Another year in the books as many area athletes put up big performances in 2025-2026, along with those that coached them.

TOP 15 COACHES

15. Lyle Wesneski, Troy, Baseball - Despite some roster turnover Troy kept right on rolling, beating every league opponent outside of Large School champions Athens and Wellsboro, while also earning the fifth seed in the district playoffs.

14. Brett Jayne, Wyalusing, Softball - The Rams made a district final for the first time in several years, while having a strong regular season that saw them in the running for an NTL title at one point.

13. Dean Johnson, Towanda, Softball - With head coach Caitlyn Crawford out on maternity leave Johnson stepped in and the Knights didn't skip a beat as they continued to build what they'd been doing the past few years. They came up just one win short of an NTL title, and earned a home district game.

12. Landon Henry, Towanda, Boys Basketball - The Knights won their first league title in 11 years and reached districts for the second year in a row.

11. Mikę Maurer, Towanda, Cross-country - Both Black Knight teams rolled to undefeated NTL titles this season, he had four runners qualify for states, and one state medalist - with no seniors.

10. Brian Salsman, NEB, Baseball - Not many coaches would stick around after seeing their program put on hiatus, but, buoyed by a strong freshman class, Salsman and his staff were able to get the Panthers back on track with a winning record and a district berth, their third straight not counting 2025.

9. David Patrick, Wyalusing, Wrestling - The Rams won the NTL title for the first time this decade while reaching the final four at district duals.

8. Jimmy Smith, Troy, Football - The Trojans rolled to a third straight NTL title, their only close game to Athens. They also went 9-1 on the year, and reached the district finals for the third straight season.

7. Casey Aylesworth, Canton, Cross-country & Track & Field - In the spring Aylesworth helped his team break several school records, and saw his athletes bring home three district titles, and two state silver medals. In the fall he saw two of his runners earn a trip to states, with one bringing home a state medal.

6. Curt Cole, NEB, Wrestling - Despite a very thin line-up the Panthers started the year 8-0 and went on to qualify for districts even after injuries started to pile up.

5. Paul Lantz, Towanda, Golf - Both golf squads claimed NTL, and team district, titles, while three golfers qualified for states.

4. Wayne Pratt, Troy, Girls Soccer - Troy made program history as they reached their first district final, and made their first trip to states. The Trojans also went unbeaten in league play for their sixth straight title.

3. Steve Renzi, Troy, Girls Basketball - Led Troy to the program’s first state win while they blew through the NTL competition during the regular season.

2. Abby Herman-Deitrick, Troy, Volleyball - The Trojans repeated as NTL champs, and did one better in districts this year, finishing on top to be D4 champions for the first time in a decade.

1. Paul Burgert, NEB, Boys Basketball - Led NEB to their first district title since 1991 while during the regular season they claimed the NTL Small School title, and swept the NTL Large School teams along the way.

NOTABLES: Dillon Lockwood, NEB, Cross-country...Cassie Smith, Towanda, Volleyball...Renee Broschart, Wyalusing, Volleyball..Ben Beebe, NEB, Girls Basketball...Bill Sexton, Towanda, Wrestling...Rob Gentile, Towanda, Girls Basketball...Ryan Van Roy, Canton, Girls Basketball...Nick Reynolds, Wyalusing, Girls Basketball...Brock Nichols, Towanda, Girls Wrestling...Casey Ellis, Towanda, Track & Field...Jim Schools, Wyalusing, Track & Field...Karl Raffin, Towanda, Baseball...Sadie Hardy, Troy, Softball

TOP 12 FEMALE NEWCOMERS

15. Olivia Heath, Towanda, Golf - The freshman golfer had the lowest average for the Knights as they claimed an NTL title.

14. Zoey Thetga, NEB, Softball - Thetga hit .375 with 13-RBI, 13 runs scored, and four doubles while holding down the catching position for a young Panthers team.

13. Lucy Proseus, Canton, Softball - Proseus hit .327 with four doubles, 11-RBI, and 13 runs scored for a building Warrior squad.

12. Haidyn Watson, Troy, Basketball - After making marks on the volleyball and softball programs as a freshman Watson got her chance in hoops, and made the most of it with her hustle, defense, and timely scoring off the bench.

11. Alexa Lawrence, Troy, Volleyball - Playing volleyball for the first time, Lawrence stepped up as an outside hitter with nearly 100 kills, and over 200 digs, helping Troy to NTL and district titles.

10. Raya Preston, Canton, Softball - Preston hit .400 with seven doubles, two triples, and one home run while driving in 20 as she also had 74 strikeouts in 86-innings.

9. Madilyn Callear, NEB, Softball - Callear hit .410 with 15-RBI and 19 runs scored, while striking out 30 in 47 1/3-innings in the circle for the Panthers.

8. Raelyn Woodward, Troy, Basketball - A hustle player that rebounded bigger than her size and played fearless defense, Woodward stepped up for the Trojans in her sophomore year.

7. Kendal Cook, Towanda, Soccer & Wrestling - Cook stepped in at goalie for the Knights, while on the wrestling mat she went 23-17 and was a regional qualifier, taking fifth.

6. Elli Cook, Towanda, Soccer & Track & Field - Cook showed off her big leg on the pitch with several goals from distance, while in the spring she nearly made states in the shot put.

5. Kaylen Sluyter, Towanda, Wrestling & Softball - She went 36-9 on the season as a state qualifier in wrestling, taking third in districts, and fourth in regionals. In the spring she stepped up and earned a starting spot on a talented Knights squad.

4. Jenna Morningstar, Wyalusing, Soccer, Basketball, & Track & Field - A 3-sport varsity starter. Morningstar was an attacker on the pitch, while becoming a double-double threat on the basketball court. In the spring she was a district medalist in the long jump, while posting some very good high jump numbers, as well.

3. Lia Fischer, Wyalusing, Soccer, Wrestling, & Track & Field - A 3-sport varsity starter, Fischer was a strong mid-fielder for the Rams on the pitch, while on the wrestling mat she went 16-15. In the spring she nearly made states in the 100 hurdles, finishing fourth at districts, while also proving to be a strong triple jumper.

2. Izzy Renzi, Troy, Soccer, Basketball, & Softball - A 3-sport varsity starter, Renzi proved to be a revelation in goal for the soccer team. On the basketball court she was a strong 2-way guard for the Trojans with her defense and shooting, while in softball she earned the starting catcher's spot until injuries derailed her season.

1. Maris Cobb, Towanda, Cross-country, Basketball, Track & Field, & Softball - Cobb was the rare 4-sport varsity athlete. In the fall she earned a state medal in cross-country while taking third at districts. In the winter she came off the bench for a strong Towanda team, while in the spring she started and batted second for the talented Knights softball team, while also making states in track & field in the 3200, while earning district medals in the 1600 and the 4x800.

NOTABLES: Jaylyn Herda, Wyalusing, Volleyball...Lila Larson, Towanda, Cross-country...Kara Dughi, NEB, Girls Basketball...Riley O'Connor, Wyalusing, Softball...Karmyn McPherson, NEB, Softball...Lindley Sechrist, Canton, Softball

TOP 15 MALE NEWCOMERS

15. Anthony Johnson, NEB, Baseball & Basketball - Johnson hit .323 with 13-RBI and 14 runs scored while striking out 38 in 28-innings of action, while in hoops he came off the bench for the NTL and district champions.

14. Brody Ayres, Troy, Baseball - The freshman hit .417 with 16-RBI and three doubles as a designated hitter for the Trojans.

13. Dayton Russell, NEB - Russell came to soccer as a senior and fit in as a talented defenseman who used his size to head crosses away. He was also a threat to head balls in on corner kicks.

12. Landon Chapman, NEB, Soccer & Track & Field - Chapman found a home in the midfield for a talented NEB squad this fall, but found his stride in track, where he qualified for districts in the triple jump, the only freshman in the field.

11. Hunter Watson, Troy, Wrestling & Baseball - Watson was a district qualifier on the wrestling mat, going 24-15 on the season. On the diamond he pitched 12 2/3-innings with nine strikeouts and 3.32 ERA.

10. Nate Gross, NEB, Basketball & Baseball - Gross was a long and athletic presence for the basketball team off the bench, while on the diamond he nailed down the centerfield spot with a .283 average and 16-RBI.

9. Marcus Solomon, Canton, Football - The newcomer led Canton in tackles during a rebuilding season as he was a consistent contributor on the defensive side of the ball.

8. Daniel Inman, Canton, Baseball - Inman hit .424 with 17-RBI while on the mound he struck out 46 in 38 1/3-innings.

7. Cooper Hugo, NEB, Baseball - Hugo hit .390 with 20-RBI, three doubles, and 15 runs scored while on the mound he struck out 29 in 26 1/3-innings.

6. Griffins Sheldon, Wyalusing, Wrestling & Baseball - The freshman hit .396 on the season with a team high 17 runs scored, while on the wrestling mat he was a starter for the league champion Rams.

5. Trey Teribury, Troy, Football & Baseball - Teribury stepped in as Troy’s top receiver this year, using his size and athleticism to give opponents fits. On the baseball diamond he hit .278 with 14-RBI and 17 runs scored.

4. Pryor Teribury, Troy, Basketball & Baseball - On the basketball court he provided spacing with his outside shot. On the diamond He hit. 375 with 22-RBI, and 18 runs scored.

3. Josiah Pesesky, Troy, Football, & Basketball - Pesesky proved to be a rare freshman 2-way contributor. He used his size and athleticism to be a receiving threat, while also defending some of the opponent’s best weapons. He was a starter on the basketball team with 6.1 PPG and 6.4 RPG.

2. Asher Kolesar, NEB, Wrestling - Kolesar went 27-12 on the season as a freshman at an upper weight. He was second at North Section, third at districts, and fourth at regionals to qualify for states.

1. Emmett Klees, Towanda, Cross-country & Track & Field - Klees was a state qualifier across two seasons. He made states in cross-country and in the 3200 in track, while just missing a state berth in the 1600.

NOTABLES: Phillip Spinney, Towanda, Cross-coutnry...Levi Dewing, NEB, Cross-country...Christian Pazzaglia, Troy, Football...Logunn Heasley, Troy, Football...Keagan Netherton, NEB, Cross-country...Xavier Lockwood, NEB, Cross-country...Josiah Russell, NEB, Cross-country...Graham Welles, Towanda, Boys Basketball...Kellen Colton, Towanda, Swimming & Tennis...Trapper Burr, Canton, Baseball...Eli Stanton, NEB, Track & Field...Logunn Heasley, Troy, Football

FEMALE ATHLETE

15. Saydi Renzo, Troy, Soccer - Renzo ruled the midfield during the NTL season for the Lady Trojans as they went undefeated in the NTL, while also making states as District runners-up. She finished her career with over 50 goals, and 50 assists.

14. Brenna Jackson, Troy, Volleyball - Jackson had over 600 assists, reaching 1,000 for her career, to go with over 200 digs as she helped the Trojans to league and district titles this season.

13. Aryana Andrus, Troy, Volleyball - Along with Jackson, Andrus co-lead Troy to two titles as she finished with over 400 kills, and 90 blocks on the season.

12. Treanna Nickeson, Wyalusing, Soccer, Basketball & Softball - A 3-way starter known for her defense. She held down the Ram defense on the pitch as the sweeper, then guarded the other teams' best perimeter player on the basketball court. She did her best at shortstop on the diamond, helper her team to the district finals.

11. Haidyn Watson, Troy, Volleyball, Basketball & Softball - Watson became one of the best all-around players for the Trojan volleyball team, and was a very good outside hitter. She was the sixth woman for the hoops team that made the Sweet 16 in states along with claiming a league title, while in softball she hit .328 with six doubles, four home runs, 12-RBI, and 21 runs scored.

10. Anaiah Kolesar, NEB, Wrestling - Kolesar went 40-3 on the year and claimed her third straight fourth place finish at the PIAA Championships. She was also the district and regional champion, the first time she claimed both in the same year.

9. Addisyn Bly, Wyalusing, Soccer & Softball - A versatile player on the pitch for the Rams, especially with her big leg on free kicks. On the diamond she hit .441 with 31 runs scored, seven doubles, and five triples while manning the centerfield position.

8. Kyah Renzo, Troy, Soccer & Basketball - Renzo was a stout player on the pitch in Troy's midfield this past season, but really found her stride on the court as one of the best 2-way players in the state. She scored 12.8 PPG with 6.1 RPG and 3.6 APG, while also being a menace on defense.

7. Leah Beebe, NEB, Soccer, Basketball & Track & Field - Beebe was one of the top goalies in the league, while on the basketball court she was the engine that drove NEB, finishing her career as a 1,000 point scorer. She tried out track as a senior and anchored NEB's district qualifying 4x100 relay team.

6. Cailyn Van Noy, Canton, Volleyball & Basketball - Van Noy put up 16.3 PPG to go with 4.7 SPG, 4.6 RPG, and 3.3 APG to lead the district qualifying Warriors. On the volleyball court she was a strong 2-way player, especially as an outside hitter.

5. Maris Cobb, Towanda, Cross-country, Basketball, Softball, Track & Field - See above.

4. Giana Renzi, Troy, Soccer & Basketball - Renzi was the third part of Troy's 3-way attack on the soccer team. In hoops she averaged 10.7 PPG with 4.3 APG, and 2.7 SPG while being one of the top 3-point shooters in the league.

3. Brynn Woodruff, Towanda, Basketball & Track & Field - Woodruff was a 1,000 point scorer her led the Knights to districts. In track she repeated as district champion in the javelin, while earning her second straight silver medal.

2. Brooklyn Evans, Towanda, Volleyball & Softball - Evans is known for scoring, whether it's in volleyball or softball. She had over 200 kills and 200 digs on the volleyball court, while in softball she hit .456 with eight doubles, three home runs, 23-RBI, and 20 runs scored.

1. Alexis McRoberts, Canton, Soccer, Football, Basketball, & Track & Field - McRoberts excelled in everything she did. She led the Trojans in goals on the pitch, and went over 50 goals for her career. She continued to be a reliable kicker for the Warriors on the grid-iron, while on the basketball court she was a strong rebounder and defensive player for the Warriors. Throwing was where she shined the most this year, setting school and district records, while earning district titles and state silvers in the shot put and discus.

NOTABLES: Izzy Larson, Towanda, Cross-country & Track & Field...Josie Ferris, Wyalusing, Volleyball & Softball...Clara Glantz, Towanda, Golf and Soccer...Kaylen Sluyter, Towanda, Girls Wrestling & Softball...Alysha Botts, Wyalusing, Soccer & Basketball...Leila Cobb, Towanda, Softball & Cross-couuntry...Addison Fluck, Wyalusing, Volleyball & Softball...Lauren Reed, Troy, Softball...Erinn Knapp, Troy, Softball...Sophie Bennett, NEB, Cross-country & Track & Field...Kylee Roy, Troy, Soccer & Track & Field...Daveian Crawley, Canton, Basketball & Track & Field...Payton Perry, Towanda, Golf, Basketball & Softball...Mya Maynard, Towanda, Soccer, Basketball & Track & Field.

TOP 15 MALES ATHLETES

15. Cameron Morey, Troy, Basketball & Track & Field - Morey brought athleticism to the paint for the Trojans on the court, while in track and field he was excellent in all three jumps - high jump, triple jump, and long jump - while making states in the triple jump.

14. Asher Kolesar, NEB, Wrestling - See above.

13. Graham Welles, Towanda, Golf & Basketball - Welles was key on the links this season as the Knights claimed the NTL, and team District IV titles. He was also a state qualifier for the first time. He also provided long range shooting for the hoops team off the bench.

12. Bayley Poll, Towanda, Tennis - Poll went undefeated during the regular season, and made it all the way to the District IV Singles semifinals. 

11. Carson Rockwell, Canton, Golf & Wrestling - Rockwell was a member of Canton's first ever school sanctioned golf team. On the wrestling mat the senior went 36-12, claiming a North Section title, taking bronze at districts and regionals, and earning a state berth.

10. Emmett Klees, Towanda, Cross-country & Track & Field - See above.

9. Trey Teribury, Troy, Football, Basketball, & Baseball - While he made his mark for the first time in football and baseball, Teribury took a step forward on the basketball court at 16.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.9 SPG.

8. Gage Evans, Towanda, Wrestling & Baseball - Evans went 38-10 as a sophomore and nabbed that state medal that eluded him last year. While taking seventh at states he was a North Section champion, a fourth place finisher at districts, and a regional runner-up. He also nailed down the starting catcher's spot for the district qualifying Knight baseball team. He would likely be higher if not for a season ending injury in football.

7. Lawrence Halbfoerster, Canton, Cross-country and Track & Field - Halbfoerster was a state medalist in cross-country while taking home silver at districts. He was the NTL Runner of the Year. In track he was a district champion in the 3200 while making states in the 1600.

6. Jonathan Earle, Wyalusing, Football, Wrestling & Track & Field - Earle did yeoman's work as the main ball carrier for the Rams while on the wrestling mat he went 38-12 on the season, winning a sectional title while qualifying for regionals. In the spring was a district champion in the pole vault to earn a state berth, while also making districts in the 110 hurdles.

5. Reed Palmer, Troy, Football, Wrestling & Baseball - Palmer was one of the top defensive players in the league on the grid-iron while also turning into an offensive threat at the tight end spot. On the wrestling mat he went 32-16 to make states for the second straight year, thanks to a fourth place finish at regionals. Palmer hit .352 with 29-RBI, nine doubles, and two home runs on the season, while striking out 42 in 37-innings on the mound.

4. Eli Stanton, NEB, Soccer, Basketball & Track & Field - Stanton proved to be one of the top defensive players in the area on the pitch for a strong NEB team, while always a threat to drive the ball forward on the attack. He was a double digit scoring at point guard for the league and district champion hoops team, using his quickness and aggressiveness on both sides of the ball. Trying out track, he was a district qualifier in the 100 and anchored their 4x100 team.

3. Mason Smith, Troy, Football & Baseball - Smith ran and threw for over 1,000 yards for the league champion Trojans, combining for 38 touchdowns on the season. On the diamond he hit .438 with 14-RBI and 42 runs scored while manning the catcher's spot. 

2. Brendan Gilliland, Troy, Football & Baseball - Gilliland ran for 1,333 yards on the season with 21 touchdowns while finishing with 49 tackles on defense despite missing a couple games. On the diamond he hit .478 with four doubles, 23-RBI, and 31 runs scored.

1. Boom Thompson, Towanda, Golf, Cross-country, Basketball & Baseball - A 4-sport varsity starter, with three of his teams winning league titles and the fourth making districts. Thompson led the Knights to league and district titles in golf, while making states individually. For cross-country he led Towanda to a league title, while making states individually. In hoops he was the floor general for the Knights, Thompson ran their offense with precision while also setting the tone defensively. On the diamond he started at short stop for Towanda, scoring 17 runs on the year with 10 stolen bases.

NOTABLES: Tyler Kuhn, NEB, Soccer...Brennick Lain, Towanda, Swimming & Diving...Cole Patrick, Wyalusing, Wrestling...Dan Fox, Wyalusing, Wrestling...Darrius Farrell, Towanda, Basketball...Cooper Brown, NEB, Basketball...Kohen Hugo, NEB, Baseball...Lucas Vincent, Towanda, Basketball & Baseball...Dylan Johns, Wyalusing, Track & Field