Valley View Advances in PIAA Class 4A Playoffs with Dominant Defensive Win Over Saucon Valley
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | March 11, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
Hazleton, PA – The Valley View Cougars delivered a statement performance in the PIAA Class 4A second-round playoffs, stifling Saucon Valley in a 42-25 victory at Hazleton Area High School. Their relentless defense and efficient scoring secured their spot in the next round as they continue their state championship pursuit.
Game Recap
The opening quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, ending in a 6-6 tie. Valley View began to pull away in the second quarter, outscoring Saucon Valley 12-8 to take an 18-14 halftime lead.
After the break, the Cougars locked in defensively, allowing just five points in the third quarter while scoring 15 of their own. The fourth quarter sealed the deal, as they held Saucon Valley to only six more points, cruising to a 17-point playoff victory.
Standout Performers
• Beyon McLean led all scorers with 15 points, shooting 6-for-6 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
• Noah Veno added 9 points, including a three-pointer that helped Valley View extend its lead.
• Aidan Smola and Tyler Scoblick each contributed 6 and 4 points, respectively.
• Nick Kucharski and Jagger Roe both chipped in 4 points.
For Saucon Valley, Jack Robertson led the way with 12 points, but the Panthers struggled to find offensive rhythm. Chase Best was the only other significant contributor with 9 points, including one three-pointer.
Team Statistics
• Field Goals:
• Valley View: 14
• Saucon Valley: 9
• Free Throws Attempted:
• Valley View: 19
• Saucon Valley: 10
• Free Throws Made:
• Valley View: 13
• Saucon Valley: 6
• Three-Point Goals:
• Both teams made just one three-pointer each, showcasing the defensive nature of the game.
Top Scorer Breakdown
Valley View
Player | Points | FGs | FTs (Made/Attempted) | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Beyon McLean | 15 | 6 | 3-3 | 0 |
Noah Veno | 9 | 3 | 2-2 | 1 |
Aidan Smola | 6 | 2 | 2-4 | 0 |
Nick Kucharski | 4 | 1 | 2-4 | 0 |
Tyler Scoblick | 4 | 1 | 2-2 | 0 |
Jagger Roe | 4 | 1 | 2-4 | 0 |
Saucon Valley
Player | Points | FGs | FTs (Made/Attempted) | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jack Robertson | 12 | 5 | 2-3 | 0 |
Chase Best | 9 | 3 | 2-3 | 1 |
Caleb Grim | 3 | 1 | 1-2 | 0 |
Noah Weiss | 1 | 0 | 1-2 | 0 |
Other Players | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 |
Valley View’s defensive effort limited Saucon Valley’s offensive production, holding all but two players to three points or fewer. Jack Robertson’s 12 points led the Panthers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cougars’ stifling defense.
What’s Next?
With the win, Valley View improves to 22-5 and moves on to the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals. Their combination of defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency makes them a legitimate state title contender.
For Saucon Valley, the loss ends their season at 22-7. They put together a strong campaign but were unable to overcome Valley View’s shutdown defense in this matchup.
Valley View now turns its attention to the next round, where they will face an even bigger challenge in their quest for a state title against Shamokin.
