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Grayden Summers
During the week of January 12th, New Covenant junior Grayden Summers delivered a pair of clutch performances that helped fuel a strong stretch for the Flames. Against defending District 3 champion High Point Baptist on January 16th, Summers came up big when it mattered most—scoring 9 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to spark a late comeback victory. He added 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in what proved to be one of New Covenant’s most impressive wins of the season. Earlier in the week, Summers led the Flames past York Christian with a well-rounded effort of 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 5 blocks. Those performances earned him the votes to be recognized as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
Reflecting on the High Point win, Summers emphasized both the challenge and the moment. “The High Point game was intense,” he said. “We haven’t beaten them in a long time, and they’re the defending District 3 champs. We were down by seven with about four minutes left, but the team rallied in the fourth quarter. It was an awesome win for our team.”
New Covenant continued to build momentum following that week, picking up a win over Shalom Christian Academy—last year’s District 3 runner-up—before defeating Covenant Christian. In those games, Summers added 13 points in each contest as the Flames improved to 13–4 on the season, further solidifying their standing in the District 3 picture.
As the season has progressed, Summers has remained a steady presence within a balanced New Covenant attack. Helping to lead the scoring attack along with Ben Rhine and Talan VanderPloog, he has continued to embrace a do-it-all role. Entering the week, Summers is averaging 12.2 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounds, tying for the team lead in assists, and ranking second in steals—numbers that reflect his impact well beyond scoring.
Summers’ personal goals align closely with the team’s direction. “I want to keep improving and get better at creating opportunities for our team to score,” he said. “I know we have to rebound better to win, so I’m really focused on that.” When it comes to team success, his mindset is simple. “A lot of us have been playing together since elementary school, so it’s a tight-knit group. I just want to play whatever role I need to so we can compete for a CCAC title this year.”
Head coach Matt Kantner has watched Summers’ growth closely over the past three seasons. “Grayden has really grown as a basketball player over the last three years,” Kantner said. “He’s definitely put in the extra work needed if you want to become a good player. He’s taken on the challenge of using the offseason to get better—and he has. He loves to play basketball, and he’s developing a well-rounded game by doing all the little things we talk about.”
Summers is quick to recognize the people who have helped him along the way. He credited Coach Kantner for the time and energy he invests in the program year-round, along with Brad Karli, a member of the coaching staff at LVC who works with him during the offseason. “He really pushes me to get better,” Summers said.
His athletic versatility extends beyond the hardwood. Summers plays goalie for the New Covenant soccer team and also competes in baseball through the Annville-Cleona co-op. Looking ahead, he hopes to attend Grove City College and would welcome the opportunity to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level.
Away from competition, Summers enjoys watching the Phillies and Dallas Cowboys, prides himself on being a solid cornhole player, and balances athletics with academics and extracurriculars—including six years of playing the saxophone and competing on New Covenant’s quiz bowl team.
Congratulations to Grayden on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to him and the Flames as they continue working towards fulfilling their postseason goals.
Photos by Justyn Shepler (New Covenant Athletics)
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Olive Brandt
Past Winners
Jemar Pauleus (Week ending 1/11)
Austin Smith (Holidays)
Braden Demler (Week ending 12/21)
Oliver Funck (Week ending 12/14)
Ben Rhine (Week ending 12/7)
ProSeal
Penn Realty
