Reading’s Yadiel Cruz receives Dr. Kleppinger Award from RBBA as top senior
2024 Berks basketball coverage presented by
Utilities Employees Credit Union
Berks scoring champ Yadiel Cruz of Reading High has received the Dr. Richard Kleppinger Award as the outstanding senior in Berks County basketball.
The award is given out each season by the Reading Berks Basketball Association.
Cruz averaged a league-leading 22.1 points per game and led the Red Knights to a 22-11 record and to the PIAA Class 6A semifinals.
The 6-2 Cruz finished his career with 1,010 points in just two seasons with the Red Knights; his 729 points this season are fifth-most in Berks County history. He moved from his native Dominican Republic before his junior season.
Ruben Rodriguez of Reading was last year’s recipient.
Past winners have included Stevie Mitchell of Wilson (2021), Wesley Butler of Reading High (2019), Lonnie Walker IV of Reading High (2017), Donovon Jack of Berks Catholic (2012), Alex Franklin of Central Catholic (2006) and Charlie Copp of Tulpehocken (2000).
The award has been presented since 1972; Fred Wittich of Mount Penn was in first recipient.
Also at Wednesday’s banquet:
John Sheptock received the Robert W. Harbach Jr. Memorial Award for officiating service.
The award is given annually to a veteran official who has made significant contributions to Berks basketball.
Paula Ogeka was the 2023 recipient. Lou Maiero, in 2003, was the inaugural recipient.
Former Alvernia University coach Mike Miller received the Dr. Richard P. Flannery Award.
The Flannery award annually goes to an individual who “best represents the outstanding service, respect, family and faith” of the late Reading High principal and BCIAA Executive Director. Mike Schorn and Kerry Ciatto, respectively, received the award the past two years.
Earlier this year the RBBA inducted its 16th Hall of Fame class. Inductees were recognized at Santander Arena during the BCIAA playoffs.
The Class of 2024 included: Carl Bruhn and John Stott, Old-Timers; Tres Wolf and Bobby Wolff, Modern-Day players; Meredith Morse, Kristen Venne Marcinko and Cindy Wyrick Koehler, women’s basketball; and Jack McCloskey, coach.
