2025 LebCo All-County Boys Basketball Team

The LebCo All-County Basketball Team is proudly sponsored by our friends at TJT Sports.

The 2024–25 LebCo Boys Basketball season delivered plenty of excitement, featuring tight contests, hard-earned victories, and noticeable player development across the board. While several teams battled through growing pains, the season ended with Cedar Crest and New Covenant earning spots in the District 3 Playoffs.

Cedar Crest once again stood tall as the area’s top team—and one of the best in the region—capturing their second straight Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship. Despite only two local teams advancing to Districts, the level of competition remained high throughout the county, with several programs laying the groundwork for future success.

In the postseason awards, which reflected votes from coaches and fans alike, Cedar Crest’s dominance was acknowledged. Senior RJ Young was named the 2024–25 LebCo Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He was joined on the First Team by fellow Falcon Danny Speaks. Rounding out the First Team were three more standout seniors: Alex Dorta (Palmyra), Micah Gray (ELCO), and Elisha Slabach (Annville-Cleona).

While the First Team was led by a strong senior class, the future remains bright with several underclassmen also earning recognition. We wish this year’s seniors the best in their next chapters and look forward to seeing the results of offseason development when the 2025–26 LebCo Basketball season tips off this winter.

One thing to note is that each list of player profiles  is ordered by Class and then by Alphabet, with the only exception being the Player of the Year.

Selections are made based on voting by fans, coaches, and the LebCoSports.com panel.

2025 LebCo All-County Girls Basketball Team

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First Team All-County

RJ Young (Cedar Crest, Sr.) – LebCo Player of the Year

Young entered the season as the only returning starter from the Cedar Crest team that had won the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship the previous year. With Young anchoring the team on both ends of the floor, Coach Tommy Smith’s team-first approach once again proved successful, as the Falcons defended their league title.

Throughout the season, the 6’7” forward averaged 12.2 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also recorded 33 blocks and dished out 48 assists, frequently setting up teammates for easy baskets.

At the season’s end, Young was named to the All-Lancaster Lebanon League First Team and, for the second consecutive year, earned Section 1 Defensive Player of the Year honors. His contributions during the Falcons’ back-to-back championships were all the more meaningful considering he had missed his sophomore season due to injury.

Now fully healthy, Young will continue his basketball journey at Bloomsburg University, where he will look to thrive in the collegiate ranks.

Alex Dorta (Palmyra / Sr.)

After stepping away from basketball during his junior year, Alex Dorta returned for his senior season stronger than ever. His high-energy play was a key factor in Palmyra’s success, leading the Cougars to impressive wins over Hershey (PIAA runner-up) and Warwick (LL League runner-up).

Dorta averaged 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while also contributing 1.6 steals on the defensive end. His all-around performance earned him a spot on the Mid-Penn Keystone All-Division Second Team.

Micah Gray (ELCO, Jr.)

During his senior season, Micah Gray made the transition from shooting guard to point guard to better serve an ELCO team filled with youth and inexperience. Embracing his role as captain and floor leader, Gray guided the Raiders while averaging 12.6 points per game.

A reliable perimeter threat, Gray shot 34% from beyond the arc, connecting on 40 three-pointers. His all-around contributions included 66 assists, 45 steals, and 47 deflections. Renowned for his toughness and willingness to sacrifice his body on defense, he also drew 14 charges—continuing a career-long reputation for gritty, selfless play.

A three-year starter for the Raiders, Gray will continue his basketball journey at Lancaster Bible College.

Elisha Slabach (Annville-Cleona, Jr.)

Slabach capped off an impressive senior season by leading Annville-Cleona with 21.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. In January, he reached a major career milestone by surpassing 1,000 points.

Despite missing some time mid-season due to an ankle injury, Slabach’s strong play earned him 1^st Team All-Lancaster Lebanon League Team honors after being a unanimous LL Section 4 – 1^st team selection.

He will continue his basketball career next season at Lycoming College, where he’ll look to carry his scoring touch and leadership to the collegiate level.

Danny Speaks (Cedar Crest, Sr.)

After playing a key role off the bench during Cedar Crest’s 2024 Lancaster-Lebanon League championship run, Speaks stepped into the spotlight as a senior, emerging as the team’s leading scorer in the back-to-back title campaign.

Speaks paced the Falcons with 13.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 52% from the field. A threat from beyond the arc, he knocked down 27 three-pointers, and on the defensive end, he led the team with 37 steals—showcasing his two-way impact. His standout season earned him First Team honors in LL Section 1 and a spot on the All-Lancaster Lebanon League Second Team.

A relentless worker with a knack for rising to the occasion, Speaks will continue his basketball journey next season at Lake Erie College.

Second Team All-County

Robert Santiago (Lebanon, Sr.)

After years of hard work and perseverance, Santiago played a key role in revitalizing the Lebanon Cedars program, helping lead the team to seven wins after back-to-back winless seasons.

The forward averaged 9.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, providing consistent production on both ends of the floor. One of his standout performances came in a victory over Hempfield, where he pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds.

Jon Shay (Annville-Cleona, Sr.)

A dynamic forward for Annville-Cleona, Shay turned in an impressive senior season, averaging 16.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His consistent production and athleticism made him a key contributor for the Dutchmen on both ends of the floor.

Shay joined elite company when he surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career, earning a place in the program’s record books alongside teammate Elisha Slabach. His standout season also earned him First Team honors in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4.

With his high school basketball career now complete, Shay will shift his focus to the gridiron as he prepares to continue his football career at Shippensburg University this fall.

Isaac Wolfe (Cedar Crest, Sr.)

Wolfe delivered a strong senior season, playing a vital role as the Falcons repeated as Lancaster-Lebanon League champions. The guard contributed an average of 10.2 points per game, knocking down 50 three-pointers at an efficient 37% clip.

In addition to his scoring, Wolfe pulled down 4 rebounds per game, ranking second on the team in that category and showcasing his all-around impact on the court.

Kaden Tillison (ELCO, Jr.)

Throughout the season, Tillison’s presence loomed large for the Raiders, averaging 13.5 points per game while starting at shooting guard. He knocked down 39 three-pointers, connecting on 31% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

On the boards, Tillison contributed 124 rebounds and added 29 steals, demonstrating his defensive presence. At the free-throw line, he was reliable, shooting 66%.

Derek Franco (Lebanon, Fr.)

Serving as Lebanon’s guard, the freshman made an immediate impact, earning MVP honors at the Lebanon Tip-Off Tournament. Franco’s strong play throughout the season helped the Cedars break their winless streak and contribute to seven total wins. He averaged 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Franco’s standout performance came against Elizabethtown, where he scored a season-high 24 points.

Third Team All-County

Owen Reager (Cedar Crest, Sr.)

Coming off the bench, Reager played a significant role for the Falcons, averaging 5 points per game. He knocked down 18 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 61% from beyond the arc, and maintained a 61% overall field goal percentage. Known for his lockdown perimeter defense, Reager helped Cedar Crest slow down opponents at crucial moments.

Reager plans to continue his athletic career by playing soccer at Bloomsburg University.

Braydon Bown (Palmyra, Jr.)

Bown was a key contributor for the Cougars, averaging 10.3 points per game while shooting 35% from beyond the arc. Along with 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest, he played a vital role in helping the team excel against one of the region’s most challenging schedules.

Josiah Hayes (ELCO, Jr.)

Hayes contributed consistently for the Raiders, averaging 9.9 points per game while adding 83 rebounds and 33 assists over the course of the season. His defensive presence was notable, tallying 31 steals, 48 deflections, and 13 blocks, showcasing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

Brady Krall (Northern Lebanon, Jr.)

Krall led the Vikings offensively, averaging 15.1 points per game while also dominating the boards with 122 rebounds. He contributed 38 assists and 10 blocks, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court. His standout performance earned him First Team honors in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4.

Micah Warner (Palmyra, Jr.)

Warner provided valuable size and presence for the Cougars, who were arguably the best team to miss the Districts. He averaged 8.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, playing a key role on both ends of the floor. Warner also delivered a clutch moment, hitting the game-winning shot to secure Palmyra’s victory over Cedar Cliff.

All-County Honorable Mention

Riley Messinger (Northern Lebanon, Sr.)

Messinger averaged 9.7 points per game during his senior season with the Vikings, showcasing his long-range shooting by knocking down 38 three-pointers. He was a reliable free-throw shooter as well, converting 78% of his attempts. On the boards, Messinger contributed 62 rebounds, demonstrating his all-around game. Messinger plans to continue his athletic career in baseball at West Virginia Tech.

Andrew Via (Northern Lebanon, Jr.)

Via contributed 8.3 points per game for the Vikings, adding 72 rebounds and 38 assists over the season. Known for his defensive hustle, he also recorded an 43 steals, consistently disrupting opponents on that end of the floor.

Talan Vanderploog (New Covenant, So.)

Vanderploog spearheaded the youth movement that propelled the Flames to the Districts, emerging as New Covenant’s leading scorer with an average of 14.7 points per game. He showcased his scoring prowess by hitting 20 or more points in seven contests and finished the season with an impressive 76% free-throw percentage. Beyond his scoring, Vanderploog contributed 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.5 assists per game, highlighting his all-around impact. His outstanding play earned him a spot on the CCAC West All-Conference team.

Alex Hart (New Covenant, Fr.)

Hart emerged as one of the area’s most exciting freshmen, averaging 10.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while playing a key role in helping the Flames secure a District 3 playoff berth. His scoring and rebounding prowess led to five double-doubles during the season. Hart also showcased his defensive impact, averaging 2.7 steals and 1.6 assists per contest. He scored a season-high 27 points against Harrisburg Academy and earned CCAC West All-Conference honors for his impressive freshman campaign.

Special thanks to Rachelle Isgriggs for use of her Cedar Crest team photos, Krisine Warner for her Palmyra photos, and the Annville-Cleona & ELCO programs for additional photos.

2025 LebCo All-County Girls Basketball Team