Cora Castellani Hits 1,000 Career Points as North Pocono Defeats Valley View 60-43
By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | January 28, 2026 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
North Pocono spoiled a milestone night at Valley View, pulling away in the second half to earn a 60 to 43 victory in Lackawanna Division I girls basketball action Wednesday night.
The evening belonged to Cora Castellani, who reached the 1,000 career point mark in front of a packed home crowd. Castellani entered the night needing 20 points to hit the milestone and delivered it in style, burying a third quarter three pointer that pushed her into the exclusive club. The gym erupted as teammates flooded the floor and fans rose to celebrate a moment years in the making. She finished with 24 points, four three pointers, five steals, and two blocks in a performance that matched the magnitude of the moment.
The milestone came just one game after Castellani broke the Valley View school record for career three pointers, now sitting at 140, continuing to rewrite the program record book.
While the celebration was unforgettable, North Pocono controlled the game when play resumed. The Lady Trojans held a one point halftime lead, then exploded in the second half, outscoring Valley View 39 to 23 behind sharp perimeter shooting and flawless free throw execution.
Ella Clementoni led North Pocono with 23 points, drilling five three pointers and going a perfect eight for eight from the foul line. Celia DeCesare added 11 points, Julia Biko finished with 11, and Anna Clementoni contributed 10 as four Trojans reached double figures.
Valley View received additional scoring from Ashlan Palickar with six points including a three, and Mady Minelli with six points. Sadie Cardoni scored four, while Ali Mauro knocked down a three for three points. Ava Gazoo impacted the game defensively with eight rebounds and six steals, and Minelli added five assists as the Cougars battled through a physical contest.
North Pocono’s defense tightened after halftime, limiting clean looks while capitalizing on transition opportunities to build separation down the stretch.
Final score
North Pocono 60
Valley View 43
Top Player Stats
North Pocono
Ella Clementoni 23 points, five three pointers, eight for eight free throws
Celia DeCesare 11 points
Julia Biko 11 points
Anna Clementoni 10 points
Valley View
Cora Castellani 24 points, four three pointers, five steals, two blocks
Ashlan Palickar six points, one three pointer
Mady Minelli six points, five assists
Sadie Cardoni four points
Ali Mauro three points, one three pointer
Ava Gazoo eight rebounds, six steals
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