Riverside Vikings

RIVERSIDE — Riverside opened the PIAA Class 3A state playoffs in dominant fashion Saturday, defeating Mifflinburg Area 74–50 to advance to the second round.

For three quarters, it felt like Dunmore’s night. But champions don’t panic, they adjust. And when the lights burned brightest in the fourth, Riverside’s stars answered, one possession at a time, until the crown stayed exactly where it’s been.

Because front row isn’t just a seat in the arena, it’s a place in the story. And the story is still being written.

It wasn’t just loud, it was relentless. And when the game tightened and the pressure mounted, Riverside looked every bit like a team that’s been here before. Big shots. Calm at the line. Championship poise. In a game that demanded toughness, the Vikings delivered it possession by possession.

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.