Some of the top players in the state return for another season in the competitive Mid-Penn Conference as the Pennsylvania boys basketball season begins this week.
Subscribe to PennLive’s high school sports newsletter every day.
In order to determine the situation going into the season, we polled all of the conference’s coaches. Here is PennLive’s division-by-division preview.
Here is a look at a reorganized Mid-Penn Capital Division that includes a number of clubs that should pose a threat to the Rocks in addition to perennial rival Trinity.
8. Buchanan, James
Coach: Matt Piper
Last year: March 19
Important players: F Jim Bell, 6-2, Sr.; G Jake Miller, 6-0, Sr.; G Drew Crouse, 6-1, Sr.
Buzz: As they continue to assemble, the Rockets bring back several of their players from the previous season. The basketball squad will be led by a few baseball standouts, as Bell, Miller, and Crouse should make up a strong senior core. The team’s breakout player might be junior Jayden Rineer.
Camp Hill on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
7. The Camp Hill
Coach: Scott Barrows
Last year: April 18
Important players: G AJ Serdar, 6-0, Jr.; G Nate Miller, 5-10, Jr.; G Jack Stewart, 5-10, Jr.; G Owen Grove, 6-1, So.; F Brighton McKnight, 6-5, Sr.; G Ty Kirchhoff, 5-8, Sr.; C Ian Goodwin, 6-5, Jr.
Buzz: Brighton McKnight, one of the best players in the division, is back to help the Lions, who only won four games the previous season. In order for Camp Hill to advance, guards like Ty Kirchhoff must increase their output in the backcourt. Ian Goodwin, as a big man, should give the Lions some size down low.
On November 13, 2024, Steel High participated in PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
6. The Steel-High
Coach: Rashaud Macon
Last year: July 15
Important participants: G G/F Cashmere Mangus, 6-4, Sr.; G/F Alquan Johnson, 6-4, Sr.; G Anthony Ramos, 6-1, Sr.; Tristan Crawford Jr., 6-1, Sr.
Buzz: After earning a spot in the playoffs the previous season, the Rollers should be able to return this winter with the return of a few important players. Rashad Holland Ali, a junior, will be relied upon in a more expansive position for the team, while Tristan Crawford Jr. and Cashmere Mangus will form a formidable tandem.
Susquehanna Twp. on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
5. Town of Susquehanna
Coach: Avery Cloud
Last year: September 13
Layers: G/F Alfonso Burnett, 6-3, Sr.; G Travis Turner, 6-1, Sr.; G Mekhi Slappy, 5-11, Jr.
Buzz: Hanna is talented, especially when it comes to the top of the lineup. Mekhi Slappy was one of the MPC’s best shooters, while Alfonso Burnett is a top-tier three-position player. Another reliable contributor is Travis Turner. The Indians might surprise Avery Cloud if she can find some stability outside of them.
Bishop McDevitt on Nov. 13, 2024, during PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
4. McDevitt, Bishop
Jason Grace is the coach.
Last year: 10–11
Key players: G. Patrick Denisco, 5-9, Jr.; G. Jadus Byrd, 5-10, Sr.; F. Jack Hower, 6-3, Sr.; F. Carter White, 6-5, Jr.; G. Aaron Kopcha, 5-11, So.; F. Max Henderson, 6-6, Sr.; F. Ethan Hammer, 6-1, Jr.; F. Liam Fuller, 6-7, Jr.
Buzz: Although the Crusaders were still extremely young during Jason Grace’s debut season, Bishop McDevitt’s expectations are high again in 2024–25. Leading the bunch is 6-foot-6, versatile forward Max Henderson, who will work in the frontcourt with Liam Fuller to give some difficult-to-match metrics. Patrick Denisco might also emerge as a strong contender.
Boiling Springs on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
3. Springs That Boil
Brett Sheaffer is the coach.
Last year: 16–9
G Brandon Ascione, 6-2, senior; G Ethan Yenser, 5-9, junior; G/F Riley Lucido, 6-4, senior; G Eli Kimmel, 5-10, senior; F Caleb Rife, 6-2, senior; G/F Mason Labuda, 6-3, senior; G/F Jon Wonders, 6-1, senior; G Timmy George, 5-10, junior; G Pierce Brownawell, 5-10, junior; G Davion Davis, 5-11, Jr.
Buzz: With a strong roster of returning players, Bubbletown is looking to expand this winter after the Bubblers enjoyed a successful season under coach Brett Sheaffer last year. Ethan Yenser is one of the league’s top long-distance shooters, and Brandon Ascione is the group’s five-tool standout. The team may be in the running for another lengthy run this year after winning a playoff game the previous year.
Big Spring on Nov. 13, 2024, at PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
2. The Big Spring
Jason Creek is the coach.
Last year: 19-7
Key players: G/F Wes Reall, 5-10, Sr.; G/F Nader Alajlouni, 6-1, Sr.; G Nathan Baranoski, 5-11, Fr.; G Landon Sallie, 6-2, Fr.; F Jaedon Zaragoza, 6-5, Fr.; G Alan Walker, 5-11, Sr.; F Eli Sadvary, 6-6, Sr.; G/F Ayden Martinez, 6-1, So.; G Alan Walker, 5-11, Sr.; F Eli Sadvary, 6-6, Sr.
Buzz: The Bulldogs just finished what may have been their best season ever, winning a silver medal in the district and qualifying for their first-ever PIAA tournament. But with all-league star Aidan Sallie returning, the expectations for 2024–2025 are still high. Point guard Jake Knouse is gone, but defensive studs Brexton Heckendorn and Ayden Martinez are back, and the brother of rookie Landon Sallie Aidan should start right away.
1. Trinity
Larry Kostelac is the coach.
Last year: 19–6
G. Owen Schlager, 6-3, Sr.; G. Reece Brown, 6-2, Jr.; G. Dre Steele, 5-11, So.; F. Quintin Wise, 6-7, Sr.; G. Marcus Yeager, 6-3, Jr.; G. Nike Craig, 6-2, Fr.; G. Tucker Grace, 6-0, So.; F. Eshaw Iddi, 6-6, So.; G. Maddox Jarzynski, 6-2, Jr.; G. Jared Kieff, 6-1, Jr.; G. Kenyon Portee, 6-1, So.; F. Robert Lewis, 6-5, Jr.; F. Liam Sexton, 6-6, Jr.; G. Nick Smith, 6-2, So.
Buzz: Trinity won another state playoff game last year, capping off a strong season. However, the group was left with a bad taste after losing in the District 3 final game. The squad aims to recover and reclaim the district gold this winter, along with a deep postseason run, with the return of Siena commit and PennLive Player of the Year Owen Schlager, Reece Brown, and Dre Steele.
Player of the Year during the Preseason
Owen Schlager of Trinity on November 13, 2024, at PennLive’s boys basketball media day.
Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)Simmers, Sean (pennlive.com)
Trinity and Owen Schlager
Buzz: With good cause, Schlager is the current PennLive boys basketball player of the year. The 6-foot-3 senior Siena commit, who leads the MPC in scoring, has been a sensation since joining the varsity team as a freshman. This winter, he should be among the top in the state again.
We appreciate your interest in PennLive. There has never been a greater need for local journalism of high quality. We need your help. Not yet a subscriber? Please think about helping us out.
More High School Sports
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!