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Josiah Hayes
During the week that included ELCO’s rivalry showdown with Northern Lebanon, senior Josiah Hayes delivered a timely, all-around stretch that helped steady the Raiders through a demanding portion of their schedule. Hayes played a pivotal role in a key road win Saturday at Northern Lebanon, finishing with 15 points while contributing across the stat sheet as a scorer, passer, and rebounder. Those efforts earned Hayes the votes as he was recognized as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
“Our team trained extra hard because of the rivalry between ELCO and Northern Lebanon,” Hayes said. “We knew the importance of the game, especially after playing three games in three days. I contributed on both sides of the ball. We knew the weight of the game, we stayed focused, and played our game!”
The performance reflected what ELCO has come to rely on from Hayes this winter — a senior leader who can impact the game in multiple ways while keeping the group locked in when the moment gets bigger. Whether it’s pushing tempo, cleaning the glass, making the extra pass, or finishing in traffic, Hayes has consistently been a stabilizing presence in the Raiders’ lineup. He’s also been part of a senior-heavy core alongside Kaden Tillison, Austin Smith, and Paul Williams that has helped set the standard for Coach Brad Conners’ team’s approach each night.
That leadership has been critical in helping ELCO put together a 13–9 record, securing its spot in the District 3 Playoffs and giving the Raiders momentum heading into the postseason.
His personal goals this season are rooted in that same mindset. “My goals for the season are to keep working hard and continue playing and winning with my friends,” Hayes said. And when it comes to ELCO’s team goals, he views his role as one that starts with example.
“I fit into the team’s goals by leading with my actions and my attitude,” Hayes said. “I work to set the team’s tone with my effort, accountability, and preparation. And I make it a priority to support and motivate my teammates.”
Hayes was also quick to recognize the people who have helped shape his path. “I am thankful to God for blessing me with the talent and ability to play a game I love,” he said. “I thank my teammates for trusting me and passing me the ball. And I am thankful to my coaches and my parents for their continued belief and support.”
Speaking of family, athletics run deep in the Hayes DNA. His grandfather, Joe Hayes Sr., held several Lebanon County bowling records — including back-to-back 300 games and an 800 series — and also played running back for the Lebanon Boro Rams Football team in the 1960s. His father, Joe Hayes Jr., was a defensive back at Lebanon High School and a Lebanon County All-Star in 1983, while his cousin, Darnell Hayes, played running back at Cedar Crest and Albright College.
A high-achiever on and off the court, Hayes noted multiple honors from the 2024–2025 school year, including the Lancaster-Lebanon League All Academic Team, Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 Second Team, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference.
Not one for staying idle, Hayes also competes in track & field for ELCO, running the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay — a lineup that mirrors the speed and explosiveness he brings to basketball.
Looking ahead, Hayes plans to attend college, major in accounting, and chase a long-term goal that connects his interests in business and athletics: becoming the Chief Financial Officer for a professional athletic team.
Away from sports, Hayes enjoys spending time with friends and traveling with his family. One fun fact: he’s an only child. But what he enjoys most about sports is something that’s always been bigger than individual numbers.
“What I enjoy most about participating in sports is the friendships that come from being part of a team,” Hayes said.
Congratulations to Josiah on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week, and best of luck to him and the Raiders as they continue their push into the postseason.
Photos by Heather Daub
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Elyse Ancharski
Past Winners
Nick Weidman (Week ending 1/25)
Grayden Summers (Week ending 1/18)
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)
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