By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | February 2, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
Date: February 2, 2025
Event: The Hoop Group Lehigh Valley Showcase
Venue: Parkland High School
In a dynamic clash filled with offensive fireworks, Pocono Mountain West extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 71-61 victory over Abington Heights at The Hoop Group Lehigh Valley Showcase. The Panthers' potent offensive duo of Adrian Brito and Kyon Coles proved too much for the Comets, combining for an impressive 51 points.
Pocono Mountain West (19-2) jumped out to an early lead, fueled by Adrian Brito's scorching start. Brito netted nine of his game-high 27 points in the first quarter, helping the Panthers secure a 21-12 lead. Despite Abington Heights' efforts to claw back, PMW maintained their advantage with clutch shooting and aggressive defense.
The Comets (10-8) found their rhythm in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 33-28 at halftime. Robby Lucas ignited Abington Heights' offense with his sharp perimeter shooting, eventually finishing with 24 points, including five 3-pointers. His efforts earned him the Comets' Most Valuable Player honor for the game.
However, the Panthers surged again in the second half. Kj Coles erupted for 24 points, highlighted by four 3-pointers and flawless free-throw shooting (6-for-6). Jonathan Mateo contributed 10 crucial points, including key free throws that helped seal the victory in the closing minutes.
Pocono Mountain West:
Adrian Brito: 27 points (12 FG, 3 FT), 100% FT shooting GAME MVP
KJ Coles: 24 points (7 FG, 4 3PT, 6 FT), 100% FT shooting
Jonathan Mateo: 10 points (3 FG, 4 FT), 100% FT shooting
Abington Heights:
Robby Lucas: 24 points (9 FG, 5 3PT, 1 FT), 50% from beyond the arc GAME MVP
Jordan Shaffer: 16 points (7 FG, 2 3PT)
Andrew Kettel:
14 points (4 FG, 4 3PT, 2 FT), 100% FT shooting
Field Goals: PMW 25, AH 23
3-Point Goals: PMW 5, AH 6
Free Throws: PMW 16/17 (94%), AH 4/7 (57%)
Final Score: PMW 71, AH 61
Pocono Mountain West:
Field Goal Percentage: 25/50 (50%)
3-Point Percentage: 5/15 (33%)
Free Throw Percentage: 16/17 (94%)
Abington Heights:
Field Goal Percentage: 23/48 (48%)
3-Point Percentage: 6/18 (33%)
Free Throw Percentage: 4/7 (57%)
The pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when Coles drained back-to-back 3-pointers, swinging the momentum back in favor of Pocono Mountain West. His precision shooting extended the lead to double digits, a gap Abington Heights couldn't overcome despite their late-game surge.
Pocono Mountain West will look to continue its winning streak in upcoming district play, while Abington Heights aims to rebound with a strong performance against North Pocono on February 4.