UPDATED 1/15/08

Welcome to First Half Championship Week in District 2 basketball.  What is that you ask?  Both the Wyoming Valley Conference and the Lackawanna League continue the tradition (somewhat outdated, some say) of playing separate first half and second half league schedules.  Basically, each team in the division plays the other teams twice in league play, once home and once away with separate first half and second half division championships awarded.  The benefit to teams that stumble early on is obvious.  They get a clean slate halfway through league play and another opportunity to possibly get back in the division and championship race.  But, in the end, maybe that‚s not entirely fair to those teams that strung together a series of highly successful games or pulled off an incredible upset along the way.  Ever since the district committee elected to switch to an open tournament playoff format a few years ago, the concept of first half and second half play also seems a bit diluted.  Leagues must build a full (open) week into their schedule for possible playoff scenarios.  Just take a glance at the first half standing in the WVC Girls Division 1.  Depending on Thursday night‚s results there could be a 5-way tie for first place.  It is not a longshot possibility by any means.  Granted, that is a situation rarely seen, but should focus league discussion on the extreme steps that would be required to determine a first half champion in such a scenario.  It might make more sense to eliminate half play and therefore not have to begin league schedules until January.  In the end, though, from a fan‚s point of view, half play is exciting and certainly pulls in some of the biggest crowds of the season.  And for those reasons, it will probably be around for a long time to come. 
 
Did one of your favorite Lackawanna League teams play Monday night?  Maybe two of your favorite Lackawanna League teams played Monday night?  But not on the same basketball court, of course.  That would have made too much sense.  In a scheduling oddity like never before seen, a total of seven Monday night league games featured the same matchups on the boys and girls sides.  And some of the games were blockbuster division showdowns.  In Scranton, the Scranton girls hosted Abington Heights while in nearby Clarks Summit the AH boys took on the Scranton boys team in what s always heated rivalry.  Same thing between Valley View and Dunmore, and a handful of other games across the region.  Maybe the league should have considered scheduling girls and boys doubleheader matchups rather than split up the often-loyal school fan followings.    
 
This week, of course there are several championship showdowns, including Division 1 in both the WVC and LL.  On Tuesday the key game takes place Tuesday as Hazleton (5-0) makes the 8-mile jaunt to Mountaintop to play Crestwood (5-0).  A special ticket pre-sale took place Monday and Tuesday and a complete sellout is anticipated.  For those fans without tickets, the game can be heard in the Hazleton area on WAZL (1490 am), on ESPN Radio WEJL 630 am (Scranton) and 1240 am (Wilkes-Barre).  On Wednesday, Abington Heights (5-0) travels to play Scranton Prep (5-0) at the Xavier Center.  There are also pivotal games in all the other divisions that will decide first half champions.  The week also features several interesting exhibition games that will give a further barometer reading on some of the tops teams in the district.  On Saturday, Scranton Prep visits powerful Pocono Mountain East while Nanticoke tangles with a longtime former rival, Hazleton Area, on Monday.  (Back in the 80s the former Hazleton Mountaineers staged some epic battles with the Trojans in sold out venues like St. Joes gym and Kings College).  Wednesday, high-flying Williamsport stops off to take on Crestwood in what should be a great matchup.  On the girls side, Abington Heights survived a sensational effort from Scranton who came oh-so-close to defeating the Lady Comets and their undefeated record, 50-48.  In the end Becky Burke showed everyone why she is a Division 1 college recruit.  It‚s nail-biting games like that one which test character and enable teams to handle the rigors of state possible state playoff competition.                                                  

 

THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 BOYS TOP 10
1.  Crestwood (13-2) 3A
2.  Williamsport (11-3) 4A
3.  Hazleton Area (11-3) 4A
4.  Holy Cross (12-2) 2A
5.  Abington Heights (11-4) 4A
6.  Scranton Prep (10-3) 3A
7.  Wyoming Seminary (11-1) 2A
8.  Dallas (10-3) 3A
9.  Nanticoke (9-5) 3A
10. Elk Lake (10-2) 2A
 
OTHERS TO WATCH
Dunmore (9-6), Holy Redeemer (10-5), Lackawanna Trail (9-7), Mountain View (9-4), Old Forge (11-4), Susquehanna (9-4), Valley View (11-4), Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (9-6)   
 
 
 
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 TOP BOYS GAMES

TUESDAY, 1/15
Hazleton Area at Crestwood (WVC Division 1)
Wyoming Valley West at Pittston (WVC Division 1)
Nanticoke at Wilkes-Barre Meyers (WVC Division 2)
Northwest at Wyoming Seminary (WVC Division 3)
Susquehanna at Elk Lake (LL Division 3)
 
WEDNESDAY, 1/16
Abington Heights at Scranton Prep (LL Division 1)
Dunmore at Riverside (LL Division 2)
Old Forge at Holy Cross (LL Division 2)
Mountain View at Lackawanna Trail (LL Division 3)

THURSDAY, 1/17
Elk Lake at Montrose (LL Division 3)
Montoursville at Williamsport
 
FRIDAY, 1/18
Wyoming Valley West at Hazleton (WVC Division 1)
Holy Redeemer at Dallas (WVC Division 2)
Nanticoke at Hanover (WVC Division 2)

SATURDAY, 1/19
Pocono Mountain West at Scranton
Scranton Prep at Pocono Mountain East
Williamsport at Central Dauphin

TUESDAY, 1/21
Nanticoke at Hazleton

WEDNESDAY, 1/22
Williamsport at Crestwood
 

 
LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT BOYS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Joel Fetterman (5-10, senior) Nanticoke won‚t get any style points, but his critical 3-pointer against Holy Redeemer capped off an impressive rally and sent the game to overtime.  Nanticoke eventually won, 61-58 in double OT.   Joel (19 points), along with Sean Bieski and Josh Niewinski are quickly gaining notoriety as one of the gutsiest, never-give-up backcourts in all of District 2.
 
Louis Cipriano (sophomore) Holy Cross is one of several talented sophs on the Crusaders lineup.  Louis came off the bench against Valley View and immediately made an impact at both ends of the court, scoring 12 points and causing defensive interference all over the place.  Holy Cross won the showdown on the road, 57-50 over the Cougars.
 
 
 
DISTRICT 2 BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS AND ANALYSIS

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)
Crestwood (4-0, 13-2)
Hazleton Area (4-0, 11-3)
Pittston (3-2, 8-8)
Wyoming Valley West (2-2, 6-8)
Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (2-3, 9-6)
Tunkhannock (0-4, 4-9)
Berwick (0-4, 4-11)
 
In Division 1, once again it comes down to Hazleton versus Crestwood.  This was expected to be the year that seasoned teams Pittston and Wyoming Valley West would knock the perennial frontrunners off their perch.  In fact, the much-anticipated showdown between Hazleton and Pittston (at Yatesville) last week never really materialized as the Cougars got off to a quick start, quickly thwarted any hopes of an upset bid, and rolled to a 70-45 win over the Patriots.  Mike Joseph‚s squad played sensational defense and continues to get strong offensive rebounding.  Ethan Eicchorst was high scorer with 22 points.  The Cougars added a home win over pesky Wilkes-Barre Coughlin 44-29 as JJ Gundry netted 16.  Crestwood notched three league wins last week.  First, the Comets got 22 points from Adam Fazzini and outlasted Berwick 36-31.  Next, Fazzini scored 23 in their 62-37 victory over Pittston.  Finally, they got 19 each from Fazzini and Kyle Bogumil to defeat Wyoming Valley West, 53-36. Elsewhere, Coughlin gained two more win as sharpshooter Jim Lavan scored 21 points in their 63-54 win over WVW and forward Jared Berry had 21 in their 42-27 win over Tunkhannock.  Valley West got by Berwick, 63-49 and is stuck in the role of first half spoiler rather than contender.  The Bulldogs also dropped an exhibition matchup against Shikellamy, 48-41.  In the big matchup Tuesday, Hazleton enters the game with a nine game winning streak.  Hazleton features a pair of superb forwards, JJ Gundry (6-6, senior) and Ethan Eicchorst (6-3, senior) along with a great trio of guards in Danny Maguschak (6-3 junior), Matt Calarco (6-2 senior), and Joe Kost (5-10 senior).  Strong contributions off the bench are provided by Christian Laputka (5-9, soph, guard), Shane McKernan (6-1, junior, guard), Derek Hammell (6-8, junior, center), and Adam Davis (6-0, sophomore, guard).  For Crestwood, they are led by their sensational junior playmaker Adam Fazzini (6-5 junior) and strong forward Kyle Bogumil (6-5 senior).  The Comets are also paced by strong shooter Joe Chrismer (5-10, senior, guard), Evan Guignet (6-3, senior, forward), Josh Popowcyz (5-10, junior, PG), and reserve Mike Pritt (6-1, senior).  The Comets have a big, confident nucleus that returned this year and may be a bit vulnerable at the point guard position.  Hazleton has done everything necessary to put themselves in a position to claim a division title.  The Cougars get big games from Gundry consistently, Eicchorst makes big plays, Kost steps into a leadership role, keeping emotions in check, and playing relentless defense.  All things indicate that it should be another great battle for Division 1 supremacy.  Crestwood will then host Tunkhannock Friday as Hazleton travels to play at Wyoming Valley West.    
 
 
DIVISION 2
Dallas (4-1, 10-3)
Nanticoke (3-1, 9-5)
Wilkes-Barre GAR (3-2, 10-5)
Holy Redeemer (2-2, 10-5)
Hanover (2-2, 2-11)
Wilkes-Barre Meyers (1-3, 5-9)
Wyoming Area (0-4, 4-10)
 
Dallas vaulted to the top of Division 2 standings with three big wins last week.  First they got 16 points from Pat Murray in their 54-26 win over Hanover, followed by a 48-34 win over Wyoming Area as Myer Messinger scored 19.  The Mountaineers ended their week with a 46-37 win over Wilkes-Barre GAR.  The game was tied at 28 but GAR did not score for over 8 minutes of the 3rd and 4th periods as Dallas went on a 17-3 run to take control.  Just one-half game back is Nanticoke, a team that has already tied its win total from last year.  The Trojans rallied from a 35-23 deficit by going on a 21-9 run to defeat Holy Redeemer in double overtime, 61-58.  Joel Fetterman scored 19 and Sean Bieski netted 22 in the huge win for the Nanticoke program.  But considering how each of these teams has been playing recently, it‚s hard to call this an upset.  Nanticoke added a win over Wyoming Area 69-52 as Josh Niewinski scored 28 for the Trojans (Bernie Edmonds had 21 for the Warriors).  GAR won two games before their loss to Dallas, slipping past arch-rival Meyers 46-38 as Breon Phillips scored 15 and over Wyoming Area 68-45.  Holy Redeemer sandwiched a pair of wins around their loss to Nanticoke (60-40 over Meyers and 50-38 over Hanover).  On Tuesday GAR goes to Hanover, Wyoming Area hosts Holy Redeemer, and Nanticoke plays at Meyers.  Friday games include Nanticoke playing at rival Hanover and Dallas hosting Holy Redeemer in a huge division showdown.  There could be everything from an outright champ to multiple playoff scenarios possible.  
 
 
DIVISION 3
Wyoming Seminary (3-0, 11-1)
Northwest (3-0, 7-8)
Lake-Lehman (2-1, 3-11)
West Side Tech (1-2, 3-7)
MMI Prep (0-3, 5-10)
St. Michaels (0-3, 0-5)
 
Wyoming Seminary and Northwest are all set for a Division 3 showdown Tuesday night.  Seminary got by Lake-Lehman 61-35 and St. Michaels (53-23) while Northwest got a combined 38 point by Kyle Hilard in wins over MMI Prep (57-42) and West Side Tech (74-46).  Wyoming Seminary dropped their first game of the season as they got outscored 23-5 in the 3rd quarter in a 54-51 loss to Adelphia Academy (NY).  
 
 
 
LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)
Abington Heights (6-0, 11-4)
Scranton Prep (6-0, 10-3)
Delaware Valley (3-3, 8-8)
Scranton (3-3, 5-10)
North Pocono (2-4, 6-8)
West Scranton (2-4, 5-10)
Wallenpaupack (1-5, 6-7)
Honesdale (1-5, 6-10)
 
On Monday night  in Division 1, Abington Heights defeated Scranton 54-36 (Spencer Liddic 20 points, 20 rebounds for AH) and Scranton Prep slipped past Delaware Valley 54-50 as Matt FitzPatrick scored 21 points for Prep to set up a division championship tilt between these two top programs Wednesday night.  To recap how they got here, last week the Comets broke open a 22 halftime tie to defeat West Scranton 48-35.  CONGRATULATIONS to Matt McGloin from West Scranton who scored 18 points, including his career 1,000 point.  AH also defeated Honesdale 54-27 as Spencer Liddic scored 18 points.  Scranton Prep remained perfect with wins over Honesdale (73-39) and North Pocono (76-47) as Billy Joyce scored 22 points, Matt FitzPatrick 17, and Chris Dende 15 in their win over the Hornets.  Scranton and Delaware Valley are both playing well and could factor into the second half race.  When they faced each other last week, DV came out on top 53-51 as Ryan Murphy scored 22 for the Warriors and Matt McGloin netted 22 for the Invaders.
 
 
DIVISION 2
Holy Cross (6-0, 12-2)
Old Forge (5-1, 11-4)
Dunmore (4-2, 9-6)
Riverside (4-2, 7-8)
Valley View (3-3, 11-4)
Lakeland (1-4, 2-8)
Mid Valley (0-5, 1-14)
Western Wayne (0-6, 3-13)
 
Another showdown looms in Division 2 as Old Forge visits Holy Cross Wednesday night.  On Monday, Old Forge slipped past their cross-borough rival Riverside 47-37 and Holy Cross stayed undefeated with a 73-43 win over Western Wayne.  If Old Forge can defeat the Crusaders, they would have to play again in a first half playoff championship game.  Last week, the Blue Devils got 20 points from Stephen Semenza to defeat Mid Valley (56-25) and 15 from Mark Alexander to edge Dunmore, 56-48 (Dunmore was leading 26-24 at halftime in that game).  Valley View led the division a week ago, but dropped three consecutive losses to Riverside 51-42 (VV was up 30-18 at halftime), Dunmore 66-62 (Scott Fenton scored 24 for VV), and Holy Cross 57-50.  The Northeast Beat was on hand for the Valley View and Holy Cross game and came away very impressed by the intense defense played by the Crusaders.  Nico Fricchione (11), Joe Gibbons (10), Louis Cipriano (12), and Brett Podhyski (10) paced Holy Cross who also got a fantastic game from Mark Bevaqua (7 points, 7 blocks).  Valley View repeatedly drove their offense right into the lane and often got turned away by the Crusaders.  The game was played in front of an overflow crowd.  You know it‚s a big game when the junior Cougar ball boys have their faces painted.  Robert Weber also scored 20 points in their 71-41 win over Lakeland.  Even though their game does not figure into the first half title race, Dunmore travels to pay Riverside in what should be another entertaining matchup.        
 
 
DIVISION 3
Elk Lake (5-0, 10-2)
Lackawanna Trail (4-2, 9-7)
Mountain View (3-2, 9-5)
Susquehanna (2-3, 9-4)
Montrose (2-3, 6-8)
Forest City (2-4, 7-7)
Carbondale (2-4, 5-10)
Blue Ridge (2-4, 4-11)
 
There is plenty of drama still to be found in Division 3.  Elk Lake keeps on winning, but nothing is easy in this division.  The Warriors hit 14 of 17 free throws and edged Forest City 58-52.  The Foresters got 20 points from Jesse Walsh and got back Kyle Shollock who left their lineup back in mid-December with a shoulder injury.  Elk Lake then defeated Mountain View 52-43 as Pat Lambert scored 30 of the Eagles points.  Lackawanna Trail tallied wins over Blue Ridge (60-37), Forest City (66-65), and Susquehanna (63-61) to get themselves right back into the division race.  In their win over Susquehanna, Casey Cathrall scored 19 and Christian Sunseri had 16 (Brent Keyes netted 27 for the Sabers).  That duo combined for another 35 points in their 1-point win over Forest City.  Mountain View also remains in contention with a win over Carbondale (63-51) as Pat Lambert scored 33 points.  Elsewhere, Ben Hinckley scored 29 for Blue Ridge in their 54-52 win over Forest City (Chris Nebzydoski had 23 for the Foresters).  This week, on Tuesday, Elk Lake hosts Susquehanna in a key matchup while Mountain View entertains Montrose in a must win game for the Eagles.  On Wednesday, Mountain View heads to play Lackawanna Trail in what is again a must-win game for both teams.  Thursday, Elk Lake travels to play Montrose.  A win for the Warriors in that game wraps up the first half title, regardless of what happens in any of the other games.
 
 
 
WILLIAMSPORT DEFEATS HIGHLY-REGARDED COMMUNICATIONS TECH

The Williamsport Millionaires are really starting to put some of the famous magic back into their home venue, the Magic Dome.  And they‚re starting to turn some heads with their outstanding performances against some of the best teams in the entire state.  Port rolled to their 11th win out of their last 12 games with a dynamite come-from-behind 81-76 win over highly-ranked Class AAA Communications Tech (12-2).  The Cherry and White trailed by 12 points in the third period, but never gave up and battled back for the win.  Isaiah Twine led the way with 21 points, Jadiah Lynch added 15, Sean Ruane 17, and Dontahe Jordan 18.  For the Phoenix, Andrew Randall scored 25 and Antonio Monroe added 24.  Allen Taylor‚s squad hosts Montoursville Thursday before heading to play Central Dauphin on Saturday.  The Millionaires venture deep into District 2 territory once again next Wednesday to play at Crestwood.  Local AAAA head coaches will be on-hand to get some early scouting on them as Port competes through the District 2 Class AAAA tourney into states.                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
GIRLS BASKETBALL     GIRLS BASKETBALL     GIRLS BASKETBALL

 
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 GIRLS TOP 10
1.  Abington Heights (15-0) 4A
2.  Dunmore (15-1) 2A
3.  Holy Redeemer (11-3) 3A
4.  Scranton (12-4) 4A
5.  Hazleton (9-6) 4A
6.  Dallas (11-5) 3A
7.  Pittston (12-4) 3A
8.  Carbondale (12-1) 2A
9.  Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (10-5) 3A
10. Scranton Prep (10-5) 3A
 
OTHERS TO WATCH
Berwick (8-6), Holy Cross (10-6), Lake-Lehman (11-4), Nanticoke (8-8), North Pocono (10-5), Old Forge (11-3), Riverside (7-5), Scranton Prep (10-5), Valley View (11-5), Wilkes-Barre GAR (9-6)
 
 
 
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 TOP GIRLS GAMES

TUESDAY, 1/15
Carbondale at Blue Ridge (LL Division 3)
Pocono Mountain West at Berwick
 
WEDNESDAY, 1/16
Scranton at West Scranton (LL Division 1)
Riverside at Dunmore (LL Division 2)
 
THURSDAY, 1/17
Hazleton at Wyoming Valley West (WVC Division 1)
Berwick at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (WVC Division 1)
Dallas at Wilkes-Barre GAR (WVC Division 2)
Scranton Prep at Abington Heights (LL Division 1)
Holy Cross at Old Forge (LL Division 2)
 
SATURDAY, 1/19
Abington Heights at Wyoming Valley West
Allentown Central Catholic at Holy Redeemer
 
MONDAY, 1/21 (2nd half play begins in Lackawanna League)
Holy Cross at Dunmore (LL Division 2)
Susquehanna at Carbondale (LL Division 3)
 
TUESDAY, 1/22
Holy Redeemer at Hazleton
Wilkes-Barre GAR at Berwick
 
 
 
LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT GIRLS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Katlin Michaels (5-1, junior, guard) Berwick scored 27 points and led her Lady Bulldogs to a 73-67 win over Wyoming Valley West.  Katlin has exceptional passing skills and an outstanding quick drive to the basket.
 
Lauren Carra (5-9 junior) Dunmore scored 23 points in their 45-25 division showdown victory over Valley View.  Lauren added 24 points in the Lady Bucks 63-29 win over Old Forge last week. 
 
 
 
DISTRICT 2 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)
Hazleton (4-1, 9-6)
Berwick (4-1, 8-6)
Pittston (4-2, 12-5)
Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (3-2, 10-5)
Wyoming Valley West (3-2, 7-8)
Crestwood (0-5, 2-14)
Tunkhannock (0-5, 2-11)
 
In Division 1, the first half race got a whole lot more exciting Monday night.  Wyoming Valley West, a team that has had many ups and downs this season, got a fantastic „up‰ effort from Sami Himlin (21 points) and Nicole Sharpnick (21 points) to roll over Pittston Area, 71-43.  The Lady Spartans took a 10-point first quarter lead and never looked back.  That win, plus their 64-51 victory over Crestwood last week puts them right back in the race.  Hazleton got by Crestwood on Monday 65-40.  The Lady Cougars also added a thrilling overtime win over Coughlin last week 63-57 as Alyssa Flanagan scored 21 points and got moved to a more inside role for Hazleton in that game.  Brianna Dudeck used her speed to secure the win with two breakaway layups in the overtime period.  Berwick continues to play well and remains tied atop the division as the Lady Bulldogs got by Tunkhannock 55-33 and Wyoming Valley West last week (73-67).  In the win over WVW, Katlin Michaels scored 27 points and continues to showcase her top guard skills.  Pittston completed first half play and must wait to see what happens on Thursday.  Last week the Lady Patriots got wins over Crestwood (64-44) and Tunkhannock (64-61 in overtime) as Christen D‚Eliseo scored 24 points.  On Thursday night, Hazleton travels to play WVW and Coughlin hosts Berwick.  If the Lady Spartans and Lady Crusaders can pull off wins on their home courts, there would be an astonishing 5-way tie for the division lead.  It would take a full week to work through the various playoff scenarios in that event.
 
 
DIVISION 2
Holy Redeemer (4-0, 11-3)
Dallas (3-1, 12-5)
Lake-Lehman (2-2, 11-4)
Nanticoke (2-2, 8-8)
Wilkes-Barre GAR (1-3, 9-6)
Wyoming Area (0-5, 4-12)
 
In Division 2, the potential is there for a first half tie, but Holy Redeemer will be strong favorite to defeat winless Wyoming Area Thursday night and win the title outright.  The Lady Royals got by Nanticoke Monday night 61-36 and also outlasted Dallas 52-37 last week in a tough shooting night for the Mountaineers.  Dallas also stepped out of league play against Schuylkill League powerhouse Marian Catholic and lost to the Fillies 66-45 as Rachel Connely scored 22 points for Marian.  Lake-Lehman got 19 each from Selena Adamshick and Gaby Olshemski in their 49-39 win over Wyoming Area.  They also added an impressive win over GAR Monday night 76-41 as frosh Adamshick netted 31 points.  Elsewhere, Nanticoke got 25 points each from Jen Harnishfeger and Morgan Thomas in their 76-50 win over GAR last week.
 
 
DIVISION 3
Wilkes-Barre Meyers (4-0, 7-8)
Northwest (3-1, 8-9)
Wyoming Seminary (2-2, 5-8)
MMI Prep (2-2, 3-12)
Hanover (1-3, 1-12)
West Side Tech (0-4, 1-13)
 
In Division 3, Meyers sits atop the standings with their wins over Wyoming Seminary (33-30) last week and their 58-42 win over Hanover Monday night (Christa Tutella scored 19 for the Lady Mohawks).  Northwest remains a half-game back with a win over West Side Tech (54-29) as Melissa Wallace scored 26 for WST.  Then, the Lady Rangers got by Wyoming Seminary 45-39 Monday night.  Meyers can clinch the division outright with in win over MMI Prep on Thursday.  Northwest will be hoping for the Lady Prepper upset and that they can get by Hanover, also on Thursday for force a playoff game.  
 
 
 
LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)
Abington Heights (6-0, 15-0)
Scranton (5-1, 12-4)
Scranton Prep (4-2, 10-5)
North Pocono (3-3, 10-5)
Honesdale (2-4, 6-9)
West Scranton (2-4, 5-10)
Wallenpaupack (1-5, 5-8)
Delaware Valley (1-5, 5-10)
 
In Division 1, Abington Heights defeated Scranton 40-38 Monday night to clinch no worse than a tie for the first half title.  The Lady Comets found themselves in a real battle and needed a pair of free throws from Becky Burke (season low 19 points) to finally secure the win over an inspired effort from Scranton.  On Wednesday, Scranton visits city rival West Scranton in a must win game and then will hope that Scranton Prep can upset Abington Heights on Thursday.  Last week Becky Burke scored 28 points for the Lady Comets in a 68-32 win over Honesdale.  Scranton defeated Wallenpaupack 55-18 while Sarah Walsh netted 23 for the Classics in Prep‚s 50-40 win over North Pocono.      
 
 
DIVISION 2
Dunmore (6-0, 15-1)
Valley View (5-1, 11-5)
Old Forge (4-2, 11-3)
Riverside (4-2, 7-5)
Holy Cross (3-3, 10-6)
Lakeland (2-4, 6-10)
Mid Valley (0-6, 3-12)
Western Wayne (0-6, 2-14)
 
In Division 2, Dunmore rolled over Valley View 45-25 in their battle for first place Monday night as Lauren Carra netted 23 points.  The Lady Bucks have clinched no worse than a tie for the division and can clinch the first half title with a win over Riverside at home Wednesday night.  Valley View must hope for a Lady Vikes upset and a win over Lakeland also on Wednesday to force a playoff game with Dunmore.  Last week‚s highlights included Lauren Rogan scoring 20 in Holy Cross 63-44 win over Lakeland.  Lauren Carra scored 24 for Dunmore in their 63-29 win over Old Forge.  Valley View got by Holy Cross 51-45 (Julie Kosin had 20 points for the Lady Crusaders).  Holly Morgan had 21 points and 12 rebounds in a 73-45 win over mid Valley.  And Old Forge got by Riverside 48-39 in their heated rivalry.      
 
DIVISION 3
Carbondale (5-0, 12-1)
Susquehanna (4-2, 6-9)
Montrose (4-2, 5-8)
Elk Lake (3-3, 5-7)
Mountain View (3-3, 6-9)
Lackawanna Trail (2-4, 5-10)
Blue Ridge (1-4, 5-7)
Forest City (1-5, 2-12)
 
In Division 3, Carbondale has clinched no worse than a tie for the first half title.  The Chargerettes can wrap up the honors with a win over Blue Ridge Tuesday or at home against Forest City Thursday night.  Susquehanna got a big win over Elk Lake Monday night 60-58 to stay alive in the race for now. The Lady Sabers play at Blue Ridge Wednesday.  Montrose edged Mountain View 41-39 and will finish up the first half at Elk Lake Wednesday.
 
 
 
 
 
 
That‚s it for this week.
 
See you in the bleachers.
 
Jon K.