Hazleton Area Survives Conestoga’s Late Push, Advances to PIAA 6A Elite 8
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | March 13, 2025 | Photo courtesy Santiago Santos
BETHLEHEM – The Hazleton Area Cougars punched their ticket to the PIAA 6A state quarterfinals with a thrilling 60-54 victory over Conestoga at Bethlehem Freedom High School. The win propels the District 2 champions into the Elite 8, where they will face District 12's No. 2 seed, Father Judge.
Hazleton (60) leaned on standout performances from Yohansal Moran and Luis Guzman to fend off a late surge from Conestoga (54). Moran led all scorers with 19 points, including a key three-pointer, while Guzman added 18 points with efficient shooting inside. Dylan Stish also chipped in with 13 points, knocking down a three-pointer of his own.
Conestoga battled behind Shane O’Brien’s impressive 24-point performance, which featured a game-high five three-pointers. Ben Robinson (12 points) and Corey Hogan (13 points) also provided offensive support, but Hazleton’s defense held firm in the closing moments.
Three-point shooting played a pivotal role in the contest. Conestoga drained seven shots from beyond the arc, led by O’Brien’s five triples, while Hazleton connected on just two. Despite the outside shooting deficit, the Cougars dominated inside with 26 total field goals compared to Conestoga’s 16.
With the victory, Hazleton Area advances to the state quarterfinals, where they will take on Father Judge. The Cougars will look to build on their balanced scoring attack as they seek a spot in the Final Four.
