UPDATED 1/8/08

 

It was short, but memorable week in District 2 hoops action.  The Northeast Beat was on hand for the Valley View’s thrilling 49-41 win over Old Forge which ended a 25-game division winning streak for the Blue Devils.  The Beat also stopped by Comet Nation to view the girls impressive win over nationally recognized Christ the King (NY).  A game report is posted further down in this week’s column (girls basketball section).  Divisional battles are heating up hotter than the unusual January mild spell and promise to give fans great showdowns in the Wyoming Valley Conference and Lackawanna Leagues.  On the boys side, Pittston and WVW get their chances to upset frontrunners Hazleton and Crestwood.  Holy Redeemer and GAR are finding the division standings crowded.  Meanwhile, Wyoming Seminary keeps on rolling in Division 3.  Scranton Prep and Abington Heights appear headed for a showdown next week in LL Division 1.  Valley View continues to claw their way to the top of Division 2, but Holy Cross awaits.  Meanwhile, Old Forge, Riverside, and Dunmore are ready and able to pull off an upset on any given night.  Division 3 features a great game as Elk Lake travels to play Forest City.  Get there early for that one.  On the girls side, Hazleton continues to play hot and cold, but remains the team to beat in WVC Division 1.  Coughlin gets their shot at the Cougars Friday evening in Wilkes-Barre.  In Division 2, Holy Redeemer and Dallas are playing great basketball.  Over in the Lackawanna League, Abington Heights and Scranton are positioned for a battle next week.  Dunmore continues to handle any and all competition in Division 2 and Carbondale is atop Division 3.      

 

Special Northeast Beat congratulations to the Abington Heights Lady Comets and their head coach Vince Bucciarelli for being recognized statewide for their basketball achievements so far this season.  The Harrisburg Patriot News ranked the Lady Cougars as their #1 ranked AAAA team in their often-debated statewide hoops poll.  Ironically, the same poll failed to rank powerful Dunmore in the AA poll (the Lady Bucks only loss came in a close loss to Abington Heights).  As well-stated by their all-stater Becky Burke, their 58-52 win over CTK puts them among the “best of the best”.  The Lady Comets have played a challenging schedule, especially by District 2 standards and will be further battle tested by maybe 3 or 4 upcoming tussles with explosive Scranton.  This team has a great lineup and is getting better each game.  Championship teams peak in March, not January, and Coach B has his Lady Comets right on track.  District 2 big school teams don’t get much respect statewide, so there will be lots of focus on the AH program in the coming weeks.  Respect isn’t earned on message or bulletin boards, but rather on the playing court.  District 2 girls hoops fans are well aware that the most optimistic playoff seasons can end abruptly come March, on the hardwoods of Parkland and Martz Hall.  Enjoy the ride AH fans, fill the gym, and hop on the bandwagon because these are the seasons which make high school hoops so memorable.

 

 

 

THIS WEEK’S DISTRICT 2 BOYS TOP 10

1.  Crestwood (10-2) 3A

2.  Williamsport (10-3) 4A

3.  Hazleton Area (9-3) 4A

4.  Wyoming Seminary (9-0) 2A

5.  Holy Cross (9-2) 2A

6.  Valley View (11-1) 3A

7.  Holy Redeemer (8-4) 3A

8.  Abington Heights (8-4)

9.  Scranton Prep (7-3) 3A

10. Wilkes-Barre GAR (8-4) 2A

 

OTHERS TO WATCH

Dallas (7-3), Dunmore (7-5), Elk Lake (8-2), Forest City (7-4), Mountain View (8-4), Nanticoke (7-5), Old Forge (8-4), Pittston (7-6), Susquehanna (9-3), Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (7-5)   

 

 

 

THIS WEEK’S DISTRICT 2 TOP BOYS GAMES

 

TUESDAY, 1/8

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin at Wyoming Valley West (WVC Division 1)

Hazleton Area at Pittston Area (WVC Division 1)

Hanover at Dallas (WVC Division 2)

Northwest at MMI Prep (WVC Division 3)

West Scranton at Abington Heights (LL Division 1)

Delaware Valley at Wallenpaupack (LL Division 1)

Valley View at Riverside (LL Division 2)

Elk Lake at Forest City (LL Division 3)

Mountain View at Carbondale (LL Division 3)

 

THURSDAY, 1/10

Pittston Area at Crestwood (WVC Division 1)

Wilkes-Barre GAR at Wilkes-Barre Meyers (WVC Division 2)

Holy Redeemer at Nanticoke (WVC Division 2)

 

FRIDAY, 1/11

Abington Heights at Honesdale (LL Division 1)

Scranton Prep at North Pocono (LL Division 1)

Holy Cross at Valley View (LL Division 2)

Old Forge at Dunmore (LL Division 2)

Lackawanna Trail at Susquehanna (LL Division 3)

Mountain View at Elk Lake (LL Division 3)

 

SATURDAY, 1/12

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin at Hazleton (WVC Division 1)

Crestwood at Wyoming Valley West (WVC Division 1)

Dallas at Wilkes-Barre GAR (WVC Division 2)

East Stroudsburg North at Delaware Valley

Communications Tech at Williamsport

Adelphi Academy (NY) at Wyoming Seminary

 

MONDAY, 1/14

Delaware Valley at Scranton Prep (LL Division 1)

Scranton at Abington Heights (LL Division 1)

Valley View at Dunmore (LL Division 2)

Riverside at Old Forge (LL Division 2)

Lackawanna Trail at Forest City (LL Division 3)

 

TUESDAY, 1/15

Wyoming Valley West at Pittston (WVC Division 1)

Hazleton Area at Crestwood (WVC Division 1)

Northwest at Wyoming Seminary (WVC Division 3)

Susquehanna at Elk Lake (LL Division 3)

 

WEDNESDAY, 1/16

West Scranton at Scranton (LL Division 1)

Abington Heights at Scranton Prep (LL Division 1)

North Pocono at Delaware Valley (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)

 

 

 

HAZLETON AREA RALLIES FOR WIN OVER ALTOONA

Hazleton Area stepped outside of league play Saturday night with a long trip to play Altoona (6-6).  The Cougars trailed 44-36 halfway through the final period, but rallied to send the game to overtime.  Then another.  Then another.  In a finish that seemed eerily reminiscent of their 3OT win over State College (at Bucknell) last year, Hazleton came out on top 84-78.  The Cougars converted 13 of 16 free throws in the final overtime to secure the win.  The two teams combined for an amazing 49 of 58 free throws in the game.  For Hazleton, JJ Gundry (24), Ethan Eicchorst (24), and Matt Calarco (19) led the way and for Altoona, Alex Raymond netted 32 points.  Northeast Beat spotters at the game indicated that this tilt surpassed the thrilling triple OT win over State College last year.  We certainly hope that Mike Joseph finds a way to keep District 6 on their exhibition schedule.  Fans certainly get their money’s worth.          

 

 

 

LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT BOYS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Breon Phillips (6-5, senior) Wilkes-Barre GAR, a top inside threat for the Grenadiers who consider not playing his senior season, contributed 19 points in a key WVC Division 2 win over crosstown rival Holy Redeemer, 57-49. 

 

Pat Ross (6-0, sophomore) Dunmore is playing an important role in getting the Bucks into the Lackawanna League Division 2 race.  Pat scored 22 points in a 70-58 win over Lakeland and also added 12 points (4 treys) in a non-league win over Wyoming Area, 72-48.           

 

 

 

DISTRICT 2 BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS AND ANALYSIS

 

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

 

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)

Hazleton (2-0, 9-3)

Pittston (2-0, 7-6)

Crestwood (1-0, 10-2)

Wyoming Valley West (1-0, 5-6)

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (0-2, 7-5)

Tunkhannock (0-2, 4-6)

Berwick (0-2, 4-8)

 

Division 1 frontrunners Hazleton and Pittston each captured wins to set up an early season showdown midway through the first half division race.  Hazleton expected a real battle from Berwick Friday night but if never materialized as the Cougars rolled over the Bulldogs 68-38.  Mike Joseph is beginning to get strong contributions from Danny Maguschak (6-3 junior, 17 points in the win) and Matt Calarco (6-2 senior, 15 points) to go along with Ethan Eicchorst (6-3 senior) and JJ Gundry (6-6 senior).  Pittston Area kept pace with an impressive 49-42 victory over Wilkes-Barre Coughlin as Carl Stravinski (6-4 junior) netted 12 points.  He added another 20 points and Dan Irvin (6-4 junior) scored 17 in their 66-53 Saturday win over Berwick as the Patriots jumped out to a 16-4 lead after the first period and never looked back (Keith Whitenight had 19 in the losing effort for the Dawgs).  Crestwood was idle, but secured a 48-27 exhibition win over Wyoming Area as 6-5 junior Adam Fazzini scored 21 points.  Wyoming Valley West, a team that is hanging out largely under the radar, came away with a 66-44 win over Tunkhannock as big man Justin Pacovsky (6-4 senior) had 21 and Jack Crossin (6-1 junior) added 16.  This week brings lots of top action as the division has a 3-game week on tap for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  First up, Hazleton travels to play Pittston Tuesday night.  This has the potential to be a great matchup with the loser facing must wins the rest of the way.  The matchups are interesting all around the court with Matt Zera (5-11 junior, guard) and Dave Strubeck (6-6, senior, center) leading the Patriots and Joey Kost (5-10 senior, guard) and JJ Gundry for the Cougars.  If Jim Blaskiewicz’s squad is going elevate their game and make a statement, this is their opportunity.  Also Tuesday, Valley West hosts Coughlin and Crestwood goes to Berwick.  On Thursday, Pittston heads up the mountain for another critical matchup with top-rated Crestwood.  Saturday brings another fantastic game as Crestwood visits Wyoming Valley West.  Looking ahead into next week, Hazleton treks to play nearby Crestwood Tuesday for what many hope is another thrilling chapter in a long string of epic battles between these schools.

 

 

DIVISION 2

Hanover (2-0, 2-9)

Dallas (1-1, 7-3)

Wilkes-Barre GAR (1-1, 8-4)

Nanticoke (1-1, 7-5)

Wilkes-Barre Meyers (1-1, 5-7)

Holy Redeemer  (0-1, 8-4)

Wyoming Area (0-1, 4-7)

 

In Division 2, Hanover has put together back-to-back wins and leads the division with a 2-0 record.  Early on, the Hawks have found the going tough in replacing last year’s top scorers, but they are now finding a way to win those close games including an overtime 48-47 win over Meyers as Rich Colorusso (6-1 junior) and Rob Kokinda each scored 14 points.  Behind Hanover is a 4-way tie for second place between Dallas, Holy Redeemer, GAR, and Nanticoke.  Last week those teams got together and created that logjam.  Dallas got by Nanticoke 64-51, but the game was actually much closer than that score indicates as the Trojans only trailed by 3 points (47-44) after the third period.  As expected Nanticoke’s exceptional backcourt was matched against the talented frontcourt of the Mountaineers.  The Mounts were led by Henry Messinger (6-4 junior) with 18 points and Myer Messinger (6-6 senior) with 15 points.  Josh Niewinski netted 19 for the Trojans.  Nanticoke also added a non-league win over Berwick 48-38 as 6-2 junior Sean Bieski helped the Trojans outscore Berwick 20-8 in the final period.  In the other big division showdown, GAR outscored Holy Redeemer 19-5 in the second period (including an 11-0 run) to run past the Royals 57-49.  These two teams had met just a week earlier in the finals of the holiday McGrane Tourney with Holy Redeemer coming out on top.  However, GAR was without 6-3 junior Ryan Womack in that matchup and his presence seemed to make a big difference this time around.  Breon Phillips (6-5 senior) netted 19 points and Tyseane Whitt (5-10 senior) scored 15 for the Grenadiers.  Siena bound 6-6 senior Owen Wignot contributed 22 points for Holy Redeemer.  Both GAR and Holy Redeemer remain two of the most talented and explosive teams in the entire district but have both been plagued with being unable to put together four quarters playing their style of basketball.  This week, on Tuesday, Holy Redeemer host Meyers, Wyoming Area heads to GAR, and Hanover puts their 2-0 record on the line at Dallas.  On Thursday, Wilkes-Barre cross-city rivals GAR and Meyers get together along with Holy Redeemer going to play a key game at Nanticoke.  On Saturday, GAR hosts Dallas in one of the premier games of the week in Division 2.  It should be interesting to see who can control the tempo in that matchup.                       

 

 

DIVISION 3

Wyoming Seminary (1-0, 9-0)

Northwest (1-0, 5-8)

Lake-Lehman (1-0, 1-10)

MMI Prep (0-1, 5-8)

West Side Tech (0-1, 2-6)

St. Michaels (0-1, 0-3)  

 

In Division 3, undefeated Wyoming Seminary held MMI Prep sharpshooter Tyler Breznitsky (5-8 junior) to a season low 10 points in a 66-34 Blue Knight win.  Seminary placed five players in double figures…Evan Byers (6-0 sophomore) 12 points, Gary Robinson (6-2 senior) 12, Max Saidman (5-7 senior) 12, Matt Swabeck (6-5 senior) 11, and Mike Alvardo (6-0 sophomore) 10 points.  Northwest got 18 points from Billy Winter (5-8 junior) and kept pace with Seminary with a 69-28 win over St. Michaels.  Amazingly, Tide Pasture nailed 7 treys and scored 24 of the Knights 28 total points.  This week MMI hosts Northwest in an interesting matchup this Tuesday before the Rangers head to play Wyoming Seminary in a key game next Tuesday.      

 

 

 

LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

 

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)

Scranton Prep (3-0, 7-3)

Abington Heights (3-0, 8-4)

Wallenpaupack (1-2, 6-5)

Honesdale (1-2, 6-7)

Delaware Valley (1-2, 5-6)

North Pocono (1-2, 5-6)

West Scranton (1-2, 4-8)

Scranton (1-2, 3-9)

 

In Division 1, both Scranton Prep and Abington Heights sit atop the division with perfect 3-0 marks, while the remaining six teams are all tied with 1-2 records.  Scranton Prep maintained their momentum coming off their dramatic Lynett Tournament championship with a 74-46 win over Scranton as Chris Dende (6-2 senior) led the way with 23 points and Matt FitzPatrick (6-3 senior) added 16.  Fabby Desir (6-0 junior) had another big game for the Knights with 25 points.  Abington Heights outscored Wallenpaupack 13-6 in the second period and went on for a 44-35 win over the Buckhorns as Spencer Liddic (6-5 senior) scored 12 points.  The Comets also stepped out of division play for a matchup with 13-1 Pocono Mountain East.  Abington held a 39-35 lead after three periods but in the 4^th it was too much of Kyheim Hall who had 10 of his 15 Cardinal points in the final period to secure the 52-48 win.  Spencer Liddic scored 12, Eric Hardaway (6-4 junior) 14, and Ross Danzig had 12.  North Pocono and Honesdale each got their first division victory in dramatic fashion.  NP rallied from a 53-49 deficit with under 30 remaining and grabbed a 55-53 win over West Scranton.  For the Trojans Eric Steinmetz (6-0 junior) scored 20 points along with teammate Mike Bonacci (5-7 junior) with 17.  Matt McGloin paced the Invader effort with 17 points.  Honesdale came away with a thrilling double overtime win over Delaware Valley 57-56 as senior Kyle Tasselmyer scored 26 points for the Hornets.  On Tuesday, Scranton Prep hosts Honesdale and Abington Heights entertains West Scranton.  Friday, the Cavaliers head to North Pocono and the Comets travel to Honesdale.  Peeking ahead to the big showdown next Wednesday (1/16), it will be Abington Heights visiting Scranton Prep.       

 

 

DIVISION 2

Valley View (3-0, 11-1)

Holy Cross (3-0, 9-2)

Old Forge (2-1, 8-4)

Dunmore (2-1, 7-5)

Riverside (2-1, 5-7)

Western Wayne (0-3, 3-10)

Lakeland (0-3, 1-7)

Mid Valley (0-3, 1-12)

 

Valley View and Holy Cross are leading the way in Division 2 with 3-0 records, while there is a 3-way tie of teams with 2-1 marks.  Last Friday, Valley View and defending division champion Old Forge got together and staged a back-and-forth contest that was filled with emotional ups and downs.  After Valley View grabbed a 16-8 lead after the first period (as the Cougars nailed 4 treys), the Blue Devils moved out on the perimeter and played tighter defense on the hot shooters.  The result was a 14-4 rally to take a 2-point edge into the locker room.  The third period brought more Cougar 3-pointers sandwiched around a technical call on Old Forge triggering an 11-0 run to assume a 33-24 advantage.  Old Forge, behind 17 from Stephen Semenza (6-3 senior), refused to quit and again knotted the game at 37.  However, Valley View went on a 10-4 run to secure the 49-41 victory as Kyle Calachino (6-1 junior) scored 14 and Dave Abdalla (5-10 senior) netted 15.  Holy Cross kept pace with the Cougars as they rolled over Mid Valley, 66-36.  Senior Nico Fricchione scored 15 and sophomore Mark Bevaqua had 13 for the Crusaders.  Dunmore got an overtime win over Lakeland (70-58) as Pat Ross (6-0 senior) scored 22 and Mike Ehnot (5-8 sophomore) had 18.  Drew Babcanec (5-11 senior) had 20 for the Chiefs.  The Bucks also stepped out for a nonleague win over Wyoming Area (72-48) as Matt Maldonato (6-2 junior) had 18 points.  Riverside got 16 points and 12 rebounds from Casey Surridge (6-0 senior) to defeat Western Wayne 54-41 and stay one game from the leaders.  On Tuesday, Valley View heads to play a key game at Riverside before hosting Holy Cross on Friday.  Old Forge also heads to play Dunmore on Friday.  Next week top games include Valley View at Dunmore Monday and Old Forge at Holy Cross Wednesday.

 

 

DIVISION 3

Elk Lake (3-0, 8-2)

Susquehanna (2-1, 9-3)

Mountain View (2-1, 8-4)

Forest City (2-1, 7-4)

Lackawanna Trail (1-2, 6-7)

Carbondale (1-2, 4-8)

Blue Ridge (1-2, 3-8)

Montrose (0-3, 3-8)

 

Elk Lake is on top of Division 3 for now, but it’s going to be a wild ride in this very competitive division.  The Warriors defeated Blue Ridge 61-42 (they were up 35-17 at halftime) as Sean Morahan (5-11 junior) and Jeff Madrak (6-3 junior) each scored 19 points.  Susquehanna got 17 from Kirk Fallon (5-11 senior) and 14 from Brent Keyes (6-6 senior) to score an impressive win over Mountain View, 61-45.  Forest City also kept 1-game back with a second half rally to take a 52-49 win over Montrose.  Lackawanna Trail continued their slide as Carbondale also rallied from a 5-point deficit to take a 53-50 win over the Lions.  On Tuesday Forest City hosts Elk Lake in what promises to be a great game played in front of a packed gym.  On Friday, Lackawanna Trail heads to play Susquehanna and Elk Lake hosts Mountain View.  Next week, the big game is Susquehanna at Elk Lake on Tuesday.

 

 

 

WILLIAMSPORT CLOSES IN ON DISTRICT PLAYOFF BERTH

The Williamsport Millionaires (10-3) chocked up another pair of wins this past week, adding to their impressive growing resume of basketball success this season.  The Cherry and White jumped out to a 15-8 first period lead and defeated Hollidaysburg (7-4) 70-55 as they placed 4 players in double figures (Isaiah Twine 10, Jadiah Lynch 17, Sean Ruane 14, and Dontache Jordan 17).  Port then hosted Keystone Oaks (8-7) a 3A school from the Pittsburgh area and again placed four players in double figures (Twine 19, Ruane 20, Jordan 18, and Darryl Worthy 12) as they won 96-80 over the Eagles.  The Millionaires continued their torrid shooting from everywhere on the court (10 team treys) and have been getting strong rebounding from the 6-4 Jordan.  For Keystone Oaks, Cory Bellovich had 28 and Jimmy Taylor netted 31 points.  This week Williamsport hosts powerful 3A Communications Tech (10-1) on Saturday and Montoursville on January 17.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIRLS BASKETBALL     GIRLS BASKETBALL     GIRLS BASKETBALL

 

 

THIS WEEK’S DISTRICT 2 GIRLS TOP 10

1.  Abington Heights (13-0) 4A

2.  Dunmore (13-1) 2A

3.  Holy Redeemer (9-3) 3A

4.  Scranton (11-3) 4A

5.  Dallas (11-3) 3A

6.  Hazleton (7-6) 4A

7.  Pittston (10-4) 3A

8.  Valley View (10-4) 3A

9.  Carbondale (11-1) 2A

10. Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (8-4) 3A

 

OTHERS TO WATCH

Holy Cross (7-5), Lake-Lehman (9-4), North Pocono (9-4), Old Forge (10-2), Riverside (6-4), Scranton Prep (8-5), Wilkes-Barre GAR (9-4)

 

 

 

THIS WEEK’S DISTRICT 2 TOP GIRLS GAMES

 

WEDNESDAY, 1/9

Berwick at Wyoming Valley West (WVC Division 1)

Montrose at Carbondale (LL Division 3)

 

THURSDAY, 1/10

Wilkes-Barre Meyers at Wyoming Seminary (WVC Division 3)

North Pocono at Scranton Prep (LL Division 1)

Valley View at Holy Cross (LL Division 2)

Dunmore at Old Forge (LL Division 2)

Elk Lake at Mountain View (LL Division 3)

 

FRIDAY, 1/11                      

Hazleton Area at Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (WVC Division 1)

Wilkes-Barre GAR at Nanticoke (WVC Division 2)

Holy Redeemer at Dallas (WVC Division 2)

 

SATURDAY, 1/12

Old Forge at Riverside (LL Division 2)

 

MONDAY, 1/14

Pittston at Wyoming Valley West (WVC Division 1)

Wilkes-Barre GAR at Lake-Lehman (WVC Division 2)

Nanticoke at Holy Redeemer (WVC Division 2)

Wyoming Seminary at Northwest (WVC Division 3)

Scranton Prep at Delaware Valley (LL Division 1)

Abington Heights at Scranton (LL Division 1)

Dunmore at Valley View (LL Division 2)

Mountain View at Montrose (LL Division 3)

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin at East Stroudsburg South

 

TUESDAY, 1/15

Carbondale at Blue Ridge (LL Division 3)

 

WEDNESDAY, 1/16

Scranton at West Scranton (LL Division 1)

Delaware Valley at North Pocono (LL Division 1)

Riverside at Dunmore (LL Division 2)

 

 

 

ABINGTON HEIGHTS OUTLASTS CHRIST THE KING 58-52

For the third time in the last 10 years, Christ the King (NY) head coach Bob Mackey decided to bring his ball club into District 2 for a matchup.  Granted, this year’s edition of the Royals is vastly different from the one that garnered a national top ranking by USA today two years or placed 5 players onto Division 1 rosters last season.  However, one thing remains constant, Mackey has talent on his roster again this year, even if needs a bit more polish than usual.  Senior Jael Pena seemed to hit a key trey every time the Lady Comets were building momentum and freshman Bria Smith almost broke the spirit of Comet Nation with her game tying layup (45-45) with 4:12 remaining.  However, Kim Kalinoski (5-8 senior) drained a long shot and Liz Kilzi (5-7 junior) hit a smooth basket in the lane to keep the lead and eventually secure the win, 58-52.  Even through Becky Burke seemed to be pushing her game a bit too much in the first half, she finally found her range in a big way, hitting several 3^rd quarter treys and giving her team a 39-32 lead.  The day also marked a breakout effort for Jamie Halloran (6-1 junior) who showed facets of her game that few had seem until this game.  She confidently moved the ball down court and found a wide open Burke for an easy layup.  Her rebounding and shot blocking were brilliant.  And just when fans were beginning to hang onto the very edge of their seats, it was Halloran that give them an ultimate high and low, all within a 20 second period.  Seeing a wide open lane with about 1:37 remaining, Jamie drove and put up a layup which seemed to linger onto the rim forever before dropping out.  Moments later, she made a key rebound off a Burke missed layup and then converted a 3-point play to give the Lady Comets a bit more breaking room, 54-49.  Sure, observers might counter that Christ the King had far too many unforced turnovers in the first period to keep the game close (12-12).  But in all fairness to the Comets, they brought one of their finest defensive efforts seen in a long time.  The crowd seemed to be a couple hundred or so fans away from a sellout and seemed rather subdued early on.  It took a few big-time treys from their South Carolina bound all-stater to get some loud cheering going.          

 

 

 

LLHOOPS NORTHEAST BEAT GIRLS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Renee Furmanti (senior) Pittston Area scored 13 points and contributed to the Lady Patriots 44-40 win over Wilkes-Barre Coughlin

 

Jamie Halloran (6-0 junior) Abington Heights played a spectacular game with 9 points and 9 rebounds in the Lady Comets impressive 58-52 win over Christ the King (NY).  Jamie also had 12 points and 5 blocks in a 63-31 win over Wallenpaupack.  

 

 

 

DISTRICT 2 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS

 

WYOMING VALLEY CONFERENCE

 

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)

Pittston (2-1, 10-4)

Wilkes-Barre Coughlin (2-1, 9-4)

Hazleton (2-1, 7-6)

Berwick (2-1, 6-6)

Wyoming Valley West (1-1, 5-7)

Crestwood (0-2, 2-11)

Tunkhannock (0-2, 2-8)

 

Division 1 now has a 4-way tie for the lead.  Hazleton Area found themselves trailing by 15 (39-24) after three periods and could not catch up in a surprising 49-41 loss to Berwick.  Senior Lillian Carlin scored 19 while top league guard Katlin Michaels (5-8 junior) scored 11 for the Lady Dawgs.  Hazleton hurt themselves by only converting 9 of 20 free throws.  Berwick also added a league win over Crestwood.  Pittston placed three players in double figures, senior Regina Linskey (14), senior Renee Furmanti (13), and sophomore Lauren Smicherko (12) as the Lady Patriots topped Coughlin 44-40 (junior Lauren McGinley had 18 for the Lady Crusaders).  Monday night Hazleton hosted what was anticipated to be a home court showdown with Pittston, but the Lady Cougars rolled to a big win, 65-45 as Alyssa Flanagan scored 17 (Linskey added 19 for PA in the loss).  Wyoming Valley West got 24 (4 treys) from Nicole Sharpnick (senior forward) to double up Tunkhannock, 82-41.  The Lady Spartans then dropped a game to Coughlin Monday night, 64-62 as Lady Crusaders were paced by Laura Taylor (21) and Lauren McGinley (20).  This week, on Wednesday WVW hosts Berwick and Hazleton visits Coughlin on Friday.  Next week, Valley West hosts a pair of big games, Pittston on Monday and Hazleton on Thursday.

 

 

DIVISION 2

Dallas (2-0, 11-3)

Holy Redeemer  (2-0, 9-3)

Wilkes-Barre GAR (1-1, 9-4)

Nanticoke (1-1, 7-7)

Lake-Lehman (0-2, 9-4)

Wyoming Area (0-2, 4-10)

 

Dallas and Holy Redeemer are tied with 2-0 records on top of Division 2.  Dallas was finally able to shake off the rust in a game that had both teams struggling offensively early on, and defeated Nanticoke 49-23.  Nanticoke added a non-league win over Northwest 61-28 (junior Morgan Thomas 20 points), but will be without the services of one the gutsiest guards in the district as senior Leigh Ann Rentko went down with a stress fracture and will miss the remainder of the season. The Lady Trojans also got by Wyoming Area on Monday 60-41 as Thomas netted 25 (7 treys).  Also Monday, Dallas added a 53-43 win over Lake-Lehman (Selena Adamshick 28 for LL).  Holy Redeemer placed three players in double figures, Monica Wignot (sophomore, forward) 15, sophomore Laura Casey (14), and junior Laura Wingert (14) and rolled over Lake-Lehman 67-43.  The Lady Royals added a huge win over GAR last night 78-44 and a non-league win over Meyers (57-19).  GAR had previously defeated Wyoming Area 57-51 as seniors Lydia Naperkowski (20 points, 5 treys), Monica Spence (15), and Paige Venson (14) led the Lady Grenadier charge.  On Friday Holy Redeemer travels to play Dallas in a critical game for the division race. 

 

 

DIVISION 3

Wyoming Seminary (2-0, 5-6)

Meyers (2-0, 5-8)

Northwest (1-1, 6-9)

Hanover (1-1, 1-10)

West Side Tech (0-2, 1-11)

MMI Prep (0-2, 1-12)

 

In Division 3, Wyoming Seminary defeated MMI Prep as junior Daniella Donocikova netted 16.  The Lady Blue Knights also defeated Hanover (50-40) and got by Blair Academy in a non-league game, 54-38.  Hanover got by West Side Tech last week as sophomore Christian Flaherty scored 21.  Meyers defeated Northwest 50-25 as they broke open a close 5-point halftime game.  The Lady Mohawks also defeated West Side Tech Monday night.  Thursday night, Wyoming Seminary hosts Wilkes-Barre Meyers for a battle for the division lead.  

 

 

 

LACKAWANNA LEAGUE

 

DIVISION 1 (first half league record, overall season record)

Abington Heights (4-0, 13-0)

Scranton (4-0, 11-3)

North Pocono (2-2, 9-4)

Scranton Prep (2-2, 8-5)

Honesdale (2-2, 6-7)

Wallenpaupack (1-3, 5-6)

Delaware Valley (1-3, 5-7)

West Scranton (0-4, 3-10)

 

In Division 1, Abington Heights and Scranton appear headed for their January 14 showdown as each kept pace with 4-0 division marks.  Abington Heights converted 19 of 22 free throws and got another big game from Becky Burke (25 points) to roll over Wallenpaupack 63-31.  The Lady Comets also held on for a heart-pounding 58-52 win over Christ the King (NY) in exhibition action last Saturday afternoon.  Abington then got back into division play with a 54-31 win over West Scranton as Becky Burke (5-10 senior guard) had 24 and Jamie Halloran (6-1 junior center) netted 13.  Scranton’s strong inside game was too much for Scranton Prep as the Lady Knights coasted to a 65-29 victory (Liz Borgia 13, Kayla Bailey 10, and Nashira Turner 17).  Scranton then defeated North Pocono 48-33 Monday night.  The Trojans remain two games back in a 3-way tie with Scranton Prep and Honesdale.  Last week North Pocono got by West Scranton 49-35 and then on Monday Honesdale edged Prep 46-63 in a mild upset.   

 

 

DIVISION 2

Dunmore (4-0, 13-1)

Valley View (4-0, 10-4)

Old Forge (3-1, 10-2)

Riverside (3-1, 6-4)

Holy Cross (1-2, 7-5)

Lakeland (0-3, 4-9)

Mid Valley (0-4, 3-10)

Western Wayne (0-4, 2-12)

 

Division 2 is becoming one of the better divisional races in the entire district.  Dunmore and Valley View remain deadlocked at 4-0.  Last week Dunmore stormed out to a 33-0 lead and rolled over Lakeland. 63-16 as Laruen Carra scored 25 points.  The Lady Bucks then defeated Western Wayne 49-16 Monday night.  Valley View has been playing fantastic team basketball and continues to play very well.  They did not place anyone in double figures but got strong inside play from Rebecca Keegan to slip past Old Forge 41-36 (Aleca Semenza had 16 and Kim Kaville had 14 for the Blue Devils).  The Lady Cougars added an impressive win over Riverside Monday night.  Old Forge and Riverside remain 1-game back.  Riverside got a pair of double doubles from (Holly Morgan 17 points, 14 rebounds) and Olivia Tippett (14 points, 11 rebounds) to defeat Western Wayne 46-36.  Old Forge defeated Mid Valley 63-33 Monday night to set up a big Saturday night inter-boro showdown between the Lady Vikes and Lady Blue Devils.  Elsewhere, Holy Cross got another big game from Julie Kosin as she scored 22 points in their 78-31 win over Mid Valley.  Thursday night, Dunmore visits Old Forge.  Next Monday Valley View hosts Dunmore in a battle for first place.

 

 

DIVISION 3

Carbondale (4-0, 11-1)

Elk Lake (3-1, 5-5)

Montrose (3-1, 4-7)

Mountain View (2-2, 5-8)

Susquehanna (2-2, 4-9)

Blue Ridge (1-3, 5-6)

Lackawanna Trail (1-3, 4-9)

Forest City (0-4, 1-10)

 

Carbondale (4-0) sits atop the Division 3 standings.  The Chargerettes defeated Lackawanna Trail 53-28 as Rosanne Clister (12), Brittany Mang (13), and Cassandra Cantanzaro (11) led the way.  They also got by Mountain View in a close game Monday night, 51-42.  Carbondale (Clister 17) also added an impressive non-league win over Holy Cross (Amanda Eltinger 21) as they hit 21 of 26 free throws.  Montrose got handed their first division loss 53-49 to Susquehanna as Hannah Price scored 25 for the Lady Sabers.  The Lady Meteors had defeated Forest City 41-27 last week.  Surprising Elk Lake continues to play turnaround basketball and put together 2 more wins, 40-35 over Blue Ridge and 42-40 over Forest City.  This week Carbondale hosts Montrose Thursday night in a key matchup.  

 

 

 

 

 

That’s it for this week.

 

See you in the bleachers.

 

Jon K.