North Pocono Trojans

The scoreboard closed the chapter, but North Pocono’s story this season was one of pride, perseverance, and a program on the rise. The Lady Trojans walk away with memories, momentum — and their heads held high.

Fifty years ago, they wore bell-bottom jeans and played for medals their coach paid for out of pocket. Today, they take the field in matching team uniforms and celebrate with plaques & medals. But what ties North Pocono’s 1975 and 2025 District Champion softball teams together isn’t just the victories—it’s the heart. This is a story of two titles, one legacy, and generations of girls who played for each other, backed one another up, and proved that the game always gives back more than it takes.

The rosters for the 91st Annual Dream Game have been released, featuring standout senior athletes from across the region. Representing the City team under head coach Jake Manetti (West Scranton) are top talents like Treyvon Dickey (Scranton Prep), Gabe Franek (Dunmore), and Drew Kiesendahl (Wallenpaupack). On the County side, head coach Mike Schuback (Old Forge) leads a loaded roster highlighted by Zach Cwalinski (Valley View), Richie Kostoff (Riverside), and Mason Avery (Honesdale). The game is scheduled for July 23 at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Alyssa Lynch’s bat and Areilla Bell’s arm proved to be the winning combination as North Pocono edged Abington Heights 5-4 in a back-and-forth battle.

The Abington Heights Comets took down their division rival in the North Pocono by a score of 11-2 on May 24. The win will send the Comets back to the District Two 5A championship game for the first time since 2021, and the key component behind that was starting pitcher Nick Bradley.

A team built on talent, toughness, and true character—the Lady Trojans are marching into the 5A final with momentum, heart, and a hunger for more. On Saturday, they reminded everyone that how you win is just as important as the scoreboard.

North Pocono rolled to a convincing 7-1 win over Wallenpaupack on Saturday, thanks to a strong start and a standout performance in the circle.

Isabella Forgione fueled a 14-hit outburst with five RBIs, while SportzWire’s newest sideline shooter — bat boy-turned-photographer Tommy — captured the moment post game as North Pocono rolled past Delaware Valley in a 12-2 win.

Ariella Bell was untouchable, tossing a perfect game with nine strikeouts, while Riley Grambo went 3-for-3 at the plate as North Pocono shut out West Scranton 10-0 in five innings.

Gabby Hieber blasted a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth and threw a complete game in the circle, leading Wallenpaupack to a dramatic 6–4 extra-inning win over North Pocono.

“Limits exist only in the mind.” For Matt Marcinek, these aren’t just words—they’re a way of life. Born with cerebral palsy, Matt could’ve let the world define him by his condition. Instead, he forged a path no one saw coming. Through sweat, science, and sheer will, he became a respected grappling coach, a mental performance expert, and the founder of No Limits Grappling Academy—Scranton’s powerhouse of No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. His journey isn’t just about martial arts. It’s about refusing to be boxed in. About transforming pain into purpose. About proving that greatness isn’t reserved for the lucky or the able-bodied—it’s earned by those who keep showing up, even when it’s hard. In every class he teaches, every student he guides, and every story of struggle he helps rewrite, Matt’s message rings loud and clear: You are not your limitations. You are your mindset.

In a contest packed with fireworks, North Pocono proved they belong among the elite, handing top-ranked Valley View their first loss of the season behind timely hitting, a clutch performance from Amelia Bell, and a relentless offensive attack.

Amelia Bell dominated in the circle and at the plate, leading North Pocono to an 8-2 win over Dallas. Bell struck out 11 and added two hits and two RBIs, while Adysen Iyoobs two-run homer helped seal the victory. Dallas was led by Travers 2-for-2 effort and strong plate discipline, but the Lady Trojans pulled away with a big fifth and sixth inning.

It was a dominant weekend for several local lacrosse programs, with Scranton Prep, Crestwood, and Abington Heights all turning in impressive performances. The Cavaliers overwhelmed North Pocono with a 15-1 victory, Crestwood’s girls edged Delaware Valley in a tight 10-8 battle, and Abington Heights rolled past Wyoming Area 16-2, showcasing firepower and depth across the board.

The Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack pulled off a big win at home, rallying late to beat the North Pocono Trojans 8-4 in a game that had plenty of twists and momentum swings. North Pocono had the early edge, but the Wolfpack stayed in it and delivered a game-changing sixth inning, scoring six runs to take control. Omar Jerez came up clutch with a big bases-clearing double, while Ben Thomas pitched strong in relief to earn the win. The Wolfpack’s discipline at the plate and timely hits made the difference, showing they’re a team that knows how to battle back and close strong.