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Olive Brandt
During the week of January 12th, Lebanon senior Olive Brandt once again showed why she remains one of the most feared scorers in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Despite facing constant defensive attention, Brandt delivered a dominant 43-point performance against McCaskey, knocking down five three-pointers and going an efficient 12-for-14 from the free-throw line. She followed that effort with 17 points against Penn Manor and 16 more versus Wilson, continuing to shoulder the offensive load as the unquestioned focal point of the Cedars’ attack. Those performances earned Brandt recognition as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
For Brandt, the production comes from an aggressive, winning mindset she brings every night. “I just play my game of basketball,” she said. “Every game, I go out and have the same mindset of winning. I want the ball, I want to score, and I want to defend!” That approach has fueled her relentless play as Lebanon fights to extend its season.
Even as opponents load up defensively, Brandt has refused to slow down. She poured in 31 points in a hard-fought Friday night loss to rival Cedar Crest—another example of her determination to keep the Cedars competitive until the final buzzer, regardless of circumstance.
Brandt’s personal goals have continued to fall into place during her senior season. She recently surpassed the 1,000-point mark, a milestone long on her checklist. With five games remaining, her sights are now set on climbing even higher. “I want to move into third all-time leading scorer (behind Kailah Correa & Jessica Lentz) in Lebanon girls basketball,” she said. “I believe that’s very capable for me to do.”
Leadership has been just as important as scoring in Brandt’s role this year. “Lebanon Girls Basketball has built a culture and legacy of gritty, hard-working, energetic athletes that love the game,” she explained. “My goal is to continue that—represent Lebanon with pride, commit to both sides of the floor, and be a leader when things are good and bad.”
Head coach Jaime Walborn sees that leadership every day. “Olive doesn’t just lead with points, but leads with her voice, her work ethic, and her consistency,” Walborn said. “Our team feeds off her energy and confidence every night. She has done a remarkable job as a team captain and leader.”
This season has required Brandt to navigate significant change. After three straight seasons of team success—including three Section 1 titles, a Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship last year, and three consecutive trips to States—the graduation of stars like Correa (2,000 points, now starring at the University of Delaware) and Lili Harrison (1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, now a standout freshman at Delaware State) ushered in a new era. “As a four-year starter, that adjustment isn’t easy,” Brandt said. “But my job as a senior is to bring that competitive fire while also keeping it fun—because at the end of the day, this is a game we love to play.”
A multi-sport athlete, Brandt also ran cross country this fall and competes in track during the spring. She previously played soccer before narrowing her focus to basketball. Next year, she will attend Elizabethtown College, where she plans to major in education, minor in coaching, and continue her basketball career with the Blue Jays.
“What’s there not to love?” she said of sports. “Winning, the energy, the intensity, how rewarding it is—and everything it teaches you about leadership, communication, and competitiveness. Your teammates become your best friends.”
She is quick to credit those around her for helping her along the way, thanking her faith, her parents and brothers, her teammates, and the entire Lebanon coaching staff—with a special shoutout to Anthony Trautman “for putting up with me and helping shape the player I am today”—as well as the unwavering support of the Lebanon community.
When it comes to her family, athletics run deep in the Brandt DNA. Her father won a state title with Annville in 1999, her mother starred in field hockey and softball before playing field hockey at Eastern Mennonite University, and her grandfather, Tom Brandt, is a member of Lebanon’s 1,000-point club and played baseball at Penn. The fact that her name will hang alongside her grandfather’s in Lebanon High School’s gym is a special point of pride for Brandt.
When she’s not in the gym, Brandt enjoys time with family, watching sports with her dad and brothers, and yes—keeping her nails done, even during basketball season. She also spends plenty of time with her cousin—and best friend—Qynne Demler, a junior at New Covenant who eclipsed the 1,000-career-point mark last season and is leading one of District 3’s top 1A programs.
Congratulations to Olive on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week. Best of luck to her as she continues to lead Lebanon down the stretch—and as she prepares to take her game to the next level.
Photos by Whiskay Pauleus (Million Dollar Shots)
Additionally, Fox43 recently ran this feature on Brandt joining her grandfather as a 1,000 point scorer for the Cedars. Check it out!
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Grayden Summers
Past Winners
Hayley Sheroky (Week ending 1/11)
Ryan Stopper (Holidays)
Qynne Demler (Week ending 12/21)
Kylee Trostle (Week ending 12/14)
Maddie Stout (Week ending 12/7)
ProSeal
Penn Realty
