Hazleton Tops Scranton with Defensive Dominance and Balanced Scoring
By: Irving Blackwell | Sportzwire | December 10, 2024 | Photo courtesy BLSportsPhotography.com
Hazleton Area 66, Scranton 47
The Hazleton Area Cougars secured a convincing 66-47 victory over the Scranton Lady Knights on the strength of their relentless defensive pressure and balanced scoring attack.
From the opening whistle, Hazleton imposed their will with an aggressive diamond press, forcing numerous turnovers and setting the tone for the game. Kayla Lagowy led the Cougars’ first-quarter effort with seven points, while Kaitlyn Bindas added four. Scranton struggled to break the press, managing just one field goal in the period—a three-pointer from Maggie O'Shea. Hazleton ended the first quarter with a commanding 17-3 lead.
The second quarter saw more of the same as Hazleton continued to control the game. Alexis Reimold poured in eight points during the quarter, while Sophia Benyo added six as the Cougars dominated the boards and converted turnovers into points. Scranton found some momentum late in the half with three-pointers from Cathrine Hill and Ryhlee Bell, but Hazleton still held a 31-19 advantage at the break.
Scranton came alive in the third quarter, led by Chrissy Jacklinski, who scored three key baskets in the frame. Jacklinski’s strong play, combined with contributions from O'Shea and Jaelyn Alers—who scored six of her 10 points during the period—helped cut the deficit to 11 points. However, Hazleton responded with timely baskets from Reimold and Benyo, stretching their lead to 46-37 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Scranton made one last push, with Bell hitting a corner three to bring the Lady Knights within seven points. But Bindas, who finished with a game-high 19 points, took over in crunch time. She nailed a crucial banked three-pointer and added two layups to halt Scranton’s momentum. Benyo, who finished with 17 points, added steady contributions throughout as Hazleton pulled away down the stretch. The Cougars closed the game on a dominant run to seal the 66-47 victory.
Despite strong efforts from Scranton’s Jacklinski, who finished with 12 points, and Alers, who added 10, the Lady Knights couldn’t overcome Hazleton’s early lead and relentless pressure. O'Shea finished with six points for Scranton, with two three-pointers.
Hazleton’s combination of defensive intensity and offensive balance proved to be the difference. Bindas and Benyo’s standout performances, along with contributions from Lagowy and Reimold, ensured the Cougars stayed in control throughout the contest.
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