Johnny Galarza is in the final 20 of an online competition that pays $25,000 to the winner.

Johnny, a freshman at Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) High School, is competing in the Youth Athlete of the Year balloting, where student-athletes from across the nation are vying for a spot in "Sports Illustrated" and a $25,000 grand prize.

Johnny finished first out of 62 kids to advance to the final 20. The voting process changes after each round. For updates about how to vote for Johnny, visit the Instagram pages @johnnyg42029 and @hoophouselanc.

Johnny's mom, Jade, submitted Johnny's application to the online magazine. "I saw something on Instagram about a Youth Athlete of the Year and entered Johnny in June," she said. "You have to be picked to join, and I didn't hear anything until mid-July when I got a text saying Johnny has been chosen. We had to create like a profile and put photos, and the student has to be doing well academically. It's been a whirlwind ever since."

Johnny has allowed himself to dream about what he would do with the $25,000 prize. "I want to donate some of the money so kids can train at the Hoop House for free," he said.

The Hoop House is an indoor training facility Johnny's dad, John, opened in Lancaster. "This is where (Johnny) is all the time," John said. "We opened this about two years ago, specifically for him to be able to train, and then for other kids, too. He lives here basically."

Johnny played on the Pioneers' junior high team and participated with the junior high and varsity squads during summer league. He has also played tennis, baseball, football, and has boxed. Johnny plans to compete on the L-S track and field team.

Of all the sports, basketball is a clear favorite. "He was walking before he turned 1 and playing on a mini basket," Jade said. "He was trying to dunk it. It was just something that he's loved forever."

Johnny is hoping to contribute to the Pioneers' high school program this winter and hopes to play basketball in college.

When he's not on a basketball court, Johnny enjoys volunteering with local food banks.