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Ben Rhine
Senior guard Ben Rhine wasted no time making his presence felt as the New Covenant basketball season tipped off. During the opening week of the season, Rhine averaged 23.3 points per game as the Flames jumped out to a 2–1 start. His week was highlighted by a career-high 29-point performance in the season opener against Mount Calvary and another strong scoring night in a win over Lititz Christian. His fast start and all-around impact earned him recognition as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
Rhine’s breakout opener set the tone for what he hopes will be a special senior season after transferring to New Covenant from Cedar Crest. “To open up the season I hit my career high points of 29,” he said. “I also had five three-pointers and played smart defense.” That balance—scoring efficiently while staying locked in defensively—has become a hallmark of his game.
His goals this winter extend well beyond individual numbers. “My personal goals are to help my team win the CCAC title, shoot the ball consistently, continue playing aggressive on both ends of the court, and lead by example through effort and energy,” Rhine explained. That mindset fits seamlessly into New Covenant’s team-first approach. “I feel like everyone on the team contributes in different ways,” he added. “I fit into the team’s goals by staying focused and playing unselfish basketball.”
Head Coach Matt Kantner has seen Rhine’s influence ripple throughout the lineup. “He’s brought a leadership to our team we haven’t had before, and a work ethic that everyone can follow,” Kantner said. “He’s a great kid with a great attitude. We’ve put a lot on him—being our best offensive player and always guarding the other team’s best player—and he does it all willingly.”
That leadership carries extra meaning given the adversity Rhine has already overcome. During his sophomore season, he tore his ACL just six games in—a setback that could have derailed his career. Instead, he committed himself to rehab and growth. “This was a devastating injury to my basketball career,” Rhine said, “but through commitment, training, and excellent doctors I came back stronger and faster.”
Rhine credits many for helping him reach this point, including trainer Aaron Yancey, his family, teammates, and coaches at New Covenant. “And most importantly God,” he added.
Away from game nights, Rhine stays busy lifting with friends, traveling with family, keeping academics a priority, and watching sports. A fun fact? He once traveled to Norway, where he hiked to a glacier.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level while earning a business degree.
Before he has to worry about the rigors of collegiate final exams, Rhine still has his senior year of basketball to look forward to. What he enjoys most about sports remains simple and genuine. “I enjoy the competitive aspect of the game, hanging with my teammates, and learning from my coaches,” Rhine said. “I’m someone who takes pride in working hard and staying disciplined.”
Congratulations to Rhine on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week. Best of luck to him and the New Covenant Flames as they continue their pursuit of a CCAC title this season.
Photos provided by New Covenant Athletics
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Maddie Stout (coming soon)
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