Northwest Area Rangers

It was a game that tested heart, composure, and belief. And when the final buzzer sounded, it was the Northwest Lady Rangers standing tall as Conference Champions after a breathtaking victory over Muncy that quite literally came down to the final seconds.

Michael, or “Mike” as so many know him, dedicated more than two decades to protecting others. Throughout his career with the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, he served in many roles, answering countless calls without hesitation. On July 21, 2025, that career came to an abrupt close when he learned the diagnosis that no firefighter ever expects—an occupational cancer linked to years of exposure to contaminants breathed in while doing the job.

Central Columbia showcased a complete team performance, operating like a well-oiled machine on offense and defense throughout the night. Their ability to work together, apply constant pressure, and convert turnovers into points made the difference in a decisive win over the Lady Rangers.

The Lady Rangers exploded out of the gate, scoring the first 10 points of the game and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Fans rose to their feet as the scoreboard flashed a stunning 10–0 Northwest lead, while Wyoming Sem stood visibly stunned.

For Northwest Area High School senior Michael Fritz, running isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life, a journey of faith, family, and perseverance. A standout in both Cross Country and Track, Michael has spent his high school career building a legacy of excellence, humility, and leadership.

Hermanofski’s Late Surge Caps Off Comeback Win After Pre-Game Milestone Honor

The Hazleton Area Lady Cougars delivered a defensive masterclass on Tuesday, overpowering Scranton Prep with a 31-22 victory. The Lady Cougars’ relentless pressure and interior dominance ensured they controlled the game from start to finish.

“High school is a great spot to be in,” he said. “You can touch so many different players and meet great people within the district. There’s a lot of opportunity for high school players to grow before they move on to college and start their lives.”

GWA's pitchers maintained control, striking out batters and limiting Northwest Area's opportunities with consistent precision. Despite the lopsided score, the young athletes from both sides showcased their dedication, though GWA's superior strategy and execution were unmistakable.

In the end, it was a complete team effort that secured the championship for the undefeated Red Barons—stellar pitching, timely hitting, sharp defense, and relentless base running all played their part in crowning them league champions.

Northwest got the offense going early, plating two runs in the second inning and another two in the third to take a 4-0 lead. The Rangers collected eight hits on the day, spreading production across the lineup.

The tone was set in the first inning when Ava Ruckle launched a solo home run to give Northwest an early 1-0 lead. The momentum carried into the third inning, where Ruckle and Addisyn Diltz both crossed the plate on a two-RBI double from Jenna Robaczewski, widening the lead to 3-0.

On a stage fit for the pros, the MMI and Northwest high school baseball teams faced off in a tightly contested matchup Sunday at PNC Field, home of the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. In a game dominated by strong pitching and stellar defense, MMI emerged victorious with a 3–0 win, scoring all three of their runs in a decisive sixth inning.

In a competitive dual meet on the track and in the field, the Northwest Area girls track and field team came up short against a strong Lake-Lehman squad. Despite several standout individual performances, the Lady Rangers were defeated with a final score of 88-62.

Lake-Lehman’s consistency proved to be the difference, as the Black Knights racked up points in nearly every event, including key sweeps in the 800m, high jump, and triple jump.