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Cardoni and Castellani Lead Valley View Past Scranton in Division I Thriller

Cardoni and Castellani Lead Valley View Past Scranton in Division I Thriller

By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | February 12, 2026 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff

Thursday night in Archbald was about honoring seniors Claire Connor and Ava Gazoo, but once the ball was tipped, it turned into a tight Division I showdown.

Scranton came out with energy, building a 13 to 10 lead after the first quarter. Valley View responded in the second, tightening up defensively and outscoring the Lady Knights 15 to 6 to take a 25 to 19 halftime advantage. The Cougars finished with 21 field goals and six three pointers in a balanced offensive effort.

The Lady Knights refused to back down. Jaelyn Alers delivered a big performance, scoring 24 points and knocking down six three pointers to keep Scranton within striking distance. Chrissy Jacklinski added 12 points and Rhylee Bell chipped in eight as the visitors trimmed the deficit to 36 to 34 heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, Valley View made just enough plays to close it out.

Sadie Cardoni led the scoring with 14 points on seven field goals, attacking the paint and finishing through contact. Cora Castellani also scored 14, connecting on two three pointers and going 2 for 4 from the free throw line. Gazoo, honored before the game, added 10 points with two three pointers, while Ali Mauro contributed eight points, including two from beyond the arc.

Scranton was limited to just five free throw attempts. Valley View went 2 for 4 from the line and came up with key stops late to secure the 50 to 47 win.

With the victory, the Cougars improved to 17 and 5 overall and 10 and 4 in Division I play, sending Connor and Gazoo off their home floor with a hard earned win.

Valley View Player Stats

Sadie Cardoni 14 points, 7 field goals

Cora Castellani 14 points, 5 field goals, 2 three pointers, 2 for 4 free throws

Ava Gazoo 10 points, 4 field goals, 2 three pointers

Ali Mauro 8 points, 3 field goals, 2 three pointers

Mady Minelli 2 points

Jesse Munley 2 points

Claire Connor 0 points

Scranton Player Stats

Jaelyn Alers 24 points, 9 field goals, 6 three pointers

Chrissy Jacklinski 12 points

Rhylee Bell 8 points