After not having a team due to lack of numbers in the program a year ago, the Lancaster Mennonite girls basketball team is ready to return in Section Four of the Lancaster-Lebanon League for the 2025-26 season.
And as to be expected, the team was rightfully eager to share its excitement about getting back on the court during its visit to Penn Medicine Park on Sunday for basketball media day.
“For me, it’s just really, really exciting because I didn’t know that I’d get to play basketball again, ever again,” said senior Julia Oberle, who played two years ago. “I’m not playing in college, but I didn’t know if I’d get a chance to go back out on the court.
“And I know Sophi (Buckwalter) is looking forward to it as well because she was one of the girls last year who had interest in the team. I’m just really excited to see the spirit and kind of all the girls coming together this year.”
The Blazers canceled their varsity and junior varsity seasons last October, just a couple weeks before the first official practice date.
Though Lancaster Mennonite tried to put a team together, ultimately school officials didn’t want to face potential forfeits because of injuries.
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Lancaster Country Day’s Ava Wolf, left, and Rosa Marinez during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Octorara’s Sophie Ruscitelli, left, Ali Matys and Qualynn Chambers during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Mennonite’s Sophi Buckwalter, left, and Julia Oberle during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Annville-Cleona’s Savannah Kleinfelter, left, Caitlin Shay and Kaleena Espada during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Columbia’s Brynne Bigler, left, Delaney Burke and Morgan Gamber during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Pequea Valley’s Janae Patterson during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Pequea Valley’s Jorja Eby, left, Shelyce Burke and Janae Patterson during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Catholic’s Nevaeh Kenndey during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Manheim Central’s Gianna Walters, left and her sister Lilah Walters during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Elco’s Maddie Stout during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Donegal’s Hannah Mumper, left, Josie Gerig and Aubrey Houseal during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Elco’s Maddie Stout, left, Abby Ruth and Kenzie Eckhart during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Manheim Central’s Lilah Walters, left, Eden Buckwalter and Gianna Walters during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Catholic’s Nevaeh Kennedy, left, Morgan Gaylord and Emma Stefanow during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lampeter-Strasburg’s Carla Mann, left, Morgan Dombach and Elaina Hostetter during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Northern Lebanon’s Kasey Weimer, left, Mackenzie Miller, Saoirse Phillips and Haley Sheroky during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Linville Hill Christian’s Courtney Good during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Mount Calvary Christian’s Kylie Masters during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Ephrata Mennonite’s Aleta Martin, left, and Chayla Fox during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
New Covenant Christian’s McKenna Kantner, left, Moriah Simniskis and Qynne Demler during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Dayspring Christian Academy’s Katie Dombach, left, and Natalie Slabach during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster County Christian’s Hannah Espenshade, left, and Sophie MacCartney during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Veritas Academy’s Noel Simpson, left, Megan Kmiec and Jade Eberly during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Mount Calvary Christian’s Emma Smith, left, Kylie Masters and Lilah Martin during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Linville Hill Christian’s Riley Martin, left, Courtney Good and Chloe Smucker during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Warwick’s Mia Warfel, left, Brace Myers and Sophia Dombach during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Conestoga Valley’s Bianca Henry, left, Azailya Washington and Tia Logan during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Solanco’s Jaelyn Gonzalez, left, Saskia Ludgate and Madison Wenger during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Ephrata’s Alyssa Caldwell, left, Leah Caldwell and Marie McCracken during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Elizabethtown’s Tatiyana Medina, left, Chloe Wilkinson and Allison Krebs during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Garden Spot’s Laina Steiner, left, Leah Kurtz, Nevi Crabb and Kayla Weaver during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cocalico’s Corinne Fair, left, Kira Lehman and Izzy Rios during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cocalico’s Kira Lehman during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cedar Crest’s Kaila Francis during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lebanon’s Olive Brandt during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
McCaskey’s Sumaiya Bint’Dawud, left, Sariiah Sweeney and Amaya Jones during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Penn Manor’s Ava Luciano, left, Joelle Kroesen, Alayzha Twyman and Alya Stanley during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lebanon’s Nina Harrison, left, Skyler Strickler, Olive Brandt and Tayana Camuy during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Hempfield’s Hannah Kirchner, left, Grace Kirchner, Jazzy Santiago, Maddie Sieklicki and Kaylee McCabe during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cedar Crest’s Elli Malinoski, left, Kaila Francis, Miranda Sowers and Ali Groff during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Manheim Township’s Liv Parmer, left, and Julia Weaver during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Country Day’s Ava Wolf, left, and Rosa Marinez during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Octorara’s Sophie Ruscitelli, left, Ali Matys and Qualynn Chambers during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Mennonite’s Sophi Buckwalter, left, and Julia Oberle during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Annville-Cleona’s Savannah Kleinfelter, left, Caitlin Shay and Kaleena Espada during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Columbia’s Brynne Bigler, left, Delaney Burke and Morgan Gamber during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Pequea Valley’s Janae Patterson during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Pequea Valley’s Jorja Eby, left, Shelyce Burke and Janae Patterson during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Catholic’s Nevaeh Kenndey during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Manheim Central’s Gianna Walters, left and her sister Lilah Walters during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Elco’s Maddie Stout during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Donegal’s Hannah Mumper, left, Josie Gerig and Aubrey Houseal during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Elco’s Maddie Stout, left, Abby Ruth and Kenzie Eckhart during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Manheim Central’s Lilah Walters, left, Eden Buckwalter and Gianna Walters during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster Catholic’s Nevaeh Kennedy, left, Morgan Gaylord and Emma Stefanow during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lampeter-Strasburg’s Carla Mann, left, Morgan Dombach and Elaina Hostetter during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Northern Lebanon’s Kasey Weimer, left, Mackenzie Miller, Saoirse Phillips and Haley Sheroky during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Linville Hill Christian’s Courtney Good during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Mount Calvary Christian’s Kylie Masters during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Ephrata Mennonite’s Aleta Martin, left, and Chayla Fox during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
New Covenant Christian’s McKenna Kantner, left, Moriah Simniskis and Qynne Demler during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Dayspring Christian Academy’s Katie Dombach, left, and Natalie Slabach during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday Nov. 16, 2025.
Lancaster County Christian’s Hannah Espenshade, left, and Sophie MacCartney during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Veritas Academy’s Noel Simpson, left, Megan Kmiec and Jade Eberly during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Mount Calvary Christian’s Emma Smith, left, Kylie Masters and Lilah Martin during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Linville Hill Christian’s Riley Martin, left, Courtney Good and Chloe Smucker during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Warwick’s Mia Warfel, left, Brace Myers and Sophia Dombach during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Conestoga Valley’s Bianca Henry, left, Azailya Washington and Tia Logan during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Solanco’s Jaelyn Gonzalez, left, Saskia Ludgate and Madison Wenger during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Ephrata’s Alyssa Caldwell, left, Leah Caldwell and Marie McCracken during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Elizabethtown’s Tatiyana Medina, left, Chloe Wilkinson and Allison Krebs during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Garden Spot’s Laina Steiner, left, Leah Kurtz, Nevi Crabb and Kayla Weaver during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cocalico’s Corinne Fair, left, Kira Lehman and Izzy Rios during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cocalico’s Kira Lehman during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cedar Crest’s Kaila Francis during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lebanon’s Olive Brandt during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
McCaskey’s Sumaiya Bint’Dawud, left, Sariiah Sweeney and Amaya Jones during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Penn Manor’s Ava Luciano, left, Joelle Kroesen, Alayzha Twyman and Alya Stanley during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Lebanon’s Nina Harrison, left, Skyler Strickler, Olive Brandt and Tayana Camuy during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Hempfield’s Hannah Kirchner, left, Grace Kirchner, Jazzy Santiago, Maddie Sieklicki and Kaylee McCabe during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Cedar Crest’s Elli Malinoski, left, Kaila Francis, Miranda Sowers and Ali Groff during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
Manheim Township’s Liv Parmer, left, and Julia Weaver during the boys and girls basketball media day at Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster on Sunday Nov. 16, 2025.
Curtis Butler, who took over for former Blazers’ coach Teasia Pena not much before the cancellation decision was made last season, will be at the helm. He helped coach the middle school team last season.
With interest back and a larger pool of players to work with, Butler alluded that positive change is on the horizon.
“So this year it can be a lot different, where we can have some subs, have some people come off the bench and contribute,” Butler said. “We want to be a man-to-man team first, but I’m also not opposed to having some zone put in there, too.”
Indeed, with a clean slate and new talent, Lancaster Mennonite is ready to focus on the important components that come with building a team from the ground up.
“We want to learn as a team and grow our skills,” Oberle said. “We want to grow our communication overall, our bonds and friendships. I feel like that’s one of the most important aspects of a team is eliminating all the toxicity.
“We are not only a part of a team, but a group of girls that really care about and want the best for each other.”
With players on the roster who have now been together through the middle school team, as well as those who have suffered through the grind of a lost season, the focus is on building success through familiarization.
“I would say it (team chemistry is a strength) because a few of us did play together last year,” said Buckwalter, a sophomore. “Some of that coming into this year is really helpful, because we already know how we play with each other and all of that.”
To boot, this is not a program unfamiliar with success.
The Blazers have won six L-L League section championships — in 1991, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019 and 2020 — and advanced to the league championship game three times.
Mennonite won the L-L League title in 2009, and the Blazers have reached five District Three championship games, winning the Class 3A title in 2008.
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