Built for the Moment: Riverside Survives Old Forge in a Border-Town Classic
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | February 5, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Everything about Thursday night at Old Forge screamed rivalry.
SportzWire’s No. 1 Riverside Vikings and No. 10 Old Forge Blue Devils delivered exactly what a sold-out gym and shirtless student sections demanded, intensity, urgency, and a finish that came down to the final seconds. When it was over, Riverside walked out with a 63–61 Division II Lackawanna League win, while Old Forge was left sorting through another gut-punch in a season full of them.
Riverside set the tone early, jumping out to a 27–13 first-quarter lead, but Old Forge never blinked. The Blue Devils responded with grit, chipping away possession by possession and turning the game into a grind. By halftime, the gap had shrunk, and by the fourth quarter, every trip mattered.
When the moment demanded a closer, Nico Antoniacci answered.
With the score tied late, Antoniacci drilled a cold-blooded three with 32 seconds left, giving Riverside the edge. He followed it by calmly knocking down two free throws to finish with 24 points, including five in the final half-minute, sealing another high-pressure win for the Vikings.
Brayden Rose added 20 points, providing steady scoring throughout, while Kyle Connor chipped in nine as Riverside leaned on balance when the game tightened.
Old Forge didn’t go quietly.
Ryan DeMarco was relentless, pouring in a game-high 26 points, attacking off the bounce and keeping the Blue Devils within striking distance all night. Arthur Askew added 14 points, burying four three-pointers that ignited the crowd, and Logan Fanning battled inside for nine points and 13 rebounds, anchoring Old Forge on the glass.
The final sequence summed up the night.
Down three with just over three seconds remaining, Cameron Parker was fouled on a three-point attempt. He missed the first, hit the second, and intentionally missed the third in hopes of a tip-in or put-back but this time, the bounce didn’t favor the Blue Devils. Riverside secured the rebound, and the horn followed moments later.
For Riverside, this was another reminder of what they’ve become, a team that claws out wins when the pressure mounts, even when the margin is razor thin. For Old Forge, it was another heartbreak, following tight losses to Holy Cross and Dunmore, but also another valuable test against elite competition that should pay dividends come playoff time.
Border-town rivalry. Packed gym. March-level drama.
On this night, Riverside found just enough.
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