Wolfpack Pull Away Late as Wilkes-Barre Area Tops Wyoming Valley West in Latest Rivalry Clash
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | January 9, 2026 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
A familiar tension filled the gym once again when Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West shared the floor, a matchup that has come to define girls’ basketball in the Wyoming Valley Conference. These two District 2 programs rarely stray far from one another on the scoreboard, and their latest meeting only reinforced why every encounter feels like a coin flip.
On January 8, 2026, Wilkes-Barre Area managed to create just enough separation late to secure a 52–40 victory, continuing a rivalry that has swung back and forth for years. While the final margin suggested comfort, the game itself was anything but routine, featuring multiple momentum shifts and defensive pressure on both ends.
Wilkes-Barre Area leaned heavily on Jaida Underwood, who controlled the tempo with her ability to score inside and draw contact. Underwood poured in 20 points, consistently answering Wyoming Valley West runs and setting the tone whenever the game threatened to tighten. Emily Barrouk and Kaitlyn Miller complemented her effort, combining perimeter shooting with timely drives to keep the offense balanced. Miller’s four three-pointers proved especially valuable, helping WBA stretch the floor during critical moments.
Wyoming Valley West refused to fade quietly. After a slow second quarter, the Spartans responded with a strong third-period surge, trimming the deficit behind Aniyah Davis, who led her team with 12 points and knocked down both of WVW’s three-point baskets. Ava Yancey added steady production from the free-throw line, and the Spartans briefly found themselves within striking distance entering the final quarter.
Ultimately, Wilkes-Barre Area’s depth and late-game execution made the difference. An 18-point fourth quarter allowed the Wolfpack to pull away, turning a tense contest into a controlled finish. Solid free-throw shooting and defensive discipline down the stretch prevented WVW from mounting one last comeback.
The result added another chapter to a rivalry defined by narrow outcomes and shifting momentum. In recent seasons, the two programs have traded wins, including a one-possession WVW victory in early 2025 and previous tight finishes that underscore how evenly matched they remain. Each meeting carries postseason implications and bragging rights, ensuring that no lead ever feels safe when these teams collide.
As the Wyoming Valley Conference season continues, one thing remains certain: whenever Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West meet, the game is rarely decided until the final minutes—and the rivalry only grows stronger with every whistle.
