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McKenna Kantner
During the week of February 2nd, New Covenant freshman McKenna Kantner delivered a statement stretch that showed exactly why the Flames have become one of the most dangerous teams in District 3 Class 1A. Across three contests, Kantner averaged 16 points per game, setting the offensive tone while impacting the game in multiple ways. Those performances earned Kantner the votes as she was recognized as LebCo Athlete of the Week.
“Shooting the ball well and getting the ball up the court helped me contribute to our wins,” Kantner said.
Kantner’s production was on full display in a win over Ephrata Mennonite, when she scored 19 points while knocking down 3 three-pointers, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing 4 assists. It was the type of complete performance that has become routine for the freshman as she continues to grow into a major role.
That week also ended with hardware, as New Covenant captured the CCAC West Conference Championship — and Kantner was right at the center of the title push. She didn’t slow down after that either, helping the Flames reach the CCAC Championship game with wins over Conestoga Christian and Mount Calvary. Against Conestoga, Kantner poured in 19 points while adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Then in the semifinal against Mount Calvary, she delivered the defining moment — hitting a game-tying three-pointer with under 30 seconds left to force overtime. New Covenant eventually won in double overtime, with Kantner finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals.
The numbers behind her season paint the same picture. Kantner is currently averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 4 steals per game, and her scoring punch has helped give New Covenant a dangerous one-two offensive duo alongside junior Qynne Demler.
Kantner’s goals match the ambitions of a Flames team that expects to play deep into February and beyond. “My goals for the season consist of getting to the district championship again and going further in states,” she said. And as a freshman stepping into a major role, she believes her two-way approach has helped keep New Covenant balanced.
“I believe I fit into the team’s goals by contributing offensively and defensively,” Kantner said. “Coming in, Miracle Hershey graduated and she was a great defender. I knew that if I could play great defense it would be easier for us on the offensive end. The experience I’ve had with AAU has helped jump into the flow with high school basketball.”
Head coach Nicole Buffenmeyer said that blend of skill, work ethic, and maturity has been evident from the start.
“It’s been exciting to coach McKenna because she’s a player who has a true love for the game,” Buffenmeyer said. “She not only has a lot of skills, but just as importantly, she has a tremendous work ethic [and] ability to be laser-focused on objectives and goals.”
Buffenmeyer added that Kantner’s approach and perspective stand out. “She is able to clearly articulate her in-game perspectives,” she said. “She has played with poise well beyond her years, most recently hitting a game-tying ‘and one’ during our league semifinal that enabled us to win in OT.”
And beyond the production, Buffenmeyer emphasized who Kantner is away from the spotlight. “Besides being a tough competitor, she’s a good-hearted person who’s doing her best to also provide leadership and expand her abilities in that area,” Buffenmeyer said. “I can’t wait to see how she continues to pursue her goals and grow as a player, leader, and person.”
Kantner is quick to credit the people behind the scenes who have helped her grow. “I would like to thank my family for being my biggest supporters and my dad for pushing me to work hard,” she said. “And I would like to thank Ariel Jones for all the training and help she has given me and the role model she has become for me, along with LVC assistant coach Brad Karli.”
A multi-sport athlete, Kantner also competes in soccer and track — and she helped New Covenant repeat as CCAC Soccer Champions during her rookie campaign this past fall. Long term, she has big goals on the hardwood as well.
“I would like to reach 1,000 points while in high school and I want to continue playing basketball in and after college,” she said. She is well on her way to her the goal of hitting her scoring milestone. Through 24 games, Kantner has already amassed 411 points.
When she’s not training, Kantner enjoys spending time with friends and family, and what she values most about sports is what comes with being part of a team. “The friendships that come with it and fun experiences,” she said. She also stays busy on the AAU circuit and noted she’ll be playing this spring and summer with the Central PA Bruins.
Congratulations to McKenna Kantner on being named LebCo Athlete of the Week. Best of luck to her and the Flames as their postseason journey continues Friday night, when New Covenant hosts a quarterfinal game in the PIAA District 3 Playoffs.
Photos provided by New Covenant Athletics
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Jomar Hidalgo (coming soon)
Past Winners
Elyse Ancharski (Week ending 2/1)
Kenzie Eckhart (Week ending 1/25)
Olive Brandt (Week ending 1/18)
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)
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