"In the Heart of Shickshinny, a Small Town School Shines Big: Northwest Rangers Claim District Championship"
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | February 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
Northwest Rangers Capture Long-Awaited District Title in Thrilling Win Over Muncy Indians
In the land of five mountains, nestled in the heart of Shickshinny, a small town with a big heart, the Northwest Rangers etched their names in history by capturing the District 4 2A Boys Basketball Championship, a title they hadn’t won since 1992. The road to the championship was not an easy one, but the Rangers overcame every challenge in their path, culminating in a 58-34 victory over the Muncy Indians in the District final.
The Rangers had already made their mark this season by defeating Muncy twice in the regular season, but as any seasoned basketball fan will tell you, beating a team three times in a season is no easy feat. Despite their previous success, there was a palpable sense of tension as the District Championship game kicked off last night. But the Rangers were undeterred, playing with a poise and passion that ultimately led them to victory.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Muncy making several runs throughout the night, but they were never able to take and maintain a lead. The Rangers' defense, led by standout Brady Shea, played a pivotal role in stifling Muncy’s offense. Shea, who was named Defensive Player of the Year, was a force on both ends of the court, contributing not just defensively but also offensively. He had 12 points and 5 steals in the win, proving to be a key contributor to the Rangers' success.
One of the game's pivotal moments came in the first quarter, when Jozshua Miner scored nine straight points to help the Rangers surge to a 16-9 lead. Miner finished the game as the team's high scorer with 20 points, leading the charge for his teammates. Brady Shea added 12 points, while Ryan Miner chipped in with 9 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Jace McCoy was a force on the boards with 8 rebounds to go along with his 6 points, while Tucker Crawford made his presence known with 12 rebounds and 9 points.
Muncy, despite their best efforts, struggled to find their rhythm offensively. The Rangers' defense smothered Muncy’s key players, with Stiles Eyer and Nate Rogers each finishing with 9 points. Kohen Meyer had 6 points, while Dominic Guardini and Kyran Lisembee each contributed 4 points. However, their shooting woes were no match for the Rangers' defense, which remained steadfast throughout the game.
This win marks a long-awaited moment of triumph for the Rangers, who had fallen short in the semi-final round in each of the previous three years. The victory against Sayre in last week’s semi-final set the stage for this championship, and the Rangers made sure not to let the opportunity slip away. This district title is a testament to the hard work and dedication of a group of players who have been playing together since they were young, with their bond and chemistry on full display throughout the game.
Ryan Miner, one of the senior leaders of the team, reflected on the heart of the Rangers' success: “The school is small, so having that group of guys that you're close with, having such a close community that supports and fans cheer and travel all over for is special. Our guys have formed such a great bond and love for each other.”
Brady Shea, another senior leader, echoed his teammate’s sentiments, stating, “We have great chemistry on the court, which means we know where each other will be and how to support one another. Everyone brings something different to the table, whether it's shooting, rebounding, passing, or defense, and that makes us stronger as a unit.”
For the Rangers, this win is not just about a championship—it’s about the years of hard work, the bond between teammates, and the unwavering support of their community. Northwest now moves on to the State playoffs with a 23-3 record, while Muncy, at 20-6, will also look to make their mark in the postseason.
As the final buzzer sounded in Shickshinny, the Rangers and their loyal fans celebrated a moment that had been long overdue. With their District 4 2A title in hand, the Rangers are primed to make a deep run in the state playoffs—and they’ll do it together, as a family.
