Hazleton Area Dominates Cheltenham in 6A State Playoff Opener, 82-49
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | March 7, 2025 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
Hazleton, PA – The Hazleton Area girls’ basketball team delivered a commanding performance in the first round of the PIAA 6A state playoffs, overpowering Cheltenham 82-49 in front of a raucous home crowd on Friday night. The Lady Cougars set the tone early and never looked back, using a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense to cruise to victory.
From the opening tip, Hazleton showcased its firepower, racing out to a 25-16 lead in the first quarter behind efficient shooting and aggressive play. They turned up the heat even more in the second quarter, outscoring Cheltenham 26-8 to take a dominant 51-24 lead into halftime. The Lady Cougars continued their relentless pace through the third quarter, adding 21 more points to their tally before easing off in the fourth, securing their spot in the next round in emphatic fashion.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
Hazleton’s offensive success was fueled by multiple standout performances. Kaitlyn Bindas and Alexis Reimold led the scoring charge, each dropping 18 points. Bindas showed her versatility by knocking down two three-pointers, while Reimold was a force inside and at the free-throw line, sinking all three of her attempts.
Sophia Benyo was another key contributor, tallying 16 points while going 6-for-11 from the charity stripe. Kayla Lagowy added 8 points, while Mariah Marolo and Sophia Shults chipped in with 6 and 8 points, respectively. In total, 11 different Hazleton players found the scoresheet, a testament to the team’s depth and unselfish play.
Defensive Pressure and Efficiency
While the offense was firing on all cylinders, Hazleton’s defense was just as impressive. The Lady Cougars held Cheltenham to just eight points in the second quarter and limited them to 49 total, keeping their leading scorer, Maya Simmons, in check despite her 20-point effort. Jiah Price contributed 15 points for Cheltenham, but no other player reached double figures.
Hazleton also won the battle at the free-throw line, an area that proved to be a major difference-maker. They attempted 22 free throws, converting 16, while Cheltenham only had three total attempts from the stripe, making all of them. The Lady Cougars’ ability to draw fouls and capitalize on their opportunities played a significant role in their lopsided victory.
Making a Statement
This dominant performance sends a clear message to the rest of the 6A field—Hazleton Area is a team to be reckoned with. Their offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and depth make them a dangerous matchup for any opponent as they advance deeper into the state tournament.
With their first-round hurdle cleared in dominant fashion, the Lady Cougars will now turn their focus to the next challenge as they continue their quest for a state championship. If Friday night’s performance was any indication, Hazleton Area is locked in and ready for the road ahead.
