Liberty Pulls Away Late to Defeat Wilkes-Barre Area in State Playoff Opener
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | March 7, 2026 | Photo courtesy Scips Photography
BETHLEHEM — Liberty opened the PIAA Class 6A boys basketball state playoffs with a strong second-half performance Saturday, defeating Wilkes-Barre Area 61–52 to advance to the Round of 16.
Wilkes-Barre Area came out strong early, taking a 14–10 lead after the first quarter and maintaining a narrow advantage at halftime behind steady scoring from multiple contributors. But Liberty responded after the break, using a big third quarter and a strong finish to take control down the stretch.
Jake Pukszyn led the Hurricanes with a game-high 27 points, going 8-for-10 from the free-throw line while knocking down nine field goals to pace Liberty’s offense. Quin Lucas Bishop added 8 points, while Brayden Kashner also contributed 8 points in the win.
Wilkes-Barre Area was led by Mike Keating, who scored 20 points, while Robert Fuentes added 13 points and Camrin Shovlin chipped in 10 points.
Liberty finished the night strong at the free-throw line, converting 17 of 27 attempts, which proved to be a key difference late in the game.
With the win, Liberty advances to the Round of 16 in the PIAA Class 6A state playoffs, where the Hurricanes will face Plymouth Whitemarsh on Wednesday at a site to be determined.
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