The induction of Coach Jerry Rickrode and Dave Januzzi into the MAC Hall of Fame is a momentous occasion that recognizes two individuals whose contributions have had a profound impact on the world of basketball, both at the collegiate level and in the professional arena. Their legacy is defined not just by their impressive win records but by their dedication to their players, their communities, and the sport they love.

In sports, greatness is often measured not just by talent, but by resilience, leadership, and the ability to elevate an entire team. Jude Nocito, a senior captain of the Dallas High School basketball team, exemplifies all these qualities. This season, his skill, determination, and commitment to his team have propelled Dallas from a supposed “rebuilding year” to the top of both the conference and district standings.

PITTSTON, PA — In a closely contested high school basketball game, Pittston Area narrowly defeated Wilkes-Barre Area 67–65 on Tuesday night. The game, played at Pittston Area’s home court, showcased standout performances, thrilling momentum swings, and a dramatic fourth-quarter finish.

Brycen Martin and Packy Doherty combined for 57 points to lead Scranton Prep to a commanding 79-60 victory over Wallenpaupack in a Lackawanna League showdown. Martin’s 30 points and Doherty’s 27, fueled by eight total three-pointers, powered the Cavaliers past the Buckhorns, who were led by Justin Blanding’s 21 points. Scranton Prep’s second-half surge sealed the win, cementing their position as one of the Lackawanna league teams on the rise to top of the standings.

BERWICK — In a pivotal showdown for first place in Division 2 of the league standings, the Berwick Bulldogs delivered a statement victory, defeating Wyoming Area 60-43 on Saturday. The win improved Berwick to 6-1 in conference play, while Wyoming Area, previously undefeated in league action, fell to 7-1.

🏀 Top 10 Scoring Leaders Taking the Spotlight! 🌟 These athletes are lighting up the court this season with incredible performances. Leading the pack is Larissa Evans (Millville) with 230 points and 20.9 PPG, showcasing her dominance on offense. Close behind is Quinlan Blake (Central Columbia) with 229 points and an impressive 85.7% free-throw accuracy. Lily Fatool (Shikellamy) stands out with the highest PPG at 22.4, proving her scoring ability is unmatched.

Basketball is a multifaceted sport where contributions extend far beyond scoring. This season, several athletes have distinguished themselves as exceptional rebounders, showcasing their ability to control the boards and influence the game in various ways. Leading the chart is Maura Bellis from Shamokin, who has been a cornerstone for her team with an impressive 133 rebounds. Not far behind, Kameron Lightener of North Penn-Mansfield has been a consistent force, amassing 130 rebounds. These athletes exemplify the critical role of rebounding in basketball, demonstrating that controlling the boards is essential for team success.

🏀 District 4 Girls Basketball: Top 10 Three-Point Shooters 🏀 The 2024 girls’ basketball season is showcasing some incredible sharpshooting talent in District 4. Leading the way is Shikellamy’s Lily Fatool, who has drained 33 three-pointers for 99 points, shooting at an impressive 35.1%. Close behind is Wellsboro’s Chloe Brandenburg, with 30 threes and a 37.5% shooting percentage. Canton’s Kendall Kitchen stands out with 29 three-pointers, boasting a district-best 43.9% efficiency from deep. These players, along with others like Haley Litzelman (North Penn-Liberty) and Niyah Tutler (St. John Neumann), are lighting up the scoreboard and proving their dominance from beyond the arc. Stay tuned as these sharpshooters continue to elevate their teams throughout the season!

Dallas, PA – In a thrilling high school basketball showdown on Friday night, the Dallas Mountaineers held off the Wyoming Valley West Spartans for a narrow 40-39 victory in front of an energized home crowd. The game came down to the wire, with standout performances on both sides making for an unforgettable contest

The hero of the night was Wilkes-Barre Area senior guard David Jannuzzi, who delivered a performance for the ages with a game-high 28 points, including a spectacular game-winning play in the final seconds.

Valley View edged Abington Heights 39-35 in a hard-fought matchup. Cora Castellani led the Cougars with 12 points, including 7-of-8 from the line and a three-pointer. Giada Costa added 8 points, and Maggie Pegula contributed 7. Valley View shot 83% (15-of-18) from the line and sealed the win with a 14-point fourth quarter. For Abington, Sarah Cantner scored 12, followed by Emma Coleman with 10 and Madeleine Walsh with 9. The Comets shot just 50% (2-of-4) from the line and were held to 4 points in the final period.

The Lake-Lehman Black Knights secured a commanding 49-35 victory over Wyoming Seminary in a WVC Division 2 matchup on Friday night. The game was highlighted by a second-half surge from Lake-Lehman’s Ella Wilson, who finished with a game-high 19 points, and a valiant scoring effort from Wyoming Seminary’s Ella Stambaugh, who tallied 15 points in the loss.

The Liberty Lady Canes secured a dominant 80-17 victory over East Stroudsburg South, highlighted by Ava Kopetskie\'s record-breaking 40-point performance, a single game scoring record that included seven three-pointers. The win also marked Coach Jarrett Carnes his 50th career victory. The Lady Canes showcased their dominance on both ends of the court, solidifying their reputation as a force in D11.

Crestwood edged Pittston Area 34-33 in a defensive thriller on January 17, 2025. Kendall Petrosky led Crestwood with 12 points, including three three-pointers, while Jackie Gallagher hit 4-of-4 free throws to seal the win. For Pittston Area, Daniella Ranieli shined with a game-high 20 points, but the Patriots’ struggles at the line (60%) proved costly. Crestwood’s defense held Pittston Area to just 6 points in the final quarter to secure the victory.

Mid Valley (9-5, 4-2) relied on balanced scoring and defensive resilience to fend off Old Forges (9-4, 3-2) comeback attempts. The Spartanettes strong second quarter proved decisive, with Mackenzie Adolfsons inside scoring and Krista Cortazars versatility providing the edge. Jewlya McCullon delivered an outstanding performance for Old Forge, keeping the Lady Devils competitive with her scoring and free-throw accuracy. Aryanna Harris and Ava Arnolds contributions highlighted the depth of the Lady Devils roster. In a clash of two competitive teams, Mid Valleys balanced attack overcame Old Forges home-court advantage to seal the win and strengthen their position in the Division II standings.