Holy Cross Crusaders

Holy Cross Stays on Top After Thrilling Win Over Old Forge Holy Cross remains the No. 1 team in the NEPA Elite D2 Small School Boys Basketball Rankings after surviving a tough 61-56 battle against Old Forge. The Crusaders showcased their grit, using a strong fourth-quarter push to hold off the surging Blue Devils. With Riverside continuing their steady climb and Old Forge proving they can hang with the best, the competition at the top is heating up. Can Holy Cross maintain their undefeated streak, or will one of these challengers finally knock them off? The race for District 2 supremacy is just getting started!

The Holy Cross Crusaders have excelled through the first half of the 2024-2025 season with an impressive 8-2 record, powered by standout performances from Matt Lyons (138 points) and Adam Badyrka (135 points, 22 three-pointers). With a team-wide 48% field-goal efficiency and contributions from a deep roster, the Crusaders have proven to be a balanced and resilient squad. As they prepare for a critical second half, Holy Cross looks poised for a strong postseason run.

In a showdown packed with intensity and skill, Holy Cross edged Old Forge 61-56 in a game that epitomized the spirit of high school basketball. Michael Hughes led the Crusaders with 16 points, including clutch three-pointers and steady free-throw shooting, while Matt Lyons added 15 points, anchoring the team’s balanced attack. Old Forge showcased their sharpshooting prowess, draining ten three-pointers, led by Logan Fanning’s 15 points and Cam Krushnowski’s trio of treys. But in the end, Holy Cross’ ability to convert at the free-throw line and execute under pressure proved the difference. Both teams delivered a performance worthy of their records, leaving fans eager for what’s next in this compelling season.

The Holy Cross Crusaders won the 73 annual Lynett Memorial Tournament on December 29 with the help of two very familiar names, Matt Lyons and Adam Badyrka. The Crusaders pulled out the victory 51-35 over the reigning champs in the Scranton Knights, who beat Holy Cross in last year’s final 48-46. Lyons and Badyrka led the crusade this time around, scoring 37 of the team’s 51 points. Lyons also acted as a force on the glass, snagging nine rebounds. Badyrka played his part by knocking down four threes.

Last season, the Holy Cross basketball team made it to the finals of the annual Lynett Tournament, where they came up short 48-46 against the Scranton Knights. This time around, they got back to the championship and have a chance to finish their story after a 69-47 win over Scranton Prep.

The atmosphere was electric at Holy Cross as a packed house of students, faculty, alumni, and fans filled the gymnasium for a playoff-caliber showdown. Both communities—Riverside and the Crusaders—turned out in full force for this highly anticipated matchup, creating a standing-room-only environment worthy of its billing.