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Braden Demler
Braden Demler announced himself on the varsity stage with a breakout performance that helped propel New Covenant through a pivotal stretch of the season. The freshman poured in 24 points and pulled down seven rebounds in a win over Harrisburg Christian on December 19th, knocking down three three-pointers along the way. Earlier in the week, he added 10 points in a victory over Lititz Christian, showcasing his growing confidence and offensive ability.
Those performances helped spark the Flames to a three-game win streak, which has since grown to six straight victories following action this past weekend. Now sitting at 8–2, New Covenant has positioned itself well in the District 3 picture as the calendar turns toward the heart of the season. Demler’s contributions during that run earned him recognition as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
For Demler, the week marked a milestone moment early in his high school career. “This was my first 20-point game this season, and I was really hyped going into this game,” he said. As he continues to adjust to the varsity level, his focus remains simple. “My goal this season is to get used to high school basketball.”
Even as a freshman, Demler has found ways to impact winning, despite sharing the floor with established scorers such as senior Ben Rhine and junior Talan VanderPloog, who is also Demler’s cousin. “I try to contribute by keeping the team going when we’re missing shots,” he said, embracing whatever role is needed to help the Flames succeed.
Head Coach Matt Kantner has seen Demler’s poise stand out right away. “Even as a freshman, we’ve put a lot of ball-handling responsibilities on him, and he handles it really well,” Kantner said. “Having him has helped us tremendously with dealing with pressure and playing at a faster pace. He doesn’t get easily rattled, and he’s been a steadying presence for us.”
Despite his young age, this is not the first time that Demler has flashed athletic excellence, having played on the Northern Lebanon Little League team that finished third in the state in 2023. That exciting run run that helped shape his competitive mindset.
Demler is quick to acknowledge the support that has helped him reach this point, especially at home. He credited his father for pushing him to work harder and believing in him through early struggles. Athletics also run in the family, as his sister Qynne Demler has established herself as one of the area’s top basketball players, while younger brother Hayes is just beginning his own athletic journey.
Away from the gym, Demler enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and golfing in his free time. What he values most about sports, though, is the competitive, team-centered environment. “I enjoy being part of a team and competing against other people,” he said.
Congratulations to Braden on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to him and the Flames as they continue to grow brighter throughout the rest of the season.
Photos provided by New Covenant Athletics
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Qynne Demler
Past Winners
Oliver Funck (Week ending 12/14)
Ben Rhine (Week ending 12/7)
ProSeal
Penn Realty
