Hazleton Area Falls to Perkiomen Valley in PIAA Quarterfinals Despite Late Push
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | March 14, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
Bethlehem, PA – March 14, 2025 – The Hazleton Area Lady Cougars saw their PIAA championship hopes come to an end Friday night after a tough 63-50 loss to Perkiomen Valley in the quarterfinals. Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, Hazleton could not recover from a difficult second quarter that allowed Perkiomen Valley to take control of the game.
A Strong Start, A Tough Second Quarter
Hazleton Area came out strong, leading 12-11 after the first quarter behind key baskets from Kaitlyn Bindas and Alexis Reimold. However, the second quarter proved disastrous for the Cougars, as they managed only three points while Perkiomen Valley surged ahead with a 22-point explosion. The halftime deficit of 33-15 left Hazleton with an uphill battle for the remainder of the game.
Fighting Until the End
Despite the struggles in the middle quarters, Hazleton Area refused to go down quietly. Bindas and Reimold led a late rally, with the team scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter—more than they had in the first half combined. However, Perkiomen Valley’s steady offense and free-throw shooting kept Hazleton at arm’s length, preventing any real comeback opportunity.
Key Performances for Hazleton Area
• Kaitlyn Bindas – 17 points, 3 three-pointers
• Alexis Reimold – 16 points, 1 three-pointer
• Mariah Marolo – 5 points
• Sophia Benyo – 5 points, 3 free throws made
While Bindas and Reimold provided most of the offensive firepower, the Cougars struggled to generate consistent scoring throughout the game. Free-throw shooting also hurt their chances, as they made only 7 of 15 attempts.
Perkiomen Valley Advances to the Semifinals
While Hazleton Area’s season comes to a close, Perkiomen Valley continues its championship pursuit. Led by Quinn Boettinger and Grace Galbavy, who each scored 18 points, the Vikings controlled the game after their dominant second quarter.
Perkiomen Valley will now face the winner of the Central Dauphin vs. Archbishop Carroll matchup in the PIAA semifinals, with a trip to the state championship on the line.
