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Qynne Demler
During the week of December 15th, New Covenant junior Qynne Demler delivered a performance that set the tone for what has become a dominant start to the season for the Flames. Demler powered a perfect 3–0 week, scoring 21 points against Lititz Christian, 15 versus Our Lady of the Cross, and then erupting for 31 points against Harrisburg Christian, where she connected on five three-pointers to showcase her scoring versatility. Those performances earned her the votes that led to her being recognized as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
For Demler, the high level of production is the result of growth and adjustment. With a retooled roster this season, she has embraced learning how to play alongside new teammates while refining her role on the floor. “We have a new team this year, and I’m learning to play with the new girls on the team and learning to fill my role on the team this year,” she said.
That evolution has been especially noticeable in the backcourt. With freshman McKenna Kantner sharing the court, Demler has leaned more into distributing the basketball, taking pressure off herself and creating opportunities for others. The two-headed attack has worked to perfection so far, helping New Covenant jump out to a 9–0 start and rise to No. 1 in the District 3 Class 1A Power Rankings.
Even with a more balanced offensive approach, Demler continues to produce at an elite level. She is averaging nearly 25 points per game, while also grabbing close to five rebounds and swiping nearly four steals per contest, impacting games on both ends of the floor.
That all-around effort reflects her mindset as a captain. “I think I fit into the overall goals of this team by bringing leadership and encouragement when things aren’t going our way,” she said. “Also by handling the ball in times when we need someone in control.”
Her goals this season go beyond the stat sheet. Demler is focused on stepping fully into her leadership role, enjoying the journey, and helping the Flames advance deeper into the postseason than a year ago. That perspective has been shaped by past success, including reaching the 1,000-point milestone last season and earning Second Team All-State honors.
Head Coach Nicole Buffenmeyer has seen Demler’s growth firsthand. “I’m so very proud of Qynne and how she’s developed over the years,” Buffenmeyer said. “While her scoring continues to be impressive, she’s also expanding her impact on the team in other ways.”
She continued, “Her rebounding and steal averages have significantly increased, and she has grown tremendously in her role as team captain. Qynne leads by example—how to be coached, how to work through mistakes, how to stay focused, how to play fearlessly, and how to succeed with humility. Coaching Qynne is a privilege, not only because of her talent, but because of the character and leadership she brings to the team.”
Athletics run deep in the Demler family. Her brother Braden Demler also earned Athlete of the Week honors, and she is cousins with Olive Brandt, the Lebanon senior leader who recently joined the 1,000-point club. Beyond basketball, Demler is also a standout soccer player who helped New Covenant capture back-to-back CCAC Championships.
When she’s not training or competing, Demler enjoys spending time with friends and family, studying, and balancing school and work. What she values most about sports, however, is the experience itself. “I like the experience of playing a sport, the excitement it gives me in having success, and I enjoy the people I surround myself with during my sports seasons,” she said.
Congratulations to Qynne on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to her and the Flames as they continue their impressive run through the rest of the season.
Photos provided by New Covenant Athletics
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Braden Demler
Past Winners
Kylee Trostle (Week ending 12/14)
Maddie Stout (Week ending 12/7)
ProSeal
Penn Realty
