LebCo Athlete of the Week: Danny Speaks (Week Ending January 19, 2024)

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Danny Speaks

During the Week of January 13th, the Cedar Crest Boys Basketball Team went 3-0 with wins over Section 1 opponents Hempfield and McCaskey before finishing off the week with a victory over Methacton. Against the Lancaster Lebanon League opponents, Danny Speaks provided solid play with scoring performances of 8 points and 11 points, respectively. The senior then scored a team-high 21 points as the Falcons dispatched one of District 1’s best teams. Following these performances, our readers awarded Speaks the votes necessary to be named LebCo Athlete of the Week.

When asked about the trio of wins, Speaks, whom teammates call “DS3”, said, “I feel like there was a lot of ups and downs as a team, but overall i think that were found a rhythm.”

Speaks went on to say talk about the groove he and he his teammates have found, stating,” I think with the games coming up we’re going to be a scary team to play against.”

The senior guard has had a lot to do with the fear that the Falcons are able to put in their opponents. Prior to Tuesday night’s clash with Central York, Speaks was averaging 12.5 points per game to lead Crest in that department. He has shot 50% from the field and has connected on 14 three-pointers. According to Coach Tommy Smith, Speaks is more than just an offensive threat as he is also a “very good defender”.

This complete game approach that Speaks brings to the floor is something that he sees fitting in with his philosophy of doing “anything that helps the team win.”

For those paying attention, it is not a shock that Speaks has played a pivotal role in helping Cedar Crest to a 12-6 record this year. Last season, Speaks was an offensive sparkplug that Coach Smith relied on off the bench as the Falcons won the Lancaster Lebanon League Championship on their way to an appearance in the PIAA State Championship Tournament.

With a current record of 12-5, the Falcons again find themselves in a good position to make another postseason run, this time with Speaks serving as a leading man. Speaks wants to help his team replicate the success of last season. With two league games remaining, Cedar Crest can claim the Section 1 Championship if they defeat Manheim Township and then Penn Manor, with whom they are currently tied atop the standings.

Speaks, who is a year-round basketball player, sees his biggest challenge as “trying to stay consistent” in his game. He spoke to this by saying, “there are times when i’m playing my best games and there are times when i’m playing my worst, though I think this season I’ve been able to have the confidence that i need to have longer stretches of good games.”

Having developed into a consistent weapon has transformed Speaks provides in the lineup. He recognizes the work of his coaches for helping develop him. He is also the beneficiary of supportive parents and thanks his mother and father for making it possible for him to play the sport he loves.

In terms of further development, Speaks would like to find an opportunity to play at the collegiate level. He is constantly working on his game, and if there is one thing that is certain, Cedar Crest has a great track record of graduating players who are ready to take the leap to the next level.

In the times that he’s not at school or playing ball, Speaks is listening to music or streaming his favorite shows on Netflix. He is also a growing teenage boy who loves food, furthering the chance that he will add to his 6′ stature in the coming years. In terms of personality, Speaks has that covered and wants people to know that he “is chill and a fun person to talk to” once you get to know him.

For now, the most fun that Speaks will be having is on the court with his teammates as they battle through the challenges of the postseason. We wish Speaks, and all the Falcons, all the best as they work to extend their season as long as possible.

Note to college coaches: Take a look at this guy!

Photos provided courtesy of Rachlle Isgriggs

Be on the lookout for a features about fellow LebCo Athletes of the Week: Susie Hoffman & Elisha Slabach

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: January 13 – 19

Previous Winners

Jason Foutz (Week of December 2nd)

Robert Santiago (Week of December 9th)

Kane Kline (Holidays)

Aaron Seidel (Week of January 6th)