MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Warrior Run's Aiden McKee (22) shoots over Dunmore's Jimmy Clark (12) in the third quarter of a basketball game this season.

A quick look at the personal statistics and one can deduce Aiden McKee became a generational player while at Warrior Run the past four years.

But to get a feel for his true impact, look at the team’s trajectory instead. It was a collective effort, mind you, but McKee was the engine which transformed Warrior Run from an afterthought into a state title contender.

A season before his senior year, Warrior Run won one game. It had not won a league title in the 2000s at that point, nor a district championship since 1988. Heck, it had not competed in a district final since 1999 and had no state playoff wins.

This past season, Warrior Run was a shot from reaching the Class AAA state Final Four. The Defenders became both league and district champions and won three state tournament games the past two seasons. The win total improved each season McKee played there and Warrior Run earned 73 victories.

His high school career is over and Gannon University beckons, but McKee certainly left his mark and will be long remembered as one of Warrior Run’s all-time greats.

So, as was the case last year, the Committee had little trouble picking its Player of the Year. The 6-foot-8 center again towered above the competition and again McKee is the Sun-Gazette Player of the Year. Repeat all-state honors likely will be coming his way soon, too, after McKee again averaged a double-double and topped both 1,600 career points and 1,100 rebounds.

A three-time HAC-III Player of the Year, McKee was at the heart of Warrior Run’s sensational season, averaging 16.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. That success helped the Defenders go 27-3 and win more games than any Warrior Run team this century.

And as strong as was offensively, shooting 59 % from the field and 77 % at the line, McKee may have been even more impressive defensively. An eraser in the paint, McKee averaged an area-high four blocks and 1.1 steals per game. There is no stat for all the shots he altered and all the second thoughts McKee gave players when venturing into the post, but his mere presence there often changed games.

So, even if the offensive numbers might not jump off the page on a given night, there was never any doubt that McKee left a mark on the game. That included his ability to get teammates involved, showcasing excellent vision and unselfishness. Essentially, he had the quality which binds great players, making his teammates better.

When the pressure was its most intense, McKee often was his most calm. His season may be best defined by the Onions shots McKee made in the district championship against Southern Columbia and second round state tournament contest against Audenried. His 3-pointer forced overtime against Southern and he dominated overtime 11 days later in states.

McKee averaged a double-double each season at Warrior Run and his career numbers will long make him the stuff of legend there. He closes that dominant run with 1,671 points, 1,133 rebounds, 400 blocks and 236 assists. He went out on his shield in his final game, nearly collecting a triple-double against Notre Dame-Green Pond.

McKee not only became a super player, but a program changer.

The following is a look at who joins McKee on the Sun-Gazette all-star team as well as who takes home honors in other categories.

Sun-Gazette

All-Star Team

James Keifer, Warrior Run

As great as McKee was, Warrior Run would not have made the run it did without such an outstanding floor general. Keifer was the consummate point guard, helping ensure that all of Warrior Run’s talented pieces fit. Along the way, the senior leader averaged 11.3 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 steals and 3.2 rebounds per game. Keifer could control a game on both ends and was a tenacious defender as well. Rarely turning the ball over, Keifer played with unflappable resolve, a trait which contributed to Warrior Run excelling in so many close games, especially three overtime contests against Southern. Keifer dazzled during the postseason and went for 22 points and eight assists in a first round state tournament win against Dunmore.

LJ Tucker, Lewisburg

As was the case with Warrior Run, the hard part when it comes to all-stars with Lewisburg is picking just one or two for the first team. So many had excellent seasons, reflected by three being named first team HAC-II all-stars and the other two as second teamers. Tucker gets the nod, however, because he was so consistently strong and put together one of the best state tournament runs in the Class AAAA field. The versatile sophomore averaged 13.7 points, 4.7rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.8 steals per game. A terrific shooter, Tucker also developed as a ball-handler and passer, while still draining 65 3-pointers. In Lewisburg’s three state playoff wins, Tucker averaged 20.3 points per game, producing at least 18 each time.

Parker Bennett, Montgomery

As with McKee, Bennett will take his place alongside some of the best to ever play at Montgomery. A player with seemingly endless energy, Bennett never tired despite being swarmed by double teams all season. Through it all he became the program’s all-time leading scorer and finished second among area scorers, generating 22.6 points per game. Bennett topped 40 points twice and 20 points 10 times. He was more, though, than a score. Bennett also produced 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and two steals per game. A first team Mid-Penn all-star again, Bennett helped lead a young Montgomery team back to the playoffs and nearly to the district semifinals for the first time since 2010. That’s pretty impressive stuff for an athlete who will play college baseball.

Daiton Thompson,

St. John Neumann

The second runner-up for Player of the Year, Thompson beat out an excellent field to be named Mid-Penn MVP. It was a just reward for a player who consistently filled up the stat sheet while facing the same kind of defensive pressure Bennett encountered. Although a natural shooting guard, Thompson excelled running the Neumann offense and captured the area scoring title, averaging 24.1 points per game. He also was tough in all facets, adding six rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Rebounds was the only major stat category that Thompson did not lead Neumann in but he was second. He looked unstoppable at times, scoring 48 points against Bucktail and 38 points against Central Mountain. Thompson went over 20 points in 12 of his last 14 games and topped 1,000 career points despite missing a lot of time his first two years with injuries.

Tevin Williams, Williamsport

After putting together an exciting freshman season, Williams had many eagerly anticipating his encore. And the sophomore did not disappoint. The runner-up for Player of the Year, Williams helped a young team hit by costly injuries improve its win total and went from supporting player to the team’s go-to guy. Playing against the area’s most demanding schedule, Williams unleashed his arsenal and made an impact in every facet, averaging 15.6 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks per game. Only halfway through his high school career, Williams has the potential to become one of the state’s premier players if he puts in a strong offseason and continues developing. His speed, length and basketball IQ can make Williams a match-up nightmare and he is part of a young nucleus which could be mighty fun to watch next season.

Second Team

Cooper, Mowry, Lewisburg (12.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.6 spg, 75 3s, 1st team HAC-II); Ethan Balzer, Warrior Run (14.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 11 double-doubles, 64 % from field); Shea Ulmer, Montoursville (12.7 ppg, 61 3s, 1st team HAC-II); Levi Butler, South Williamsport (18.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.9 spg, 2.1 deflections per game, 59 3s, 803 career points, first team Mid-Penn); Gavin Knarr, Hughesville (16.2 ppg, 49.6 % from field, 4.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 1st team HAC-III); Jaxton Frantz, Muncy (17.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.8 spg, 68 3s, two 30+ playoff games, 1st team Mid-Penn)

Third Team

Jason Harer, North Penn-Mansfield (14.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg, 2.3 bpg, 13 double-doubles); Nazir Meredith, Lewisburg (11.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg); Evan McTish, North Penn-Liberty (14.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2 spg); Colin King, Sullivan County (7.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.4 apg, 3.4 spg, 1st team Mid-Penn); Braydon Cioffi, Loyalsock (12.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.7 apg);; Jahki Brister, Neumann (14.6 ppg, 10+ rpg)

Sun-Gazette Defensive All-Stars

Cam Cintron, Montoursville

One of three sophomore starters who helped Montoursville make a major leap forward, Cintron often set the tone and became one of the area’s premier point guards. Cintron averaged 10.3 points and 2.8 assists per game but it was his defense which especially stood out. A relentless competitor, Cintron utilized both his speed and hustle to give opposing point guards fits at times. That defense often helped jumpstart Montoursville’s offense and Cintron has a bright future.

Jalil Coates, Loyalsock

Coates had some big offensive games, including against Jersey Shore, where he was nearly perfect from the field and foul line. Still, it was his defense which meant the most for a Loyalsock team which made a seven-win improvement and reached the district semifinals. Coates was especially valuable because he could defend shooting guards, point guards and/or post players. His quickness and strength proved a potent tandem and Coates, the team’s lone senior, set an example which helped elevate the team.

Chance Quimby,

South Williamsport

Quimby often drew his team’s most challenging defensive assignment and almost always thrived there. The junior point guard stuck to both point guards and shooting guards like glue and when they did score, it was not without a battle. He averaged 2.6 steals and 2.9 deflections for the Mid-Penn champions. Like Cintron, Quimby also still had plenty left in the tank to run the offense, helping it surge during the season’s second half, while averaging 8.0 points and 4.2 assists per game.

Tucker Blasi,

Sullivan County

Blasi earned his second Mid-Penn Defensive Player of the Year Award and is the second runner-up for Sun-Gazette Defensive Player of the Year. A ferocious defender, Blasi loved playing the defensive stopper role and played it like an Oscar winner. Strong, fast and selfless, Blasi lit the defensive fuse which helped Sullivan capture its third district championship. He also was part of a balanced offense, repeatedly came through in big games and averaged 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds. 2.9 assists and 2.7 steals per game.

Rebira Jemana, Lewisburg

A repeat HAC-II Defensive Player of the Year winner, Jemana is runner-up for the Sun-Gazette’s top prize after playing such a critical role for the state semifinalists. The senior leader often was the glue which held this outstanding squad together, providing strong play against post players and guards. He was the quarterback for the team’s changing defenses and used his smarts, length and intensity to help slow down so many opponents. He especially shined in the postseason and averaged 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals and an assist per game.

Sun-Gazette Defensive Player of the Year

Landon Polcyn, Warrior Run

Like Jemana, Polcyn played on a team full of stars. As such, it might be easy for the casual observer to miss how immense his impact was. But what Polcyn did defensively changed games and helped put Warrior Run over the top in terms of becoming both a district champion and state title contender. Polcyn shut down and/or contained a list of explosive players in and outside District 4. He also displayed a knack of hitting clutch shots at the most pressure-filled times, especially in the state quarterfinals when Polcyn closed his high school career with 23 points and seven assists. For the season, Polcyn produced 11.0 points, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.8 rebounds per game, while making 43 3-pointers.

Second Team

Kyran Lisembee, Muncy; Elijah Eck, Montoursville; Luke Kreger, North Penn-Liberty; Andy Hermansen, North Penn-Mansfield; Naazir Lowe, Williamsport; Lucas King, Sullivan County

Sun-Gazette

Breakthrough

Player of the Year

Second runners-up–Mekhi Gaston and Kason Ulmer, Williamsport: Watch out for freshman guard Saleem Overton on this team as well, as he has a motor which always runs high on both ends. Gaston is another freshman who made an immediate impact and has the potential to be a special player. It’s pretty hard to crack the starting lineup at a 6A school as a freshman, but the 6-foot-5 forward did so and offered a possible glimpse of things to come, averaging 7.4 points, 4 rebounds and a steal per game. Ulmer turned a dedicated offseason into steady post production and has double-double potential each night. The junior center averaged 10.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, hitting his stride as the season progressed.

First runners-up–Isaac Erlandson, Montoursville and Brecken Gusick, Loyalsock: Both sophomores can fill up the stat sheet and are at the center of strong, young foundations. Erlandson gave Montoursville a constant hustling interior defensive presence and went to another level during the postseason. He averaged 7.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, but Erlandson produced a double-double against Lewisburg in the district final before scoring a career-high 20 points in states against Valley View.

Gusick is tough off the dribble, but also a good shooter who can get up and down the court in a flash. A full-time starter for the first time, Gusick took a big step forward, averaging 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Gusick helped ignite a six-game winning streak when he totaled 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals in an early-season win against Wellsboro.

And the winner is …Cortland Michaels, Lewisburg: The best way to describe Michaels’ all-around game is fun. Well, I say that as an observer but opponents encountered no joy playing against this dynamic freshman point guard. Michaels provided the missing piece which helped take Lewisburg from a good to great team and was masterful at times running an explosive offense. He averaged 8.9 points, an area-best 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game while often dazzling fans with his shifty moves and ball-handling skills. Michaels was seemingly his most calm in the biggest games and was the unofficial Heartland Conference Tournament MVP, totaling 36 points and 11 assists over two nights as the Green Dragons captured their first championship.

Sun-Gazette

Coach of the Year

Second runners-up–Mike Mussina, Montoursville; Joe Simon, South; Glenn Vaughan, Sullivan County: As was the case with the girls, the area had a great season and that means we have to jam in a lot of strong candidates. All three here helped their teams make big turnarounds which culminated with some impressive breakthroughs.

Mussina guided Montoursville to 18 wins, the District 4 Class AAAA district final and the state tournament. In his first year back since 2021, Mussina led the Warriors to their first playoff wins since that season and their first state playoff appearance since 2020 as they also made a seven-win improvement.

Simon pushed all the right buttons while leading South to 15 straight wins at one point, a run which included division and Mid-Penn championship wins. Along the way, the Mounties avenged previous losses against Muncy and Sullivan County, while reaching 20 wins for the first time since 2010. From start to finish, the team came light years.

Vaughan enhanced his reputation as one of the state’s top Class A coaches, helping Sullivan capture its third district title under his direction. Sullivan won its most games in a season since 2017, defeated former nemesis Lourdes in the district semifinals and dethroned previous champion North Penn-Liberty in the final.

First runner-up–Eric Wertman, Warrior Run: Wertman helped ensure that Warrior Run’s seniors made their final ride together their best one. It’s not just the Defenders going 27-3, winning league and district championships and reaching the state quarterfinals that stands out either. It’s the fact that Warrior Run won five overtime games and constantly seemed to make the right plays at the biggest times. And the team’s three losses all were to state finalists, two coming in overtime and none by more than six points.

And the winner is …Leon Tucker, Lewisburg: This reporter believed Lewisburg could be really good this season. But I don’t think there were too many who thought the Dragons would become one of the state’s best four Class AAAA teams and if they tell you they were, they likely are lying. That is a long way of saying that Tucker did a remarkable job pushing Lewisburg along the path to history. No Dragons team ever made it past the state tournament’s second round and this team broke through the door in a huge way, coming within a victory of the state final. Tucker helped Lewisburg make a 10-win improvement and was a steadying influence when the team started 5-4. From that point on, the Dragons won 19 straight games, went undefeated in league play and won league and district titles. During that stretch, Lewisburg also avenged two previous losses and became the only District 4 team that beat Warrior Run. Under Tucker’s leadership, Lewisburg has made six and 10-win improvements the past two years.

Game of the Year

Second runner-up– Montoursville 58, Shamokin 51: This District 4 Class AAAA semifinal was a heavyweight battle and Shamokin had Montoursville on the ropes numerous times. But every time it did a different Warrior came hitting back. The Warriors trailed by three with less than three minutes to go, but dominated from there, closing on a 12-2 run. Jay Houseknecht sparked the surge with a steal and layup before clinching victory with four straight clutch free throws. Zack Neill fed Shea Ulmer for the go-ahead 3-pointer and Ulmer found Kingston Fisher moments later as Montoursville produced a season-defining victory.

First runner-up–Warrior Run 64, Audenried 59, OT: Warrior Run led this second round state game most of the way but Audenried finally broke through and tied the game late, forcing overtime. There, the Rockets took their first lead since it was 2-0, but Keifer hit an Onions 3-pointer seconds later. McKee took over from there and Polcyn’s last-second rebound and free throws sealed a dramatic win which sent Warrior Run to the Elite 8 for the first time in 27 years. McKee produced six of his 25 points in overtime, adding 10 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.

And the winner is … Sullivan County 58, North Penn-Liberty 54: It’s pretty wild that the area’s best girls and boys games were both played at Montoursville within 24 hours of each other. Sullivan’s massive comeback was the first in that thrilling tandem as the Griffins delivered a performance which essentially represented how this outstanding program has been built. Sullivan trailed the defending champion Mounties by 13 late in the third quarter after Landon Mattern went Curry and scored 17 points in less than four minutes. Instead of that eruption demoralizing Sullivan it breathed fire into it. The Griffins went with a four-guard offense from there and it paid gigantic dividends with the quartet forcing 10 fourth quarter turnovers. Still, Sullivan trailed in the final minute before Blasi made a steal and fed Dom Marotti for the go-ahead layup with 47 seconds remaining. Colin King added another steal and layup before Lucas King sealed victory with two last-second free throws. The gold medals shined, but how this team won them will be what means the most as the years go by.