Hazleton’s Firepower, Family, and Ferocity Make Them a True Contender
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | December 11, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bob Geatano
Hazleton enters this season with one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in District 2. The Cougars are powered by a core that includes 1,000-point scorer Kaitlyn Bindas and fellow standout Alexis Reimold, who is approaching the same milestone. Surrounding them is a versatile supporting cast featuring Sophia Benyo, Mariah Marolo, and the often-overlooked but highly impactful Kayla Lagowy. With a lineup full of players capable of scoring and defending at a high level, Hazleton frequently forces opponents into difficult matchup decisions from the opening tip.
What separates this group is the consistency and execution of their signature press. The Cougars attack opponents with speed, instinct, and constant ball pressure, creating turnovers and quick scoring opportunities. Their ability to advance the ball quickly, identify the right reads, and maintain pace under pressure makes them one of the most difficult teams to contain in the region. The emergence of freshman Molly Temchatin, who already shows dangerous scoring potential, further strengthens a lineup built to thrive in transition and sustained defensive effort.
Depth remains one of Hazleton’s defining strengths. The program regularly utilizes its sixth, seventh, and eighth players without any drop-off in performance, enabling Coach Gavio to maintain an aggressive tempo from start to finish. Combined with returning offensive firepower and the cohesion of a group that plays with a family-level connection, Hazleton enters the season positioned as a legitimate contender. Their upcoming matchups with Crestwood and Dallas stand out as must-see games across District 2.
