Levi Orton Becomes A-C Valley Basketball’s All-Time Leading Scorer
Levi's driving layup for the record books.
Photo below: A-C Valley Principal, Bill Jordan
presents Levi Orton with the game ball.
Levi Orton like so many times in his four year career at A-C Valley took the ball strong to the hoop. But this time, it was unlike all the others. His shot would eclipse a fifteen year record at A-C Valley, a shot that would put him at the top of the list of some talented players that laced up the shoes before him. A history making shot and one well deserved.
On Tuesday, March 2nd Orton became A-C Valley’s all-time leading scorer by surpassing Sean Foust’s mark set in 2006 (1632). The 6’0", sr. standout guard/forward entered the contest against Sheffield needing only 16 points to break the record. Orton wasted little time in getting it done as he netted 20 points in the first half alone. On the night he finished with 33 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals. It was actually a steal-off an in-bounds that set the play in motion. Fittingly for Orton, a player that never stops hustling or going to the ball.
Orton is the leading scorer in District IX averaging 27.3 points per game and is a big reason the Falcons are 12-6. Orton has 493 points in 18 games this season.
Levi’s commitment to the game began in the Little Dribblers program when he was in first grade. Fittingly, his coach was Alan Eaton who sits as the no. 3 all-time scorer for A-C Valley. Orton also credits the YMCA basketball league which he competed in beginning in 3rd grade.
The road to 1633 at times looked bleak, especially considering the COVID outbreak which almost shut down the entire 2020-2021season. Orton and the Falcons just got the season started when they were quickly forced to shut it down. A ten day layoff, delayed the season yet again and coach McGarvey and his squad spent the season a lot of times playing three games a week.
Orton’s four year journey began when he scored his first career points against Purchase Line in the Hoops for Heroes Tip Off Tournament is freshman year. His first start at the varsity level came against North Clarion in the Christmas tournament when Eddie Stevanus was out due to sickness.
Orton reached the 1,000 point plateau against Clarion in his junior season. Orton’s best point performance of his career was 39 points, a feat which he achieved twice.
Levi now sits above his father, Tim who enjoyed a stellar career at A-C Valley from 1981-1984. In a game earlier this season the younger Orton surpassed his father at the 1262 mark. For Levi it was a memorable moment. “When I was young I would always look at that board outside the gym and see his name up there and would dream about being up there on that list with him. It became surreal this year and it’s hard to believe I have done that because I’ve heard stories about how he played and he was a good player. It was a great moment in time to have done that and I’m thankful for it. The two are the only father /son duo to accomplish such a feat.
Levi credits both his parents for his success. “They have always pushed me to do my best no matter what. Words can’t explain how thankful I am to be able to say that these two are my parents”.
Orton’s accolades on the basketball court are as follows; KSAC 1st Team All-Conference Basketball 10th and 11th grade 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. District 9 All-District 1st Team Basketball 11th grade 2019-2020. Orton was also selected on the KSAC 3rd Team Baseball - Infield/Shortstop 10th grade 2018-2019.
As far as his future plans, Levi will continue to build upon his lawn care business, (Levi’s Lawn care) a venture he started several years ago.
As far as Levi and the Falcons, they will enter the District IX playoffs as the # 5 seed in the 1A division. The Falcons will play #4 seeded Clarion on Wednesday, March 10th at Clarion.
Congratulations to Levi and good luck to the Falcons in the playoffs.