On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Upper Moreland seniors Marie Meyers, Mikel Lancit, Lianna Adames & Lillian Hansen were recognized for committing to compete in basketball at the collegiate level. (Photos provided courtesy Stephen Leventhal/UMHS)
“The four girls playing in college from Upper Moreland truly mean the world to me, and I hate seeing them go, but I am so proud and happy they can continue to play basketball at the next level,” UM coach Josh Adelman said. “They have done everything I have asked from them in the two years I have been their coach. They are great young women on top of everything. They attended every tournament in the preseason and during the offseason. Their work ethics set the tone for the younger girls that are trying to fill their shoes this season. They were very coachable, and I will always wish them the best in their careers and life. They all come from such amazing families with their own stories, but they truly supported me and the program ever since I met them. We really became like a family rooting each other on.”
Lianna Adames – Immaculata University (Basketball)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: Immaculata, Alfred State, Arcadia, Penn State Berks, McDaniel
Reasons for choosing Immaculata: “Immaculata was the right choice for me just based on the campus and playing style
but also the team dynamic. I just felt very at home, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. I knew once I stepped on campus that was the right place for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “When I started to play AAU, that’s when I knew I wanted basketball to be a part of my life the next four years going into college. It was just very important to me and keeping it in my life in any way was the goal. Playing AAU and also getting offers and being seen by coaches was the important part. Getting to play with those teammates and new people in general and getting to play for new coaches was exciting, so I wanted to continue that.”
Coach Josh Adelman: “Lianna played through many injuries this season and never gave up. She is instant offense and has an unbelievable range on her shot. Teams always told me they had to contain her offensively. But Lianna really developed her ball handling skills, ability to attack the basket, and showed a great knack of getting steals off the ball by being a step ahead. She will compete and help lead her college team as soon as she steps on the court.”
About Lianna:
Favorite food: Chicken
Favorite TV show: Stranger Things
Favorite artist: Bad Bunny
Lillian Hansen – Susquehanna University (Basketball)
Major: Environmental Science
Final list of colleges: Susquehanna, Gettysburg, Lebanon Valley, Ursinus
Reasons for choosing Susquehanna: “I really liked the team atmosphere and just the way they played, and the school is really nice.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “I thought I wanted to play going into my junior year – that was when I started for the first time, and it was such a higher level of competition. I really liked it, and I wanted to seek it out. My junior year summer, I played AAU, and that’s when it really became a reality for me.”
Coach Josh Adelman: “Lilly is going to be a huge part of Susquehanna University when her ACL fully heals. I will say this now and our whole team knows this - we are battling Cheltenham for the league if she is healthy. She rebounds and blocks shots with such ferocity, that it would have allowed the other girls to play more freely on the court. She has such a presence on the court defensively. Her offensive game was improving so much. She has three-point range, and when she trusts her inside moves, she will be tough to handle inside. Injuries unfortunately happen, but college basketball will be Lilly’s time to shine and help that program grow, there is no doubt in my mind.”
About Lilly:
Favorite food: Burritos
Favorite movie: Sharkboy & Lavagirl
Favorite artist: Playboi Carti
Mikel Lancit – East Stroudsburg University (Basketball)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: East Stroudsburg, Franklin Pierce, Pace
Reasons for choosing ESU: “It felt like a community, and when I visited, all the girls were incredibly kind.”
What was the progression that led you to competing basketball at the collegiate level? “I played basketball from a very young age. My brother played, and my dad played, so just growing up in a basketball family made it something I was super passionate about.”
Coach Josh Adelman: “Mikel did it all for our team. She developed her game in so many areas. Her offensive moves to the basket, finishing with both hands in traffic, having three-point range, and she was an excellent ball handler. But she did it on the defensive end too. Constantly playing the opposing team’s best player. She never came off the floor. Her college program has gotten a steal with Mikel. She will always work on her game and will be that silent leader that leads by example.”
About Mikel:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Marie Meyers – Widener University (Basketball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Widener, Arcadia, Ursinus
Reasons for choosing Widener: “I chose Widener because they’re close to home, which I really liked, and they’re also a really tight-knit community. I also liked how they draw a big crowd for their girls’ games.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “I loved the sport since
I started in second grade, and when I really started to know I wanted to play in college was probably my eighth grade year going into ninth grade – that AAU season I really started to focus in and really started working hard so I could play in college.”
Coach Josh Adelman: “Marie is such a free spirit and competitor. She never wants to come out of a game. She was asked to play inside more this season because of Lilly’s Injury. But she always has such good touch on her 3-point shot. I believe she will continue to improve her defense by being coachable and getting stronger during college. She will find her spot and flourish at the next level because she never stops competing.”
About Marie:
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite TV show: Modern Family
Favorite artist: Sza
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