Hazleton Area Dominates Dallas in Commanding 81-39 Victory
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | February 5, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography.com
DALLAS, PA — Hazleton Area extended their perfect season to 22-0 with a dominant 81-39 victory over Dallas on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The Cougars displayed offensive firepower and defensive prowess, overwhelming Dallas from the second quarter onward.
First Quarter: A Tight Contest
The game started competitively, with Hazleton Area edging Dallas 17-16 in the first quarter. Dallas showed resilience early, fueled by Odessa Kanton’s aggressive drives and Caitlyn Mizzer’s perimeter shooting. However, the Cougars’ ability to adapt quickly set the stage for what was to come.
Second Quarter Surge
Hazleton Area exploded offensively in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 35-6. Mariah Marolo caught fire, draining multiple three-pointers, and finished the half with 15 points. Alexis Reimold showcased her versatility, attacking both inside and from beyond the arc. The Cougars’ defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities.
Second Half: Cougars Maintain Control
Dallas attempted to regroup after halftime, but Hazleton Area maintained their dominance. Marolo continued her offensive onslaught, finishing with a game-high 21 points, including five three-pointers. Reimold added 20 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc and going 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Sophia Shults contributed 10 points, showcasing her consistency from the charity stripe, hitting 5-of-6 free throws. Kayla Lagowy added eight points, including two key three-pointers, while Kaitlyn Bindas chipped in with seven points.
Dallas Highlights
Despite the lopsided score, Odessa Kanton led Dallas with 13 points, demonstrating her tenacity in the paint and at the free-throw line, converting 3-of-4 attempts. Caitlyn Mizzer contributed 11 points, going 4-of-7 from the free-throw line and hitting a clutch three-pointer in the first half.
Mia DelGaudio added eight points, knocking down two three-pointers that provided brief momentum for the Mountaineers. Izzy Evans and Riley Samanas each contributed with strong defensive efforts and timely baskets.
Team Stats Overview:
Hazleton Area: 28 field goals, 13 three-pointers, 12-of-15 free throws (80%).
Dallas: 14 field goals, 3 three-pointers, 8-of-13 free throws (61.5%).
Shooting Percentages:
Hazleton Area: 28/50 FG (56%), 13/25 3P (52%), 12/15 FT (80%)
Dallas: 14/45 FG (31%), 3/15 3P (20%), 8/13 FT (61.5%)
Key Performers:
Hazleton Area:
Mariah Marolo: 21 points (5 3P, 8 FG)
Alexis Reimold: 20 points (3 3P, 6 FG, 5/6 FT)
Sophia Shults: 10 points (2 FG, 5/6 FT)
Dallas:
Odessa Kanton: 13 points (5 FG, 3/4 FT)
Caitlyn Mizzer: 11 points (3 FG, 4/7 FT, 1 3P)
Mia DelGaudio: 8 points (2 3P, 3 FG)
