Hazleton Area Shuts Down Wilkes-Barre Area in Dominant Victory
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | January 2, 2025
Hazleton Area Shuts Down Wilkes-Barre Area in Dominant Victory
The Hazleton Area Cougars wasted no time asserting their dominance, delivering a crushing 59-18 victory over the Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack in a league matchup on January 2, 2025. With a balanced attack and stifling defense, the Cougars controlled every aspect of the game, improving their record and solidifying their place among the region’s top teams.
First-Half Onslaught
The Cougars came out firing, outscoring Wilkes-Barre Area 16-3 in the first quarter and following it up with a 29-point explosion in the second. By halftime, Hazleton held an insurmountable 45-13 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Bindas was a force, leading Hazleton with 16 points, including two three-pointers. Senior Sophia Shults added 13 points, showing her versatility with scoring inside and from the free-throw line. Junior Alexis Reimold chipped in with 9 points, including a timely three-pointer.
Defensive Mastery
The Cougars’ defense was relentless, holding the Wolfpack to single-digit scoring in every quarter. Wilkes-Barre Area managed just six field goals and one three-pointer for the entire game. Hazleton’s pressure defense, combined with effective rebounding, limited the Wolfpack’s opportunities.
Wilkes-Barre Area’s Efforts
Despite the tough outing, Wilkes-Barre Area found some bright spots. Senior Jaida Underwood led the Wolfpack with 8 points, while Diamond Thornton contributed 4 points and was active defensively. However, the Wolfpack struggled to find consistent scoring against Hazleton’s smothering defense.
Key Stats
• Hazleton Area:
• Kaitlyn Bindas: 16 points, 2 three-pointers
• Sophia Shults: 13 points, 3-of-4 FT
• Alexis Reimold: 9 points, 1 three-pointer
• Juliana Silva: 6 points, 2 three-pointers
• Wilkes-Barre Area:
• Jaida Underwood: 8 points
• Diamond Thornton: 4 points
• Aniyah Hudson: 3 points, 1 three-pointer
Hazleton Area shot 25 field goals, including five three-pointers, and converted 4-of-8 free throws. The Wolfpack struggled offensively, making just six field goals and one three-pointer, with 5-of-17 shooting from the free-throw line.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars, now riding a wave of momentum, will face Berwick next in what promises to be another exciting matchup. With players like Bindas, Shults, and Reimold leading the charge, Hazleton Area is making waves this season.
Wilkes-Barre Area will look to regroup as they work to refine their offense and find a rhythm in upcoming games. Despite the loss, their effort and determination remain strong as they aim to bounce back in league play.
