Boys' Basketball: Section 3 Preview
On November 18th, Lancaster-Lebanon League officials voted to push the beginning of section play for winter sports back to the first week of January. Nevertheless, the high school basketball season is quickly approaching, with teams allowed to begin non-league play on December 11th. Here's a preview for Section 3.
Luka Vranich Goes Up For Shot in District III Consolation Semifinals (Jon Klein/Ethan Sauder)
Manheim Central Barons
The Barons are coming off a 2019-20 season where they finished with a record of 10-12. Things are looking good for the Barons this year, as they retain all of their key players. The first team, Section 3 all-star duo of Cam Eberly and sharpshooter Trey Grube, should lead the Barons to a winning record.
Cocalico Eagles
Carter Nuneville Protects Ball in Game vs. Garden Spot (Chris Knight LNP)
The Eagles had a solid 2019-20 season finishing 2nd in Section 3 with a record of 12-12. The Eagles were unlucky to miss out on the District III playoffs, narrowly missing out on the final spot (which went to Hershey). 2021 guard Carter Nuneville is poised to lead the Eagles this season, averaging almost 14 points per game last season.
Garden Spot Spartans
Brendan Weaver Shoots in Game vs. Warwick (Chris Knight LNP)
The Spartans finished the 2019-20 season with a disappointing record of 7-15 but are just two seasons removed from both a district and state playoff run in the 2018-19 season. The Spartans lose Section 3 all-star and 2020 grad Andrew Zentner but have plenty of young talent coming up the pipeline to keep them afloat this season.
Solanco Golden Mules
Zed Baker in Game vs. Eastern York (Solanco Boys Basketball Facebook)
The Golden Mules had a forgettable 2019-20 season, winning just one league game and two games overall. The one bright spot for the Mules was 2021 guard Zed Baker, who earned himself a spot on the Section 3 all-star roster. Baker should only improve as the Mules look to have a better 2020-21 campaign.
Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers
Austin Stoltzfus in Game vs. Elizabethtown (Logan Thompson)
The Pioneers had a strong 2019-20 season, finishing with a record of 16-10 and qualifying for the District 3 playoffs. The upcoming season will be tough for the Pioneers, losing impact players such as Seth Beers, Darin Landis, and Caleb Smoker. Austin Stoltzfus will also be out following an injury sustained during football season. Luka Vranich and Nick del Grande will look to impact as the Pioneers go for their 6th straight section title.
By Logan Moyer, LS News reporter