Wilkes-Barre Area Edges Rival Wyoming Valley West in Thrilling 65-64 Victory
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | January 17, 2025 | Photo courtesy Ruben Bourdeau
January 16, 2025 – Valley West High School
In a heart-pounding rivalry matchup that came down to the wire, the Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack secured a dramatic 65-64 victory over Wyoming Valley West on Thursday night. The game, played in front of a packed and energized crowd at Valley West, lived up to the fierce competitive history.
The hero of the night was Wilkes-Barre Area senior guard David Jannuzzi, who delivered a performance for the ages with a game-high 28 points, including a spectacular game-winning play in the final seconds. With Valley West clinging to a 64-62 lead, Jannuzzi drove hard to the basket, absorbed contact, and completed a tough and-1 layup, tying the game. He then calmly sank the free throw to give Wilkes-Barre Area a 65-64 advantage with just seconds remaining.
Valley West had one final possession, but a contested three-point attempt fell short, sealing the emotional victory for the Wolfpack.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was a classic rivalry showdown with momentum swings throughout. Both teams matched each other blow-for-blow, as the first quarter ended deadlocked at 11-11. Wilkes-Barre Area managed to gain a slight edge in the second quarter, outscoring the Spartans 16-12 to take a four-point lead into halftime, 27-23.
Valley West responded emphatically after the break. Led by Lemar Weatherspoon’s aggressive scoring and Jacob Stevens’ sharpshooting, the Spartans outscored Wilkes-Barre Area 25-23 in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just two points heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Wilkes-Barre Area clung to their slim lead behind the scoring efforts of Jannuzzi and Mike Keating, while Valley West fought back with key baskets from Weatherspoon and Cam Shovlin. The Spartans briefly took the lead with under a minute remaining, setting the stage for Jannuzzi’s heroic game-winner.
Individual Standouts
Jannuzzi was unstoppable, scoring 18 of his 28 points in the second half. His scoring burst, including three three-pointers and clutch free throws, powered the Wolfpack’s offense down the stretch. Senior forward Mike Keating also played a pivotal role, finishing with 18 points and controlling the paint on both ends.
For Valley West, Lemar Weatherspoon was equally impressive, leading the Spartans with 20 points, including two critical three-pointers that kept his team in the game during the final moments. Jacob Stevens added 16 points, fueled by four three-pointers, while Cam Shovlin chipped in 11 points with a balanced inside-out scoring approach.
Key Team Stats:
• Three-Point Goals: Wilkes-Barre Area (5), Valley West (7)
• Field Goals: Wilkes-Barre Area (25), Valley West (23)
• Free Throws Made: Wilkes-Barre Area (10 of 14), Valley West (11 of 17)
Rivalry Intensifies
This game added another chapter to the storied rivalry between Wilkes-Barre Area and Valley West, one defined by close finishes and passionate fan support. Players from both sides displayed remarkable effort, leaving everything on the court.
The win not only strengthens Wilkes-Barre Area’s position in conference play but also serves as a statement victory against their arch-rival. Valley West, despite the narrow loss, showed resilience and will undoubtedly look for redemption when these two teams meet again later this season.
