Stish, Ortiz Power Hazleton Past Pittston Area in Road Conference Win
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | January 3, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
PITTSTON — Hazleton Area earned a hard-fought conference road victory on Saturday night, pulling away late to defeat Pittston Area, 56–49, in a physical boys’ basketball matchup.
The Cougars used balanced scoring and timely execution to take control, winning three of the four quarters and closing strong in the final eight minutes. Hazleton led 39–37 heading into the fourth quarter before outscoring the Patriots 17–12 down the stretch to secure the win.
Junior Dylan Stish led all Hazleton scorers with 17 points, knocking down key shots throughout the game and providing steady offensive production. Kendrick Ortiz followed closely with 16 points, giving the Cougars a reliable inside-out presence as Pittston Area tried to rally in the second half.
Yohansal Moran added eight points for Hazleton, while Ocsady Vasquez chipped in six. The Cougars finished with 21 field goals and made 13 of their 17 free-throw attempts, capitalizing at the line to preserve their late lead.
Pittston Area was paced by Lucas LoPresto, who scored a game-high 20 points to keep the Patriots within striking distance. John Jadus added 10 points, and Jacob Ivey contributed nine as Pittston Area battled back after trailing at halftime.
Despite hitting six three-pointers, Pittston Area struggled at the free-throw line, converting just seven of 16 attempts, a difference that loomed large in a close contest.
