Kaylina Bansal competes for McCaskey swim team as a student at Lancaster Country Day School under a cooperative between the two schools.
Kaylina specializes in a long-distance race, 500-yard freestyle, though she is flexible for other races, especially relays, should her coach ask of her.
Since elementary school, Kaylina has swum for the 5 Star Swim Club Team at Lititz Rec Center. And in the summers, she swims for Skyline Pool’s swim team.
Ya’Majesty Washington, Warwick High School, senior guard
When did you first get a basketball in your hands, and what has the journey been like since then?
Washington: “When I was 7. Ever since then I just fell in love with it. Then eighth grade I had a really good year. Coach saw it and when I was a freshman he moved me up to varsity.”
What player do you look up to?
Geno Falduts competes as a junior on the Conestoga Valley swim team. His specialties are the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley. He swims 5 days a week for CV and one day at the Reading YMCA, where he encounters competition and friendships.
According to Geno, CV has a small team in members this year; however, with some promising freshmen swimmers, the outlook for the future is bright.
Sophie MacCartney, Lancaster County Christian School
What’s your basketball origin story and what’s the journey been like since then?
MacCartney: “My dad was a great athlete. Since I was little I’ve been into basketball. I started attending Lancaster County Christian School in fifth grade. That’s when I started playing basketball. I’ve been playing ever since.”
Do you play other sports? If so, how do those translate to basketball?
Nolan Wagner, Solanco High School, senior
Tell me about your basketball journey?
Wagner: “Growing up my older brother he played so I always watched him. I always enjoyed watching him. That’s how I got started.”
Is there a favorite player who you’ve modeled your game after?
Wagner: “J.J. Redick.”
If you could, what advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Aubrey Houseal will be a senior shooting guard for Donegal’s girls’ basketball team. She has been playing basketball since sixth grade and looks forward to an exciting season. The Donegal team has been working hard in the off season to further build their program.
Sariiah Sweeney, freshman McCaskey point guard and swing forward, plays basketball all year long with her AAU PA team. These games allow her to travel to games in Kentucky and Ohio. She says these games and competition keep her in great shape year-round.
Sariiah says her McCaskey team is young this year, however players have high goals. Winning a state championship is a long- range goal.
Lancaster-Lebanon League field hockey coaches have selected the following all-stars for the 2025 season. (Pictured is Hempfield All-League forward Talia Leber.)
Mikalyn Weaber, Cedar Crest, goalkeeper
Etienne Dillman, Conestoga Valley, midfielder
Addie Weiler, Elco, forward/midfielder
Marie McCracken, Ephrata, midfielder
Talia Leber, Hempfield, forward
Anna Fisher, Lancaster Country Day, midfielder
Paige Garner, Manheim Central, defender
Rhylee Givens, Manheim Township, forward
Near the end of her ’24-’25 basketball season at Lancaster Catholi, Emma Stefanow (shooting guard/small forward) had a serious ACL tear in her knee. Requiring surgery, this injury began a nearly yearlong recovery plan.
Jack Kenneff, a 6-2 senior just completed a successful season as the quarterback for the Blue Streaks football machine and will transition into a role of being a “glue” guy for the Manheim Township basketball team.
And no matter the sport, Kenneff, whose season-high in points last year was 11 in a loss to Lebanon, said the goal is the same.
“Always winning a championship,” he said. “I am looking to be a leader and bring everyone together.”