Collision Course: Riverside and WBA Set for a December Classic
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | December 2, 2025 | Photo courtesy Jake Speicher
Two teams. Two communities. One early-season matchup that already feels bigger than December basketball. Riverside and Wilkes-Barre Area, both ranked inside the top five of the District 2 preseason Coaches Poll, have come out of the gate sharp and confident. They’ve earned that upward momentum, and now they meet on December 12 in a game that says a lot about where both programs are—and where they believe they’re headed.
For Riverside, everything starts with the electric scoring of sophomore sensation Nico Antonacci. His 53-point first half earlier this year wasn’t just a stat—it was a moment. A packed gym watching a kid catch fire, teammates celebrating every bucket, a community realizing their young star is becoming something special. But what makes Riverside dangerous isn’t just Antonacci’s brilliance. It’s the way the entire roster plays around him—unselfish, energized, and connected. Add in a coaching staff that has guided this group with patience, belief, and a clear identity, and the Vikings look every bit like a team built for big nights.
Wilkes-Barre Area brings its own identity, one built on toughness and togetherness. David Jannuzzi sets the tone, but the Wolfpack’s strength comes from the way everyone around him steps up. This is a group that rebounds for each other, defends for each other, and trusts the system their coaching staff has built. They’ve been here before—big crowds, big moments, big expectations. Experience, depth, and a proven leader make WBA one of the most complete teams in the area, and one that’s not backing down from any challenge.
Put it all together, and December 12 becomes more than just a game. It’s a spotlight for two programs with real belief. Two communities ready to show up. Two teams discovering just how high their ceilings might be. If you love high school basketball, this is one you circle on the calendar—because nights like this help define a season.
