednesday, December 4

Lebanon 73, Oxford 63

After putting forth an inspired effort in Tuesday’s loss to Elizabethtown, the Cedars were back in action on Wednesday at Oxford. In Game #2 of the season, Lebanon would be looking to build on their momentum with the goal of breaking the lengthy losing streak that has gripped the program over the last two seasons.

In the 1st quarter, Lebanon was led by Manny Martinez, who knocked down two threes. When the 2nd quarter started, the Cedars found themselves facing an 18-16 deficit. However, the defense slowed Oxford’s attack as balanced scoring took over for Lebanon, and they flipped the game to a 31-30 lead by halftime. Nate Trace led the way with 5 points, with Ben DiScuillo, Alec Wolfe, and Manny Suarez also contributing points.

One story that was worth watching at the break was Derek Franco. After a dynamic debut during which he scored 24 points, the freshman was held to just two points in the 1st half. That changed in the 3rd quarter as Franco exploded for 11 points as the Cedars outscored Oxford 21-16. DiScuillo also attacked from the perimeter, scoring 5 points.

Going into the 4th quarter, the Cedars were up 52-46 and had the victory in their sights. Not only did they defend the lead, but they hit the gas as they broke away from their host. Timely free throws down the stretch, including DiScuillo going 7-10, helped the Cedars to the finish line as they had built a ten-point lead by the time the final buzzer sounded.

DiScuillo and Franco each ended the game with 18 points, while the sophomore Martinez added 12 points to the winning effort. In total, eight Cedars made their way into the scorebook.

After a meticulous rebuild, the victory marked 3rd year head coach and Lebanon alum Kris Uffner’s first victory. If the first two games have shown anything about the new look Cedars, this win will be one of many in the coming years.

Lebanon (1-1) will host ELCO on Friday night as part of their annual tournament.

Lebanon Scoring: B. DiScuillo (18), D. Franco (18), M. Martinez (12),  R. Santiago (8), I. Abdallaoui (6), N. Trace (5), A. Wolfe (4), M. Suarez (2)

Northern Lebanon 54, Upper Dauphin 52

On Wednesday night, Northern Lebanon traveled to Upper Dauphin, where the two teams engaged in a close battle that came down to the final possession.

Following clutch baskets from Brian Bicksler and Riley Messinger, it was Brady Krall who got the call to take the final shot with the score knotted at 52-52. Krall then fought his way to hit the off-balance shot to give the Vikings the victory.

Krall led the Vikings with 19 points. Messinger scored 13.

Northern Lebanon moved to 1-1. The Vikings will host Twin Valley on Saturday.

After the game, we caught up with Coach Chris George who offered these thoughts:

“Obviously, Krall hit the big shots to end both halves. But he played an all around game with 8 rebounds and 6 assists as well.

Messinger hit some clutch threes and we got performances by the supporting cast as well. Especially after losing Via to fouls heading into the 4th. New guys like Connor Stoltz, who had 5 deflections and steals, Carter Moyer with 3 assists, along with huge plays by seniors Donovan Brandt & Brian Bicksler down the stretch helped secure the win. If note.. junior Nolan Lesher had 5 rebounds as well and Via had 10 steals/deflections.”

On what George has seen so far, he said this about the prospects for his team:

“We haven’t shot well early, but if we continue to grow, play together, and help each other get great shots, we can hopefully start making the strides we want to.”

Northern Lebanon Scoring: B. Krall (19), R. Messinger (13), B. Bicksler (6), A. Via (4), C. Stoltz (4), D. Brandt (4), , N. Lesher (4)

Brady Krall at the buzzer last night. Bicksler & Messinger with huge buckets right before that. pic.twitter.com/2c6c40Epzy

— cgeorge (@NLballerz) December 6, 2024

Tuesday, December 3

Elizabethtown 66, Lebanon 56

Lebanon hosted Elizabethtown in hopes of starting their season with a spark that would show growth after two painful seasons of rebuilding.

The 1st quarter saw E-Town build an 18-11 advantage. However, freshman Derek Franco did not waste any time announcing his arrival as he scored 6 points in his first quarter of varsity basketball. Manny Martinez accounted for the other 5 points for the Cedars.

The rest of the way, Lebanon went toe-to-toe with E-Town, losing each quarter by a single point. Franco continued to carry the load and finished the game with 24 points. While he was the main focus of the offense, it opened up scoring opportunities for his teammates as a balanced scoring attack emerged. Lebanon also combined for six three-pointers in the game.

While it was a loss, there should be a high level of optimism for Cedar Nation after this performance.

Lebanon (0-1) will look for their first win in over two years when they travel to Oxford on Wednesday before hosting their annual tip-off tournament that begins Friday night.

Lebanon Scoring: D. Franco (24), M. Martinez (9), B. DiScuillo (7), R. Santiago (6), I. Abdallaoui (5), M. Suarez (5)

Annville-Cleona 58, Millersburg 51

Annville-Cleona picked up the team win led by senior Elisha Slabach’s 31 points and 7 rebounds. Jon Shay had 11 points and grabbed 6 boards.

The Dutchmen (1-0) will host their Tip-Off Tournament beginning Friday.

Conrad Weiser 51, ELCO 38

Mount Calvary 78, New Covenant 61

Monday, December 2

Schuykill Haven 57, Northern Lebanon 51

Northern Lebanon got their 2024 campaign started on Monday evening with a road game at Schuylkill Haven.

The 1st quarter started with strong defense by the Vikings as they limited Schuylkill Haven to just 7 points. Matching the 7 point effort for Northern Lebanon was Andrew Via. Brady Krall added a bucket, giving the Vikings the 9-7 lead.

In the 2nd quarter, Schuylkill Haven adjusted. Despite 6 points from Krall, the hosts had built a 25-20 lead by halftime.

Out of the half, Riley Messinger hit a three-pointer as part of a 7 point effort. However, Schuylkill Haven added to their lead in the frame and carried a 43-35 lead going into the 4th.

In the final quarter, the Vikings kept fighting. Messigner and Krall each hit three-pointers, who, along with Connor Stoltz, combined for 16 points. While they cut into the deficit, it would not be enough by the final buzzer.

Krall led the Vikings offensively, finishing the game with 17 points. Messinger scored 12, and Via added 10.

Northern Lebanon (0-1) will play again on Wednesday at Upper Dauphin.

Northern Lebanon Scoring: B. Krall (17), R. Messinger (12), A. Via (10), C. Stoltz (6), B. Planken (2), B. Bicksler (2), N. Lesher (2)