Maya Jenkins Joins 1,000-Point Club as Scranton Prep Dominates in PIAA Opener
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | March 8, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
SCRANTON – For a team with championship aspirations, the ability to lock down on defense is often the difference-maker. On Saturday afternoon, Scranton Prep flexed its defensive muscle in a pivotal second-quarter surge, silencing Delone Catholic and paving the way for a commanding 56-34 victory in the PIAA Class 4A first-round matchup at the Xavier Center’s Keller Court.
The Classics (24-1), fueled by a 20-4 second-quarter blitz, held the Squirettes to just two field goals in the period while igniting their own offense in transition. Bella Dennebaum led the charge with 14 points, while Maya Jenkins poured in 11—including the historic 1,000th point of her career. Claire McGrath and Ashlyn Moore chipped in nine points apiece as Scranton Prep punched its ticket to Wednesday’s second round against Allentown Central Catholic.
Second-Quarter Lockdown Turns the Tide
After a tightly contested first quarter, Delone Catholic (19-8) found itself up 13-10 early in the second following a turnaround jumper by Reece Meckley. But that’s when Scranton Prep flipped the switch.
McGrath drained a three to tie the game, and Jenkins’ steal led to two free throws. Moments later, McGrath sliced through the defense for a layup, giving the Classics a 17-13 advantage. Delone Catholic answered with a mid-range jumper from all-state guard Megan Jacoby, but it would be their last bucket for over four minutes.
Meanwhile, Scranton Prep’s offense found its rhythm. Moore and Jenna Hillebrand drilled back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead. McGrath converted a fast-break layup off a beautiful feed from Jenkins, and Trinity Litts dropped a pinpoint bounce pass to Hillebrand for an easy bucket, capping off a 20-4 run that sent the Classics into the locker room up 30-15.
Dennebaum Catches Fire, Jenkins Joins the 1,000-Point Club
Any hopes of a Delone Catholic comeback faded in the third quarter as Dennebaum took center stage. The sharpshooter drilled three three-pointers in the period, keeping the Squirettes at bay and extending the lead to 43-25 entering the final eight minutes.
The fourth quarter belonged to Jenkins, who entered the night needing 11 points to reach the 1,000-point milestone. She sat at nine late in the third quarter but missed two free throws and a couple of shots from the field before finally reaching the mark in fitting fashion—by crashing the boards. With just over three minutes left, Jenkins grabbed her own miss and converted the put-back, sealing her place in Scranton Prep history.
As the crowd erupted, her teammates swarmed her in celebration.
Looking Ahead
Jacoby led Delone Catholic with 13 points, while Meckley added 11, but the Squirettes struggled to find offensive consistency against Scranton Prep’s relentless pressure.
Now, with their first-round challenge behind them, the Classics shift their focus to Allentown Central Catholic in Wednesday’s second-round showdown. If their defense continues to dominate, Scranton Prep will be a tough team to stop in the PIAA tournament.
STAT LEADERS
Scranton Prep:
• Bella Dennebaum: 14 points, 3 three-pointers
• Maya Jenkins: 11 points (1,000 career points milestone)
• Ashlyn Moore: 9 points, 1 three-pointer
• Claire McGrath: 9 points, 1 three-pointer
• Jenna Hillebrand: 5 points
Delone Catholic:
• Megan Jacoby: 13 points
• Reece Meckley: 11 points
Scranton Prep (24-1) will take on Allentown Central Catholic in the next round, with the time and location to be announced.
Leave a Message