At the end of last season, I was reviewing stats and games, trying to look ahead to see which returning players I thought would step up and become difference makers. Noah was the player I kept coming back to.
As a Junior last year Noah started the season getting a handful of playing minutes in the first few games. It was evident early that not only was Noah athletic, but he had the basketball skills and IQ to be an impact player. As the season went on Noah got more and more playing time and found himself in a starting role by the end of the year. This season Noah has become that impact player I thought he would. He has elevated his game, in all aspects, and has taken on a leadership role as the General on the court. His versatility and skills show up as he fills the stat sheet every game. Noah has great ball instincts that enable him to get rebounds over much bigger players. His quick reflexes allow him to get a number of steals, averaging 3 a game. His athleticism gives him the ability to make shots that seem like they have no chance of going in. These qualities have led Noah to be at the or near the top of every statistical category for the team this season. Here is what Coach Otto had to say about Noah, "He is one of the toughest kids, both mentally and physically. He is a leader and someone people want to rally around. That is why he was selected as a team Captain this year."
Noah's versatility was also on full display this past football season, as he played a dual role both as a quarterback and a wide receiver. Noah was a standout wide receiver during the 2020-21 season and helped lead the Legends to the Sectional Championship. This season Noah transitioned into the quarterback role, while also playing wide receiver at times. He led Lancaster back to the Sectional Championship game, where they fell just short to a tough Bennett team. Noah was selected to the 3rd team All Western NY in 2020-21 as a wide receiver and was an Honorable Mention in 2021-22 as a quarterback. He was also selected to the first team All-Conference Team in 2020-21. The transition to quarterback allowed Noah to learn how to become a leader on the field, which he is now carrying over to on the court.
One of the things coaches often preach is a sports team is a family. Through thick and thin the team will be there for you, whether you are on top or in your darkest time. This is something Noah was able to understand last year after suffering an unimaginable tragedy. His teammates, from all sports, were there with an outpouring of love and support to lift him up and help him through a trying time. Noah was able to turn to his sports families as a way to take his emotions and direct them into a positive purpose. The feeling you get when you know a group of people, who aren't your blood, have your back and will be there for you is something Noah will be able to carry with him forever. That is why coaches coach. It goes beyond just the competition. It is about creating a bond, that even if you drift apart, will remain and one you can count on when you need to. Noah you will always have your sports family there for you. I wish you the best of luck in the future.
Here are some questions Noah answered for me:
1) What are your plans after graduation?
Go to college.
2) Where and for what?
Buffalo State, for chemistry and football.
3) What is your favorite athletic memory you were involved in?
My sophomore year, starting in my first JV game at Lancaster. We played at Bennett on a Saturday morning. The first play of the game I threw a 67 yard touchdown to Ethan Monin on a fake screen go ball. We then went on to crush Bennett and it was a great feeling with the new team.
4) What is your favorite sports memory you were NOT involved in?
I went to watch the Ravens play the Dolphins in Baltimore in 2017. It was my first NFL game and I got to watch my favorite team win 40-0.
5) What is your favorite team?
Baltimore Ravens
6) Who is your favorite athlete?
Stephen Curry
7) What is your favorite movie?
Avengers Endgame
8) Who is your favorite band/artist?
Lil Uzi Vert
9) Do you have any pregame rituals?
Yes, retying my shoes.
10) What is your favorite post game meal?
McDonalds
11) What is your favorite memory of high school?
Winning the Sectional Championship in football my Junior year.
12) What sports moment still leaves a bad taste in your mouth?
The Sectional Championship game this year at the Bills stadium, when we came up just short of winning against Bennett.
13) What is the best advice you have received?
Don't lose the game before it starts.
14) What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I like building with Legos.
15) Who do you look up to the most?
My dad.
Here are some questions Noah's mom was kind enough to answer:
1) What is your favorite sports memory of Noah?
My favorite sports memory of Noah is when he was in 6th grade. We lived in Pennsylvania and Noah got picked to be on the All-Star football team. The team had a tournament a few hours away, so we decided to bring our new puppy Thunder with us. Noah was one of the starters and he was at running back. A friends young son asked if he could walk Thunder, so we let him. Noah took a handoff and started running down the field. Thunder saw him and broke free of the boy's grasp and started running on the field after Noah. Noah made it to the end zone for a 68 yard touchdown with Thunder trailing him.
2) What is your favorite nonathletic memory of Noah?
Noah’s confirmation last summer was one of my favorite memories. His cousin Connor was his sponsor, so he came here from Pennsylvania days earlier to spent time with Noah. Connor and Noah had a lot of fun and it was great having him spend time with us. More family members came up later. We all attended the confirmation then had a party after. We created great memories and had an awesome time.
3) What is your proudest parent moment?
My proudest parent moment happened in Noah’s Junior year. We moved here from Pennsylvania. Noah played football there but didn’t get a lot of play time. When he started his Junior year and was on varsity he didn’t really know any of the Seniors. Well, he became great friends with a bunch of the Seniors and also the whole staff of football coaches. He started every game as wide receiver. He finished the season by leading Western New York in receptions, earned a spot on Class AA Spring Season 1st Team All-Star and was on 3rd Team All Western New York. Noah’s Dad Jim and I were so proud and happy for him. His Dad’s proudest moment was when Noah got interviewed for the news as a 2021 player to watch. His Dad said, “Great interview,
I could not be prouder of you. LY!!!"
4) Is there anything you would like to say to or about Noah?
Noah, your father and I were always so proud and happy of all of your accomplishments academically and athletically. Whether you are on the basketball court or the football field you always shine and make things happen. You are our favorite outstanding athlete and we have always been your biggest fans! Always be your Best! You will excel in whatever you decide to do.
Remember what Dad would say to you before games.
“Game face and work hard” “Beast Mode”
“Shine like I know you can”
“ I couldn’t be Prouder of you, LY!!!”
Noah, Thank you for being our world!
I Love You!
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