Dallas Defeats Wilkes-Barre Area 57-49 in Competitive Matchup
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | January 8, 2025 | Photo courtesy Ruban Bourdeau
Wilkes-Barre, PA — On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Dallas boys’ basketball team secured a 57-49 victory over Wilkes-Barre Area in a well-contested matchup. The game showcased Dallas’s offensive efficiency and balanced scoring, allowing them to maintain control despite a strong effort from the Wolfpack.
First Quarter: Dallas Takes Control Early
Dallas set the tone from the opening tip, jumping out to a commanding 21-9 lead in the first quarter. Their offensive execution was sharp, with multiple players contributing early baskets. Jude Nocito, who would finish as one of the leading scorers, scored 8 of his 14 points in the opening frame, including two three-pointers.
Wilkes-Barre Area struggled to keep pace offensively in the first quarter. Their shooting difficulties limited them to just 9 points, with David Jannuzzi leading the charge with an early bucket.
Second Quarter: Wilkes-Barre Responds
Wilkes-Barre Area fought back in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 14-8 and narrowing the deficit. Jannuzzi, the standout performer for the Wolfpack, began attacking the basket and drawing fouls, hitting 4 of 5 free throws during the period. Mike Keating also contributed with a pair of strong drives to the hoop.
Despite their offensive surge, Dallas managed to hold onto a 29-23 lead at halftime. The second quarter saw Dallas cool off from the field, scoring just 8 points, but their defensive efforts kept Wilkes-Barre Area from completely closing the gap.
Third Quarter: Neck-and-Neck Battle
The third quarter was evenly matched, with both teams scoring effectively and tightening their defenses. Wilkes-Barre Area outscored Dallas 15-14 in the period, keeping the game competitive.
Jannuzzi continued his stellar performance, scoring 7 points in the quarter, including a three-pointer. Keating added another key bucket, while Jacob Johnson contributed with a pair of free throws.
Dallas responded with key baskets from Jack Dale and Tyce Mason, who both demonstrated poise under pressure. Mason knocked down a critical three-pointer, and Dale added 5 points, helping the Mountaineers cling to a narrow 43-38 lead entering the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Dallas Secures the Win
The final quarter saw Dallas pull away once again, outscoring Wilkes-Barre Area 14-11 to seal the 57-49 victory. Despite continued aggressive play from Jannuzzi and Keating, Dallas’s balanced offensive attack proved too difficult for the Wolfpack to overcome.
Tyce Mason scored 5 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, including a momentum-shifting three-pointer. Nocito and Dale also added critical baskets to keep Dallas comfortably ahead in the closing moments.
Key Performers:
Dallas:
• Jude Nocito: 14 points (6 FG, 2 three-pointers)
• Jack Dale: 13 points (5 FG, 1 three-pointer, 2 FT)
• Tyce Mason: 12 points (4 FG, 3 three-pointers)
Wilkes-Barre Area:
• David Jannuzzi: 21 points (6 FG, 1 three-pointer, 8-9 FT)
• Mike Keating: 13 points (6 FG, 1 FT)
• Jacob Johnson: 6 points (2 FG, 2 FT)
Team Stats:
• Three-Point Goals: Dallas 7, Wilkes-Barre Area 1
• Field Goals: Dallas 23, Wilkes-Barre Area 18
• Free Throws Made: Dallas 4, Wilkes-Barre Area 12
• Free Throws Attempted: Dallas 8, Wilkes-Barre Area 20
Analysis:
Dallas’s victory was fueled by their efficiency from beyond the arc and balanced scoring. The Mountaineers converted seven three-pointers compared to Wilkes-Barre Area’s one, creating a significant scoring gap. Additionally, Dallas made 23 field goals overall while keeping Wilkes-Barre Area’s offensive efforts in check.
Wilkes-Barre Area’s struggles from the perimeter were evident throughout the game, relying heavily on Jannuzzi and Keating for scoring. The Wolfpack’s 20 free throw attempts, compared to Dallas’s 8, reflected their aggressive drive-focused attack, but their lower shooting percentage ultimately cost them.
Conclusion:
Dallas’s victory over Wilkes-Barre Area was a testament to their defensive discipline and balanced scoring attack. With standout performances from Nocito, Dale, and Mason, the Mountaineers showed their ability to control the tempo and capitalize on perimeter opportunities. Meanwhile, Wilkes-Barre Area will look to regroup and address their outside shooting as they prepare for their next matchup.
Final Score: Dallas 57, Wilkes-Barre Area 49
