Dallas Mountaineers Edge Wyoming Valley West Spartans in Nail-Biting 40-39 Victory
By: Matt Flanagan | Circle W Sports | January 18, 2025 | Photo courtesy Tyce Mason
Dallas, PA – In a thrilling high school basketball showdown on Friday night, the Dallas Mountaineers held off the Wyoming Valley West Spartans for a narrow 40-39 victory in front of an energized home crowd. The game came down to the wire, with standout performances on both sides making for an unforgettable contest.
Game Summary
The Mountaineers jumped out to a 9-5 lead in the first quarter, using a balanced offense to establish early momentum. Odessa Kanton and Mia DelGaudio spearheaded Dallas’s attack, combining for crucial baskets. Valley West struggled to find their rhythm initially but came alive in the second quarter with a 14-point surge led by Thalia Irizarry and Anna Sierra. At halftime, the score was tied at 18-18, setting the stage for an intense second half.
The third quarter saw Dallas edge ahead, outscoring Valley West 13-11. Brianna Casey contributed critical points in the paint, while Kanton’s defensive presence kept the Spartans at bay. However, Irizarry’s sharpshooting and leadership kept Valley West within striking distance.
The fourth quarter was a battle of wills. Irizarry dominated from the free-throw line, hitting all seven of her attempts in the period to keep the Spartans within reach. Meanwhile, Kanton delivered in the clutch, scoring five of her game-high 16 points in the final minutes. As the clock wound down, Valley West had a chance to take the lead, but Dallas’s defense held strong to secure the one-point victory.
Key Performances
For Dallas, Odessa Kanton was the clear standout, finishing with 16 points, including several decisive baskets in the closing minutes. Mia DelGaudio provided steady support, contributing 10 points and hitting crucial free throws to maintain the Mountaineers’ edge.
Brianna Casey added 9 points, while Izzy Evans chipped in with 3. Despite scoring only 40 points as a team, Dallas’s defensive grit and timely scoring carried them to victory.
Valley West’s Thalia Irizarry put on a spectacular performance, scoring 18 of her team’s 39 points. Her ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free throws kept the Spartans within reach throughout the contest. Anna Sierra added 7 points, while Anya Richet and Alyvia McLaughlin combined for 9 points.
Team Statistics
The Mountaineers overcame shooting struggles by relying on solid defense and free throws. Dallas made 10 of their 17 attempts from the charity stripe, while Valley West was a perfect 8-for-8.
Dallas did not make a single three-point shot but connected on 14 field goals overall, compared to Valley West’s 13. The Spartans had a slight edge in three-point shooting, with Irizarry, Sierra, and McLaughlin each hitting from deep.
What’s Next
The victory marked a rebound for the Mountaineers after a tough loss to Hazleton Area earlier in the week. With the win, Dallas showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
For Valley West, the loss was a heartbreaker, but Irizarry’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating night. Both teams will look to build on this game as they continue their respective seasons.
