Bro Shines as Mahanoy Area Tops Marian on Coaches vs Cancer Night
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | January 19, 2026 | Photo courtesy Mahanoy Booster Club
MAHANOY CITY - On a night that meant far more than the final score, Mahanoy Area delivered both on the scoreboard and for a cause, defeating Marian 48–35 in a Schuylkill League Division II girls basketball matchup during Coaches vs. Cancer Night at Joe Alansky Gymnasium.
Senior guard Felicia Bro led the way with a game-high 25 points, earning SportzWire Player of the Game presented by Barbush Automotive, as the Lady Bears combined strong execution with an emotional, purpose-driven atmosphere inside a packed gym.
Bro scored 15 of her 25 points in the first half, helping Mahanoy Area build a 24–17 halftime advantage. The Lady Bears matched Marian point-for-point in the third quarter before locking things down defensively in the fourth to seal the win.
Naomi Kowalick added 13 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, while Ella Connolly chipped in eight points as Mahanoy Area improved to 13-4 overall (9-1 league).
Marian was led by Addy Marek with 12 points, followed by DeAnna Pugh with 11 and Katie Knock with 10. The Fillies were held to just two points in the fourth quarter as the Lady Bears’ defense closed the door late.
Bigger Than Basketball
The night was part of the Schuylkill League Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, with both the Lady Bear and Golden Bear basketball boosters raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Proceeds from shirt sales along with a 50/50 drawing held throughout the week are being donated directly to the ACS.
Local sponsors purchased Coaches vs. Cancer shirts for every Varsity Lady Bear, JV and Varsity Golden Bear, a show of support that filled the gym with black and gold and underscored the community’s commitment to its student-athletes.
A special Coaches vs. Cancer banner, created by STEM lab teacher Suzanne Mayberry, was on display as a reminder that the impact of the night extended well beyond the hardwood.
SportzWire’s broadcast crew was on site and on air for Monday night’s game, helping amplify both the action and the cause.
Mahanoy Area continues Coaches vs. Cancer week on Friday, when the Golden Bears host Minersville, with JV tipping at 6:00 PM and Varsity at 7:30 PM.
Come out, wear your Coaches vs. Cancer gear, support the athletes and support the fight.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X
YouTube
