Wyoming Area Defeats Holy Redeemer 78-63 Behind Burakiewicz and Kopetchny’s Dominant Performances
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | January 14, 2025 | Photo courtesy Jake Speicher
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 — At Holy Redeemer High School, Wyoming Area secured a commanding 78-63 victory over the Royals in a fast-paced Wyoming Valley Conference basketball matchup. The Warriors’ offensive firepower proved too much for the home team as they pulled away with a consistent scoring effort led by standout performances from Lukas Burakiewicz and Luke Kopetchny.
Explosive Scoring Drives Wyoming Area
Wyoming Area set the tone early, taking a narrow 17-14 lead after the first quarter. The Warriors continued to build on that momentum, outscoring Holy Redeemer 24-14 in the second period to enter halftime with a 13-point cushion at 41-28. While Redeemer attempted to chip away at the deficit in the second half, Wyoming Area’s balanced attack kept the Royals at bay, ultimately closing out with a strong 20-point fourth quarter to secure the 15-point victory.
The Warriors’ offensive efficiency was on full display, with three players finishing in double figures and the team collectively sinking 12 three-pointers. Senior guard Lukas Burakiewicz was nearly unstoppable, leading all scorers with an impressive 29 points. Burakiewicz connected on 10 field goals, including four from beyond the arc, and went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line in a near-perfect offensive outing.
Luke Kopetchny provided ample support, pouring in 24 points while showcasing his versatility both inside and from distance. He made eight field goals, two three-pointers, and contributed six points from the charity stripe on seven attempts.
Anthony DeLucca rounded out Wyoming Area’s dynamic scoring trio, registering 18 points with a sharp shooting night from long range, draining five three-pointers. DeLucca also added three free throws on four attempts.
Holy Redeemer’s Offensive Efforts Fall Short
Despite the loss, Holy Redeemer had four players score in double figures, displaying a balanced offensive approach. However, the Royals struggled to match Wyoming Area’s efficiency from the free-throw line, converting only 8-of-16 attempts compared to the Warriors’ 14-of-17 mark.
Senior guard Cody Quaglia led the Royals with 12 points, fueled by three successful three-pointers. David Popson and Logan Schrader each contributed 11 points, with Popson showing resilience at the line by converting 3-of-5 free throws. Schrader added one three-pointer and five total field goals.
Quron Drayton was also a key contributor for Holy Redeemer, finishing with 10 points powered by two three-pointers and a strong inside presence. Brayden Sock added 9 points, including two three-pointers, while Kyaire McLean and Evan Lacari each tallied 5 points.
Team Statistics Breakdown
Three-Point Shooting:
• Wyoming Area: 12 three-pointers
• Holy Redeemer: 9 three-pointers
Field Goals:
• Wyoming Area: 26 total field goals
• Holy Redeemer: 23 total field goals
Free Throws:
• Wyoming Area: 14-for-17 (82%)
• Holy Redeemer: 8-for-16 (50%)
Key Takeaways
• Wyoming Area’s superior shooting from beyond the arc and the free-throw line played a pivotal role in their victory.
• The Warriors had three players in double figures, led by Burakiewicz’s game-high 29 points.
• Holy Redeemer’s balanced scoring was a positive, but the team’s struggles at the free-throw line and fewer three-pointers made proved costly.
Looking Ahead
Wyoming Area continues to showcase its offensive depth and scoring versatility, while Holy Redeemer will aim to regroup and improve their efficiency from the free-throw line in upcoming contests.
Final Score: Wyoming Area 78, Holy Redeemer 63
