Valley View Advances to PIAA 4A Final Four
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | March 14, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Valley View is moving on to the PIAA 4A boys’ basketball semifinals after a hard-fought 53-46 victory over Shamokin on Friday night. With the win, the Cougars (23-5) advance to the Final Four, where they will face the winner of the Bishop Shanahan vs. Devon Prep quarterfinal matchup.
Valley View’s Gritty Performance Against Shamokin
The Cougars relied on tough defense and clutch free-throw shooting to overcome Shamokin (25-5). After trailing at halftime (30-24), Valley View locked in defensively in the third quarter, holding Shamokin to just two points while scoring 14 of their own. That defensive stand was the turning point, allowing the Cougars to seize control of the game down the stretch.
Senior forward Noah Veno led the way with 22 points, going 6-for-11 from the free-throw line. Beyon McLean contributed 10 points, while Aidan Smola added nine, knocking down two crucial three-pointers. Valley View’s ability to get to the free-throw line proved to be a difference-maker, as they attempted 32 foul shots compared to Shamokin’s 12, converting 17 of them.
Shamokin struggled to regain momentum in the fourth quarter, with leading scorer Joe Hile (11 points) being held in check. Case Lichty and Cru Schroyer each added nine for the Indians, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Valley View’s second-half defensive pressure.
Next Up: A Semifinal Showdown Against Devon Prep or Bishop Shanahan
Valley View now awaits its next challenge—a Final Four matchup against either Bishop Shanahan or Devon Prep. The two teams squared off in the quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to face the Cougars.
• Bishop Shanahan (26-3) has been dominant in the state tournament, using their size and balanced scoring to wear down opponents. They defeated Susquehanna Township 72-63 in the second round.
• Devon Prep (24-4) boasts a strong defense and disciplined play. They advanced to the quarterfinals after a 77-63 win over Eastern York.
For Valley View to reach the PIAA 4A Championship, they will need another strong defensive effort, especially if they face a Bishop Shanahan team with size in the paint. If they match up with Devon Prep, handling the pressure and limiting turnovers will be crucial.
PIAA 4A Semifinals – Key Details
• Matchup: Valley View (23-5) vs. Winner of Bishop Shanahan/Devon Prep
• Date: Friday, March 21
• Location: TBD
• Winner Advances To: PIAA 4A Championship Game (March 27, Giant Center, Hershey)
With momentum on their side, Valley View is one win away from reaching the state title game. Now, they wait to see who stands in their way.
Take Me Through It with Doug Noldy
