Riverside Vikings

Bright lights. Packed house. No margin for error. And once again, Riverside found a way. In a game that felt like postseason basketball in early February, the Vikings leaned on composure and shot-making to escape Old Forge with a hard-earned win.

The first meeting went Dunmore’s way. The rematch belonged to Riverside. With the student sections roaring and the pace set to full throttle, Riverside delivered a statement win fueled by star power and a crowd that understood the moment.

If you blinked Thursday night at Holy Cross, you probably missed a bucket or three. In a gym buzzing with packed student sections and playoff-level energy, Riverside turned the floor into a runway and sprinted past a dangerous Crusaders squad in a game that felt like late February arrived early.

On January 16, 2026, against Lakeland, Nico reached a milestone few sophomores can claim, scoring his 1,000th career point. The achievement is another highlight in a résumé that already includes First Team All-State honors as a freshman, a recognition rarely given to players that young.

In a game defined by physicality, emotion, and a relentless fourth-quarter surge, Riverside leaned on Nico Antoniacci once again to outlast Old Forge 68–61. With the Vikings trailing deep into the game, Antoniacci’s scoring and composure flipped momentum and ignited a crowd that turned a tense rivalry into a statement win.

A year after an overtime classic, the old rivals Riverside Vikings and Old Forge Blue Devils meet with shared momentum, energy, and playoff aspirations. The Vikings bring pace and fire power, while the Devils counter with discipline and strong senior leadership. Tuesday night in Taylor may be a story told for years to come.

Built in the trenches and forged through consistency, Lucas Evans and Tavian Branch were named recipients of the James “Hookey” Reap Award, presented by the District 11 American Legion. The honor recognizes linemen who define games through toughness, leadership, and relentless effort. Evans anchored one of the state’s most productive rushing attacks at Lackawanna Trail, while Branch powered Riverside’s defense for a second straight season, two different paths, one standard of excellence.

Riverside Junior Brayden Rose has earned Division I football offers from multiple accredited programs, marking a major step forward in his recruiting journey.

Riverside used a strong middle stretch and a second-half surge from Mikayla Smith to earn a 39–32 girls’ basketball victory over West Scranton.

Unanimously voted No. 1 in the coaches poll, Riverside has more than justified its spot at the top of the boys basketball rankings. The Vikings are off to a perfect start and have consistently imposed their will against quality competition.

A tense, defensive battle gave way to a second-half surge as Riverside flipped the script and pulled away from Holy Cross. After being held in check early, the Vikings erupted after the break, sparked by a dominant scoring burst that turned a tight halftime margin into a decisive 64–46 victory. One explosive quarter was all it took to separate a physical matchup into a statement win on the D2 hoops stage.

While Antoniacci commanded defensive attention, Rose consistently found openings, especially after halftime. Riverside leaned on him during a decisive third quarter stretch in which the Vikings began to separate themselves.

One of District 2’s most dominant defenders is now off the board. After a whirlwind recruitment filled with national attention and major program pushes, Riverside standout Tavian Branch has planted his flag in the SEC. The Vikings senior has committed to Auburn, where the Tigers see him as a future force on their defensive front.

Two teams. Two communities. One early-season matchup that already feels bigger than December basketball. Riverside and Wilkes-Barre Area, both ranked inside the top five of the District 2 preseason Coaches Poll, have come out of the gate sharp and confident.

After a humbling loss just a week ago, the Riverside Vikings entered Friday’s playoff clash with revenge in mind — but it was Dunmore that delivered the knockout. Behind a dazzling performance from quarterback Weston Yannone, the Bucks rolled to a 27-7 win and a spot in the next round. Yannone’s explosive 72-yard touchdown run set the tone early, and Dunmore’s defense clamped down as Jackson Harding and Ryan Mecca added scores to seal it. Riverside’s lone highlight came from Charlie Anstett’s late touchdown, but the Bucks never let up. With momentum on their side, Dunmore advances — while Riverside closes a strong season knowing their foundation for the future is firmly set.