Lady Cougars Shine On and Off the Court for Coaches vs Cancer Opening Night
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | January 23, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
The Valley View Lady Cougars made their mark both on and off the court during the opening night of the Coaches vs. Cancer events, a fundraiser that brought the community together for a cause. In a game that highlighted their dominance, the Lady Cougars defeated West Scranton 64-19 in a Lackawanna League Division I matchup, but the night’s success extended far beyond the scoreboard.
Valley View’s standout players were on fire during the game, with Cora Castellani leading the charge with 15 points, six steals, and six rebounds. Ava Gazoo added a stellar performance with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Giada Costa contributed 10 points to round out the top scorers. For West Scranton, Samirah Menifee led with seven points, followed by Aubrey Kerrigan and Morgan Baumgardner with five and three points, respectively.
The evening also featured a special opportunity for the junior girls’ basketball program to celebrate and engage with the Lady Cougars. A highlight of the night was the free throw competition, where 4th-grade standout Eliza Iyoob dazzled the crowd, earning the title of Best Free Throw Shooter and taking home a signed basketball from the Lady Cougars and their coaches.
Beyond the basketball excitement, the event featured pizza for the junior girls’ teams, basket raffles donated by local businesses and families, and a shared goal of raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The energy in the gym was electric as fans of all ages came together for a memorable night of sportsmanship and community support.
The Valley View Lady Cougars (15-1, 7-1) continue to inspire both on the court with their impressive performances and off the court with their dedication to meaningful causes. With opening night setting such a high bar, the Coaches vs. Cancer campaign is sure to leave a lasting impact.
