War on Hardwood: Old Forge at Riverside Pregame Showcase

Taylor, Pa. The calendar still reads January, but Tuesday night inside Riverside Jr./Sr. High School will feel far closer to March.

When the Riverside Vikings (11-1) host the Old Forge Blue Devils (9-2), it will mark the latest chapter in one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most reliable rivalry matchups. One defined by contrasting styles, tight margins, and recent games that have refused to follow scripts.

Both programs enter the night among the region’s most consistent performers, with MaxPreps rankings and district positioning beginning to matter more by the week. For Riverside, it’s another chance to defend home court and reinforce its status as a top-tier contender. For Old Forge, it’s an opportunity to flip last season’s narrative and prove its undefeated conference run translates on the road, in a hostile environment, against a team built to score in bunches.

Photographer: Gabi Blasi

Two Roads to Tuesday

Riverside Vikings:

Riverside’s 11-1 start has been built on control, not just of the scoreboard, but of tempo and momentum. Ranked inside Pennsylvania’s top 50 on MaxPreps, the Vikings have consistently controlled how games are played, often forcing opponents to speed up before they are ready.

The results speak for themselves. Riverside has stacked double-digit victories throughout December and January, most recently overwhelming Honesdale 77-47 on Jan. 9, a game that was effectively decided by halftime. In several contests this season, the Vikings have used short scoring bursts sparked by defensive stops and quick ball movement to turn competitive games into lopsided ones.

At the core of that success is a multi-layered offense that thrives in early offense but remains dangerous in the half-court. Riverside’s guards push the ball aggressively off rebounds and turnovers, while its wings space the floor well enough to punish late rotations. According to MaxPreps trends, the Vikings have paired elite scoring output with strong shooting efficiency. This combination alone has made game-planning against them a challenge.

For Old Forge, the task will be simple in theory and difficult in execution: slow Riverside down without letting the game slip away in five-minute stretches.

Old Forge Blue Devils: 

Old Forge arrives in Taylor with a 9-2 record and a perfect 4-0 mark in conference play, riding a seven-game winning streak that reflects the Blue Devils’ identity. They do not overwhelm opponents with speed or volume shooting; instead, they methodically wear teams down.

Ranked No. 141 statewide on MaxPreps, Old Forge has leaned on execution, rebounding, and senior leadership to control games late. The Blue Devils’ 50-33 win over Western Wayne on Jan. 10 was textbook of their approach: limit possessions, defend the paint, and force opponents into tough looks deep into the shot clock.

Local prep coverage has long pointed to Old Forge’s ability to stay composed in close games, and that trait has surfaced repeatedly this season. Multiple players contribute offensively, allowing the Devils to weather cold shooting nights while still staying competitive.

Previous Match Up

Rivalries are remembered through moments, and the Jan. 13, 2025, meeting between these two programs produced several.

That night, Riverside escaped with a 63-58 overtime victory, powered by Antoniacci’s 28-point performance and five made three-pointers. Each time Old Forge threatened to take control, Riverside answered.

Old Forge countered with 18 points from Parker, along with contributions from Camren Krushnowski and DJ Fox, but missed free throws in the closing moments ultimately proved decisive.

The game served as a reminder of how thin the margins are in this matchup and why neither side will overlook Tuesday’s rematch.

Players to Watch

Riverside

Nico Antoniacci (So., PG/SG)

Few players in the region have shaped games the way Antoniacci has this season. As Riverside’s leading scorer (46.5 ppg) and top shooter (70% FG), the sophomore has been the engine behind the Vikings’ offensive efficiency. 

His shooting gravity stretches defenses well beyond the arc, opening driving lanes and forcing early help. When opponents trap or hedge aggressively, Riverside has shown an ability to counter with quick ball movement, which has repeatedly led to open perimeter looks or uncontested finishes at the rim.

In rivalry games, where possessions tighten and defenses load up, Antoniacci’s ability to create his own shot becomes even more valuable.

Brayden Rose (Jr., SF/SG)

Rose has become one of Riverside’s most important connectors. A versatile wing who leads the Vikings in assists, he balances scoring instincts with defensive responsibility. In matchups where Antoniacci draws extra attention, Rose’s decision-making often determines whether Riverside maintains offensive flow or settles for contested looks.

Old Forge

Cameron Parker (Sr., SG/SF)

Old Forge’s offensive focal point, Parker, averages 16.2 points per game and carries the weight of senior leadership. His value lies not just in shot-making, but in timing, knowing when to attack, when to reset, and when to slow the game down.

In last season’s overtime meeting, Parker’s scoring kept Old Forge within striking distance throughout. In a road environment, his poise will again be essential.

Logan Fanning (Sr., SF)

A consistent interior presence, Fanning averages 11.1 rebounds per game, giving Old Forge a physical edge in second-chance opportunities. His work on the glass often tilts possession counts in the Blue Devils’ favor, especially in low-scoring stretches where every extra look matters.

Photographer: @of.barstool on instagram

Matchups That Could Decide It

Antoniacci vs. Parker: Control vs. Creation

This matchup will dictate the rhythm. Antoniacci thrives in space, accelerating games and forcing defenses to react. Parker prefers structure, reading matchups, and taking advantage of breakdowns rather than forcing them.

If Old Forge can keep Antoniacci out of transition and force Riverside into longer possessions, the game tightens significantly. If Riverside speeds things up early, the Vikings’ depth and shooting could stretch the margin quickly.

The Glass and the Clock

Fanning’s rebounding presence looms large. Old Forge’s best path to victory likely involves limiting Riverside’s second-chance opportunities while generating its own. Controlling the glass also allows the Blue Devils to dictate pace, an area where they hold a clear stylistic preference.

Photographer: Lorenzo Lello

What to Expect at Tipoff

This Tuesday, be prepared for a packed gym, an engaged student section, and an atmosphere more reminiscent of district play than a mid-January contest. Riverside’s home crowd has become a factor this season, and will be a unique challenge the Devils will have to work into their prep-work going into this game.

For both teams, this game represents more than a rivalry marker. It’s a measuring stick, one that could shape confidence, rankings, and postseason trajectories as February approaches.

Photographer: Gabi Blasi

Game Information

• Riverside Jr./Sr. High School

• Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

• Tipoff: 7:15 PM