The Pocono Mountain West Panthers claimed “King of the Mountain” in a thrilling 68-58 victory over the East Cardinals, fueled by KJ Coles 19 points, Adrian Britos 22-point performance, and a strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter.
Dunmore Takes Top Spot in D2 Small School Girls Basketball Rankings The Dunmore Lady Bucks have claimed the No. 1 spot in the latest NEPA Elite rankings, thanks to Lake-Lehman’s decisive 65-35 victory over former top-ranked Holy Redeemer. Dunmore solidified their position with a commanding 51-34 win over Western Wayne, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court. The shakeup has fans buzzing about a potential rematch between Dunmore and Holy Redeemer at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a matchup that promises to deliver fireworks. With teams like Elk Lake and Mountain View also making strong statements, the road to the championship is shaping up to be fiercely competitive.
Scranton Prep Eyes Another Statement Win in D2 Big School Rankings Scranton Prep remains firmly entrenched at the top of the NEPA Elite D2 Big School Girls Basketball Rankings after another dominant week, capped off by a 69-36 victory over Scranton. The undefeated Classics are gearing up for a high-profile showdown against No. 3 Valley View on January 10, a game that could shape the rest of the season. Will the Cougars defy expectations, or will Prep continue their march toward an undefeated season? All eyes are on this marquee matchup!
Honesdale, PA — On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Honesdale Hornets delivered a commanding performance on their home court, defeating the Western Wayne Wildcats 48-20 in a Lackawanna Division II boys’ basketball matchup. The Hornets’ balanced scoring, led by Rylan Montgomery, propelled them to victory as they improved their record to 6-5 overall and 2-1 in league play.
Holy Cross Stays on Top After Thrilling Win Over Old Forge Holy Cross remains the No. 1 team in the NEPA Elite D2 Small School Boys Basketball Rankings after surviving a tough 61-56 battle against Old Forge. The Crusaders showcased their grit, using a strong fourth-quarter push to hold off the surging Blue Devils. With Riverside continuing their steady climb and Old Forge proving they can hang with the best, the competition at the top is heating up. Can Holy Cross maintain their undefeated streak, or will one of these challengers finally knock them off? The race for District 2 supremacy is just getting started!
Valley View Dominates as D2 Big School Boys Basketball Race Tightens Valley View remains untouchable at the top of the NEPA Elite D2 Big School Boys Basketball Rankings after another dominant week, highlighted by a 56-28 win over North Pocono. Scranton holds steady at No. 2, solidifying their spot with a narrow 57-54 victory over Scranton Prep. Meanwhile, Dallas and Crestwood are on the rise, and Wilkes-Barre Area cracks the top 10 after an impressive 72-70 win over Hazleton. With a tight race behind Valley View, the second half of the season is shaping up to be a thrilling battle for District 2 supremacy.
COVINGTON TOWNSHIP – The Scranton Prep Cavaliers secured a commanding 76-45 victory over North Pocono in a Lackawanna Division I basketball matchup on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The Scranton Knights topped Abington Heights 62-47, showcasing a balanced offensive effort and strong defensive execution. With key contributions from Jaheam Roberts and Tony Battaglia, Scranton extended their winning streak and reinforced their position as a league leader .
The Montrose Meteors powered past the Carbondale Chargers with a dominant 61-26 win, led by stellar performances from Lucas Cokely and Connor Flynn, who each scored 15 points.
The Delaware Valley Warriors showcased resilience and depth, rallying behind standout performances from Trey Newton and Tyler Lombardo to secure a 60-50 victory. West Scranton battled all night, led by Brian Fried, but turnovers at key moments proved costly. This win bolsters Delaware Valleys confidence heading into their Friday night showdown vs. Wallenpaupack.
This seasons statistical leaders showcase a blend of individual excellence and team impact, highlighting the integral role of top performers in shaping their teams\' fortunes. Jude Nocito of Dallas leads all scorers with 217 points, combining league-best three-point shooting (41 made) with consistent free-throw accuracy, making him the focal point of his teams offense. Similarly, Justin Blanding of Wallenpaupack dominates at the free-throw line with 64 made, a testament to his disciplined, aggressive style of play, which has been critical in close games. Teams like Valley View (10-0) demonstrate the importance of balanced play, excelling both offensively and defensively to maintain an undefeated record, while others like Wallenpaupack (7-2) rely on timely shooting and efficiency. As the season progresses, standout performances by players such as Jackson Gesford and Silvio Giardina continue to influence game outcomes, ensuring an exciting finish as teams prepare for postseason competition.
In the highly awaited clash between Urisus and Elizabethtown, the game certainly lived up to expectations. This encounter is particularly significant due to the presence of two former Dallas high school alumni and 1,000-point scorers, who were part of the first team in Dallas High School\'s history to reach the 5A final four.
The Warrior Classic at East Stroudsburg University brought together 72 teams for a day of thrilling competition. Highlights included Jhaven Sims-Pagan’s victory in the men’s hurdles, Timothy Leonard’s blazing 55-meter dash, and Tomara Seid’s standout triple jump performance. Districts 2, 3, and 11 proved their mettle, solidifying the meet’s reputation as a premier high school track and field event.
Allentown Central Catholic’s resilience and experience proved decisive in a 61-59 overtime victory against Pocono Mountain West. Key contributions from Vigo and Mushrush, combined with strong defensive play, allowed Central to rally from multiple deficits. The Vikings improved to 9-2 (6-1 EPC), while the Panthers saw their nine-game winning streak snapped. A potential rematch in the EPC playoffs promises another must-watch game.
Whitehall secured its eighth straight win on Friday night, defeating Pocono Mountain East 65-51. AJ Hines and Tanner Dogmanits led the way with 14 points each, while Dogmanits’ three three-pointers fueled a decisive second half. The Zephyrs improved to 10-2 overall, showcasing balanced scoring and a tough defensive effort.