LebCo Athlete of the Week: Ryan Stopper

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Ryan Stopper

Cedar Crest sophomore guard Ryan Stopper delivered a high-impact performance at the Lower Dauphin Holiday Tournament, showcasing the energy, toughness, and defensive intensity that have quickly become her calling cards. Across two games, Stopper averaged 9.5 points, 6 steals, and 3 rebounds per game, while shooting 60% from the fieldand 87% from the free-throw line, providing a spark on both ends of the floor. Those efforts earned her recognition as LebCo Athlete of the Week.

Stopper’s impact went far beyond the box score. In the opening round against South Western, Cedar Crest trailed by double digits in the third quarter before her defensive pressure helped ignite a comeback. She made key contributions on both offense and defense, taking special pride in her role on the defensive end of the floor. Stopper finished the game with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 8 steals, and 11 deflections, as the Falcons came up just one point short.

The following night, Cedar Crest responded with a strong team win over Twin Valley. Once again, Stopper played a pivotal role, contributing 10 points, 4 steals, and 4 deflections, while holding the opponent’s leading scorer below her season average.

For Stopper, defense is more than a role—it’s a mindset. “My main goal this season is to help our team win any way possible,” she said. “On a personal level, I want to be the type of defender that other teams don’t want to go against.” That approach aligns seamlessly with the Falcons’ identity. “Coach Shay emphasizes being strong defensively and out-rebounding opponents,” Stopper explained. “I take pride in guarding the best player each night and creating offense from my defense.”

Head coach Ashli Shay has seen that mentality translate night after night. “Ryan has quickly established herself as one of the top defenders in our league,” Shay said. “Each night she is tasked with guarding our opponent’s best player and she takes a lot of pride in her role. She has also gained more confidence and picked up her production on the offensive end. This comes as no surprise, as she is one of our hardest workers at practice.”

Stopper’s journey hasn’t been without adversity. She previously battled back from a torn MCL and stress fractures in her back—experiences that reshaped her perspective. “They’ve taught me patience, perseverance, and mental toughness,” she said. “I have gratitude for every opportunity I get to compete.”

A true multi-sport athlete, Stopper is also the starting center back for Cedar Crest girls soccer and competes with the Lancaster Inferno USL U-19 Academy team. Looking ahead, she hopes to attend a four-year college and compete at the next level in either basketball or soccer.

Athletics run deep in the Stopper family. Her mother, Caryn, was the first female 1,000-point scorer at her high school and went on to play four years of college basketball at DeSales University, finishing as one of the program’s career leaders in steals. Her father, Luke, was a first-team All-State football player who competed at Villanova University, as did her great-grandfather Andy (an All-American) and grandfather John. She also has family ties to Penn State through an aunt who competed as a gymnast, adding to a lineage steeped in collegiate athletics.

Away from competition, Stopper enjoys time with friends and family, painting and drawing, and unwinding with her dogs—Jay Wright Stopper and Arcidiacono “Archie” Stopper, a nod to Villanova basketball. She also teaches Sunday School with her grandmother and values weekly family dinners.

What she enjoys most about sports, though, is the challenge. “I love the competition, pushing myself and my teammates every day,” Stopper said. “Win or lose, you learn so much—from discipline and resilience to teamwork.”

With the Lady Falcons riding a four-game winning streak and currently leading Section 1, Cedar Crest continues to make noise—and Stopper’s relentless play has been a major reason why.

Congratulations to Ryan on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to her and the Cedar Crest Lady Falcons the rest of the way.

Photos provided by Nicole Malinoski 

LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Austin Smith

Past Winners

Qynne Demler (Week ending 12/21)

Kylee Trostle (Week ending 12/14)

Maddie Stout (Week ending 12/7)