Winter is here, and there’s a new stretch of athletics on the schedule.
Following a season that fell short of postseason play for most teams, basketball in Lebanon County could look different this season.
With each team around the area getting into divisional action this week, let’s take a look at each team’s upcoming campaign and what to expect.
Lebanon Cedars basketball
After polar opposite seasons from the boys and girls sides in 2023-24, the Cedars seem to have a promising group among both teams this year.
Two consecutive winless seasons left the Cedar boys on a 44-game losing streak, and it finally came to an end during the team’s 2024-25 Tip-Off tournament — with three straight wins to win the title. The seniors on squad will have important roles, but freshman Derek Franco Suazo has been efficient with the ball and will likely be at the center of the Cedars offense this campaign.
On the girls sideline, coach Jaime Walborn and her squad are off of a 24-5 season with a first-place finish in Section 1. Senior guard Kailah Correia should dominate the ball after leading the Cedars with 19 points per game in 2023-24, and the other returning players will also have key roles. If Lebanon’s girls can rebound and control the paint with senior Lilianna Harrison and company, the Cedars should see another successful season around the league.
Lebanon girls basketball
2023-24 results: 24-5 record (9-1 vs. Section 1)
Head coach: Jaime Walborn (9th season)
Key returnees: Kailah Correa (Sr.), Olive Brandt (Jr.), Liliana Harrison (Sr.), Jae Burrus (Sr.), Tayana Camuy (So.), Skyler Strickler (So.), Jezauni Hernandez (Jr.)
Key losses: Zariyah Whigham, Dora Lopez
Section 1 contest dates
12/13/24: J.P. McCaskey (Away)
12/17/24: Penn Manor (Away)
12/19/24: Cedar Crest (Home)
1/8/25: Hempfield (Home)
1/10/25: Manheim Township (Away)
1/13/25: J.P. McCaskey (Home)
1/16/25: Penn Manor (Home)
1/24/25: Cedar Crest (Away)
1/30/25: Hempfield (Away)
2/4/25: Manheim Township (Home)
Lebanon boys basketball
2023-24 results: 0-22 record (0-10 vs. Section 1)
Head coach: Kris Uffner (3rd season)
Key returnees: Ben DiScuillo (Sr.), Daryan Rodriquez (Jr.), Robert Santiago (Sr.), Emmanuel Suarez (Sr.), Jaydyn Wolf (Sr.), Alec Wolf (So.)
Key losses: Malachi Briddell, Juan Torres, Braylon Beaver, Riquelme Estevez, Colby Robb
Section 1 contest dates
12/13/24: J.P McCaskey (Home)
12/17/24: Penn Manor (Home)
12/20/24: Cedar Crest (Home)
1/8/25: Hempfield (Away)
1/10/25: Manheim Township (Home)
1/13/25: J.P. McCaskey (Away)
1/16/25: Penn Manor (Away)
1/23/25: Cedar Crest (Away)
1/30/25: Hempfield (Home)
2/4/25: Manheim Township (Away)
