An inside look at the Little Lions’ new winter season
As winter sports begin, State High athletes are preparing for another season filled with big ambitions, strong returning talent and fresh opportunities across every program. From the ice to the hardwood to the track, the Little Lions are ready to compete. Here’s a look at what to expect across the Little Lions’ winter varsity teams.
Boys Basketball
Fresh off being crowned District VI Champions last season, the State High Boys Basketball Team looks to maintain its momentum following the graduation of several key players. The Little Lions finished 10-13 last season, ending their run with a subregional loss to McDowell.
With All-Mid-Penn seniors Charlie Yartz and Reed Melvin now graduated, new roles have opened across the team. Head coach Brian Scholly is excited to see returning players embrace additional responsibilities, including senior Manny Elliott and junior Nick Carr.
“For a lot of them, they’ve been a part of our program, but as programs progress from year to year, returners always have more of a role and more of a leadership role. So especially for rising seniors, just to be in leadership positions and kind of grab the wheel of the program will be fun to watch,” Scholly said.
Some other players to watch include the sophomore duo of Micah James and Chase Rhoades, and the team’s leader at point guard, Michael Powell.
The Little Lions open their season on the road at Red Lion on Dec. 1, before returning to the North Gym on Dec. 8 to take on Hempfield at 6:30.
Girls Basketball
The girls basketball team enters the season after an impressive 18-5 record that ended in the District VI championship game against Altoona. With several returning players and adjustments to the coaching staff, the Little Lions anticipate another competitive year.
Junior Elizabeth Houser is focused on developing both her skill set and her leadership.
“I really hope to grow my leadership skills on and off the court and in terms of skill I want to focus on my ball handling. And, this kind of goes with leadership, I hope to be vocal and that our team is vocal together. For the team, I also hope we can build and maintain a good environment between all of us,” Houser said.
Kenna Whitehurst is the lone senior, and she will be joined in the backcourt by junior twins Sienna and Sheree Wilson, who have both emerged as two of the best players in the Mid-Penn.
The team will begin its season by hosting a tip-off tournament on Dec. 5 and 6.
Ice Hockey
Coming off of a strong 12-7-1 season, State High enters the winter confident in its direction. The Little Lions have already started fast, opening the 2024-25 season 6-1, with their only loss coming in a close 4-3 overtime loss against Central Cambria.
With three seniors having graduated last year, leadership shifts to upperclassmen like senior Derek Peltzer.
“I was a captain last year, and I’m going to continue to be a captain this year. And I think we have a lot of other skilled leadership positions on our team,” Peltzer said.
Injuries are an early concern, with three players sidelined, including Peltzer, who is out with a broken wrist. Still, coach David Lee remains confident, noting that many underclassmen made major strides last year and are ready to grow and progress their skills.
State High aims to fight through adversity and reestablish itself as one of the best teams in the conference. The Little Lions return to play on Dec. 4 vs. Conemaugh Valley at Pegula Ice Arena.
Indoor Track and Field
State High’s Indoor Track and Field Team looks to continue its dominance after a strong postseason last year. The boys team placed second in the state, while the girls finished sixth.
While State High graduated major athletes—including state champion Jesse Myers, who is now competing for the Florida Gators, and standout jumper Sanai Abdullah—the Little Lions return several athletes who are prepared to step up.
Senior sprinter Landon Bassett credits last year’s seniors for shaping his mindset heading into the winter season.
“All the seniors taught me and kind of pushed me to be better throughout the season…they kind of taught me to just be better, be there for your team, and even if you don’t do well, that’s not the only thing that matters because for track we’re a whole team,” Bassett said.
For the girls, senior Josie Younkin returns after placing eighth in the state in the high jump last winter, giving the team an experienced competitor.
Bassett added that the team environment is what keeps him motivated.
“I think not only is the team good, but also the coaching staff,” Bassett said. ”Just knowing that there are people around you who make you feel welcome, make you feel like you’re part of an actual team, even if you’re not the best runner or not the most talented, you’re still accepted, because, you know, you can be yourself around everyone else.”
Fans can find the team at the Penn State Multi-Sport Facility on Dec. 17 to cheer them on in their first meet.
Swimming & Diving
The swimming and diving team is coming off a dominant 2024 campaign, in which both teams took home District VI Championships and the girls squad became Mid Penn Champions. Junior Luke Flickinger commented on the depth of the team this year and how they will look to repeat their success.
“We have a family aspect to the team, we’re really good friends, and I think that’ll carry us far. And this year I think that’ll help us push each other even further,” Flickinger said.
With leading seniors like five-time PIAA State Champion and Virginia commit Molly Workman, the team has a good amount of star power to help propel them towards another strong season. They’ll be back in action at the North Natatorium on Dec. 3 for their first home quad meet.
Boys Wrestling
After finishing as District VI semifinalists last season, the State High Boys Wrestling Team returns with renewed motivation and a young but talented roster. The program graduated several seniors, including one of State High’s star wrestlers, Asher Cunningham, last year’s Mid-Penn Commonwealth Wrestler of the Year, District VI Champion and PIAA State Champion. Cunningham now competes for the top-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.
State High returns two major contributors and postseason qualifiers to the roster. James Whitbred, now a junior, won a District VI title and placed sixth in the state last season. He has since committed to Penn State. Sophomore Kael Davis also returns after capturing a District VI Championship as a freshman.
With multiple returning district champions, the Little Lions aim to advance even further in postseason competition. Fans can come and support them at their home meets in the North Gym.
Girls Wrestling
The State High Girls Wrestling Team is looking to keep building its program after a promising second season as a PIAA sport.
The team lost star senior Anna Lackey, who now wrestles at Lock Haven, but promising returners like Isabelle Dubler have set up the Little Lions for a successful 2025.
Girls wrestling is currently set to kick off its season on Dec. 21 on the road at Central Mountain.
