As expected, the West Reading League final was tight from the opening tip until the last minute. Wilson and Cedar Crest were knotted at 10-10 after the first quarter. Colin Legath hit a 3-pointer from the left wing before the buzzer to put Wilson in front 20-18 at halftime. The rising sophomore hit three triples and finished with a team-high eleven points.

Cedar Crest was within 31-30 after the third quarter. Point guard Nechar Mercado had a nifty pass to Gabe Nyembo for a layup with 4:35 left. The 6’5 Nyembo gave Wilson a 36-32 edge. He ended up with eight points and Mercado chipped in with seven. Jaiden Whitehurst, a physical rising sophomore, added nine points.

Jaden Truss, a 6’3 rising sophomore, responded with a key 3-pointer from the left wing. That sparked a 11-0 run for Cedar Crest. A transition bucket by Antonio Tirado made it 39-36 with 3:02 remaining. Tirado and Truss contributed ten points apiece. The score remained 39-36 for the next two and a-half minutes. Truss went 0-for-2 at the free throw line with 33 seconds to go which kept it a one possession game. Whitehurst attempted a 3-pointer, but Jemar Pauleus blocked the shot and scored on a fast break for a 41-36 advantage. Steven Reyes tacked on a layup at the buzzer for a 43-36 victory. The rising junior guard had seven points in a balanced attack for Cedar Crest. “We were able to get defensive stops and get out and play in transition. That’s our best style of play. Slow us up and we struggle,” explained Smith. Wilson was outscored 13-to-5 in the fourth quarter.

Pauleus, a 6’2 guard, provided a game-high 13 points. The rising junior averaged 16.8 points during the 2025-26 season. “He’s a special, special kid. I think when he graduates from Cedar Crest, he’ll be our all-time leading scorer. He does so much else than just score the ball. His vision is great. The sky is the limit, he’s got a great work ethic,” said Smith. Pauleus took home the Terry Brennan Memorial Most Outstanding Player Award.

It was a fun night for Cedar Crest as Reyes was named the MVP of the Kyle Conrad Memorial All-Star Game. The West Reading League recognized its standout players at halftime of the all-star game on Thursday. Nyembo earned the Woozy Smith Memorial Most Improved Player Award. Brady Eisenhower of Wyomissing was selected for the Bill Snider Best Defensive Player Award.

Smith was glad that he brought his team back to the West Reading League. “I love this league. We got away from it, not too sure why. I felt like we really had a good team to compete this year,” replied Smith. He added, “Playing against all these Berks County teams really sets the tone for the season, and lets you see where the heck are you at. I think it was great for us.”

Wilson, sponsored by Apella Wealth, and Berks Catholic, sponsored by Berks Packing, squared off in the second semifinal. Carmelo Harper, Berks Catholic’s top player, arrived late and Snip Esterly’s team struggled in the first half. They were limited to five points in the opening quarter. Wilson built a 20-7 cushion in the second period and led 25-13 at halftime. Jaiden Whitehurst, a rising sophomore who also plays football, set the tone with his physicality. He scored seven of his game-high 13 points in the first quarter. Wilson was in front 31-25 after the third period. Berks Catholic continued to battle and got within 31-29 early in the fourth quarter. They trailed 33-31 with two and a-half minutes on the clock. Wilson sealed the win with a 8-to-2 run. Gabe Nyembo grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a three-point play with 51 seconds left. The 6’4 rising junior gave Wilson a 40-31 edge. He ended up with eight points in Wilson’s 41-33 victory. Kaler Cornish provided six points. Luke Linderman had a team-high twelve points for Berks Catholic. It was a quiet night for Harper who scored seven points. Johnny Giesa added six points.

Wilson will face Cedar Crest at 5:25pm on Thursday for the West Reading League title. The All-Star Game will follow the championship game.

Lengle got the (6-3) Bulldogs on the board with a sacrifice fly to left field in the first inning. Muhlenberg responded in the bottom half of the frame with a two-out, RBI single to center by Cole Moody. Following a walk to Mike Canfield, Kulp retired nine straight hitters. He piled up nine strikeouts through three innings. Wilson went up 2-1 in the second thanks to three errors by the Muhls. The Bulldogs tacked on three runs in the third for a 5-1 advantage. After a RBI single by Lengle, senior catcher Gabe Spohn got down a squeeze bunt that brought home Landon Kostelac. Matt Mallis, who was 1-for-1 with two walks and two runs, delivered a RBI single. Ryan Rosenberry, a junior righty, was charged with five runs, four earned, on six hits and four walks in 2.1 innings. Muhlenberg committed five errors compared to one for Wilson. The only run allowed by Kulp was unearned. He lowered his ERA to 1.93 with 47 strikeouts over 25.1 innings.

Senior southpaw Anthony Hatt took over for Drake Hoffman in the fifth. Hoffman gave up just one hit in 1.2 innings. Hatt started the fifth with back-to-back walks. Alex Frantz, the No. 9 hitter, provided a RBI double down the first base line to make it 6-1. Aidan Bonte then replaced Hatt on the mound. He walked Jack Gabel and then gave up a two-run double down the left field line to Ryan Marmolejos. A wild pitch increased the margin to 9-1. A two-run double to deep center by Lengle put the Bulldogs in front 11-1. He was 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs. “At the start of the season, I felt like I was getting a little unlucky, but I’ve been hitting the ball hard and good things have happened,” he replied. His brother Pat, a talented freshman third baseman, went 2-for-2 with two doubles, two walks, and two runs. “The sky is the limit. I didn’t expect this. It’s looking really good,” said Tim Lengle about Pat’s potential. Pat Lengle is 12-for-22 through nine games.

Canfield took over for Bonte on the hill and Aidan Incledon greeted him with a two-run double to left. The fourth double of the inning put Wilson on top 13-1 in the fifth. The Bulldogs ended the night with six doubles. They entered Friday with a .336 team batting average. Marmolejos and Frantz each had a pair of hits. Wilson also took advantage of nine walks. Cooper Burr and Gavin Moody had singles in the bottom of the fifth for the Muhls.

The Bulldogs are riding a five-game winning streak. They’re a perfect (5-0) in league contests. “We feel like the county championship is ours. We’ve been visualizing it. The competition is pretty good, but we have no doubt in our mind,” stated Tim Lengle.

Player of the Year-Leo Brown

Offensive Back of the Year-Leo Brown

Receiver of the Year-Mike Miller Jr.

Offensive Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino

Defensive Lineman of the Year-Joel Ummarino

Linebacker of the Year-EJ Brownback

Defensive Back of the Year-Jaiden Carpenter

Coach of the Year-Rob Flowers

Offense:

QB-Mason Young

RB-Leo Brown, Cam Small, Javien Rivera

Athlete-Pat Steuer

WR-Mike Miller Jr., Jaiden Carpenter

TE-Mike Glover

OL-Joel Ummarino, Andre Osborne, Zavier Otero, Nate Gilfert, Kevin Oswalt

Kick Returner-Freddy Lacey

Kicker-Jake Franek

Long Snapper-Cole Peterson

Defense:

DL-Andre Osborne, Mike Glover, Joel Ummarino, Eugene Booth III

LB-EJ Brownback, Tanner Zornek, Pat Steuer, Cooper Burr

DB-Jaiden Carpenter, Idris Weaver, Lebron Leaf, Jayden Ware

Punter-Jake Franek

It didn’t take long to see why Hardy was so highly touted entering high school. He averaged 8.6 yards per carry and scored twelve touchdowns as a freshman. His presence was felt on defense as well with four interceptions. As a sophomore, Hardy was selected to the All-State team in Class 4A.

The 5’10, 190-pound junior ran for a team-high 979 yards and 15 TD this fall. He averaged a staggering 10.8 yards per carry. Hardy also led the Spartans with 12 catches for 127 yards and four scores. He was recently named the Defensive Back of the Year in Section 4 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Hardy made 40 tackles and three interceptions while forcing four fumbles this season.

Wyomissing reached the District 3-4A semifinals before dropping a nailbiter at top-seeded Susquehanna Township 37-35. Hardy ran for 156 yards and 2 TD on 17 carries in that game. He added a touchdown reception as the Spartans finished (10-2).

Hardy holds Division I offers from Temple, Liberty, Rice, and Kent State. He’s going from one outstanding program to another. Wyomissing has gone (81-11) over the past seven years. The Spartans captured a state championship in 2012 to go along with twelve District 3 titles. Meanwhile, Wilson currently owns the state record with 50 consecutive winning seasons. The Bulldogs have compiled 620 all-time victories.

Akings will have a new quarterback throwing to him this season. Mason Young, a 6’2 senior, takes over for All-State pick Madyx Gruber. “I feel like he’s ready to play,” said Akings. Young looked sharp in Wilson’s scrimmage with Coatesville. He had a 75-yard touchdown run and hit All-State tight end Mike Glover for a long score. Glover is a physical presence at 6’3 and 223 pounds. “His patterns are getting that much crisper. His hands are getting that much better,” noted Akings. The Bulldogs are still ironing out the offensive line, but Jesse Etchberger and Avery Manara return up front.

Wilson returns five starters on offense and six on defense from a squad that went (11-2, 6-0). The Bulldogs captured the Section 1 title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League with a resounding 34-16 victory at Manheim Township. They lost to powerhouse Harrisburg 42-14 in the District 3-6A Championship. Inside linebackers E.J. Brownback and Ethan Harding are back, along with an experienced secondary. Akings will spend time at corner with speedy senior Jaiden Carpenter and promising sophomore Damian Greer. Chase Herb and Monty Greer, Damian’s older brother, give Wilson a pair of quality safeties. Glover, Rahmel Gaston, and Barima Archampong will provide the pass rush. The Bulldogs’ 81st season begins tonight against Cheltenham at John Gurski Stadium. Doug Dahms enters his 20th year as head coach and 50th with the program. Since Dahms started as an assistant coach in 1976, he’s been a part of 460 wins. “It’s definitely a good thing to have someone that’s very experienced. It’s something that you don’t get at every school district. It’s something that you should be proud to have,” said Akings.

Wilson claimed its record 30th section title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League last fall. The Bulldogs finished (11-2, 6-0) and reached the District 3-6A championship before falling to Harrisburg 42-14. They enter the 2025 campaign with 611 all-time wins.

Wilson will have a new quarterback following the graduation of All-State pick Madyx Gruber. Mason Young and Cole Peterson have been battling this offseason for the starting job. “We don’t have another Madyx in the wings. Cole has a little bit better grasp offensively, but Mason is a little bit better athlete. Right now, Mason has the edge. He has the physical tools to have a really good year,” explained Dahms. The Bulldogs won’t be the biggest team this season, but they have plenty of speed. Correll Akings returns at running back after rushing for 1,078 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns as a junior. The All-County basketball player added 27 receptions a season ago. All-State tight end Michael Glover (6’3, 225) caught a team-high 40 passes as a sophomore. “If he was 6’5, every school in the country would want him, but he’s 6’3…He’ll play Division I football, but probably FCS unless he grows,” replied Dahms. Glover finished with 670 receiving yards and 7TD last year. Senior receiver Jaiden Carpenter will supply the speed on the outside. Offensive tackles Avery Manara and Jesse Etchberger are back. Manara has slimmed down to 215 pounds. EJ Brownback and Ethan Harding will be in the middle of Wilson’s defense at linebacker. Rahmel Gaston (6’1, 240) will cause trouble on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Chase Herb, Monty Greer, and Akings should form a solid secondary.

The Bulldogs kickoff the season at home against Cheltenham on August 22nd. They host Nazareth on September 5th in a marquee non-league matchup. Wilson ends the regular season versus Manheim Township at John Gurski Stadium. That battle on October 24th could once again decide the Section 1 title. One thing is for certain; Dahms is very happy in West Lawn. “The community is behind you. The alumni are behind you. The school is behind you. The players buy into everything you want to do,” he said.

Berks Catholic won Division 1 of the Ron Krick Memorial League with a (9-3) record during the regular season. Wilson was in second place at (8-4). These squads squared off for the West Reading League title last summer as well. Wilson prevailed 37-35 a year ago.

Berks Catholic left Wyomissing with some individual hardware on Thursday night. McKoy received the Terry Brennan Memorial Most Outstanding Player award. Giesa took home the Woozy Smith Memorial Most Improved Player award. The Bill Snyder Best Defensive Player award went to Exeter’s Jayden Ware. Xavier Negron from Conrad Weiser won the West Reading Drug Store Sportsmanship award.

The nightcap in the Ron Krick Memorial League featured rivals Wilson (Apella Wealth) and Gov. Mifflin (Savage Auto Group). This semifinal was much more of a defensive struggle. In fact, Gov. Mifflin was shutout in the opening quarter. Wilson led 4-0 after the first period and 14-10 at halftime. Correll Akings, the lone returning starter for Wilson, started the third quarter with a 3-pointer. He ended up with a game-high 15 points. Gov. Mifflin was down 21-16 entering the last quarter. Ronaldo Gonzalez, a newcomer to Wilson’s program, nailed a 3-pointer with five minutes left to make it 24-18. A three-point play by Akings gave Wilson a little breathing room at 27-18 with 3:48 to go. Gov. Mifflin fell 37-27. Gonzalez contributed eight points and point guard NeChar Mercado added six. Nick Kalis scored a team-high eight points, including seven in the fourth quarter, for Gov. Mifflin. Ian Fleming provided six points. Wilson will take on Berks Catholic for the championship at 5:25pm on Thursday.

Gruber averaged a team-high 17 points per game during his senior season at Wilson. The 5-11 guard demonstrated the ability to get to the basket and shoot from long range. He knocked down 58 three-pointers this year. Gruber reached 1,000 career points on January 18th when he scored 22 points against Harrisburg. He’s just the seventh player in Wilson history to accomplish that milestone.

Gruber led the Bulldogs to their second straight BCIAA Championship this winter. They defeated Reading 55-39 in the Berks County Final at Santander Arena. Gruber racked up 23 points, five rebounds, and four steals versus the Red Knights. He’s a two-time All-County selection. Wilson finished (24-7) during the 2024-25 campaign and made it to the second round of the state tournament.

Gruber was also a star on the football field. He made the transition to quarterback as a senior and threw for 2,018 yards with 25 touchdowns. He completed 65% of his passes and added 702 yards on the ground with nine more scores. As a defensive back, Gruber had a team-high five interceptions. The (11-2) Bulldogs won the Section 1 title in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. They were the runner-up in the District 3-6A playoffs. Gruber was voted to the All-State team in Class 6A as an athlete.