HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS TIP-OFF: ENERGY, PURPOSE & A PACKED STUDENT UNION AT LACKAWANNA COLLEGE
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | November 23, 2025 | Photo courtesy Andrea Mecca (Borden Photography)
Basketball season in Northeast Pennsylvania tipped off in a big way today inside the Student Union at Lackawanna College, where Coaches vs. Cancer NEPA hosted a special Basketball Media Day for boys’ and girls’ teams from across the region. With support from Tom Ferguson and Danny Berg, the venue offered the ideal setup, spacious, organized, and ready to handle the wave of teams, coaches, and media who filled the building.
Programs traveled from every corner of NEPA, from Delaware Valley to Montrose, Tunkhannock to Pocono Mountain West, bringing excitement and anticipation that matched the start of a brand-new season.
A Vision Nearly 20 Years in the Making
The driving force behind today’s event traces back nearly two decades, when Andrew Kettel, then the head coach at Lackawanna Trail, sought to rally support for one of his players battling cancer. His vision connected with Jamie Kane, Associate Director of Development for the American Cancer Society East Region, whose 26 years of service have played an enormous role in shaping Coaches vs. Cancer NEPA into the impactful initiative it is today.
Since then, the movement has helped raise nearly $4 million, with schools like Valley View, represented today by principal Larry Pegula, leading the nation in fundraising for three consecutive years.
Expertly Organized by Cindy Devaney
A tremendous amount of credit belongs to Cindy Devaney, Development Manager for the American Cancer Society Northeast Region. Her planning and organization ensured a smooth, engaging, and meaningful day for all involved.
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Media Day Highlights
The event blended the excitement of basketball season with education and purpose. Teams learned how to start or expand their Coaches vs. Cancer initiatives, how to organize events, and how to unify their school communities around the mission.
SportzWire was on-site hosting our live radio broadcast and capturing media day interviews and photos, helping spotlight the programs and personalities that make NEPA area hoops special.
Another highlight was a three-point contest which added a great competitive and entertaining element to the day.
🎧 Listen to the Media Day Radio Broadcast here!
Suits & Sneakers on the Horizon
With Media Day in the books, schools now begin preparing for their Suits & Sneakers games and events, which will be in full swing from late January into February. These efforts showcase the heart of Coaches vs. Cancer: raising awareness, rallying communities, and supporting families across the region.
A Season Ready to Begin
The energy at Lackawanna College made one thing clear, NEPA basketball is ready.
A new season, new storylines, and a community united behind both the game and the mission.
Best of luck to all teams this winter. SportzWire will be following along all season, ready to share every moment.
