Taylor Cawley was untouchable in the circle and the Cougars were unstoppable at the plate. With 13 strikeouts, 14 hits, and a roaring crowd behind them, Valley View rolled past Kennard-Dale 6-0 to claim the PIAA 4A State Championship in dominant fashion at Penn State.

From Taylor to the Big Ten, Tavian Branch’s journey is powered by grit, strength, and belief in the people around him. Choosing Rutgers wasn’t just about football — it was about fit, family, and a culture that felt like home. With one final high school season ahead, Branch is ready to finish what he started and carry his small-town pride onto the national stage.

The names on the jerseys may be different, but the fire is the same. The 2025 Field of Dreams Game brings together the best of the Lackawanna League for one last showdown—school pride on full display, rivals turned teammates, and a cause that matters bigger than the scoreboard.

Thirty-four of the Lackawanna League’s top senior softball players will take the field together one final time at the University of Scranton. The 2025 Field of Dreams Game brings two all-star teams, 18 schools, and one shared mission to support the Bill Howerton Strike Out Cancer Initiative—making it a night of standout talent and meaningful impact. Sunday at 5pm, be there!!

From commanding the circle to crushing at the plate and shutting down runners behind it, Sofia Esterline, Ella Helcoski, and Kendall Golden are showing that Northeast Pennsylvania is producing some of the best young softball talent in the country. The 2025 USA Softball All-American Games just got a whole lot tougher—with NEPA in the mix.

Madison Hedglin’s journey into running began in the 7th grade, when she first stepped onto the cross country course and track.

As the state comes together for this milestone event, players from across Pennsylvania will take the field wearing their school colors one final time. For District 2, the showcase carries added pride with six seniors earning selections: Nick Ledger (Hazleton Area), Silvio Giardina (Pittston Area), Max Forgione (Dunmore), and Thomas LaCoe (Abington Heights) headline the group, representing a region that continues to produce top-tier baseball talent. Their inclusion is not just a reward—it’s a reflection of the consistent excellence cultivated in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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.