Pittston Area Rallies in Second Half to Defeat Wyoming Valley West 65-58
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | January 8, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
January 7, 2025 – Kingston, PA
In a dramatic comeback, the Pittston Area Patriots overcame a halftime deficit with a dominant second half to secure a 65-58 victory over Wyoming Valley West in a Wyoming Valley Conference (WVC) Division 1 matchup at WVW on Tuesday night.
The Patriots, trailing 29-22 at halftime, erupted for 43 points in the second half, fueled by clutch performances from Aiden Lynn and Aiden Clarke, to turn the game around and secure the road win.
Game Breakdown:
The first half belonged to Wyoming Valley West, as the Spartans jumped out to an early lead. They capitalized on a strong first quarter, outscoring Pittston Area 19-13 behind key baskets from Lemar Weatherspoon and Kaden Dittus.
In the second quarter, both teams struggled offensively, with Valley West narrowly extending their lead, heading into halftime with a 29-22 advantage.
However, the Patriots emerged from the locker room with renewed energy and offensive efficiency. Pittston Area dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Spartans 20-7 behind the scoring surge of Aiden Lynn and Aiden Clarke. Lynn scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half, while Clarke poured in all 13 of his points after the break, including three key three-pointers.
Heading into the final quarter, Pittston Area held a narrow lead but continued to apply pressure. A 23-point fourth-quarter effort, led by consistent scoring and free-throw accuracy, sealed the comeback win.
Key Performers:
Pittston Area (65 points)
• Aiden Lynn: 15 points (6 field goals, 3 free throws made, 5 attempts)
• Aiden Clarke: 13 points (4 field goals, 2 free throws made, 2 attempts, 3 three-pointers)
• Paul Jordan McGarry: 10 points (4 field goals, 2 three-pointers)
• Silvio Giardina: 9 points (3 field goals, 3 free throws made, 4 attempts)
• Matt Walter: 9 points (3 field goals, 2 free throws made, 2 attempts, 1 three-pointer)
• Lucas Lopresto: 9 points (3 field goals, 3 free throws made, 4 attempts)
Valley West (58 points)
• Lemar Weatherspoon: 20 points (6 field goals, 4 free throws made, 4 attempts, 8 three-pointers)
• Kaden Dittus: 11 points (3 field goals, 3 free throws made, 5 attempts, 2 three-pointers)
• Navion Terry: 9 points (4 field goals, 1 free throw made, 3 attempts)
• Camrin Shovlin: 9 points (4 field goals, 1 free throw made, 2 attempts)
• Caden Sabb: 4 points (2 field goals)
• Jacob Stevens: 2 points (1 field goal)
• D’Vonte Rivers: 2 points (1 field goal)
• Jaden Estrada: 1 point (1 free throw made, 2 attempts)
Team Statistics:
• Three-Point Goals: Pittston Area 6, Valley West 6
• Field Goals: Pittston Area 23, Valley West 21
• Free Throws Made: Pittston Area 13, Valley West 10
• Free Throws Attempted: Pittston Area 19, Valley West 16
Key Moments:
1. Strong Start by Valley West: The Spartans controlled the first half with a balanced offensive attack led by Weatherspoon and Dittus.
2. Third Quarter Surge: Pittston Area outscored WVW 20-7 in the third, with Clarke and Lynn leading the charge.
3. Clutch Fourth Quarter: The Patriots maintained their momentum, scoring 23 points in the final frame to seal the win.
Coach’s Insight:
Pittston Area’s coaching staff praised the team’s resilience and second-half adjustments. “We came out with better energy after halftime and executed well on both ends of the floor,” the coach stated. “Our defense tightened up, and the scoring contributions across the lineup were critical.”
Looking Ahead:
The win improves Pittston Area’s standing in the WVC Division 1, as they continue to build momentum in the conference race. Valley West, despite the loss, showed promise with standout performances and will look to bounce back in their next game.
Pittston Area will face another divisional opponent later this week, while Valley West aims to regroup and defend their home court in the upcoming matchup.
Final Score: Pittston Area 65, Wyoming Valley West 58
