Hazleton Cougars

Hazleton Area opened the District 2 Class 6A boys basketball playoffs with authority Wednesday night, defeating Scranton 58-40 behind a balanced offensive effort and a dominant third-quarter surge.

When the Wyoming Valley Conference championship tipped off Saturday afternoon, it felt like the perfect ending to a season-long rivalry. The area’s two best teams — Hazleton Area and Crestwood — met for the third time this year after splitting their regular-season matchups, setting the stage for a true rubber match with a championship on the line.

Hazleton Area built an early lead, weathered a second quarter surge, and delivered in the closing moments to edge Wilkes Barre Area 44 to 43 in a tightly contested boys basketball battle. The Cougars made just enough plays down the stretch to survive a late push and secure the one point victory in front of the home crowd.

Crestwood showed poise from the opening tip, breaking the pressure and controlling the tempo in a tough road environment. By staying patient against the press and capitalizing once it was beaten, the Comets turned defense into offense and pulled away in the second half for a statement win.

HAZLETON, PA — Hazleton Area showcased its offensive depth and firepower Thursday night, rolling past Dallas 107–71 in a statement performance that featured balanced scoring and relentless pace on both ends of the floor.

Dallas High School put together one of its most complete performances of the season Friday night, pulling away from Hazleton Area for a convincing 75–55 victory built on depth, rhythm, and collective execution.

Ranked rivals. Solid crowd. Plenty of edge. Hazleton Area walked into Dallas, matched the physicality, and walked out with a statement, snapping an unbeaten streak and setting the tone in the Wyoming Valley Conference.

DALLAS — A familiar rivalry with a new layer of intrigue takes center stage Thursday night as Dallas hosts Hazleton Area in a highly anticipated girls basketball matchup.

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.

Basketball has always been part of Kaitlyn’s life. She’s been playing for as long as she can remember—“maybe since I was six years old,” she says. While she once played softball in little league, basketball quickly became her passion. “I just love the excitement of it, seeing my parents. I just love everything about it,” Bindas shared. “I like the fast pace of the game.” That love for the game has fueled her rise into one of the area’s top players.

Down big. Clock running out. Season-defining moment on the line. Yohansel “YoYo” Moran didn’t hesitate and neither did the crowd. One cold-blooded three at the buzzer flipped the script, ignited the gym, and launched Hazleton Area into overtime, where the Cougars finished off a comeback for the ages.

On a night overflowing with pride and purpose, Pittston Area’s Lucas LoPresto made history, breaking records for career receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards as the Patriots captured their first Division 1 title in over 20 years. The Senior Night celebration at Charley Trippi Stadium was a true return to glory for Pittston football.

Fog rolled over Bloomsburg University as the NEPA Invitational 2025 opened with the girls’ and boys’ junior high 3200-meter races. Shikellamy’s Carly Ross dominated the girls’ field in 11:10, while Danville claimed the team title with 91 points. On the boys’ side, Holy Redeemer’s Frank Pacelli edged Lewisburg’s Taylor Gulden-Luthi in a dramatic finish, clocking 10:00 to 10:01. District 2 runners shined with six top-12 finishes, led by Riverside’s Conner Moore in fifth. Lewisburg’s depth secured the boys’ team crown, while Crestwood placed second and Mid Valley edged Riverside by one point for fifth.

Lehigh’s 21-14 victory over Richmond wasn’t just a top-25 win to open the season, it was a showcase of grit, playmakers, and local talent making waves on the Division I stage. With Hayden Johnson (Manheim) delivering through the air, Jaden Green finding the end zone twice, and a defense that bent but didn’t break, the Mountain Hawks proved they’re built for the spotlight. For fans across Northeastern and Central PA, the connection runs even deeper. Familiar faces like Connor Hilling (Valley View), Aaron Crossley and Joseph Marranca (Wyoming Area), Jacob Albaugh (Delaware Valley), Matt McGowan (Hazleton Area), and Williamsport standouts Jamaire Harden and Connor Poole are now suiting up in brown and white. As SportzWire expands its footprint into the Lehigh Valley and Division I college football, expect even more coverage of the athletes you once cheered for on Friday nights, now making their mark on Saturdays.