Past Columns

12/2/08

12/9/08

12/16/08

12/22/08

1/6/09

ed note: We are pleased to have the some info from the North Eastern part of the state. We are pleased to have a long time LLHoops fan , Jon K. to contribute. Thanks Jon. Hope you enjoy.

UPDATED 1/13/09

CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren McGinley (Coughlin girls senior) who scored 14 points, including her career 1,000 point in a win over Tunkhannock Monday night.

TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND SATURDAYS

Throughout the summer months, Jimmy Buffett plays in sold out venues on those select days. However, for Wyoming Valley Conference coaches, players, and athletic directors, those same three days resulted in nothing but headaches and grief last week. Inclement winter weather forced multiple games to be postponed. That in itself is not all that unusual. After all, this is District 2 and it does not take all that much snow to make the surrounding mountainous terrain treacherous. But, last week, a 3-game league schedule was on tap for the WVC. In the best of times, it would have created a wild sprint toward the first half championship, filled with dramatic momentum swings following each division each win or upset. But, add in these postponements and you’ve got something more reminiscent of Survivor than high school hoops competition. Considering that second half play is scheduled to tip off January 22, drama has now become chaos, and the bottom line is that it is not fair to the athletes and coaches. Several teams will play four games over the next 7 days (such as frontrunners Crestwood and Hazleton). But that is nothing compared to the Holy Redeemer lineup which features four games over the next 5 days against the likes of Crestwood, Wyoming Area, and Hazleton. Now, that is fatiguing. Never mind the total loss of practice time. Maybe it would be appropriate to simply blame it all on Mother Nature. Admit nothing can be done about it, deal with it, and play the games. After all, the net result delivers high intrigue from a fans point of view. But, it should be noted that even though the number of games this year has been reduced from 24 to 22, the season is also one week shorter. I guess we can thank the PIAA for that one. On the local level, WVC league officials ought to at least debate the merits of retaining half-play in light of the newly added, and somewhat confusing crossover game format. No doubt that crossover games definitely provide a needed spark of interest in the somewhat watered-down new division setup. Maybe a full 13-game league schedule with the top two teams advancing to a title game might make better logistical sense. Less drama potentially, but more practical for those involved in the games. And when coaches get dealt a hand like last week, there is more flexibility to make adjustments. The Northeast Beat hopes that the Lackawanna League fares better when their 3-game league schedule hits January 27, 29, and 31. On the other end of the spectrum, Williamsport, who plays an independent schedule, will only play 2 games over a 20 day period, thanks to postponements and schedule quirks.

HALFWAY HOME

Several District 2 teams are worthy of special recognition halfway into the season. On the boys side, in the Wyoming Valley Conference, Tunkhannock is already closing in on surpassing their 5-win total from last year. The Tigers compete in the rugged Division 1 where wins will be tough to find, but they have gone from a team with little team chemistry to one that shows real potential of pulling off an impressive upset before this season is over. They gave Crestwood a battle before falling last week. Sameal Hill (6-5, senior) is athletic, a good shot blocker and has a nice shooting touch. Underclassmen Kyle Cavany and Mike Papi give head coach Bob Miller a nice lineup. Papi in particular can be a terrific streak shooter. Wyoming Area, winners of only 4 games last season, has already won 7 games. Everybody knows about their fantastic big man, Bernard Edmonds, but Dave Mizzer and Chris Murphy have been keeping the Warriors on the winning track. Ted Jackson has Dallas again very competitive. The Mountaineers came out on the short end of two OT losses against Holy Redeemer and Wyoming Area. In the Lackawanna League, Scranton Prep may have the best trio of guards in the entire area and is right in the Division 1 race despite losing all five starters from last year. That speaks volumes to the depth of the Cavalier program. On the girls side, in the WVC, Wyoming Valley West has clawed their way back into the Division 1 race and upped their season mark to 9-4. The Lady Spartans are one of those teams that can really turn up their defense and be in every game. In the Lackawanna League, just when you think Scranton had lost their focus, they rebounded for a pair of quality Division 1 wins over Wallenpaupack and Scranton Prep. Carbondale, a team with lots of young talent and great hoops tradition pulled off an eye-catching win over previously undefeated Holy Cross.

ODDS AND ENDS

Last Friday night was one of the most lopsided nights in the Lackawanna League in recent memory. Of all 10 games played, the average margin of victory was just under 22 points. Fortunately, the Northeast Beat got lucky when we decided to cover the Riverside at Valley View game. The Cougars bounced back from a 31 point loss the Dunmore the day before to defeat the Vikings, 56-48. Riverside never led and only tied the game at 22 at the beginning of the third period. While initial interest was focused on their high-scoring senior duo of John Strauss and Kyle Colachino, it was a pair of underclassmen that really got our attention. Jordan Siddons (5-11 sophomore) scored 15 points, added several nifty steals, and converted a few full court fast break opportunities. And freshman Nyeem Wartman (6-2) played well and provided strong rebounding. The Cougars always feature one of the best and most vocal student cheering sections, but ironically they decided to walk out of the gym for virtually the entire middle quarters of the game, returning the cheer on their team late in the third quarter. Holy Redeemer and Dallas participated in a Coaches versus Cancer fundraiser at their game played at College Misericordia. Williamsport Millionaire fans can pay tribute to their 1984 and 1999 state championship teams during halftime of their game against Central Dauphin this Saturday. The 30-0 championship team from 1984 was one of the best that the Northeast Beat had ever witnessed. The memory may be getting cloudy but I believe that they dominated a strong Coatesville team at Martz hall during that title run. WVC second half play begins January 22 while Lackawanna League begins second half play on January 27.

ON THE AIRWAVES

Have you noticed another local radio station added high school basketball onto their schedule? THE GAME (AM 1280, 1340, 1400, 1590) recently announced a full lineup of terrific game which debuted last Friday with the Scranton at Scranton Prep game. Some other games include Holy Cross at Dunmore (1/13), West Scranton at Abington Heights (1/16), Riverside at Old Forge (1.20), Abington Heights at Scranton (1/27), Wyoming Seminary at GAR (2/3), Wyoming Valley West at Pittston (2/10), and Holy Cross at Valley View (2/12). Not interested in those games? Check out ESPN Radio AM 630-1240 and 96.1 FM which has an occasional Game of the Week feature back on their programming lineup. Hoops fans in Hazleton can dial in Cougar games on WAZL 1490 AM. And the top Honesdale area game can be heard on WDNH 95.3 FM. Next time you are out in the car, try one of these broadcast stations and listen in to live District 2 basketball. Here to hoping that all of these stations continue to follow local teams through the February district and March state playoffs.

THIS WEEKS DISTRICT 2 BOYS TOP 10

1.     Holy Cross (10-0) 2A

2.     Williamsport (8-2) 4A

3.     Crestwood (9-1) 3A

4.     Abington Heights (10-1) 3A

5.     Hazleton (8-2) 4A

6.     Scranton Prep (10-2) 3A

7.     Holy Redeemer (6-5) 3A

8.     Dunmore (7-4) 2A

9.     Wilkes-Barre GAR (9-2) 2A

10.  Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (9-2) 3A

OTHERS TO WATCH

Blue Ridge (5-4), Dallas (8-4), Elk Lake (9-1), Nanticoke (6-6), Montrose (7-2), Mountain View (6-3), North Pocono (7-5), Valley View (6-6), West Scranton (9-2), Wyoming Area (8-3)

UPCOMING DISTRICT 2 TOP BOYS GAMES

TUESDAY, 1/13

Holy Redeemer at Crestwood (WVC 1/2 crossover)

Hazleton at Wyoming Area (WVC 1/2 crossover)

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin at Tunkhannock (WVC 1/2 crossover)

Wyoming Seminary at Nanticoke (WVC 3/4 crossover)

Abington Hts. at Scranton Prep (Lackawanna D-1)

North Pocono at West Scranton (Lackawanna D-1)

Holy Cross at Dunmore (Lackawanna D-2)

Lackawanna Trail at Blue Ridge (Lackawanna D-3)

Elk Lake at Mt. View (Lackawanna D-3)

WEDNESDAY, 1/14

Holy Redeemer at Wyoming Area (WVC D-2)

Dallas at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (WVC D-2)

FRIDAY, 1/16

Holy Redeemer at Hazleton (WVC 1/2 crossover)

Wyoming Area at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (WVC D-2)

Northwest at Wilkes-Barre GAR (WVC 3/4 crossover)

West Scranton at Abington Heights (Lackawanna D-1)

Holy Cross at Old Forge (Lackawanna D-2)

Lackawanna Trail at Elk Lake (Lackawanna D-3)

SATURDAY, 1/17

Tunkhannock at Hazleton (WVC D-1)

MMI Prep at Northwest (WVC D-4)

Holy Cross vs. Communications Tech (Marywood)

Central Dauphin at Williamsport (Tribute Night)

MONDAY, 1/19

Hazleton at Crestwood (WVC D-1)

Wyoming V. West at Coughlin (WVC 1/2 crossover)

TUESDAY, 1/20

West Scranton at Scranton (Lackawanna D-1)

Abington Hts. At North Pocono (Lackawanna D-1)

Riverside at Old Forge (Lackawanna D-2)

Valley View at Holy Cross (Lackawanna D-2)

Mt. View at Lackawanna Trail (Lackawanna D-3)

Elk Lake at Montrose (Lackawanna D-3)

LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT BOYS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Pat Mineo (6-0, senior) is playing his guard position about as solid as possible for Scranton Prep. Pat netted 15 points in their emotional 65-57 win over West Scranton. He added 18 points in a 56-38 win over Scranton. Finally, in a Saturday morning matinee, the senior notched 16 points in a 52-43 win over North Pocono.

Mike Ehnot (5-8 junior) scored 19 points in a strong 63-32 win over Valley View. Mike added another 14 points in a 67-36 win over Mid Valley.

DISTRICT 2 BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS AND ANALYSIS

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

DIVISION 1

Crestwood (2-0 first half, 9-1 overall)

Hazleton Area (2-0, 8-2)

Wyoming Valley West (1-1, 4-7)

Tunkhannock (0-2, 4-5)

Pittston (0-2, 4-6)

Hazleton placed four players in double figures and outscored Pittston 40-18 in the second half on their way to a 60-33 win over the Patriots. That win kept the Cougars even with Crestwood, who finally secured a 45-35 win over Tunkhannock (after only leading by five points after 3 quarters). Wyoming Valley West remains one game back. The Spartans got a strong 59-54 win over Wyoming Area in a crossover division game. Freshman Eugene Lewis scored 17 in the win while Bernard Edmonds netted 29 in the loss for the Warriors. Still lots of first half basketball to be played over the next 8 days. This Tuesday night a pair of excellent crossover games highlight the schedule. Holy Redeemer, struggling a bit of late, needs to bring their best effort as they head to play at Crestwood. The Comets know that Pete Alexis will get his share of rebounds, but cannot let him have a big offensive game. Elsewhere, Hazleton travels to play at Wyoming Area. It will be interesting to see how the Cougars defend Bernard Edmonds. Also on Tuesday, Valley West looks to stay in the race as they host Pittston. On Thursday, Crestwood entertains Wyoming Valley West. Friday night Hazleton hosts Holy Redeemer in another premier crossover game. On Saturday, the Cougars battle upstart Tunkhannock in what could be a closer game than most anticipate. Of course the entire first half race could come down to next Monday when Crestwood hosts Hazleton in a game that was postponed from last week. This game definitely gains some luster from the scheduling move. However, if first half playoffs are needed, there will only be 2 days available before the start of second half play on January 22.

DIVISION 2

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (2-0 first half, 9-2 overall)

Wyoming Area (2-1, 8-3)

Holy Redeemer (1-1, 6-5)

Dallas (1-2, 8-4)

Berwick (0-2, 0-8)

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin got 17 points from Joe Caffrey in their 61-39 win over Berwick to remain alone atop the Division 2 race. Wyoming Area nipped Dallas in OT 50-47 in a rare Sunday evening makeup game as Chris Murphy and Bernard Edmonds combined to score 25 points. Holy Redeemer held Dallas to a single overtime free throw after Henry Messinger (13 points) forced the extra period for Dallas in the 42-37 Royal win. Pete Alexis netted 18 points for the winners. Holy Redeemer begins their tough 4-game lineup with a challenging crossover game at Crestwood Tuesday night. Coughlin will try to stay in first place at they head to play at Tunkhannock, another intriguing crossover matchup. On Wednesday, Holy Redeemer plays at Wyoming Area and Coughlin hosts Dallas in another pair of great games. Not to be outdone, Friday night brings a great crossover game as Holy Redeemer visits Hazleton while Coughlin entertains Wyoming Area. Finally, next Monday, Coughlin hosts Valley West in another pivotal showdown. It is a lot of big game in a very short period and do not be surprised if there are 1, 2 or even 3 teams tied form the lead next week.

DIVISION 3

Wilkes-Barre GAR (3-0 first half, 9-2 overall)

Nanticoke (2-1, 6-6)

Lake-Lehman (2-1, 5-6)

Wilkes-Barre Meyers (1-1, 2-9)

Hanover (0-2, 1-9)

Wilkes-Barre GAR trailed Lake-Lehman 26-22 after three quarters, but rallied for a 37-35 win over the Black Knights. Ryan Womack scored 22 for the Grenadiers in the victory. Nanticoke used a strong second half (19-19 tie at halftime) to get by Hanover, 47-33 as Sean Bieski scored 22 points for the Trojans. GAR won the battle of 2-0 teams Monday night as they defeated Nanticoke 66-45. Also tied with Nanticoke, one game back, Meyers rolled over West Side Tech 81-48 as Keyton Winder netted 20 and NaQuan Spicer scored 18 for the Mohawks (Tom Konopke scored 20 for West Side Tech). This week, on Tuesday Nanticoke hosts Wyoming Seminary in a crossover game. On Friday, GAR hosts Northwest in a crossover game while Nanticoke heads to play Meyers.

DIVISION 4

Northwest (2-0 first half, 5-6 overall)

Wyoming Seminary (1-1, 2-6)

MMI Prep (1-2, 4-5)

West Side Tech (1-2, 4-5)

St. Michaels (0-3, 1-5)

Northwest is on top of Division 4 after getting by St. Michaels 64-39. Wyoming Seminary traveled to Freeland and came away with a slight upset win over the Preppers 57-54 as Evan Byers netted 27. MMI rallied from a third period deficit behind the hot shooting of Tyler Breznitsky. On Monday night the Preppers dropped another heartbreaking loss in a crossover to Lake-Lehman, 54-50. Elsewhere, Adam Hurst netted 25 for West Side Tech in their 70-54 win over St. Michaels. This week, on Tuesday, Wyoming Seminary has a critical crossover game at Nanticoke. On Friday, Northwest heads to play at GAR in a crossover game. Finally, on Monday, Northwest entertains MMI Prep is what is certainly a must win game for the Preppers. .

LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

DIVISION 1

Abington Heights (4-0 first half, 10-1 overall)

Scranton Prep (4-0. 10-2)

West Scranton (3-1, 9-2)

North Pocono (2-2. 7-5)

Scranton (1-2. 3-8)

Honesdale (1-3, 4-8)

Wallenpaupack (0-3, 5-7)

Delaware Valley (0-4, 1-10)

Abington Heights and Scranton are deadlocked at 4-0 heading into their showdown at Prep Tuesday night. Abington Heights got by Honesdale (75-36) and Wallenpaupack (56-36) as Dan Smith scored 19 points. The Comets are playing great defense. Scranton Prep headed into West Scranton to continue their game against the Invaders which was previously halted due to wet court conditions. The bandbox sized gym was really rocking and intimidating as West rallied with a 14-6 run to trim the deficit to 46-44, but the Cavaliers regrouped to notch the impressive 65-57 win. Adam Schroth scored 25 points while Tim Lavelle and Pat Mineo combined for 29 points. Tom Horan scored 16 for the Invaders. West Scranton bounced back with a strong 54-36 win over Honesdale as Tyler Hughes scored 17 (5 treys) and Tom Horan added 14 (Wade West scored 20 for Honesdale). Of note was the season loss of Sean Curran from the Hornet lineup due to a broken bone in his wrist. Finally, on Monday night, West got a 61 to 50 win over Delaware Valley. Scranton Prep got a solid win over Scranton, 56-38, as Pat Mineo netted 18 (Terry Turner scored 16 for the Knights). The Cavs also added a 52-43 Saturday morning, pre-snowstorm win over North Pocono as Mineo (16) and Lavelle (14) led the way. Eric Steinmetz scored 18 for the Trojans. North Pocono also had a 48-27 victory over Delaware Valley as Eric Steinmetz and Joe Bonacci each scored 18 points. This week, the premier game is Tuesday when Abington Hts. visits Prep. Also on Tuesday, North Pocono heads to play at West Scranton. On Friday, West Scranton plays at Abington Heights. Next Tuesday, Scranton hosts West Scranton while North Pocono entertains Abington Heights.

DIVISION 2

Holy Cross (4-0 first half, 10-0 overall)

Dunmore (4-0, 7-4)

Valley View (3-1, 6-6)

Old Forge (2-2, 6-6)

Carbondale (2-2, 3-9)

Riverside (1-3, 5-7)

Mid Valley (0-4, 5-7)

Lakeland (0-4, 1-9)

Holy Cross registered a 52-39 win over Riverside in a very physical battle which seemed to get out of control at times. Louis Cipriano scored 17 while Robert Weber netted 15. The Crusaders added a win over Carbondale, 59-39, as Brett Podhyski scored 14. Dunmore kept pace with Holy Cross, setting up their divisional showdown at Dunmore Tuesday night. The Bucks scored a pair of impressive wins over Valley View (63-32) as Mike Ehnot scored 19 and James Timlin had 20. Dunmore also rolled over Mid Valley 67-36 as Matt Maldonato and Mike Ehnot combined to score 30 points. Valley View rebounded nicely after their drubbing to Dunmore with a win over Riverside 56-48 (John Strauss scored 16 and Jordan Siddons 15). Old Forge evened their record at 2-2 with wins over Mid Valley (45-35) as Corey Hodick scored 23 and over Lakeland (58-38). Carbondale also evened their league mark with a 40-34 win over Lakeland. No doubt that the much awaited Tuesday game between Holy Cross and Dunmore will be a sellout, so get there early for that one. On Friday, Old Forge hosts Holy Cross. Saturday brings the rescheduled Holy Cross vs. Communications Tech (8-2) game at Marywood University. Comm Tech is currently rated as the number 15 team in the current MASN/LLHoops.com PIAA State Ratings. Next Tuesday, Riverside travels to play Old Forge as they renew their bitter rivalry. Also, Valley View heads to play at Holy Cross.

DIVISION 3

Elk Lake (3-0 first half, 9-1 overall)

Mountain View (3-0, 6-3)

Lackawanna Trail (3-1, 5-5)

Montrose (3-1, 7-2)

Blue Ridge (1-3, 5-4)

Forest City (1-3, 4-7)

Susquehanna (0-3, 4-6)

Western Wayne (0-3, 1-9)

Elk Lake got 23 points from Jeff Madrak as the Warriors defeated Blue Ridge, 58-36. Mountain View got 17 points from Alex Paschuk in their 52-42 win over Forest City (Jesse Walsh and Ian White combined for 29 points). Lackawanna Trail jumped back into the race with an overtime win over Forest City, 57-53 as Bobby Pacholec netted 21 and Chris Loman scored 25 (Joe Caruso had 25 for the Foresters). The Lions also added a 61-34 win over Western Wayne as Jake Bedford scored 19. Montrose stayed a game off the leaders with a 64-21 win over Susquehanna. The Meteors added a 40-35 win over Blue Ridge Monday night. This week, on Tuesday, Lackawanna Trail visits Blue Ridge and Elk Lake heads to Mountain View for a big game. On Friday Elk Lake hosts Trail. Next Tuesday, Trail hosts Mt. View and Montrose entertains Elk Lake in what could be a winner take all game for the first half title.

GIRLS BASKETBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL

THIS WEEKS DISTRICT 2 GIRLS TOP 10

1.     Hazleton (11-1) 4A

2.     Holy Redeemer (10-2) 3A

3.     Dunmore (11-1) 2A

4.     Old Forge (10-1) 1A

5.     Abington Heights (7-4) 3A

6.     Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (10-3) 3A

7.     Holy Cross (9-2) 2A

8.     Berwick (10-2) 3A

9.     Wyoming Valley West (9-4) 4A

10.  North Pocono (8-3) 3A

OTHERS TO WATCH

Forest City (6-3), Mid Valley (9-4), Montrose (7-4), Nanticoke (8-2), North Pocono (8-3), Riverside (7-6), Scranton (7-6), Scranton Prep (6-5), Valley View (9-4),

UPCOMING DISTRICT 2 TOP GIRLS GAMES

TUESDAY, 1/13

Hazleton at Pittston (WVC D-1)

Berwick at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (WVC D-2)

WEDNESDAY, 1/14

Hanover at Nanticoke (WV D-3)

THURSDAY, 1/15

Hazleton at Holy Redeemer (WVC 1/2 crossover)

Berwick at Crestwood (WVC 1/2 crossover)

Wilkes-Barre Meyers at Nanticoke (WVC D-3)

Wallenpaupack at Scranton Prep (Lackawanna D-1)

Old Forge at Holy Cross (Lackawanna D-2)

Forest City at Montrose (Lackawanna D-3)

SATURDAY, 1/17

Forest City at North Pocono

MONDAY, 1/19

North Pocono at Abington Heights (Lackawanna D-1)

Old Forge at Riverside (Lackawanna D-2)

Holy Cross at Valley View (Lackawanna D-2)

Lackawanna Trail at Mt. View (Lackawanna D-3)

Jersey Shore at Williamsport

LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT GIRLS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Colleen Walsh was a key contributor to Carbondale notching two big wins last week. Colleen first scored 18 points in a 49-32 win over Lakeland. Then, she led the Chargerettes with 23 points in a 51-48 win over previously undefeated Holy Cross.

Chelsea Cornelius (5-11, sophomore) is having a terrific season for Crestwood. Chelsea scored 19 points in a win over Tunkhannock. And despite losing to Hazleton, she netted 19 points for the young Comet team.

DISTRICT 2 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS AND ANALYSIS

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

DIVISION 1

Hazleton Area (4-0 first half, 11-1 overall)

Wyoming Valley West (4-1, 9-4)

Pittston (2-2, 6-6)

Crestwood (1-4, 5-8)

Tunkhannock (0-5, 5-8)

Hazleton remains atop the division and had a big week, getting by Crestwood 64-44 as Alyssa Flanagan netted 15. The bright spot for Crestwood is the sensational play of their two younger players, Chelsea Cornelius (19 points) and Carissa Gegaris (17 points). On Monday night Hazleton rolled over Wyoming Area, 63-21. One of the hottest teams in the entire league has to be Wyoming Valley West. The Lady Spartans bounced back from their opening loss to the Lady Cougars with wins over Wyoming Area (65-26) and Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (50-40) last week. Sami Himlin scored 19 while Nina Liguori added 17. Then, on Monday night, WVW notched a 65-56 win over Pittston, keeping them right on the heels of the Cougars. Elsewhere, Pittston got 20 points from Lauren Smircherko to rally by Tunkhannock after trailing by two at the end of three quarters. This week, Hazleton heads to play at Pittston Tuesday night in a makeup game. On Thursday, first half play ends as Hazleton travels to play a crossover game against Holy Redeemer, maybe of the top games of the entire season. WVW will be expected to get by their home game against Tunkhannock, making the possibility of a playoff with Hazleton.

DIVISION 2

Holy Redeemer (4-0 first half, 10-2 overall)

Berwick (3-1, 10-2)

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (2-2, 10-3)

Dallas (2-2, 4-8)

Wyoming Area (0-5, 5-8)

Holy Redeemer got 16 points from Monica Wignot and defeated a highly-respected Berwick team, 55-50 (Katlin Michaels scored 19 for the Lady Dawgs). They added a 61-44 win over Crestwood Monday night. Berwick remained a game back with a 64-36 win over Dallas. Coughlin rolled over Tunkhannock 59-32, but needs all kind of help to stay alive in first half play. This week, on Tuesday, Berwick travels to play Coughlin in which should be a terrific game while HR should be able to handle Dallas in the Back Mountain. First half play ends Thursday with the blockbuster game between Hazleton and Holy Redeemer. Another key game is Berwick at Crestwood. Berwick still retains a good possibility of finding their way into a playoff situation if a few pieces fall into place.

DIVISION 3

Nanticoke (2-0 first half, 8-2 overall)

Wilkes-Barre Meyers (4-1, 6-8)

Lake-Lehman (3-1, 10-2)

Hanover (3-1, 5-7)

Wilkes-Barre GAR (1-4, 1-12)

The top four teams have a combined 12-3 division record with Nanticoke the lone unbeaten. The Trojanettes got by Wyoming Seminary 57-31 Monday night. Wilkes-Barre Meyers defeated Seminary 42-27 and also notched an impressive win over Lake-Lehman Monday night, 39-27. The loss was the first for the Black Knights who got 19 points from Gaby Olshemski (5 treys) in a 66-12 win over GAR last week. This week, on Wednesday, Nanticoke hosts Hanover. Then, on Thursday, Meyers heads to Nanticoke in a battle for first place. So far, no makeup date has been released for the postponed Nanticoke at Lake-Lehman game, another pivotal matchup that will determine first half honors.

DIVISION 4

Wyoming Seminary (2-2 first half, 4-7 overall)

MMI Prep (2-2, 4-9)

Northwest (1-3, 2-12)

West Side Tech (0-4, 0-8)

Wyoming Seminary got 16 points from Allie Berry in their 40-28 in over MMI Prep, but dropped a 57-31 loss to Nanticoke Monday night. MMI bounced back with a come from behind 48-47 win over Northwest (Rangers were up 38-31 after three quarters). This week, on Thursday, MMI hosts Hanover in a key crossover game.

LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

DIVISION 1

North Pocono (4-1 first half, 8-3 overall)

Abington Heights (4-1, 7-4)

Scranton (4-1, 7-6)

Scranton Prep (3-2, 6-5)

West Scranton (2-3, 5-7)

Wallenpaupack (1-4, 6-7)

Honesdale (1-4, 5-8)

Delaware Valley (1-4, 3-9)

Monday night, Scranton Prep registered a 47-45 overtime win over Abington Heights, creating all kinds of drama heading into the final two first half games. The Lady Comets and now find themselves tied with Scranton and North Pocono at 4-1. Abington Heights earlier got a 45-27 win over Wallenpaupack. Meanwhile, Scranton, without doubt the best 6-loss girls team in the entire area, got another fine effort from Emily Baldacci (21 points) as the Lady Knights pulled away from Scranton Prep, 51-41 (Celia Rader netted 23 for Prep). They added a 56-44 win over Honesdale Monday night. North Pocono got wins over winless Delaware Valley 59-30 as Jull Perih netted 18. The Lady Trojans also defeated an improving West Scranton squad Monday night, 64-52. On Thursday, North Pocono should be favored to get by Honesdale, but it is a difficult gym to play in. Abington Heights travels to cozy West Scranton to battle the Lady Invaders while Scranton hosts Del Val. Not among the leaders, but still a great matchup features Scranton Prep entertaining Paupack. Next Monday, Scranton plays at West Scranton, and Abington Heights hosts North Pocono in a game which will eliminate one of those teams from the first half race. Look for some type of playoff situation to develop and be on the schedule early next week.

DIVISION 2

Dunmore (5-0 first half, 11-1 overall)

Old Forge (4-1, 11-1)

Holy Cross (3-2, 9-2)

Mid Valley (2-3, 9-4)

Valley View (2-3, 9-4)

Riverside (2-3, 7-6)

Carbondale (2-3, 6-6)

Lakeland (0-5, 1-11)

Despite the proclamation from some hoops experts that opposing teams should just FAX in their box scores rather than show up to play Dunmore, Holy Cross served notice that the Division 2 race is alive and well, and on any given night a top-ranked team can be defeated. Well, almost. In the end, it was just another bitter learning experience for the Crusaders who dropped their second game in a row. And for Dunmore, another chapter gets written in what may turn into a very special season. The Lady Bucks never gave up and miraculously find a way to win, despite knowing they could nothing to prevent Holy Cross from knocking down a pair of game clinching free throws with 8 ticks. The shots rimmed out, and amazingly Laruen Carra nailed the improbable trey to send the game to overtime where the Lady Bucks eventually prevailed, 69-67. The win puts them in the drivers seat with only two other teams remaining in the first half race. Dunmore also got a big 65-38 win over Mid Valley as Carra and Tayler Pallotta each scored 20 points. Old Forge is one game back after wins over Lakeland (52-33) and Carbondale (46-38) Monday night. Carbondale and Riverside are two teams that may not get too many headlines but have been keeping their record even by playing very solid basketball. The Lady Vikes got a 60-54 win over Valley View as Morgan Haduck and Jess Segilia combined to score 33 points. This week, on Thursday, Holy Cross entertains Old Forge in a game that could secure the first half for Dunmore if Old Forge gets the win. Dunmore hosts Lakeland before finishing up first half play at Carbondale. On Monday, Old Forge renews the rivalry with Riverside while Holy Cross travels to play at Valley View.

DIVISION 3

Montrose (5-0 first half, 7-4 overall)

Forest City (4-1, 6-3)

Lackawanna Trail (3-2, 7-6)

Mountain View (3-2, 5-6)

Elk Lake (3-2, 5-6)

Western Wayne (2-3, 2-10)

Blue Ridge (0-5, 5-8)

Susquehanna (0-5, 2-11)

Montrose remained atop the division by getting by Susquehanna 58-44 as Dallas Ely netted 21 for the Meteors. Hannah Price scored 23 for the Lady Sabers. Montrose added a 50-42 win over Western Wayne Monday night. Forest City remains one game back after dropping their first game to Mt. View, 50-40 as Kelsey Whitaker netted 14. The Foresters bounced back with a 59-42 win over Susquehanna Monday night. Elsewhere, Elk Lake got 24 points from Karley Caines and defeated Blue Ridge 42-33. They remain two games back along with Lackawanna Trail and Mt. View. This week, on Thursday, Forest City travels to play Montrose in a key first half showdown which could wrap things up for the Lady Meteors. If Forest City can pull off the upset, then Monday games have a much bigger meaning. Those include Trail at Mt. View, Forest City at Blue Ridge, and Montrose at Elk Lake.

That’s it for this edition of the NEP Beat. See you next time!

Question or Comments, email us at LLHoops.NEP-Beat@att.net

Jon K.

Question or Comments, email us at LLHoops.NEP-Beat@att.net

Jon K.