A Lititz Christian School basketball standout who scored her 1,000th career point during the 2014-15 season was selected to play in the Pennsylvania vs. Maryland All-Star Basketball Weekend, a showcase for East Coast high school players then in its 39th year.
The event took place the last weekend of March 2015 at Harrisburg Christian School.
“Very honored”
“I’m very honored to be selected for the all-star team,” the senior said. “I have been able to play with an amazing team at Lititz Christian School who has supported me, helped me, and encouraged me to be good enough to be selected.”
She was named to the Pennsylvania team for the Friday, March 27, game against players from Maryland after a nomination by LititzDailyNews.com’s editor. Tournament director Mike Gaffey quickly added her to the roster after learning of her accomplishments, including joining the 1,000-point club.
A milestone season
Scoring 1,000 career points is a major achievement for any high school player, and especially so at a small school like Lititz Christian, where athletes often play multiple sports and carry a heavy load for their teams. Her milestone basket was captured on video and shared with readers that season.
Her mother said her favorite sport was actually volleyball, which she also played throughout high school.
Scholarships and scouts
All-star participants were eligible for $300 scholarships, randomly awarded to a player each night of the tournament.
Coaches often attend all-star showcases to scout prospects, and sometimes the competition in the stands among college recruiters is as fierce as the action on the court. But the Lititz Christian senior had other plans.
She was accepted into the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where she planned to enroll in its dental hygiene program.
“At this point, she is not planning on playing sports in college as she wants to focus on her studies,” her mother said.
Local players in the showcase
Fans who wanted to see her play one last time in a Lititz Christian uniform could attend Friday night’s games at Harrisburg Christian, where $8 admission covered every game that evening. Players from many local districts took part, including two Warwick boys basketball players.
About the all-star weekend
The Pennsylvania vs. Maryland All-Star weekend, promoted through PAHoops.org, brings together seniors from public, private and Christian schools for a final chance to compete in high school uniforms. For players from smaller schools, the event offers rare exposure alongside athletes from larger programs.
Lititz Christian School
Lititz Christian School is a private Christian school in Lititz that at the time included a high school. Its athletic teams compete against other Christian and private schools in the region, and its gym is a gathering place for families on winter game nights.
For the senior, the all-star invitation was a fitting finale to a career that included a 1,000-point milestone, two varsity sports and a clear plan for the future.
What all-star selection means
All-star teams are typically chosen by coaches who have seen players compete throughout the season, which makes selection a mark of respect from peers and opponents. Beyond the recognition, all-star games give athletes the chance to play alongside the best players in the region and to be seen by college coaches and scouts.
Representing Lititz
For a local athlete, earning a spot on an all-star roster is also a point of pride for the community. Teammates, coaches and families who supported the player along the way share in the honor.
Next steps
All-star events are often a stepping stone, giving players a measuring stick against top competition and motivation heading into the offseason.
This article was originally published in March 2015.