By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | January 24, 2025 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
In a highly anticipated Wyoming Valley Conference matchup Friday night, Crestwood delivered a stunning 57-52 upset over the previously undefeated Dallas Mountaineers on their home court. Crestwood’s Ayden Agapito led the way with an impressive 21-point performance, helping the Comets secure a critical victory that improved their Division 1 record to 4-5.
Dallas entered the game with a 7-0 league record, sitting comfortably atop the division standings. However, Crestwood, determined to shake up the standings, set the tone early, outscoring Dallas 15-9 in the first quarter. Crestwood maintained its lead throughout the game, holding off every comeback attempt by the Mountaineers with key defensive stops and timely scoring.
Agapito’s dominance was complemented by Brady Grevera, who chipped in 10 points, and Ryan Sechleer, who added eight. Crestwood’s balanced offensive attack and aggressive defense frustrated Dallas, holding the typically potent Mountaineers to just 52 points.
The game was tight down the stretch, with Crestwood leading by only three points entering the fourth quarter. A 17-point final period, fueled by Agapito’s clutch shooting and contributions from teammates Jacob Feisel and Gio Barna, sealed the victory for the Comets.
For Dallas, Pat Flanagan put up a valiant effort, scoring a team-high 17 points, including two three-pointers. Jude Nocito added 13 points, including three from beyond the arc, while Joey Nocito contributed eight points. Despite their efforts, Dallas struggled to keep pace with Crestwood’s efficient scoring and fell victim to the Comets’ determination.
The loss marked Dallas’s first conference defeat of the season, dropping their record to 7-1. Despite the setback, the Mountaineers remain atop the standings, ahead of Wilkes-Barre Area, Hazleton Area, and Pittston Area, who all have three league losses.
Crestwood’s victory not only snapped Dallas’s unbeaten streak but also showcased their potential to compete with the conference’s best.
The game’s statistics highlight Crestwood’s edge in critical areas. The Comets outshot Dallas from the field, making 23 field goals to Dallas’s 18. While Dallas had more three-pointers (9 to Crestwood’s 2), the Comets capitalized on their opportunities inside the arc and at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 17 attempts.
For Dallas, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they prepare for the second half of the season.
As the conference race heats up, this game will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment. Crestwood’s upset victory proves that no team is invincible, while Dallas will look to regroup and defend their top spot in the weeks to come.