Basketball has been part of KJ’s life for as long as he can remember. He started playing the game at just five years old, and by the time he reached ninth grade, he had already earned the role of starting point guard—a position he has held ever since. For KJ, basketball has always been more than just competition.

OLD FORGE — The Pittston Area girls basketball team surged past Wyoming Area, 52–28, on Saturday, December 27, at Old Forge to advance to the championship game of the Anthony D. Badger Marseco Memorial Tournament.

High school sports are not defined by one season or one scoreboard. From fields and courts to pools, mats, and tracks, every sport carries moments of growth, resilience, and teamwork that shape athletes far beyond the final result. SportzWire is here to tell those stories, the ones that matter most.

Riverside used a strong middle stretch and a second-half surge from Mikayla Smith to earn a 39–32 girls’ basketball victory over West Scranton.

The Lady Trojans set the tone early, racing out to a commanding 30–2 lead by the end of the first quarter. North Pocono’s pressure defense and fast-paced offense continued to overwhelm Trail in the second quarter, sending NP into halftime with a decisive 53–10 advantage.

Holiday tournament basketball tipped off at Lackawanna College as Dunmore used balance, defense, and a big third-quarter push to turn back Holy Cross, 50–36, in the Lynett Memorial opener.

A dominant fourth quarter lifted Scranton past Scranton Prep on Saturday, as the Lady Knights closed strong to secure a spot in the Lynett Tournament championship game against Dunmore.

Holiday hoops officially tip off today across District 2, as teams open tournament play and settle in for one of the busiest stretches of the basketball season. With packed gyms, back-to-back games, and championship brackets on the line, the holiday tournament season brings a postseason-like feel to December all while keeping an eye on the weather for any schedule adjustments. Fans are encouraged to stay alert for updates as tip-offs begin and the holiday basketball grind gets underway.

Pennsylvania high school football excellence has a long memory and once again, District 2 talent is etched into it. Six local standouts have earned Mini Maxwell recognition, placing them among the state’s elite and one step closer to football immortality.

Southern Columbia head coach Jim Roth earned Coach of the Year honors, while Lakeland senior David Naniewicz stood out as District 2’s representative as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association released its 2025 Class 2A All-State Team. The selections recognize the Commonwealth’s top high school football performers across offense, defense, and special teams following an impressive 2025 season.

Lackawanna Trail senior Isaac Ryon was named Player of the Year as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association announced its 2025 Class 1A All-State Team, capping off a dominant season for the Trail. Ryon was joined on the list by teammate Lucas Evans, who earned All-State honors on the offensive line, while Marian Catholic defensive back Rory Dixon, a former SportzWire Athlete of the Week, represented District 11 with his All-State selection. The team honors the top small-school football talent across the Commonwealth following an outstanding 2025 campaign.

District 2 made a strong impact on the 2025 PA Football Writers’ Class 3A All-State Team, led by Berwick running back Ty’meere Wilkerson, Scranton Prep standout Will McPartland, and Berwick offensive lineman Matt Gordner, all earning statewide recognition for their performances this season. Northwestern Lehigh matched that presence with six All-State selections, one of the deepest single-program showings in Class 3A, highlighted by quarterback Shane Leh, running back Braxton Lakatosh, wide receiver Brady Zimmerman, offensive lineman Colton Popp, linebacker Shane Hulmes, and defensive back Michael Lagowy, underscoring the Tigers’ program-wide excellence across all three phases of the game.

In a game where both squads had shining performances from their star players, rebounding and strong defense gave Mifflinburg the advantage. Between Chad Martin\'s scoring from all levels, and Jackson Griffith\'s elite ball movement, the Wildcats pulled through to a 30-point victory over the Braves. Read more by selecting on the title.

Southern Lehigh senior Sean Steckert, a former SportzWire Wired Athlete of the Week and state champion, was named Player of the Year as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association announced its 2025 Class 4A All-State Team. District 2 was prominently represented by North Pocono’s trio of Cole Zimmerman, Evan Wolff, and Cole West, highlighting the program’s strength across multiple units. Steckert’s honor capped a dominant season for Southern Lehigh, which also saw Phil Sams earn Coach of the Year recognition following a championship run.

Southern Lehigh senior Sean Steckert, a former SportzWire Wired Athlete of the Week and state champion, was named Player of the Year as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association announced its 2025 Class 4A All-State Team. District 2 was prominently represented by North Pocono’s trio of Cole Zimmerman, Evan Wolff, and Cole West, highlighting the program’s strength across multiple units. Steckert’s honor capped a dominant season for Southern Lehigh, which also saw Phil Sams earn Coach of the Year recognition following a championship run.