.jpg "Panthers Bend, Don’t Break: PM West Holds Off Late Abington Heights Surge")
Panthers Bend, Don’t Break: PM West Holds Off Late Abington Heights Surge
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | December 22, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Monday night hoops delivered exactly what you’d expect; energy, momentum swings, and a late push that made everyone lean forward.
Pocono Mountain West hosted District 2 visitor Abington Heights in a nonleague showdown and answered every late challenge, holding on for a 59–53 victory that showcased toughness more than flash.
The Panthers entered the night 7–1, confident and playing good basketball, while Abington Heights came in at 4–3, capable of making runs in a hurry. PM West controlled much of the first three quarters behind balanced offense and defensive pressure, but the game flipped in the final eight minutes.
That’s when the Comets caught fire.
Abington Heights poured in 22 points in the fourth quarter, drilling four three-pointers to turn a comfortable lead into a nail-biter. Jordan Shaffer knocked down two big triples, including one off a slick behind-the-back transition feed from Andrew Kettel, who led all scorers with 21 points.
Suddenly, it was anyone’s game.
That’s when Pocono Mountain West leaned into what it does best.
Even on an off shooting night, Kyon “KJ” Coles, a recent commit to Kutztown University, found ways to lift the Panthers by diving for loose balls, winning hustle possessions, and bringing energy to every possession. The shots didn’t all fall, but the impact was undeniable as Coles finished with 14 points and countless momentum plays.
When it came time to seal it, Teddy Stiehler took over the moment.
Stiehler finished with 18 points, calmly knocking down clutch free throws late to stop Abington’s momentum. Aydin Smith added 11 points, delivering timely buckets that steadied things when the Comets were surging and Nate Cruz with 8 points in the fourth quarter (2 clutch three's).
Coach Mike Williams praised his group’s composure as the pressure ramped up, especially through a fourth quarter where Abington Heights had belief and rhythm.
In the end, the Panthers did just enough.
Not perfect.
Just tough.
With the win, Pocono Mountain West heads into the holiday break 8–1, with eyes already on a January 3 matchup against Bethlehem Catholic. Abington Heights will look to bounce back with a December 30 visit to Cardinal O’Hara.
Scoring Breakdown
Pocono Mountain West Panthers
Teddy Stiehler – 18 points | 7 FG | 4–8 FT | 0 3FG
KJ Coles – 14 points | 3 FG | 7–8 FT | 1 3FG
Aydin Smith – 11 points | 3 FG | 3–4 FT | 2 3FG
Nate Cruz – 9 points | 3 FG | 1–2 FT | 2 3FG
Brady Behr – 5 points | 2 FG | — | 1 3FG
Abington Heights Comets
Andrew Kettel – 21 points | 8 FG | — | 5 3FG
Jordan Shaffer – 15 points | 4 FG | 4–5 FT | 3 3FG
Ben Reese – 6 points | 3 FG | — | 0 3FG
Billy Johnson – 4 points | 2 FG | — | 0 3FG
Chris Begley – 3 points | 1 FG | — | 1 3FG
