Get to Know Penn Highlands Community College Men’s Basketball’s B.J. Lavender

Photo courtesy of Penn Highlands Community College Athletics.

Name: Byron “B.J.” Lavender Jr.

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

High School: Jule F. Sumner High School

Sport: Basketball

Positions: Guard and Forward

College: Penn Highlands Community College (PHCC). PHCC is a community college located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania established in 1993 that competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Black Bears compete in Region 20 and the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) at the Division III level. PHCC features a student body of around 2,400 students.

Why He Chose PHCC: After taking a gap year between high school and college, Lavender was discovered by college coaches and scouts playing in a men’s league. Despite not playing high school basketball, Lavender loved the game and played a lot recreationally over the years. He felt PHCC was the best offer and opportunity he received and decided to leave his Florida roots for central Pennsylvania last summer to chase a dream of playing college basketball. Over the last several years, he’s changed his life in a multitude of ways and is grateful PHCC took a chance on him. “I came here to change the culture of Penn Highlands alongside my coach, Christopher Weakly, and I’m grateful I’ve had that opportunity.”

College Accolades: In 32 games this past season with the Black Bears, Lavender averaged 13 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He scored in double-figures 21 times and dropped a college career high 33 points against West Virginia Potomac State College and had 28 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Region 20 title game against the Community College of Allegheny County. He was also named Team MVP, first-team all-conference, and first-team all-region in his first season of college basketball. He also currently has a 3.4 grade-point average.

Intended Major and Future Plans: Sports management major with hopes to work in the sports exercise and fitness industry after graduating. However, he plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue his playing career.

Favorite Basketball Memories: Hitting a game-winner against Penn State Altoona’s Junior Varsity team, securing his first career 30-point game, and leading the team to a Regional title by scoring 28 points.

Photo courtesy of Shot By Spect (Tim George)