FAITH FOR THE FUTURE - Riverside’s Pavalonis Set to Shine on the Court and the World Stage

By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | October 16, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

In the growing legacy of Riverside basketball, another name is already standing out before her first varsity tip-off, Faith Pavalonis. Entering her freshman season with the Lady Vikings, Pavalonis isn’t just preparing for a breakout debut in District 2 hoops; she’s preparing to represent the United States on an international level.

On Wednesday evening, Faith and her family received the news that she’s been invited back to the Olympic stage, returning this June to compete once again with Team USA at the United World Games. It’s another milestone in a journey that began more than a decade ago with a basketball in her hands and a dream that never stopped growing.

From CYC Courts to Elite Competition

Faith’s basketball story started when she was just four years old, learning the game while her father coached at the CYC in Wilkes-Barre. By fourth grade, she joined the Wyoming Valley Clutch AAU program under Irelyn Jannuzzi, a partnership that has shaped her growth ever since. Competing in tournaments throughout the northeast, Faith quickly built a reputation as a smart, disciplined, and complete player.

Her dedication off the court matched her performance on it. Through years of training with Everett Alers, she developed into a high-IQ, two-way guard known for her court vision, balanced scoring, and relentless defense. She thrives on distributing the ball, controlling tempo, and applying pressure through full-court defense—traits that make her a rare all-around talent at such a young age.

Making a Global Statement

Faith’s work ethic paid off when Dave Jannuzzi, owner of Wyoming Valley Clutch, nominated her to join PHD Hoops USA for the United World Games in 2024. Following an extensive evaluation and film review process, she earned a coveted roster spot and spent months preparing physically and mentally for international play.

That summer, she traveled across Austria, Germany, and Italy, competing in the 14U division and proving that her game translated anywhere in the world. Pavalonis helped lead her team to a gold medal, averaging a triple-double throughout the tournament and finishing the championship with 21 points, 11 steals, and 7 assists.

Her performance earned her Athlete of the Week honors from WBRE, spotlighting her as one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s brightest young athletes.

The Road Ahead

Faith’s journey is only gaining momentum. Impressed by her leadership and skill, PHD Hoops USA invited her to return to Europe in 2026 to compete in The Spain Cup Tour at the U16 level.

Now, as she's set to don Riverside’s red, white & blue for her freshman season, she carries both pride and purpose, representing her school, her community, and her country. From the hardwood of Moosic to the arenas of Europe, Faith Pavalonis continues to embody the heart, discipline, and drive that define the future of girls basketball in NEPA.

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