Pittston Area Uses Explosive Second Quarter to Defeat Berwick, 53-31, and Advance to Semifinals
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | February 20, 2025 | Photo courtesy Ruben Bourdeau
PITTSTON TWP. — A dominant second quarter propelled No. 2 seed Pittston Area past Berwick, 53-31, in the district quarterfinals on Wednesday night. The Patriots, who held just a one-point lead after the first quarter, erupted for 23 points in the second to create a comfortable cushion that Berwick never recovered from.
With the win, Pittston Area advances to the district semifinals, where they will host No. 3 Dallas, which secured its spot with a victory over Wallenpaupack.
Game Breakdown
Both teams started the game cautiously, with Pittston Area edging out to a narrow 9-8 lead after the first quarter. Berwick’s defense held strong early, keeping the Patriots from finding their rhythm. However, the second quarter proved to be the turning point.
Pittston Area exploded offensively, outscoring Berwick 23-9 in the frame. Julia Long and Daniella Ranieli spearheaded the Patriots’ attack, combining for multiple key buckets that allowed Pittston Area to pull away. Defensively, the Patriots locked down Berwick, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Coming out of halftime, both teams struggled to find offensive consistency in the third quarter, each scoring just nine points. Despite Berwick’s efforts to chip away at the deficit, Pittston Area remained in control, heading into the final frame with a 41-26 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Pittston Area’s defense put the game out of reach, holding Berwick to just five points while adding 12 of their own to seal the victory.
Key Performers
Pittston Area:
• Julia Long led the way for the Patriots, scoring a game-high 16 points while converting four of her six free throw attempts.
• Daniella Ranieli contributed 13 points, knocking down a three-pointer and going a perfect 2-for-2 from the foul line.
• Bella Dessoye added six points, with two of her baskets coming from beyond the arc.
• Giuliana Latona chipped in with five points, including a three-pointer.
• Maddie Karp and Lili Hintze each scored four points, while Grace Callahan added three.
• Haley Pointek rounded out the scoring with two points.
Berwick:
• Grace Robbins was the top scorer for Berwick, finishing with 12 points on six field goals.
• Abby Calarco provided a solid offensive boost, scoring 10 points while knocking down two three-pointers.
• Carly Post contributed seven points, also adding a three-pointer to her tally.
• Lily Nespoli added two points for the Bulldogs.
Team Statistics
Pittston Area outperformed Berwick in multiple statistical categories:
• Field Goals: Pittston Area made 20 shots from the field, while Berwick converted 12.
• Three-Point Goals: Pittston Area hit four from beyond the arc, while Berwick made three.
• Free Throws: Pittston Area was more efficient from the charity stripe, making 9-of-11 attempts, compared to Berwick’s 4-of-6.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Pittston Area will now prepare for a crucial semifinal matchup against No. 3 seed Dallas. The two teams are familiar foes and have battled throughout the season, setting up what promises to be a competitive showdown.
Berwick, meanwhile, sees its postseason run come to an end. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs showed resilience throughout the game and had standout performances from Robbins and Calarco.
Pittston Area will aim to carry its momentum into the semifinals, hoping to punch its ticket to the championship game.
