UPDATED 1/22/08

Congratulations to all of the District 2 boys and girls first half division champions.
 
Wyoming Valley Conference 
Division 1 Boys:  Crestwood Comets (6-0)
Division 1 Girls:   Hazleton Area Lady Cougars (5-1)
Division 2 Boys:   Nanticoke Trojans (5-1)
Division 2 Girls:    Holy Redeemer Lady Royals (5-0)
Division 3 Boys:  Wyoming Seminary Blue Knights (5-0)
Division 3 Girls:   Wilkes-Barre Meyers Lady Mohawks (5-0)
 
Lackawanna League
Division 1 Boys:  Abington Heights Comets (7-0)
Division 1 Girls:   Abington Heights Lady Comets (7-0)
Division 2 Boys:  Holy Cross Crusaders (7-0)
Division 2 Girls:   Dunmore Lady Bucks (7-0)
Division 3 Boys:  Elk Lake Warriors (6-1)
Division 3 Girls:   Carbondale Chargerettes (7-0)
 
This certainly was an interesting week in District 2 basketball.  Just one week ago, I was lamenting the possibility of a 5-way tie for the WVC Division 1 girls race.  Not only did that scenario not develop, but there was not a single divisional playoff game required to decide first half champions.  So it is equally interesting that all 12 boys and girls divisions had their winner determined outright.  Most surprising might have been that the Nanticoke Trojans surpassed preseason favorites Holy Redeemer, Dallas, and GAR to capture boys Division 2 WVC honors.  But rather than trying to focus on what the other teams have failed to accomplish, give credit to the Trojans and their sensational trio of guards.  In the Lackawanna League, the Abington Heights boys continue to reload despite often losing substantial talent to graduation each year.  Not sure that their program and often- reserved head coach Ken Bianchi gets the credit they deserve.  One thing for certain, I have ever seen coach Bianchi jump so high into the air as when his Comets committed a walking violation late in their game against Scranton Prep (Comets were trying to preserve a 10-point lead).  And talk about pulling an ailing program together, Al Callejas continues to patch together an injury-riddled Holy Cross lineup and secured a first half title for his Crusaders.  On the girls side, most of the division favorites held on for first half honors and bring an impressive combined record of 36-1 into second half action.
 
The Northeast Beat was all over District 2 last week as we covered boys showdowns at Crestwood, Scranton Prep and Dallas in addition to taking in the terrific girls game between Holy Redeemer and Allentown Central Catholic on Saturday.  By the way, special kudos to the Scranton Prep gameday crew who does a fantastic job announcing their games.  Their efforts are equal to the impressive surroundings of the new Xavier Center that Prep recently built. And speaking of Holy Redeemer, they have really put together a top-notch exhibition schedule this year with games already played against Abington Heights, State College, Dunmore, Scranton, Pottsville Nativity, and Allentown CC.  Upcoming games this week feature a road to Hazleton tonight and a home battle against powerhouse Marian Catholic on Thursday.  This really is an impressive lineup of opponents and will prepare them well for postseason action.
 
This Sunday, the Lehigh Valley Hoop Festival returns to Parkland high school with a slate of five games beginning at 1:00 pm.  Hazleton Area takes on Lower Merion at 2:40 pm.  Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students.  The entire lineup of games is listed further below.  These hoops festivals are outstanding for the talent that they bring onto a single floor in one day, but can sometimes be void of any real crowd enthusiasm because teams are often brought well away from their home fan bases.  Still, they are fun to watch for hoops junkies like myself and the spacious facility that Parkland has provides ample parking, seating and delicious concessions.      
 
 
                                       
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 BOYS TOP 10
1.  Crestwood (15-2) 3A
2.  Holy Cross (13-2) 2A
3.  Abington Heights (12-4) 4A
4.  Williamsport (12-4) 4A
5.  Hazleton Area (13-4) 4A
6.  Wyoming Seminary (14-1) 2A
7.  Scranton Prep (10-5) 3A
8.  Nanticoke (11-6) 3A
9.  Holy Redeemer (12-5) 3A
10. Elk Lake (12-3) 2A
 
OTHERS TO WATCH
Dallas (10-5), Dunmore (11-6), Lackawanna Trail (10-7), Mountain View (10-6), Old Forge (11-6), Susquehanna (10-6), Valley View (13-4), Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (11-6), Wilkes-Barre GAR (11-5)   
 
 
 
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 TOP BOYS GAMES

TUESDAY, 1/22
Abington Heights at Delaware Valley (LL Division 1)
Dunmore at Holy Cross (LL Division 2)
Elk Lake at Lackawanna Trail (LL Division 3)
Mountain View at Forest City (LL Division 3)
Williamsport at Crestwood
 
THURSDAY, 1/24
Scranton Prep at Wallenpaupack (LL Division 1)
Abington Heights at North Pocono (LL Division 1)
Holy Cross at Riverside (LL Division 2)
Lackawanna Trail at Montrose (LL Division 3)
Forest City at Susquehanna (LL Division 3)
Holy Redeemer at Williamsport 
 
FRIDAY, 1/25
Wilkes-Barre Coughlin at Crestwood (WVC Division 1)
Wilkes-Barre GAR at Nanticoke (WVC Division 2)

SATURDAY, 1/26
Scranton Prep at Scranton (LL Division 1)
Valley View at Old Forge (LL Division 2)
Susquehanna at Mountain View (LL Division 3)
Wyoming Valley West at Quakertown
Williamsport (in Williamsport Showcase)
 
SUNDAY, 1/27
Hazleton vs. Lower Merion (LV Hoop Festival, Parkland 2:40 pm)

TUESDAY, 1/29
Wilkes-Barre Coughlin at Pittston (WVC Division 1)
Nanticoke at Dallas (WVC Division 2)
Holy Redeemer at Wilkes-Barre GAR (WVC Division 2)
Wyoming Seminary at MMI Prep (WVC Division 3)
Abington Heights at West Scranton (LL Division 1)
Riverside at Valley View (LL Division 2)
Forest City at Elk Lake (LL Division 3)
Williamsport at State College
 
 

LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT BOYS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eric Steinmetz (6-0, junior) from North Pocono had a memorable week, despite battling through the tragic loss of a close friend.  Eric scored 32 points (including 5 treys) in a 63-63 win over Delaware Valley and then netted 23 in a nonleague 65-62 win over Forest City.
 
Scott Fenton (6-2, senior) from Valley View continues to play very strong, physical basketball for the Cougars.  Scott scored 23 points in a 54-45 win over Lakeland and then added 22 more in their 52-40 win over Carbondale.       
 
 

LEHIGH VALLEY HOOP FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY (JANUARY 27)
Schedule of Games
1:00 pm    Northern Lehigh (12-1) vs. Bethlehem Freedom (7-11)
2:40 pm    Hazleton Area (13-4) vs. Lower Merion (14-4)  
4:20 pm    St. Patricks, NJ (13-2) vs. Blair Academy, NJ (13-5)
6:00 pm    Chester (16-1) vs. Harrisburg (10-7)
7:20 pm    Parkland (12-1) vs. Prep Charter (9-4) 
 
Notable Players
Quintrell Thomas (St. Patricks, 6-8, senior, headed to Kansas)
Nasir Robinson (Chester, 6-5 senior, headed to Pittsburgh)
Jarett Mann (Blair Academy, 6-4 senior, headed to Stanford)
Dexter Strickland (St Patricks, 6-3 junior)
Greg Robbins (Lower Merion, 6-6 junior)
 
 
 
BOYS EXHIBITION ACTION HIGHLIGHTS AND RECAPS
Given the normal break in the schedules between first and second half division play, several teams took time out for nonleague games.  Coughlin got 12 points from Mike McGinley in their 47-43 win over Dallas.  Par Murray (17) and Henry Messinger (11) led the Mountaineers.  The teams combined to only hit 21 of 42 free throws.  Tyler Breznitsky scored 25 points in a losing effort to Moravian Academy, 52-59.  North Pocono took on Forest City in a tight game all the way which the Trojans eventually won, 65-62.  North Pocono placed three players in double figures (Eric Steinmetz 23, Michael Bonacci 15, and Joe Bonacci 10).  Valley View defeated Carbondale 52-40 as Scott Fenton scored 22 and Kyle Colachino scored 15.  Old forge got a great effort from Kyle McMyne (23 points, 7 treys) but the Blue Devils fell short against Notre Dame East Stroudsburg (13-5), 46-44.  Tyseane Whitt scored 23 points for GAR in their surprisingly easy 62-42 win over Pittston.  Scranton gave Pocono Mountain East (16-2) all they could handle (Knights led at halftime 39-24) but lost to the Cardinals 70-66 as Kyheim Hall scored 26 points (Bilal Floyd scored 21 for Scranton).  Chris Dende scored 17 points but Scranton Prep got outscored 15-6 in the second period and dropped a 67-52 loss to Pocono Mountain West.  Hazleton Area tuned up for second half action with a strong 77-49 home win over Division 2 champ Nanticoke Monday night.  For the Cougars Matt Calarco netted 16 and Ethan Eicchorst had 14.  The Trojans were paced by Sean Bieski with 15 and Joel Fetterman with 14 points.  Hanover edged Lake-Lehman 53-49 and Meyers dropped a 79-56 game to Danville.  Wyoming Seminary had a 35-22 lead after three periods, but had to hang for a 40-38 win over Wyoming Area.  Mike Alvardo scored 18 for the Blue Knights.               
 

 
DISTRICT 2 BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS AND ANALYSIS

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE
x (denotes won first half title)
 
DIVISION 1 (second half record, first half record, season record)
x-Crestwood (0-0, 6-0, 15-2)
Hazleton Area (0-0, 5-1, 13-4)
Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (0-0, 3-3, 11-6)
Pittston (0-0, 3-3, 8-10)
Wyoming Valley West (0-0, 3-3, 7-9)
Berwick (0-0, 1-5, 5-12)
Tunkhannock (0-0, 0-6, 4-11)
 
The Division 1 showdown between Hazleton Area and Crestwood, played before a standing-room only crowd in Mountaintop last Tuesday, was a defensive battle all the way.  Mark Atherton‚s hometown Comets never trailed in this one and captured a key 48-36 victory over the defending league champions.  Hazleton had their share of offensive woes in the first half, only hitting 3 of 20 shots, and trailing 16-8 at the break.  Crestwood really scouted Hazleton well and bottled up Cougar big man JJ Gundry for most of the night.  Gundry (17 points) did hit a trey to trim a 16-point deficit (after three periods) to six (39-33) with 3:00 remaining.  However, Crestwood, behind their sensational playmaker Adam Fazzini (17 points), regrouped and held on for the win.  The loss marked one of the lowest point totals for Mike Joseph‚s squad in several years and focused attention on their general lack of a three-point shooting game.  Though they do have skilled ball handlers, they have not yet found a consistent replacement for their perimeter scoring.  Crestwood then clinched the division championship on Friday night with a 44-27 win over Tunkhannock.  The Comets behind Fazzini (15 points) and Kyle Bogumil (14 points) grabbed a quick lead and were never really challenged in this one.  Hazleton traveled to play Wyoming Valley West and made it clear that they already put the Crestwood loss behind them as they rolled over the Spartans, 60-42 (Gundry scored 18 and Ethan Eicchorst netted 15).  Elsewhere, Berwick got 18 points from Mike Pyles to give the Bulldogs their first league win of the year, 46-42 over Tunkhannock, but then only managed to score 17 points in a loss to Coughlin on Friday night (38-17).  This week second half play resumes Friday night with Coughlin visiting Crestwood in a key matchup while Berwick hosts Pittston and Tunkhannock travels to Hazleton.  Next Tuesday, Coughlin heads to Pittston in the highlight game.                         
 
 
DIVISION 2
x-Nanticoke (0-0, 5-1, 11-6)
Holy Redeemer (0-0, 4-2, 12-5)
Dallas (0-0, 4-2, 10-5)
Wilkes-Barre GAR (0-0, 3-3, 11-5)
Hanover (0-0, 3-3, 4-12)
Wilkes-Barre Meyers (0-0, 2-4, 6-11)
Wyoming Area (0-0, 0-6, 4-13)
 
In Division 2, Nanticoke took care of business and found themselves right in the first half title race tied with Dallas.  The Trojans got another great game from their trio of guards, Sean Bieski (19 points, 4 treys), Joel Fetterman (13 points) and Josh Niewinski (11 points) in their 59-33 win over Meyers.  Elsewhere, Holy Redeemer got 21 from Greg Sam and got by Wyoming Area 57-46 (Bernie Edmonds 28 for the Warriors).  Owen Wignot did not play in that game due to an illness.  Also of note on Tuesday was Hanover‚s surprising 52-39 upset win over GAR (although Breon Phillips did not play and Ryan Womack reportedly left the Grenadiers team).  On Friday, Nanticoke finally pulled away from rival Hanover (Rob Kokinda 21 points) as the Trojans got by the Hawks 55-43.  Joel Fetterman scored 18 for Nanticoke in the win.  That set up the pivotal game between Dallas and Holy Redeemer as the Mountaineers needed to win for force a playoff game with the Trojans.  The Royals had Owen Wignot back and although he was not 100% he still netted 12 points.  Kyle Gilmartin also contributed 15 points in their 49-39 win over Dallas (Myer Messinger scored 20 for the Mounts) which gave Nanticoke their first title in several years.  As second half action resumes this week, Nanticoke hosts GAR, Dallas goes to Meyers and Hanover plays at Wyoming Area.  Next Tuesday features a pair of possible payback matchups as Nanticoke plays at Dallas (their only first half loss) and GAR hosts Holy Redeemer.        
 
 
DIVISION 3
x-Wyoming Seminary (0-0, 5-0, 14-1)
Northwest (0-0, 4-1, 8-9)
Lake-Lehman (0-0, 3-2, 4-13)
MMI Prep (0-0, 2-3, 7-11)
West Side Tech (0-0, 1-4, 3-9)
St. Michaels (0-0, 0-5, 0-7)
 
No drama in Division 3 as Wyoming Seminary placed three players in double figures (Mike Alvardo 14, Evan Byers 13, Matt Swaback 11) in their 51-25 win over Northwest.  Then the Blue Knights wrapped up first half honors with a convincing 58-21 win over West Side Tech as Gary Robinson netted 13 and Max Saidman added 12.  Elsewhere, there were some great individual performances in this division last week.  MMI placed three players in double figures (Tyler Breznitsky 21, Sean Kost 20, and Justin Yakubowski 18) in their 70-57 win over West Side Tech.  Breznitsky added 22 more in the Preppers 78-35 win over St. Michaels (Tide Pasture scored 23 for the Knights).  Finally, Mike Eckman scored 24 for Lake-Lehman in their 70-40 win over St. Michaels (Pasture netted 22 in the loss).  This week Division 3 has no league games until next Tuesday (1/29) when MMI Prep hosts Wyoming Seminary in a key matchup.    
 
 
 
LACKAWANNA LEAGUE
x (denotes won first half title)
 
DIVISION 1 (second half record, first half record, season record)
x-Abington Heights (0-0, 7-0, 12-4)
Scranton Prep (0-0, 6-1, 10-5)
Delaware Valley (0-0, 3-4, 8-9)
North Pocono (0-0, 3-4, 8-8)
West Scranton (0-0, 3-4, 6-10)
Scranton (0-0, 3-4, 6-11)
Wallenpaupack (0-0, 2-5, 7-8)
Honesdale (0-0, 1-6, 6-11)
 
In Division 1, Abington Heights took on Scranton Prep in a showdown of undefeated division frontrunners.  The Comets ran a patient, methodical offense to precision accuracy that produced numerous high percentage shot opportunities.  Spencer Liddic had a great game with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but he sure did get a lot of help from his friends in this one.  Cory Spangenberg, EJ Murphy, Mike Dargatis, and Kurt Medeiros all played an intense game that seemed to have the Cavaliers guessing all night and led to a few ill-advised trey attempts (only hit 5 of 20 on the night).  After Abington pulled out to a 29-20 halftime lead, Prep rallied to quickly cut the gap to 3 points (29-26) and then later to 31-30.  After a Comet timeout, Abington Heights extended their lead back out to 39-32 and they then held on for a 57-47 victory.  Matt FitzPatrick played very well, scoring 18 for the Cavs and Chris Dende added 13.  Elsewhere in the division, Matt McGloin scored 20 points (including 9 in the overtime period) and Alex Lee netted 23 as West Scranton won the city battle over Scranton, 49-47 in OT.  Tim Silsby scored 20 points for Wallenpaupack in their 60-54 win over Honesdale (despite being outscored 15-2 in the second period).  And North Pocono (Eric Steinmetz 32 points) nipped Delaware Valley (Ryan Murphy 26 points), 63-62.  This week is a 3-game week in Division 1.  On Tuesday, Abington Heights heads to play Delaware Valley and West Scranton plays at Scranton Prep.  Thursday has Abington Heights at North Pocono and Prep going to Wallenpaupack.  Saturday‚s action is highlighted by Scranton Prep at Scranton and Wallenpaupack at Abington Heights.       
 
 
DIVISION 2
x-Holy Cross (0-0, 7-0, 13-2)
Dunmore (0-0, 5-2, 11-6)
Old Forge (0-0, 5-2, 11-6)
Valley View (0-0, 4-3, 13-4)
Riverside (0-0, 4-3, 7-9)
Lakeland (0-0, 2-5, 3-9)
Mid Valley (0-0, 1-6, 2-15)
Western Wayne (0-0, 0-7, 3-14)
 
Division 2 had their own division showdown as Holy Cross took on Old Forge at the Lackawanna Student Union Center.  Despite the Crusaders having an injury-riddled lineup (Robert Weber, Adam Reese, Brett Podhyski) their reserve talent showed off in a big way as Joe Baress scored 10 points (Nico Fricchione added 17) in their 53-40 win over the Blue Devils.  Holy Cross rallied to take an improbable 26-23 halftime lead that they maintained throughout the rest of the game, outscoring Old Forge 18-8 in the final period.  Stephen Semenza scored 17 points for the Blue Devils in the loss.  Elsewhere, Dunmore continues to show that they might be a real force to deal with in the second half as they rallied from a 34-28 deficit after three quarters to defeat Riverside 55-50 in double OT.  Dennis Dempsey scored 14 for the Bucks (who only converted 10 of 24 free throws).  Valley View got back on the winning track with a 54-45 win over Lakeland as Scott Fenton scored 23 for the Cougars.  Mid Valley got 20 points from Mike Cravath in a 51-48 win over Western Wayne, their first division victory.  This week is loaded with a great matchup each night.  First up, on Tuesday, Holy Cross hosts Dunmore in what should be a capacity crowd.  Thursday features Holy Cross at Riverside and Saturday night has Valley View playing at Old Forge.
 
 
DIVISION 3
x-Elk Lake (0-0, 6-1, 12-3)
Lackawanna Trail (0-0, 5-2, 10-7)
Mountain View (0-0, 4-3, 10-6)
Susquehanna (0-0, 3-4, 10-6)
Forest City (0-0, 3-4, 8-8)
Montrose (0-0, 3-4, 7-9)
Carbondale (0-0, 2-5, 5-12)
Blue Ridge (0-0, 2-5, 4-12)
 
In Division 3, Elk Lake wrapped up the division first half championship last Wednesday with a 69-58 win over Susquehanna as Jeff Madrak netted 21 points (Payton Baltzley, Tom Greenwood, and AJ Lunger each had 12).  The Warriors outscored the Sabers 24-16 in the final period to secure the win.  Elk Lake, then dropped a surprising game to Montrose 43-40 in what was a meaningless game for division standings.  The Warriors only hit 4 of 12 free throws in the loss to the Meteors.  Elsewhere, Kirk Fallon scored 22 points for Susquehanna in their 61-50 win over Blue Ridge.  Lackawanna Trail remains red-hot as the Lions won their 4th straight game, 67-54 over Mountain View as Christian Sunseri scored 17.  This week, Elk Lake plays at Lackawanna Trail and Forest City host Mountain View on Tuesday.  Thursday, Forest City plays at Susquehanna.  And on Saturday, Susquehanna heads to Mountain View, Blue Ridge travels to Elk Lake and Forest City hosts Montrose.  
 
 
 
WILLIAMSPORT TO TAKE ON TWO DISTRICT 2 TOP TEAMS
Williamsport, a team that has been scoring 70+ points most every game this season was held to only 44, and maybe learned a valuable lesson about underestimating an opponent as Montoursville (11-5) shocked the Millionaires 51-44.  The victory was especially sweet for Warriors head coach Jamie Spencer who played ball for the Cherry and White on their 1995 state finalist team.  Williamsport (12-4) put that loss behind them Saturday night and rallied from a 54-53 deficit to defeat Central Dauphin 80-69 as Jadiah Lynch hit 4 treys in the win.  This week, Port travels to take on top rated District 2 Crestwood on Tuesday before hosting Holy Redeemer (also from District 2) on Thursday.  On Saturday they host their Showcase event.            
 
 
 
DISTRICT 2 BOYS LEAGUE LEADING SCORERS
1.  Bernard Edmonds (6-5 junior, Wyoming Area) 20.5
2.  Adam Fazzini (6-5 junior, Crestwood) 20.2
3.  Jeff Madrak (6-3 junior, Elk Lake) 19.6
4.  Spencer Liddic (6-5 senior, Abington Heights) 19.3
5.  Brent Keyes (6-6 senior, Susquehanna) 19.0
6.  Tide Pasture (St. Michaels) 18.8
7.  Eric Steinmentz (6-0 junior, North Pocono) 18.4
8.  Tyler Breznitsky (5-8 junior, MMI Prep) 17.8
9.  Ryan Murphy (6-0 senior, Delaware Valley) 17.7
10.  Myer Messinger (6-6 senior, Dallas) 17.0
11.  Pat Lambert (6-4 senior, Mountain View) 16.9
12.  Jesse Walsh (6-7 junior, Forest City) 16.9
13.  Eric Tomcho (6-0 senior, West Side Tech) 16.8
14.  Stephen Semenza (6-3 senior, Old Forge) 16.6
15.  Matt McGloin (6-2 senior, West Scranton) 16.4
16.  Josh Niewinski (6-0 senior, Nanticoke) 15.5
17.  Christian Sunseri (6-2 senior, Lackawanna Trail) 15.4
18.  Ben Hinckley (5-11 senior, Blue Ridge) 15.3
19.  Sean Bieskli (6-2 junior, Nanticoke) 15.2
20.  Nico Fricchione (senior, Holy Cross) 15.1
 
 
 
 
 
GIRLS BASKETBALL     GIRLS BASKETBALL     GIRLS BASKETBALL

 
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 GIRLS TOP 10
1.  Abington Heights (18-0) 4A
2.  Dunmore (17-1) 2A
3.  Holy Redeemer (13-3) 3A
4.  Scranton (14-4) 4A
5.  Hazleton (10-6) 4A
6.  Dallas (13-5) 3A
7.  Pittston (12-5) 3A
8.  Carbondale (16-1) 2A
9.  Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (11-5) 3A
10. North Pocono (13-5) 3A
 
OTHERS TO WATCH
Berwick (9-7), Holy Cross (11-7), Lake-Lehman (12-5), Nanticoke (10-8), Old Forge (12-4), Riverside (9-6), Scranton Prep (10-7), Valley View (13-5), Wilkes-Barre GAR (9-7)
 
 
 
THIS WEEK‚S DISTRICT 2 TOP GIRLS GAMES

TUESDAY, 1/22
Wilkes-Barre GAR at Berwick
Holy Redeemer at Hazleton
 
WEDNESDAY, 1/23
North Pocono at Abington Heights (LL Division 1)
Riverside at Holy Cross (LL Division 2)
Carbondale at Elk Lake (LL Division 3)
 
THURSDAY, 1/24
Berwick at Pittston (WVC Division 1)
Marian Catholic at Holy Redeemer

FRIDAY, 1/25
Scranton at Scranton Prep (LL Division 1)
Old Forge at Valley View (LL Division 2)
Mountain View at Susquehanna (LL Division 3)
 
SATURDAY, 1/26
Holy Redeemer at Pittston
Hughesville at Dallas
 
MONDAY, 1/28
Berwick at Hazleton (WVC Division 1)
Pittston at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (WVC Divison 1)
Holy Redeemer at Lake-Lehman (WVC Division 2)
Dallas at Nanticoke (WVC Division 2)
Wilkes-Barre Meyers at Northwest (WVC Division 3)
North Pocono at Scranton (LL Division 1)
Valley View at Riverside (LL Division 2)
Susquehanna at Montrose (LL Division 3)
Mountain View at Carbondale (LL Division 3)


 
LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT GIRLS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Monica Wignot (6-2, sophomore, forward) from Holy Redeemer scored 14 points in a division clinching 59-21 win over Wyoming Area.  Monica also netted 21 points in the Lady Royals big interdistrict home win over state ranked Class AAA powerhouse Allentown Central Catholic, 48-47 last Saturday afternoon.
 
Rosanne Clister (5-5, senior) for Carbondale scored 21 points in a 57-28 win over Blur Ridge.  She then added 21 more in a 69-38 win over Forest City.  Finally, Rosanne contributed 17 points in the Chargerettes nonleague 60-22 win over Western Wayne.  

 
 
GIRLS EXHIBITION ACTION HIGHLIGHTS AND RECAPS
Katlin Michaels scored 22 points to lead Berwick to a 43-30 win over Pocono Mountain West.  Nancy Dunn (15 points) continues to be an emerging key player for North Pocono in their 60-36 win over Montrose.  Becky Burke netted 31 points as Abington Heights took a 15-0 lead after the first period and vaulted to a 64-22 win over Wyoming Valley West.  Nicole Borowski scored 16 to lead Riverside to a 64-55 win over Tunkhannock.  Holy Redeemer hosted state Class AAA powerhouse Allentown Central Catholic last Saturday afternoon.  The Vikettes jumped out to a 16-9 lead after the first period, but were outscored in the middle stanzas 26-12.  The Lady Royals withstood the ACC rally 48-47 as Vikette guard Taylor Maldonaado‚s shot with 11 seconds remaining was ruled a 2-pointer.  First cousins Monica Wignot (Holy Redeemer) and Becky Guman (ACC) each scored 21 points in the game.  On Monday night Gaby Olshemski scored a record 8 treys (29 points) in leading Lake-Lehman to a 79-61 win over Hanover.         
 
 
 
DISTRICT 2 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS AND ANALYSIS

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

DIVISION 1 (second half record, first half record, season record)
x-Hazleton (0-0, 5-1, 10-6)
Pittston (0-0, 4-2, 12-5)
Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (0-0, 4-2, 11-5)
Berwick (0-0, 4-2, 9-7)
Wyoming Valley West (0-0, 3-3, 7-10)
Crestwood (0-0, 1-5, 3-14)
Tunkhannock (0-0, 0-6, 2-13)
 
Last week a potential 5-way tie for the Division 1 lead loomed as a possibility.  Hazleton got 23 points from junior Christine Sereta, took a commanding 25-7 first quarter lead, and coasted to an 82-42 victory over Wyoming Valley West.  Then, after Coughlin edged Berwick 52-41, all the drama was over and Hazleton stood alone atop the division standings.  Alison Banks netted 12 and Lauren McGinley scored 17 for the Lady Crusaders while Katlin Michaels had 15 for the Lady Dawgs.  Second half action gets underway Thursday as Pittston hosts Berwick in a key matchup.  Next Monday, Hazleton looks to avenge their only division loss as they host Berwick and Coughlin entertains Pittston Area in another key battle.   
 
 
DIVISION 2
x-Holy Redeemer (0-0, 5-0, 13-3)
Dallas (0-0, 4-1, 13-5)
Nanticoke (0-0, 3-2, 10-8)
Lake-Lehman (0-0, 2-3, 12-5)
Wilkes-Barre GAR (0-0, 1-4, 9-7)
Wyoming Area (0-0, 0-6, 4-13)
 
Holy Redeemer completed a perfect first half run in Division 2 with a convincing 59-21 win over Wyoming Area as Monica Wignot scored 14 points.  The Lady Royals took a 13-0 lead after the first period and were never challenged in this one.  Elsewhere, Dallas continues to roll along with an impressive 65-27 win over GAR as Danielle Krawetz netted 14 for the Lady Mounts and Paige Venson scored 19 for the Lady Grenadiers.  This week, there are no league games because second half play does not resume until next Monday.  On that night, Holy Redeemer travels to play a steadily improving Lake-Lehman squad with their sensational freshman Selena Adamshick while Nanticoke hosts Dallas.
 
 
DIVISION 3
x-Wilkes-Barre Meyers (0-0, 5-0, 8-8)
Northwest (0-0, 4-1, 9-9)
Wyoming Seminary (0-0, 3-2, 6-8)
MMI Prep (0-0, 2-3, 3-13)
Hanover (0-0, 1-4, 1-15)
West Side Tech (0-0, 0-5, 1-14)
 
Meyers captured Division 3 with a 48-25 victory over MMI Prep.  Elsewhere, Northwest got 29 points from Brittany Piatt in their 59-54 win over Hanover (Michelle Bugonowicz had 22, including 6 treys in the loss).  Wyoming Seminary defeated West Side Tech 57-17.  Second half action begins next Monday with Northwest hosting Meyers in an early, key showdown. 
 
 
 
LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

DIVISION 1 (second half record, first half record, season record)
x-Abington Heights (1-0, 7-0, 17-0)
Scranton (1-0, 6-1, 13-4)
North Pocono (1-0, 4-3, 12-5)
West Scranton (1-0, 2-5, 5-11)
Scranton Prep (0-1, 4-3, 10-6)
Honesdale (0-1, 3-4, 8-9)
Wallenpaupack (0-1, 1-6, 5-9)
Delaware Valley (0-1, 1-6, 5-11)
 
In Division 1, first half play wrapped up and teams jumped right into second half tilts on Monday.  Abington Heights remained undefeated with a 68-25 win over Scranton Prep as Becky Burke scored 19 and Jamie Halloran netted 14 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.  Scranton only led 18-17 at halftime, but finally pulled away for a 48-35 win over rival West Scranton.  Nashira Turner scored 15 and Terika Turner added 13 for the Lady Knights.  North Pocono continues to play very well and got by Delaware Valley 52-40.  DV got 20 points from Christine Marks, but only converted 20 of their 30 foul shots.  In Monday‚s second half tipoffs, Abington Heights got 28 from Becky Burke and defeated Delaware Valley 66-36.  Scranton defeated Honesdale 50-31, North Pocono got a 50-41 win over Wallenpaupack, and West Scranton rallied from a 28-21 deficit to upset Scranton Prep 32-38.  It‚s a busy week upcoming with games scheduled for Wednesday and Friday also.  On Wednesday, North Pocono visits Abington Heights in a key game.  Friday features upstarts West Scranton playing at North Pocono.  Next Monday, Scranton hosts North Pocono and West Scranton head to Abington Heights.          
 
 
DIVISION 2
x-Dunmore (1-0, 7-0, 16-1)
Valley View (1-0, 6-1, 12-5)
Old Forge (1-0, 4-3, 11-4)
Riverside (1-0, 4-3, 8-6)
Holy Cross (0-1, 4-3, 11-6)
Lakeland (0-1, 2-5, 6-11)
Mid Valley (0-1, 1-6, 5-12)
Western Wayne (0-1, 0-7, 2-15)
 
In Division 2, Dunmore completed an undefeated first half with a 60-24 victory over Riverside, while Valley View edged by Lakeland 51-38 and Holy Cross defeated Old Forge, 47-39.  In Monday‚s second half action, the Lady Bucks got 16 points from Courtney Clark to defeat Holy Cross 51-27 (actually it was one of their closer division games of the year).  Valley View defeated Mid Valley 59-39 while Old Forge got a great game from Kim  Kaville (25 points) and Aleca Semenza (17 points) to get by Western Wayne, 63-57 (Charlcie Brink had 21 for WW).  On Wednesday Riverside visits Holy Cross, Valley View hosts Old Forge on Friday, and Valley View travels to Riverside next Monday.
 
 
DIVISION 3
x-Carbondale (1-0, 7-0, 15-1)
Montrose (1-0, 5-2, 6-9)
Mountain View (1-0, 4-3, 7-9)
Lackawanna Trail (1-0, 2-5, 5-11)
Susquehanna (0-1, 4-3, 6-10)
Elk Lake (0-1, 3-4, 5-9)
Blue Ridge (0-1, 2-5, 6-9)
Forest City (0-1, 1-6, 2-13)
 
Carbondale wrapped up first half honors in Division 3 with a pair of wins last week.  Rosanne Clister scored 21 points in both games as the Chargerettes defeated Blue Ridge 57-28 and Forest City, 69-38.  Elsewhere, Julia Koloski scored 23 points to lead Montrose to a 57-45 win over Elk Lake.  On Monday night, Carbondale got 18 points from Sam Jordan in their second half opening win over Susquehanna, 66-41.  Montrose got 20 from Monica Turner to defeat Blue Ridge 49-35.  On Wednesday night, Carbondale visits Elk Lake.  On Friday, Mountain View plays Susquehanna.  Next Monday features Carbondale hosting Mountain View.
 
 
 
 
 
That‚s it for this week.
 
See you in the bleachers.
 
Jon K.