Who’s Next? – 2024: Section 2
Written by: TJ Eck on March 28, 2024
With standout seniors like Ethan Benne, Ben Troyer, Zach Kirk, Artie Poindexter, and Carter Horst moving on, there will be a new wave of stars in the Lancaster-Lebanon League next season. Over the coming days we will be taking a look at the top returning players who have a chance to become the next group of superstars in the L-L League in a series entitled “Who’s Next?”. We continue with Section 2.
NOTE: Statistics submitted to LLHoops.com by head coaches and available to view here via Lancaster Online.
NOTE: Cocalico is moving from Section 3 to Section 2 for the 2024-2025 season.
Who’s Next? – 2024: Section 2
Camden Ochs – Cocalico (Rising Senior Forward)
Ochs was likely the third best player in Section 3 of the L-L League this past season (behind Chase Smucker of L-S and Zach Kirk of Octorara). He averaged 15.6 points per game and the six-foot-five forward showed his versatility by knocking down 26 three-pointers.
Timmy Hambright – Cocalico (Rising Junior Guard)
If Cocalico is to contend for a section title in 2024-2025, Ochs will need a running mate. Hambright is that guy. The point guard was solid as a sophomore when he averaged 9.0 points per game, made a team-best 46 three-pointers, and shot 78.9% from the free throw line.
Sawyer Esbenshade – Conestoga Valley (Rising Junior Guard)
Esbenshade is one of the top returning players in Section 2 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. He’s already shown that he can be a force offensively, averaging 12.2 points per game and knocking down 43 three-pointers as a sophomore. He might be among the league’s leading scorers as a junior this coming season.
Brandon Andrews – Elizabethtown (Rising Senior Forward)
It was a tough season for the Bears in 2023-2024 but Andrews provided a bright spot. He averaged 13.6 points per game and provided ETown with a reliable offensive option. Andrews is a potential breakout star for the 2024-2025 season.
Daniel Gilhool – Elizabethtown (Rising Sophomore Forward)
Potential is the name of the game for Gilhool. He started as a freshman for the Bears and flashed stardom at times. Gilhool is six-foot-nine and has the skills to be a very good basketball player. If he takes a major step forward, ETown could be a sleeper in Section 2.
Marqus Hardin – Ephrata (Rising Senior Guard)
Who’s the top returning guard in the L-L League? Hardin is certainly in the discussion. He averaged 13.5 points per game as a junior and he did it while making just two three-pointers over the course of the season.
Cooper Truskey – Ephrata (Rising Senior Guard)
Truskey is the opposite of his running mate Hardin. As a junior he connected on 57 three-pointers (37.3% 3pt FG) while making just five two-point field goals. Truskey averaged 9.1 points per game in 2023-2024 and is one of the best shooters in the L-L League.
Jace Conrad – Garden Spot (Rising Senior Guard)
With Ethan Benne and Ben Troyer graduating, the top two players in the L-L League are moving on. Who’s going to replace them? Well, Conrad is one of the top candidates. As a junior he averaged 17.2 points per game and showed that he’s a three-level scorer. With Conrad leading the way, Garden Spot will be a trendy pick in Section 2 next season.
Owen Usner – Garden Spot (Rising Senior Guard)
Usner was an important player for the Spartans as a junior and he will be again as a senior. He averaged 8.6 points per game in 2023-2024. If he improves and takes a step forward, Garden Spot could be a team to watch next season.
Ryder Hertzler – Garden Spot (Rising Senior Forward)
The six-foot-four Hertzler is one of the top returning post players in Section 2 of the L-L League. He was solid as a junior by scoring 7.7 points per game and providing the Spartans with a reliable frontcourt player.
Noah Bailey – Solanco (Rising Senior Forward)
Solanco struggled during the 2023-2024 season. But Bailey performed well. He averaged 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game. The Golden Mules should be improved next season and Bailey will likely be among the top players in L-L League Section 2.
Ya’Majesty Washington – Warwick (Rising Junior Forward)
Washington is the best returning athlete in Section 2. He might be the top athlete in all of the L-L League. As a sophomore, Washington was a starter for a team that won a section title, played for the league championship, and appeared in the 5A state tournament. His scoring average could easily reach into double-figures as a junior. Washington averaged 7.5 points, six rebounds, and two blocks per game this past season.
Caleb Johnsen – Warwick (Rising Senior Forward)
There will be a battle to determine who is the best player in the Lancaster-Lebanon League next season. Johnsen will be a part of it. He was already a star as a junior, averaging around 14 points and five rebounds per game. Johnsen is a relentless competitor who could be the league’s leading scorer in 2024-2025.
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