Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack

Hazleton Area built an early lead, weathered a second quarter surge, and delivered in the closing moments to edge Wilkes Barre Area 44 to 43 in a tightly contested boys basketball battle. The Cougars made just enough plays down the stretch to survive a late push and secure the one point victory in front of the home crowd.

In an environment that felt more like late February than mid-January, Dallas and Wilkes-Barre Area delivered a high-level, playoff-caliber battle Tuesday night that lived up to the hype.

WILKES-BARRE — Dallas continued its strong run through Division 1 conference play on Monday night, pulling away in the second half for a 58–26 victory over Wilkes-Barre Area.

On January 8, 2026, Wilkes-Barre Area managed to create just enough separation late to secure a 52–40 victory, continuing a rivalry that has swung back and forth for years. While the final margin suggested comfort, the game itself was anything but routine, featuring multiple momentum shifts and defensive pressure on both ends.

Three quarters of noise, momentum swings, and nonstop energy set the stage. The student sections were rocking, the margin stayed razor-thin, and every possession mattered. Then the fourth quarter arrived and the Wolfpack took over.

Unranked Crestwood delivered a statement performance on Saturday, knocking off Wilkes-Barre Area 56–39 in WVC Division I action. The Comets set the tone defensively, holding the Wolfpack to single digits in three of the four quarters and controlling the game from the opening tip.

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.

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.

The path was paved early by running back D’Antae Sheffey, who delivered another standout performance. The Syracuse commit tore through the Wilkes-Barre defense for four rushing touchdowns before halftime, three of them coming in the first quarter. Behind an offensive line that dominated the point of attack, Sheffey churned out chunk gains on nearly every series and set the tone for what became an insurmountable early lead.

Wilkes-Barre Area quarterback Jake Howe made history in Saturday’s 49–0 Battle of the Bridge win over Valley West, throwing for 192 yards and four scores to become the Wyoming Valley Conference’s all-time passing touchdown leader with 66 career scores. The Wolfpack improved to 5–3 on the season and now set their sights on Crestwood next week.

Wilkes-Barre — Wilkes-Barre Area sophomore Addison Corchado made history on Monday night. In the Wolfpack’s 6-0 win over Wyoming Valley West, Corchado scored three times, a performance that lifted her season total to 28 goals and secured her place as the program’s new single-season scoring record holder.

Fog rolled over Bloomsburg University as the NEPA Invitational 2025 opened with the girls’ and boys’ junior high 3200-meter races. Shikellamy’s Carly Ross dominated the girls’ field in 11:10, while Danville claimed the team title with 91 points. On the boys’ side, Holy Redeemer’s Frank Pacelli edged Lewisburg’s Taylor Gulden-Luthi in a dramatic finish, clocking 10:00 to 10:01. District 2 runners shined with six top-12 finishes, led by Riverside’s Conner Moore in fifth. Lewisburg’s depth secured the boys’ team crown, while Crestwood placed second and Mid Valley edged Riverside by one point for fifth.

When the District 2 Coaches Poll was released this week, there was a new name among the top programs: Wilkes-Barre Area. Ranked No. 5, the Wolfpack are earning recognition for a season that feels different — one built on grit, balance, and a belief that they belong with the best.

Wilkes-Barre Area edged Valley View 16-14 in a game defined by strong defensive stands and critical special teams plays. Both offenses found success in the second quarter, but the Wolfpack’s late field goal and a fourth-down stop in the closing minutes proved to be the difference.

In their season home opener, the Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack took the field with something far greater than football on their minds. Each player wore the “CF” initials stuck to the back of their helmets, a symbol of love and respect for legendary G.A.R. coach Charlie Fick. In a dramatic overtime finish, Davon Underwood powered across the goal line for the game-winning touchdown, sealing a 48–42 victory that was more than just a win, it was a heartfelt tribute. On this night, Coach Fick’s legacy wasn’t only remembered, it was carried forward with every snap.