Crestwood Breaks the Press and Controls the Moment in Statement Win
By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | February 2, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
Crestwood walked into a hostile environment knowing exactly what awaited them. Pressure defense, quick traps, and a tempo designed to speed opponents up. Instead of getting rattled, the Comets stayed composed, broke the press with confidence, and turned a challenging road game into a statement performance.
The opening quarter set the tone as Crestwood matched Hazleton Area basket for basket. The Comets showed early poise against the full court pressure, advancing the ball with crisp passes and smart spacing to avoid turnovers and create clean looks. The game was tied after one quarter, but the momentum was already shifting.
Crestwood began to separate in the second quarter by doing what few teams have been able to do consistently. They beat the press without forcing plays. Ball handlers stayed patient, outlets were available, and once the pressure was broken, the Comets attacked gaps and finished possessions. That control allowed Crestwood to take a narrow lead into halftime.
The difference became clearer in the second half. Crestwood continued to solve the pressure, turning defensive stops into efficient transition offense. While Hazleton Area looked to speed the game up, Crestwood dictated the pace, forcing the Cougars to defend in the half court and limiting easy chances. The Comets steadily built their lead behind balanced scoring and strong execution on both ends of the floor.
Down the stretch, Crestwood stayed disciplined. They protected the basketball, knocked down free throws, and closed the game the way experienced teams do. Breaking the press was not just a moment in the game, it was the story of the night. Crestwood proved they could stay calm, stay connected, and execute under pressure, earning a well deserved win in a game that demanded toughness and basketball IQ from start to finish.
Top Performers and Team Stats
Crestwood Leaders
Keira Dougherty 25 points, 8 field goals, 6 of 8 from the free throw line, 3 three pointers
Jordan Andrews 13 points, 4 field goals, 4 of 7 from the free throw line, 1 three pointer
Jackie Gallagher 11 points, 5 field goals
Charlie Hiller 7 points
Cameron Vieney 5 points
Crestwood Team Totals
63 points
22 field goals
4 three point field goals
15 of 25 from the free throw line
Hazleton Area Leaders
Kaitlyn Bindas 22 points, 9 field goals, 3 of 4 from the free throw line, 1 three pointer
Alexis Reimold 12 points, 5 field goals, 1 three pointer
Mariah Marolo 7 points
Sophia Benyo 2 points
Juliana Silva 2 points
Sofia Rodgers 2 points
Addison Fritz 2 points
Molly Temchatin 2 points
Hazleton Area Team Totals
51 points
19 field goals
2 three point field goals
11 of 16 from the free throw line
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