With a field change, a spontaneous anthem, and a walk-off win, Valley View’s state quarterfinal was packed with heart. Abbi Call and Ashlyn Palickar delivered in the biggest moments to send the Cougars to the 4A semifinals.

As the spring championship season winds down across Northeast Pennsylvania, eyes are already turning toward the fall — especially in the world of high school field hockey. Known for its rich talent pool and competitive edge, District 2 has long established itself as a breeding ground for elite field hockey athletes.

In the end, it was a complete team effort that secured the championship for the undefeated Red Barons—stellar pitching, timely hitting, sharp defense, and relentless base running all played their part in crowning them league champions.

Success in sports is impressive on its own, but when paired with academic achievement, it shows a level of discipline and dedication that deserves to be celebrated. Across District 2, countless student-athletes are not only performing at a high level in their respective sports but also earning honors in the classroom — and that balance speaks volumes about their character and work ethic.

SportzWire will provide live audio broadcasts of Monday’s PIAA softball semifinals, featuring Valley View vs. Northwestern Lehigh and Mid Valley vs. Pine Grove Area. Tony Sibilla of Penn Sports Radio will call the Valley View game, while Nate Johns and Paul Bo will cover Mid Valley. All four teams fall within SportzWire’s coverage area. Listen live at SportzWire.com. Tickets are available now at PIAA.org.

From Pike County practices to primetime pro lacrosse, Josh Balcarcel didn’t just make a roster—he made a statement. With No. 34 on his back and NEPA in his heart, the Delaware Valley alum became the first from District 2 to take the PLL field—and wasted no time proving he belongs. His story isn’t just one of talent, but of legacy, grit, and the quiet belief that small-town players can shine on the biggest stage.

With the game on the line and the bases loaded, Zoie Krupovich made a sliding catch in center to halt a North Schuylkill rally and preserve the lead—earning the SportzWire Play of the Game. Add in a triple from Ashlyn Palickar and a complete game from Taylor Cawley, and Valley View was on its way to the state quarterfinals with a 6-2 win.

Fueled by a sophomore ace, a senior slugger, and relentless team energy, Mid Valley powered through in Allentown. Two wins from Penn State — the Spartanettes are officially in the hunt.

Pitching, power, and poise — Pope John Paul II played championship-level baseball in Center Valley, and now stands one win away from the 4A state final.

The scoreboard closed the chapter, but North Pocono’s story this season was one of pride, perseverance, and a program on the rise. The Lady Trojans walk away with memories, momentum — and their heads held high.

A key second-inning surge proved to be the difference-maker as Mount Carmel plated two runs early to grab momentum. They added an insurance run in the fourth, and while the Eagles managed a lone tally in the third, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Red Tornadoes’ defensive sharpness and timely hitting.

A .478 hitter with a 0.39 ERA? Nick Bradley’s junior season reads like a video game stat sheet—but the Abington Heights ace is just getting started. Gatorade’s top player in PA brings the heat on the field and in the classroom.

The Classics Girls Basketball Camp is set to return this summer, running July 21–24 at the Xavier Center on the campus of Scranton Prep. Open to girls entering grades 4 through 8, the camp runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers a blend of individual instruction and team-oriented play.

In a evening that combined playoff nerves with program pride, Scranton Prep seized the spotlight — and made history in the process. From dominant draws to laser-accurate assists, the Cavaliers’ first step on the state stage looked anything but inexperienced.

Allison Rothenberger and Sadie Gilbert each scored six goals to lead Abington Heights to a historic 15-10 victory over Hershey in the first round of the PIAA Class 2A girls lacrosse playoffs. The win marks the program’s first-ever state playoff victory and keeps the Comets’ perfect season alive at 21-0.