Knights Earn First Win as Basketball Takes a Back Seat to a Bigger Message at Mid Valley
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | December 12, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Mid Valley welcomed the Scranton Knights on Friday night for a home opener filled with energy, emotion, and meaning. The Spartans entered the night at 2–1, riding early-season wins over Carbondale Area and North Pocono, while Scranton arrived hungry at 0–2, searching for its first victory after losses to Dallas and Executive Education.
But before the opening tip, the focus shifted beyond basketball.
Friday marked the second annual Mental Health Awareness Night for Mid Valley basketball, held in partnership with the John Malvizzi Foundation, with Scranton proudly taking part as well. Both teams and coaching staffs wore green Aevidum shirts featuring uplifting messages provided by The Foundation, while the student section leaned fully into the moment.
Out in the lobby, Aevidum Clubs from both schools joined forces, hosting a bake sale, giveaways, and informational outreach aimed at spreading awareness, education, and inclusion. According to Scranton Aevidum members Pal Patel and Elizabeth Castro, nearly 50 students have now joined the Knights’ Aevidum Club, a testament to the growing impact of the movement.
Aevidum meaning “I’ve got your back” is a student-led organization focused on promoting positive mental health, preventing suicide, and breaking the stigma around speaking up. Through peer support, education, and initiatives like Friend to Friend training, the club works to ensure every student feels accepted, acknowledged, and cared for.
Once the ball went up, Scranton carried that momentum onto the floor.
The Knights controlled the tempo early, building a 22–16 halftime lead behind balanced scoring and disciplined defense. Mid Valley responded with its best stretch in the third quarter, outscoring Scranton 12–10 to trim the margin, but the Knights answered every push.
Scranton closed strong in the fourth, matching composure with execution and edging the Spartans 11–6 in the final frame to secure a 43–34 victory, their first win of the season.
Tony Battaglia led the way for Scranton, scoring 16 points, including 11 in the first half, as the Knights leaned on his physical presence and steady scoring. Max DePietro added 12 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers, while Justin Mayers chipped in 10 points to round out a balanced offensive effort.
For Mid Valley, Jeremy Cali paced the Spartans with 12 points, hitting four field goals and a three-pointer. Zack Buza added eight points, while Landon Pratt finished with seven, continuing to be a steady presence in the backcourt.
Beyond the result, the night stood as a reminder that athletics can be a platform for impact far beyond wins and losses.
Mid Valley head coach Mike Abda voiced strong support for events like Mental Health Awareness Night, emphasizing the unseen pressures athletes often carry, from anxiety over performance and playing time to the emotional toll of injuries and expectations.
As a teacher and coach, Abda recognizes that the outdated belief athletes must always be “tough as nails” is fading. Creating space for players to speak, feel, and support one another is no longer optional, it’s essential.
On Friday night with green the color of the evening and shared purpose, both schools showed exactly what that looks like.
Scoring Breakdown
