Weatherly Rallies Past Notre Dame-ES for First Playoff Win Since 2006
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | February 19, 2025 | Photo courtesy Danielle Petros
Weatherly Area pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg 70-66 in the District 2/11 Class A quarterfinals, securing its first boys’ basketball playoff victory in 19 years. The Wreckers overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter, led by Niko Saldukas’ 23 points, 16 rebounds, and five three-pointers, including the go-ahead shot with 37 seconds left. Weatherly’s defense tightened late, holding Notre Dame-ES to just two field goals in the final period.
Saldukas had key support from Ian McKeegan, who contributed 16 points and three steals, while Corbin Wagner added 14 points with four three-pointers. Matt Adler chipped in with eight points, including two critical threes in the closing minutes. Notre Dame-ES was paced by Preston Protheroe’s game-high 32 points and Marc Jackett’s 20, but late missed free throws and turnovers proved costly.
The victory advances fourth-seeded Weatherly (14-10) to the semifinals, where they will face top-seeded Bethlehem Christian (20-2) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Wreckers will look to avenge their earlier 83-49 loss to Bethlehem Christian as they continue their historic postseason run.
