Hazleton girls stay undefeated with win over Crestwood
By: Nate Johns | Sportzwire | December 24, 2024 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
Last season, Hazleton Area brought home the District 2 6A girls basketball championship, won a state playoff game and lost to the eventual state champion Cardinal O’Hara in the second round. This season, the Lady Cougars have continued their success by starting out 7-0 and beating in-conference rival Crestwood on December 23. Hazleton led from start to finish, coming out on top 73-46. The win gives the Cougars a 1-0 record in Wyoming Valley Conference play. Crestwood falls to 5-2 and 1-1 in WVC play.
The lady cougars were able to showcase why they are the favorites to win the WVC Division One. This marked the fourth game in a row they scored at least 65 points. Eight players cracked the scoresheet, with Kaitlyn Bindas scoring 22 points to lead all scorers. Sophia Benyo added 19 points of her own and Alexis Reimold had 18 points. As a team, the lady cougars are averaging 67 points per game this season.
Crestwood fought hard to keep the game close, cutting the Hazleton lead down to 16-14 at the end of the first. That would be the closest the score got. Charlie Hiller led the Lady Comets with 14 points and Kate Gallagher added 11. Crestwood will be back in action on December 28 at home against Pleasant Valley from District 11. Hazleton will face Redbank Valley of District 9 on December 27 in the first round of the Truance Holiday Tournament.
