By: Devan Wade | Sportzwire | July 10, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Girls JV Basketball Summer League Action held at the Kingston Rec - Week of July 1st
Game 1: Northwest Area Lady Rangers vs. Holy Redeemer
Coach Yaple and the Northwest Area Lady Rangers continued their JV girls' summer basketball season with a thrilling 38-36 victory over Holy Redeemer on Tuesday evening at the Kingston Rec. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, showcasing the Lady Rangers' defensive prowess and clutch performance down the stretch.
The Lady Rangers came out firing, dominating the first quarter with a commanding 12-1 lead. Their suffocating defense in the paint forced Holy Redeemer to rely on outside shots, many of which rimmed out. However, Holy Redeemer battled back in the second and third quarters, capitalizing on sharp perimeter shooting to take the lead by the end of the third. The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets. In the final moments, Holy Redeemer’s attempt at a game-winning three-pointer missed, securing the 38-36 win for the Lady Rangers.
Standout Player: Arheya Williams (Northwest Area Lady Rangers)
Number 25, Arheya Williams, was a dominant force in the paint for the Lady Rangers. The sophomore forward led her team with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Her presence on both ends of the court disrupted Holy Redeemer’s interior game and anchored Northwest’s defensive strategy. Williams’ ability to control the boards and swat away shots in crunch time was pivotal.
Game 2: Wyoming Valley West vs. Lake Lehman
In a gritty defensive showdown, Lake Lehman edged out Wyoming Valley West 19-18 on Tuesday at the Kingston Rec. The game was a testament to both teams’ tenacious defense, with neither side giving an inch in a low-scoring affair.
Lake Lehman set the tone early, disrupting Wyoming Valley West’s offense by staying active in the passing lanes. Their aggressive ball pressure led to numerous steals, but the Lake Lehman struggled to convert on fast-break opportunities, keeping the game close. Wyoming Valley West matched Lehman’s intensity, clogging the paint and forcing tough shots. The score remained tight throughout, with Lake Lehman holding a slim 10-9 lead at halftime. The fourth quarter saw both teams trade defensive stops, but a crucial steal and layup by Lake Lehman in the final minute secured the 19-18 victory.
Game 3: Hazleton Area Lady Cougars vs. Scranton Prep
The Hazleton Area Lady Cougars delivered a defensive masterclass on Tuesday, overpowering Scranton Prep with a 31-22 victory. The Lady Cougars’ relentless pressure and interior dominance ensured they controlled the game from start to finish.
From the opening tip, Hazleton’s suffocating defense set the tone, securing numerous steals in the passing lanes and shutting down Scranton Prep’s inside game. The Lady Cougars never gave up easy buckets, forcing their opponents into contested shots. By halftime, Hazleton led 21-13, thanks to their aggressive play and sharp ball movement. The second half saw no let-up, as coach Shamany and her Lady Cougars maintained their defensive intensity and capitalized on transition opportunities to secure the 31-22 win.
Standout Player: Janette Veliz (Hazleton Area Lady Cougars)
Janette Veliz was a force in the paint for the Lady Cougars, finishing with 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Her dominance on the boards and ability to facilitate from the post were key to Hazleton’s control of the game. Veliz’s defensive presence stifled Scranton Prep’s interior offense, while her playmaking sparked the Lady Cougars’ fast-paced attack.
Game 4: Dallas vs. Crestwood
Dallas closed out the night with a commanding 35-26 victory over Crestwood on Tuesday. Dallas’ relentless defense in the passing lanes and efficient transition scoring turned the game into a lopsided affair.
Dallas set the pace early, capitalizing on steal after steal to disrupt Crestwood’s offense. Their aggressive play in the passing lanes led to numerous fast-break opportunities, which they converted with precision. By halftime, Dallas held a 14-8 lead, showcasing their defensive tenacity and quick-strike offense. The second half saw Dallas maintain their intensity, pulling away with a balanced attack and suffocating defense that kept Crestwood at bay. The final score of 35-26 reflected Dallas’s dominance throughout.
Standout Player: Malaysia Shaw (Dallas Mountaineers)
Malaysia Shaw put on a clinic for Dallas, leading the way with an impressive 16 points, 4 steals, and 5 rebounds. Her quick hands in the passing lanes fueled Dallas’s transition game, while her scoring outburst, including several key baskets in the second half, kept Crestwood on their heels. Shaw’s all-around performance was the driving force behind their victory.