This section was started as a way to share some of the many noteworthy items that occur on a regular basis. We get some of it out via our social media, but keeping up with every item can prove difficult. We hope you enjoy. If you have anything you think we should know, please reach out by sending an email dan@lebcosports.com or by finding us on Twitter @lebcosports1.
Last week, selections for the 2022 Pennsylvania Football News Coaches Selection All-State Team were announced. On the list were FIVE players from Lebanon County. Phoenix Music, Annville-Cleona’s senior 2,000 yard rusher, was named 2A 1st Team as a fullback. Three of his Dutchmen teammates were named to the 2nd team. Senior Alex Long was selected for his play at outside linebacker. Junior Cael Harter was named as a cornerback. The list also was not just reserved for upperclassmen, as sophomore Jon Shay made the list for his work playing defensive end. Annville was not the only school to have a player be recognized for outstanding play, as Northern Lebanon junior Luke Shaffer was named to the 4A 2nd team as a middle linebacker.
In addition to the coaches list, Phoenix Music was also named to the 2A Pennsylvania Football Writers All-State Team.
Oh, and you did read that right. Four of the five will be eligible to return to play high school ball next season.
Speaking of awards going to underclassmen, Bishop McDevitt QB Stone Saunders became the first sophomore to win the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. Why bring up a non-Lebanon County player? If you did not already know, Stone is the son of Steve Saunders, a graduate of ELCO. While at ELCO, Steve Saunders was a three-sport standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to play football at Millersville before founding Power Train Sports Institute. In addition to being the father of five, Steve now serves as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Congratulations to the Saunders family on Stone’s success.
It seems like every week, former Cedar Crest basketball star Ariel Jones is setting new records or being honored for her outstanding play while she enjoys one more season playing for Shippensburg. On Saturday, she scored 29 points (in 28 minutes) to pace the Lady Raiders to their 11th win of the season. In that scoring frenzy, Jones now has 2,305 points for her career, moving her into 2nd on the all-time PSAC scoring list. The record is held by Lauren Beckley who scored 2,407 points while playing for Ship from ’06-’10. On Wednesday, Jones also became the PSAC’s all-time career leader for free throws made (727). Shippensburg is now 11-2 overall and 6-1 in the PSAC.
Last week, the Philadelphia Section of the PGA named its 2022 Award Recipients. On that list was Andy Signor, the head golf pro at Pine Meadows Golf Complex. Signor was awarded the Patriot Award, an award that honors those who promote patriotism through golf. Since 2007, Signor has organized a golf tournament to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, a charity that provides scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel. Over time, the event has raised over $42,000. The 2023 edition of the event will take place on Saturday, September 9th.
Several area athletes competed this weekend as the indoor track and field season kicked into high gear. While there were many really good performances, there was one athlete in particular that turned heads. Kaddel Howard, a Cedar Crest freshman, ran the 400m in a FAT time of 57.63 in her first open event of the day, beating the next closest runner by nearly three full seconds. She came back in the 200m and won with a time of 25.30. It will be worth paying attention to her development, as these are highly impressive performances to start a high school career.
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