©2026, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–147th YEAR, NO. 13
Members of the Crestwood girls basketball team jump into the stands at Mohegan Arena and celebrate with some of their fans after beating North Pocono for the District 2 Class 5A championship Saturday night in Wilkes-Barre Twp.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
by Suzanne Winters
New business at the February 12 Penn Lake Park Borough Council meeting included appointments to both the zoning hearing board and the planning commission. Karl Heck (3 years), Kat Ladoff (2 years) and Kevin Cronauer (1 year) will fill vacancies on the zoning hearing board. Tom Riddle, Martyn Harding and Lisa Kuter will all serve 4-year terms on the planning commission.
Mayor Tom Carter noted that the borough declared a state of emergency during the last snowstorm after the county and the state had done the same. There were no petitions, complaints or correspondence, nor anything new to report from any of the committees this cold and snowy month.
One zoning permit was issued for a generator on Lakeview Drive, per secretary Karen Burden. She also reported there was a zoning hearing scheduled for February 23 for a setback variance at 1607 Lakeview Drive.
Councilmember Corey Beltz advised that effective March 1 the Aqua PA sewer fee would revert to $79 per month, as previously discussed.
Streamline Engineering submitted two invoices, $1,910 for grant assistance and $4,943.95 for the permit phase of the dam project. Both invoices were approved for payment.
The Breezeline franchise agreement remains as unfinished business. The newly assigned fill-in solicitor, Keighlyn Oliver, had just received the agreement for review.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 • Volume 45 – No. 27 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 39
by Jim Dino
After almost two decades, Packer Township is looking for a new township secretary.
At their March 3 meeting, the supervisors accepted the resignation of Stephanie Stolpe.
Packer Township Supervisor Bob Selert said the supervisors are looking for her replacement.
“I think she served 18 years,” Selert said. “She had an opportunity to get a full-time job, so she took it.”
Selert said the township is looking for someone to work 15-20 hours per week. The supervisors will be taking applications until March 13.
In addition to her secretarial duties, Stolpe prepared and mailed garbage bills to township residents, saving the township money they would have had to pay a service.
“We have a good system to collect the garbage fee,” Selert said, “Those who didn’t pay got a 30-day notice. Then we would place a lien on their personal property. It always worked.” Grant application
Selert said the supervisors are working on submitting a Community Development Block Grant application to insulate the roofs of buildings on the township complex to make their heat more efficien
“We have to get some quotes to start the process,” Selert said, “It would be good for the workers to work in a warm environment.”
Selert explained that Packer Township is a non-entitlement community, meaning larger county municipalities like Summit Hill, get their projects
funded first, and then all the other municipalities have to compete for funding.
Another capital project in the works is the replacement of the handicapped ramp at the township building. Selert said that project had to be adjusted because the new ramp would be too close to the electrical service that serves the building.
The supervisors are still pursuing a hearing into the Hazleton City Authority maintaining a non-profit status despite cutting trees and selling the wood on property it owns in Packer Township.
Registration is open for the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the White Haven EMS and the Recreation Board on March 21 at Lehigh Park. Register on the White Haven EMS Facebook page. Check in at 11 a.m. on the day of the hunt. Hunt will begin at noon.
White Haven’s business district is hosting a new event this year, the Great Main Street Bunny Hop! From 1-5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, visit Main Street businesses and search for brightly colored eggs. There will be prizes. Participating businesses will be listed closer to the date.
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by Ruth Isenberg
Watching the YouTube video of the most recent Weatherly Borough Council meeting has raised some concerns. (I much prefer attending meetings in person, but both White Haven and Weatherly hold their meetings at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month, and I haven’t yet figured out how to be in two places at once. Weatherly’s meetings are available to view later, so that’s what I had to do this month.)
The February 23 meeting featured a lot of questions from members of the audience. Some were sincere; others were designed to stir the pot and point fingers. There was understandable frustration from members of the audience that answers were not forthcoming to all the questions, though many of those questions were really commentary.
There was undoubtedly also frustration on the part of the council and the administration. There are no easy answers to issues such as increasing police coverage while also cutting the budget, or controlling odors from the sewage treatment plant.
Demanding a quick answer to a serious question is really setting a trap, since off-the-cuff comments can later be used against the counci members or administrators who make them.
What happens in meetings that are dominated by contentious public comment is that serious business sometimes goes unnoticed. At the Weatherly meeting, for example:
•Fees were raised on subdivision, land development and zoning.
•No action was taken on a proposed vacating of part of 7th Street.
•Council heard about plans by the American Legion and Auxiliary to hold a Family Day event on April 25, a Memorial Day parade and observances on May 25, and a Carbon County Veterans Day parade on November 8. The Legion is looking into erecting a memorial board to honor those who have served in the military from the community. These are all important matters that could have long-term impacts and deserve attention. Questions about policy and past actions are serious and important, and they deserve serious answers. Frustration aside, too much focus on quick answers just gets in the way of finding constructive solutions.
from the White Haven Historical Society
1. White Haven has some hills with strange names. An easy one is Brick Hill
a) Located where? and
b) Why is it called The Brick Hill?
2. a) Where is the location of Catholic Hill? and
b) What recreation was provided on that hill?
3. A lesser-known hill is Band Hill. What activity happened there? Does anyone else have some facts about it?
4. What business occupies the old Shaffer’s Garage? What make of car was sold there?
5. Shaffer’s Garage is long gone, but one car brand they sold is still manufactured. What is it? (Author’s note: I still can’t believe it is also made as an electric one!)
From The Journal-Herald March 7, 1991
Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
A wood carving of a flag bearing Marine, made by Dennis Beach of Wapwallopen, was pictured standing guard on display at the White Haven Market. It was set to return to the home of market owners Chuck and Terri Usher in White Haven Poconos. This “grunt” weighed 350 pounds plus, and was chainsawed from a single log of pine.
A World Day of Prayer service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in White Haven featured a Bible study conducted by members of the Ministerium, using a service written by women from Kenya. The Senior Citizens Chorus sang Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Nancy Andres sang Just a Closer Walk With Thee, accompanied by Esther Maier on the organ. The offering was to be used for women’s projects all over the world that focus on justice, peace and the elimination of the root causes of poverty.
Carbon County announced that it would be conducting spraying against gypsy moth caterpillars in Weatherly Borough, and Lehigh, Lausanne, Kidder, Packer and Penn Forest
townships, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. The area chosen was based on requests made by residents the previous summer. Property owners who did not want their land to be sprayed were given 15 days to file an objection with the county.
Joan Sorrels announced her candidacy for the office o Recorder of Deeds for Carbon County. She had previously served on Weatherly Borough Council, and was currently president of the Eurana Park Commission, where she supervised a weekly winter rollerskating program at the pavilion.
Some questions about the new recycling program in White Haven were answered. Detailed instructions were included in the containers that were distributed. Regarding bundling newspapers, the rules said no colored or glossy inserts should be included. Some people were interpreting that to mean that they could not recycle anything that had color on it. (Editor’s note: 35 years ago most publications were primarily black ink on white paper only.) The article pointed out that the real problem was glossy paper, so the comics section or inserts on newsprint were okay.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of Mary Catherine Pituch, a/k/a Mary Pituch, late of the Borough of Beaver Meadows, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on January 22, 2026. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands against the Estate are to present the same without delay to:
Martha Matusick, Executrix c/o Peter O’Donnell, Esquire 1402 N. Church St. Hazle Township, PA 18202 3/12
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Leonard Jancewicz, of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Susan M. Jancewicz a/k/a Susan M. Capece, late of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, who died on January 25, 2026. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executor named or to:
Alexis C. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/12
The Dennison Township Board of Supervisors will hold a work session on March 10, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. at the Dennison Township Municipal Building, 76 Walnut Street, White Haven for the purpose of discussing a proposed ordinance regarding data centers.
Kathleen Stortz Secretary
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Lori Lee Carswell, of Drums, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Janeann Williams, late of Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, who died on January 12, 2026. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix named or to:
Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/12
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of Dorothy Reiner, a/k/a Dorothy A. Reiner, of 173 Plane Street, Weatherly, Carbon County, PA, who died on the 23rd day of November, 2025. All persons having claims against the estate are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to the Executrix, Susan A. Sarosky, 246 Lauderburn Avenue, Weatherly, PA, 18255, or her attorney:
CYNTHIA S. YURCHAK, ESQUIRE
121 Carbon Street
Post Office Box 4 Weatherly, PA 18255 3/12
ESTATE of MICHAEL ISADORE DEGANICH, deceased, late of the Borough of Nesquehoning, Carbon County, Pennsylvania.
LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to the undersigned who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of said decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payments, without delay, to the Administratrix: Myla Deganich 605 Mill Street Danville, PA. 17821 or to her Attorney: Robert T. Yurchak, Esquire 1 East Catawissa Street Nesquehoning, PA 18240 3/19
JOHN G. RICHARDS JR.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of John Richards (known as “JR”) of Albion, Indiana, on February 22, 2026.
Born on December 23, 1950, in Wilkes-Barre and raised in White Haven, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His hardworking spirit and love for life left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
John attended MMI Preparatory School and later graduated from Crestwood High School in 1968. Following graduation, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by entering the United States Marine Corps, carrying with him the discipline and determination that would define much of his life.
His pride in serving his country continued long after his time in uniform. John was a lifelong and active member of several local American Legion posts. Most recently, he faithfully served at American Legion Post 98, where he held the role of Finance Offic and had previously served as Commander. His dedication to his fellow veterans and his community reflected his deep an enduring patriotism.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Lesley, and by his cherished stepchildren and grandchildren, whom he loved as his own. He also leaves behind his daughters, Amanda Richards (Brian Radjavitch) and Shana Kunkle, and his son, Justin Richards (Deana Prochaska). John was predeceased by his son, Zachary Richards, whose life was taken in 2014. John’s love for his family was unwavering. He took great pride in each of them and their accomplishments, supporting them wholeheartedly through every season of life.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jessica and Ava Radjavitch, Leland and Kaiya Kunkle, Emily, Hannah and Ryleigh Richards, and Sebastian
Adams. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and the simple pleasures of being together.
John was the son of the late John Sr. and Jane (Wall) Richards and a loving brother to sisters Robin (Bill) Reilly and Jane “Wally” Uhrin.
John spent his career working in highway construction from Pennsylvania to Indiana, where he built not only roadways but lifelong friendships through his dedication and strong work ethic. Outside of work, he embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid motorcycle rider who found freedom and joy on the open road. From his early days playing baseball as a child, through softball in adulthood, John carried a lifelong love of the game. He played darts in his younger years, but later discovered shuffleboar where he enjoyed the camaraderie in local and regional competitions.
John will be remembered for his strength, his loyalty to family and friends, and his unwavering devotion to the things he loved. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the memories that will forever be cherished. A celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memoria contributions can be made to: American Legion Post 98 Attn: Lesley Richards 430 W Business 30 Columbia City, IN 46725 Checks should be made payable to American Legion Post 98.
Come, give your burdens and worries to the Lord at the Taize Prayer Service. What is Taize? Taize is a small village in the hills of the Burgundy region of France. It is home to an ecumenical community in the monastic tradition, founded during the Second World War by Brother Roger, whose prayer, three time each day, is at the center of their life. Today, Taize is a place to which visitors of all ages and backgrounds come on pilgrimage, to participate in international meetings of prayer and reflection
The songs of Taize are meant to help people take time in
God’s presence. They consist of small Scripture passages with easy melodies repeated over and over again. They are sung long enough to allow distracted thoughts to calm down and for the words to sink in. The faithful are asked to join in the singing as they become comfortable with the melodies. During the service there are also periods of silence for reflective meditation
This is an ecumenical service and people of all denominations are welcome. Please join us on Sunday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 318 Plane St., Weatherly.
Weekly Lenten services continue at 7 p.m. at the following locations.
March 4–Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church.
March 11–Salem United Church of Christ.
March 18–Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
March 25–St. Matthew’s Union Church.
Services are followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshments. All are welcome.
Midweek Lenten services will be held at a different church in the White Haven area each week. Each service will start at 6 p.m. and is open to everyone.
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March 4–White Haven United Methodist Church
March 11–St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
March 18–Presbyterian Church of White Haven
March 25–Presbyterian Church of White Haven
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The Garden Club kicked off 2026 with strong attendance, welcoming six new members and drawing a total of 15 participants to its first meeting of the year at the White Haven Area Community Library.
Members gathered in the library’s John Murphy Room to enjoy lavender & lemon zest scones and ginger-peach iced tea before diving into plans for the year ahead. Meetings have returned to their traditional schedule — the third Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. — with additional outings and events planned separately to give members flexibility to attend one or both.
The next meeting is set for March 19.
A March outing is also in the works: a maple syrup tour and tasting at Pocono Mountain Maple in Newfoundland. The group is planning to carpool for the approximately 50-minute drive. Saturday tours at 11 a.m. on March 21 and 28 currently have openings. Senior tickets are $20, with organizers exploring the possibility of a group rate.
February’s program featured new member Mary Lemerise, who presented an in-depth program on seed stratification — a technique that improves germination rates and produces hardier plants, particularly native species and perennials.
Lemerise demonstrated how everyday household items can be
used to mimic winter conditions for seeds. Using opaque milk or iced tea jugs, gardeners can create a simple “mini greenhouse” by cutting three sides to form a hinge, filling the container with moistened soil and seeds, sealing it with painter’s tape and placing it outdoors where rain can enter. The process, which typically lasts 30, 60 or 90 days, benefits nearly any seed, she said.
She advised gardeners to look for condensation inside the container as a sign of proper moisture and to water gently over the top rather than directly into the opening.
Lemerise, who is especially knowledgeable about native plants and their role in supporting pollinators, has also offered to host a tour of her gardens later this summer, possibly in July.
In addition to her presentation, she shared resources for members interested in promoting biodiversity and native planting, including Homegrown National Park, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society and Garden for Wildlife. Anyone interested in providing refreshments for future meetings is encouraged to contact Denise to coordinate.
New members are welcome at any time.
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The White Haven Area Community Library will have another incentive reading program for March. Stop by the library for a picture sheet to keep track of each 15 minutes you read or are read to. Bring your sheet back by the end of March for a Dr. Seuss goodie bag. Program is open to children of all ages.
White Haven Community Library will be sponsoring a Pysanky Egg Painting Workshop on Saturday, March 28, from noon to 3 p.m. There is a fee of $50, which will cover all supplies, benefits the library, and needs to be paid in advance. Instructor is Paul Corinchock. Call 570-443-8776 or stop into the library to sign up.
The White Haven Area Community Library will hold an after-school program, sponsored by the Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA. This is a 10-week after school program for students in grades 4 - 8. The program will
be held starting March 2 - May 7 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. Homework help will be available, along with STEM activities and a snack.
The process of construction of the upstairs at the library continues to move forward. Bids have been submitted.
There are still Gertrude Hawk chocolate bars left at the library. All proceeds benefit the library
Scrabble Club will be Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m.
Weatherly Area Middle School January Students of the Month, shown from left, Sophie Rodrigues, 6th grade,
Lech, 7th grade, and Emma Moyer, 8th grade
Weatherly Area Middle School principal Anthony DeSpirito has announced the names of the students who were nominated and selected as Students of the Month for January. The award is based on academic achievement, attendance, extra-curricular involvement, and service to school and community.
Sophie Rodrigues is the 6th grade student of the month. Sophie is the daughter of Sonia Rodrigues, Weatherly. Sophie is an active member of band and chorus, and enjoys spending time with her friends.
Rachel Lech is the 7th grade student of the month. Rachel is the daughter of Terry and Paul Lech, Weatherly. Rachel is active in the community and donates books to the Weatherly library. She also enjoys helping out family.
Emma Moyer is the 8th grade student of the month. Emma is the daughter of Heather and Jeffrey Moyer, Weatherly. Emma is a member of NJHS, band, chorus, SGA, math counts, cross country, track and field, and Jr. High Cheerleading. Emma is also active in the community, volunteering at Tweedle Park and the local fire company.
Corbin Wagner, son of Shay Dorney, and Matthew Wagner, Weatherly, has been named Senior of the Month for February at Weatherly Area High School.
Corbin serves as captain of the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. He recently scored his 1,000th career point during Weatherly’s playoffgame against Nativity High School. Corbin is also a member of the track and field team, and has set multiple school records, including in the triple jump and the 110-meter hurdles. Additionally, Corbin was selected as the Lehigh Valley Scholar Athlete for soccer, and the Standard-Speaker Athlete of the Week for basketball.
In the community, Corbin does volunteer work with his family, and is employed with Whitewater Challengers’
campground maintenance crew.
Sponsors for the month of February are the Weatherly Hillclimb Association, Weatherly; and Delrose Awards, Lansford.
1. a) the hill on 437, going towards Dennison Township. b) paved with bricks, you can see them when blacktop wears off 2. a) Elmira Street, between Allegheny & Berwick b) sleigh riding
3. a.) Located north of Albee’s Garage, runs down to the RR crossing. Note the signals. b) The band would play there.
4. a) the Mobil Gas Station. b) Ford
5. Mustang, now also offered as an electric sort of sporty SUV Remember the White Haven Historical Society meets on the third Sunday of the month. The first meeting for 2026 is March 15 at 6 p.m. in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Area Community Library.
Weatherly Citizens’ Fire Company will host a St. Paddy’s Day fundraiser at the fire station. Food & refreshments will be available, with musical entertainment by Almost Infamous.
Time on Saturday, March 14, is 8 p.m. to Midnight. Doors open by 6 p.m. with a $5 donation. Proceeds support the Weatherly Fire Department.
Silver Ridge Hunting Club, 2200 East Main Street, Weatherly, will hold its all you can eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon this Sunday, March 8, at the clubhouse.
The menu includes eggs any style, home fries, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, toast and creamed chipped beef. Take outs are available. There is no charge for children under 6.
Cranberry Quilt Guild will open the 2026 season with a meeting March 23 at Faith UCC; doors opening at 6 p.m. with light refreshments. Members are reminded to bring their own drinks to the meeting.
The Guild is sponsoring the Cranberry Quilters Spring Tea at Faith United Church of Christ Hall, off Airport beltway in Hazle Township, on Saturday, April 18, beginning at noon. Guests will be treated to finger foods, traditional tea sandwiches, and goodies, along with a program and trunk show presented by pattern and fabric designer Rachel Rossi. Tickets are $20 for members and $30 for non-members.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible. Please email debkessell@gmail.com with ticket requests, and to arrange payment. Seating will be limited. Members are reminded of the president’s winter challenge quilt reveal ‘Down on the Farm’ to be held at the March meeting. Baby quilts for donation to Shine should be turned in that evening.
The guild members are working on the ‘Celebrate 250’ challenge, which will be shown at the upcoming fall quilt show. 2026 promises to be an exciting year filled with some new ideas for monthly programs. New members are always welcome.
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by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
BRODHEADSVILLE - The tears of joy streamed down Kelly Reiner’s face, her arms lifted high in celebration, as the final seconds ticked off the clock at Pleasant Valley High School last week.
“I’ve waited my whole basketball career for this,” an emotional Reiner said. “To go to the championship, and going to states. It’s been so long.”
The Weatherly Area senior had just led her team to a 32-19 victory over second-seeded Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg in the district semifinals, sending the Lady Wreckers back to the state tournament for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
That was the last time the Lady Wreckers had won a playoff game - before toppling the Spartans last Wednesday evening. The District 11/2 Class A semifinal victory clinched a spot in the subregional final, and also the PIAA Tournament bid that goes with it. The top two teams qualify for states.
On Saturday in Easton, the Lady Wreckers dropped a 28-18 verdict to top seed Bethlehem Christian in the subregional final
Regardless, the Lady Wreckers were going back to the state tournament for the
leader Olivia Protheroe, and the rest of the team hunkering down, the Lady Wreckers limited the Spartans to just eight field goals and never let them get comfortable on offense
Weston and Company held Protheroe to just 11 points on 4-for-24 shooting, and helped force the Spartans into 25 turnovers.
“We knew we had to limit (Protheroe), that was our main goal. We knew she was their main offense,” Kane said. “At least on our team we have a bunch of girls that can pick it up when Kelly is double-teamed or face guarded.”
Freshman Maci Kane, who backed Reiner with her own double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds), scored twice inside off assists from Weston and Reiner to help the Lady Wreckers to a 5-3 lead in the opening quarter.
Protheroe, who scored all six of her team’s first-quarter points, buried a deep triple to give Notre Dame its first and only lead of 6-5 with 36 seconds left on the first-quarter clock
But Weston answered with her own 3-pointer just 14 seconds later, putting Weatherly up 8-6 at quarter’s end.
Stallone
Weatherly Area’s Kelly Reiner (23) celebrates with teammates after the Lady Wreckers beat Notre DameEast Stroudsburg 32-19 in the District 11/2 Class A girls basketball semifinal last Wednesday at Pleasant Valley High School. The win punched the Lady Wreckers’ ticket to the PIAA Tournament. JH
first time in seven years. This after seeing the program nearly shutter two short years ago due
to a lack of numbers. This year’s roster features just nine players.
“It’s great. It’s something we haven’t done in many years,” beamed head coach Jason Kane. “We had our ups and downs, more downs than ups the last couple years. The record, it is what it is, but here we are. It feels great.”
Weatherly Area 32, Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg 19Reiner scored a game-high 14 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and made four steals to spark the third-seeded Lady Wreckers to their first playoff win sinc the 2018-19 team finished off a second straight district championship season.
But this game was about defense. With senior Abby Weston and others faceguarding Notre Dame scoring
Reiner scored seven and Kane four during an 11-2 second quarter that finally gave the Lady Wreckers some separation. Reiner’s 3-pointer at the 1:26 mark made it 15-6, while Kane’s putback and then Reiner’s lob pass inside to Kane for a late deuce upped the Weatherly lead to 19-8 at intermission.
“The key was to get out strong like we did, that was huge,” Coach Kane said.
When Maci Kane knocked down a corner jumper and freshman Lexi Kehler banked in a 3-pointer two minutes into the third quarter, the Lady Wreckers had their biggest lead of 16 points (24-8). Notre Dame never got closer than nine points the rest of the way as Weatherly closed out the semifinal win and lived to play at least two more games together.
Continued from page 8
“Hard work and dedication, all the long hours at practice,” Reiner said when asked what led to their turnaround season. “Everyone puts in their time and works so hard to get to where we are.”
The togetherness they enjoy is part of the reason for the success, she said.
“Honestly practices, games that we played, bus rides. I think we just grew so close,” Reiner said. “It’s such a small group of us that we’re like sisters.”
Coach Kane said he was particularly happy for Reiner and Weston, two seniors who helped hold the program together these last two years. With three starters back and good numbers and talent coming up from the junior high ranks, the program should be on solid footing next year and beyond.
“Kelly and Abby, they were my seniors when I started coaching,” Coach Kane said. “They were here for the ups and downs, they’re two great leaders. Both of them are going to definitely be missed next year. We have a bunch of young girls coming in. (But) it’s hard to find girls with that leadership quality. That’s huge in life and it’s huge on the basketball court.”
WEATHERLY AREA (32) - Kane 5 0-4 10, Kehler 1 2-2 5, Way-Heffner 0 0-0 0, Reiner 5 3-6 14, Weston 1 0-0 3, Snyder 0 0-0 0. Totals: 12 5-14 32.
NOTRE DAME-ES (19) - Vitaletti 0 0-0 0, Marshall 0 0-0 0, Mizhirumbay 0 0-0 0, Assegid 0 0-0 0, Romanowska 0 0-0 0, Blain 0 0-0 0, Rios 3 0-2 6, Collao 1 0-2 2, Protheroe 4 2-6 11. Totals: 8 2-10 19.
Weatherly Area..... 8 11 7 6 - 32
Notre Dame-ES......6 2 8 3 - 19
3-FG: Kehler, Reiner, Weston. Protheroe.
Bethlehem Christian 28, Weatherly Area 18 - In Saturday’s title game at Easton, the Lady Wreckers did another yeoman’s job on defense, holding the top-seeded Panthers (22-3) to just 11 baskets. But cold shooting ultimately doomed Weatherly, which was unable to cash in on many opportunities in the lane.
“We knew coming in that it wasn’t going to be an easy task,” Weatherly coach Jason Kane said. “We knew they were a good shooting team and we had to be pretty much flawless, but we did
the best we could.
“My goal was to hold them under 30, but when you get only 18 points, you’re going to win many games that way.”
The Panthers’ Paige Kreidler scored her team’s first eight points as Bethlehem Christian built an 8-3 lead after one quarter.
Weatherly managed to make just one of 10 field goal tries, that from Kelly Reiner, and a Maci Kane free throw in that opening stanza.
Although they had numerous second-chance opportunities in the second quarter, the Lady Wreckers were unable to cut into that deficit. Kane got them as close as 12-8 on a jump hook, Bethlehem Christian closed out the scoring with a Moriah DeBoer layup for a 15-8 halftime lead.
The Panthers stretched their lead to 22-10 in the third quarter before Kane scored twice to cut it to eight (22-14) heading to the fourth.
With their cold shooting woes continuing, the Lady Wreckers could get no closer as Bethlehem Christian closed out the win for its first-ever district championship.
Kane paced Weatherly with nine points and Reiner finished with seven.
“I’m super proud of our girls,” Jason Kane said. “We’ll probably get a full week of practice in and be ready to play wherever they tell us to go.”
That will be Philadelphia. The Lady Wreckers (8-16) will take on District 12 champion Motivation (11-4) Saturday at noon at Abraham Lincoln High School. The winner of that gets either Lourdes Regional (25-2) or Conestoga Christian (16-9) in the second round.
Meanwhile, Bethlehem Christian begins state play Saturday against Phil-Mont Christian (12-11), District 1’s third-place finisher, at Liberty High School.
WEATHERLY AREA (18) - Kane 4 1-6 9, Kehler 0 0-0 0, Way-Heffner 1 0-0 2, Reiner 2 3-6 7, Weston 0 0-0 0, Snyder 0 0-0 0. Totals 7 4-12 18.
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN (28) - Kreidler 5 2-5 12, Morea 0 0-0 0, deBoer 1 0-0 2, Merisca 2 0-2 4, Khachadourian 3 2-3 9, Wilson 0 1-2 1, Quarmout 0 0-0 0, Yarnell 0 0-0 0.
Totals 11 5-12 28.
Weatherly Area..... 3 5 6 4 — 18
Beth. Christian......8 7 7 6 — 28
3-FG: Khachadourian.
Comets will face Holy Ghost Prep in state playoffs by
Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The Crestwood boys had upset on their minds when the second-seeded Comets took on top-seed and perennial Class 5A power Abington Heights in the District 2 5A final Friday night at Mohegan Arena.
Crestwood scored the game’s first seven points and led 12-7 after one quarter of play.
But ultimately, Abington Heights’ size and big-game experience changed the course of the game from the second quarter on, when it outscored Crestwood 50-25 over the final 24 minutes to pull away to a 57-37 victory.
The win marked Abington Heights’ fourth consecutive district championship, and its seventh of the 11 District 2 Class 5A titles since the PIAA went to six classifications.
It was Crestwood (17-9) that had the hot hand early, as Gio Barna nailed a 3-pointer and teammates Jack Rodgers and Miles Metz added buckets in a 7-0 start.
Abington Heights, winners of 15 straight and unbeaten since the calendar turned to 2026, didn’t score until 1:41 of the first quarter, missing its first seven shots. But with a size advantage inside, the Lackawanna League power eventually began to impose its will in the paint.
Abington used a 16-7 second period for a 23-19 halftime lead. Although Crestwood remained within four points (26-22) early in the third quarter, Abington went on a 7-0 run that made it 33-22, and Crestwood never threatened thereafter.
Senior forward Jordan Shaffer paced Abington Heights (19-5) with a double-double, dominating inside with 17 points and 17 rebounds. Andrew Kittel added 14 points and Fin Goldberg chipped in with eight.
Metz topped Crestwood with 14 points, Ayden Agapito added nine and Barna eight.
Crestwood’s season continues in the PIAA Class 5A Tournament, where the Comets will face District 1 third-place
finisher Holy Ghost Prep (19-3) in Friday’s opening-round game at Bensalem High School, with a 7:15 tip. Abington Heights will face D-1 No. 4 team SpringfieldDelco (21-4).
Crestwood and Holy Ghost have one common opponent this season: Abington Heights. Holy Ghost Prep beat the Comets 69-53 back on Dec. 13 in the fifth game of the season.
Crestwood and Abington Heights could meet again in the PIAA semifinal round if they each continue to win, though their half of the bracket is filled with major hurdles.
Should Crestwood win on Friday, its second-round opponent next Tuesday, March 10 would likely be District 12 champion and perennial state power Neumann Goretti (20-5). District 1 champion Upper Dublin (21-4) is also in the top half of the bracket, while District 3 champ West York (20-1) looms in the bottom half of the 5A bracket along with District 7 top finishers Chartiers Valley (23-2) and Thomas Jefferson (23-3).
CRESTWOOD (37) - Barna 2 3-5 8, Metz 6 1-1 14, Wagaman 0 0-0 0, Rodgers 2 2-2 6, Agapito 2 3-6 9, Brace 0 0-0 0, Johnson 0 0-0 0, Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Montanari 0 0-0 0, Naperkowski 0 0-0 0. Totals: 12 9-14 37.
ABINGTON HEIGHTS (57) - Kittel 6 1-1 14, Manning 2 0-0 5, Goldberg 4 0-0 8, J. Shaffer 4 8-9 17, Plantz 1 4-6 6, Begley 1 0-0 2, Corwin 0 0-0 0, Reese 1 0-1 2, Butala 0 0-0 0, Johnson 0 0-2 0, L. Shaffer 0 0-0 0, Dougherty 0 1-2 1. Totals: 19 14-21 57.
Crestwood............ 12 7 8 10 - 37 Abington Heights...7 16 14 20 - 57 3-FG: Barna, Metz, Agapito. Kittel, Manning, J. Shaffer.
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by Steve Stallone Sports Editor WILKES-BARRE TWP.
- Hollywood couldn’t have scripted this one any better. The defense was spot-on. The offense, crisp and flui The shooting: lights-out.
There was the heart-warming milestone for their leader.
And, for the big finish: The program’s second consecutive district championship.
The Crestwood High School girls basketball team turned in one of its top overall performances of the season on the game’s biggest stage Saturday, leading from start to finish in a 57-32 runaway from North Pocono that cemented another District 2 Class 5A championship.
Feeling right at home at spacious Mohegan Arena, the Lady Comets had a 12-point cushion just 2:15 into the contest and were never seriously threatened the rest of the way.
Fittingly, they were led by the one player who didn’t get to enjoy last year’s championship run. Senior point guard Keira Dougherty, who missed all of last season recovering from a serious knee injury, not only scored a game-high 18 points in Saturday’s title game - she scored the 1,000th of her remarkable career in the process.
“I’m just grateful,” Dougherty said, clinging to the shiny gold medal around her neck. “I keep saying to everybody that I’m so grateful to be able to do it with my coaches, my teammates, and my whole support system. I would not be able to do this without all of them.”
Sitting and watching her teammates win a district title and advance to the state
semifinals last year was “the hardest thing I ever had to do,” she said. “Mentally it’s harder than to do it physically. I’m lucky I was able to do it with my best friends. I wouldn’t have been able to get through last year without them.
“Knowing that I had the chance to do it again with the same people, it motivated me.”
Her 3-point basket from the wing just 34 seconds into the game gave the Lady Comets (23-3) a lead they would not relinquish.
Jackie Gallagher took a steal the length of the court for a layup, Dougherty followed with a floater, Charlie Hiller scored on an up-and-under move, and Jordan Andrews sank two free throws to cap an 11-2 first quarter for Crestwood.
But the real show was on the defensive side of the ball, where the Lady Comets forced seven North Pocono turnovers in that opening quarter, and 1-of-5 shooting. The Trojans’ lone field goal came on an Anna Clementoni hook shot at the 6:28 mark of the first quarter, and they didn’t score again until a reverse putback by Celia DeCesare midway through the second quarter.
Andrews was the catalyst for the defensive assault, shadowing North Pocono scoring leader Ella Clementoni and keeping her from doing any kind of damage. By the time Ella Clementoni hit the scoring column with two free throws, there was 3:23 to play in the third quarter. By then, Crestwood was already leading 37-12 and well on its way to victory.
“I think when you know what’s on the line, champions kind of spark that energy when they need to. I think we came
The Crestwood girls celebrate at midcourt Saturday after defeating North Pocono 57-32 to capture their second straight District 2 Class 5A title. The Lady Comets now move on to the state tournament. JH Photo by Steve Stallone
out right from the start, and the defense was fantastic,” said Crestwood head coach Mary Mushock-Namey. “I think Jordan did an amazing job on Ella Clementoni and I think Charlie was physical with Anna Clementoni down low.
“We followed the game plan to a T, and I couldn’t be any prouder.”
Crestwood’s defensive stopper doesn’t mind a challenge.
“Going in I knew I was going to face guard her so it was just a mental game for me. I decided to lock onto her like glue,” Andrews said. “Like we say ‘defense wins championships’ so
taking her out of the game was very important for us.”
Dougherty took most of the drama out of approaching her milestone, following a five-point first quarter with a pair of 3-pointers in the second period, the latter one putting her over 1,000 for what would have been a four-year career if not for her injury.
Mushock-Namey called a time out so the Lady Comets and their fans could congratulate their star point guard, which they did with a huge ovation and hugs all around.
Continued from page 10
“It’s truly special. It just melts my heart,” offere Mushock-Namey. “I think at that point she teared up. I know she worked for this. After last year, she didn’t know 1,000 points was even possible. But do you know what? She has a great team around her and she did it in the right place. How more special can it be?”
Andrews, who has shared the backcourt with Dougherty for many years, couldn’t have been happier for her best friend.
“I was tearing up on the court because she’s my best friend, it was awesome,” Andrews said. “Her missing a year last year was a setback, but the comeback’s better. It was super exciting. I’m so proud of her.”
“I’m so happy for her,” added Gallagher. “All that she went through last year, I was so happy to see her come out and get it, and not only get it, but get it here. I think that was very fitting.”
Saddled with two first-hal fouls that forced her to the bench after scoring just two points, Gallagher quickly caught fire in the third quarter and began teaming with Hiller on a two-man game that North Pocono had no answer for.
The two six-foot forwards took turns feeding one another for scores either inside or on the perimeter. Gallagher’s step-back 3-pointer from the corner 13 seconds into the second half ignited an 18-4 run that dismissed any thoughts of a North Pocono comeback. Hiller’s wing jumper, two Gallagher free throws, a Hiller step-back triple, and her dish to Gallagher inside for two had the Trojans reeling. Two more Gallagher free throws and her putback at the 4:11 mark of the third had Crestwood up 35-10. Gallagher (11) and Hiller (8) combined for 19 of the Lady Comets’ 24 third-quarter points and Dougherty had the other five as they stretched their lead to 43-23 by the end of three.
“Charlie and I are best friends on and off the court so when w get on the court it’s just second nature to us, that chemistry’s right there,” Gallagher said.
Crestwood head coach Mary Mushock-Namey hugs senior Jordan Andrews while awarding the Lady Comets their gold medals Saturday after defeating North Pocono 57-32 for their second consecutive District 2 Class 5A girls basketball championship.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
“It’s awesome playing with her.”
“I’ve been playing with Jackie for I don’t even know how long, it definitely is so special t share moments like this with her,” added Hiller. “I think our chemistry is just through the roof. She’s one of my best friends on and off the court”
The play of the “bigs” inside opens things up for anyone on the perimeter, and all fie Crestwood starters can hit the outside shot.
Gallagher and Hiller scored 27 of their combined 31 points in the second half to help the Lady Comets pull away.
“We love to play the insideoutside game, so when you have two bigs inside like that who are dominant and if they start to pack it in, then you just kick it out to the guards,” noted Mushock-Namey.
Hiller scored 14 points, yanked a team-high nine boards,
blocked four shots and made two steals for Crestwood. Gallagher finished with 17 points and fiv rebounds, while Dougherty had six rebounds and two steals to go with her 18 points.
Senior Ella Clementoni scored all nine of her points in the second half, including her 1,000th career point with 4:28 to play. She fouled out two minutes later. Sophomore Anna Clementoni had 11 points.
“Two-peat, it’s awesome!” exclaimed Andrews, who helped the Lady Comets hold North Pocono to 10-of-32 shooting (28 percent) and force 19 turnovers. “We’ve been preparing all year and we were super confident and excited to play today. I think it was better for us that we had been here before, with the jitters and all that. We knew what to expect and the shooting was on, which was good. It feels great.”
“I think we were really comfortable, especially after last year playing here. It definitely was good to have th experience,” Hiller said. “But it definitely was huge help wit Keira back. It was exciting that she could score her 1,000th here, that’s really special. And I think we all came out and just knew we had to play team basketball like last year.”
A slow start in the semifina round against Abington Heights, when Crestwood fell behind 9-2, seems to have lit a fire under the ady Comets moving forward.
“I think we took that (semifinal) game and thought about it,” Andrews said. “We definitely rushed some shot during that game. We took control of this game, moved the ball more, trusted each other, calmed down. We just played confident today.”
“I think after that first quarter against Abington it woke us up, because that was win or go home,” added Dougherty. “It got me realizing we don’t want to go home. Even though we knew win or lose today we were going to states, this game meant the world to us. Our coach was emphasizing defense. If you do well on defense it will feed your offense and that’s exactly what we did.”
“We knew our defense had to be the best it’s been all season to contain them and to not
make it close,” Gallagher said, “because we don’t want a close one here.”
Saturday’s game was anything but.
Now, Crestwood moves on to the PIAA Class 5A Tournament, where they will host Cocalico (17-9) for an opening-round game this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Crestwood High School. Cocalico is the No. 4 finisher out of District 3. A win there would put the Lady Comets into the second round next Wednesday, March 11 against either Freire Charter or Marple Newtown.
Mushock-Namey is not looking that far ahead.
“To be honest, I do not even know who our opponent is because I did not look ahead whatsoever. Everybody knows what kind of person that I am,” she said. “We’ll give them a day off and then you have fie days to prepare again. We watch film, we see what our opponent has, and we do our thing.”
The Lady Comets plan to take it one step, one game at a time in hopes of getting back where they were a year ago - and perhaps a bit farther.
“We’re trying to make it as far as we can,” said Gallagher. “Hopefully we make it Hershey, but we’ll take it one game at a time.”
“I think we’ve learned that honestly we have to play 100 percent every play, every practice, every possession,” Hiller said. “Everything matters that we do from here on out, because it’s win or go home.”
“We’ve just got to stay disciplined, and work hard in practice still because we want to get to the next step. There’s always more goals to reach,” Andrews said. “Our next step is winning the state championship.
North Pocono (21-5) also advances into the PIAA Tournament and will play Gwynedd Mercy (16-9) on Saturday.
NORTH POCONO (32) - Litts 0 0-0 0, Forione 0 0-0 0, E. Clementoni 3 3-4 9, Bilco 2 2-2 8, Quinn 0 0-0
Deadline 5 p.m.
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ACROSS
1. Comprehend
6. It has no staying power?
9. Auditioner’s hope
13. Prevention measure?
14. Ill temper
15. Poetic although
16. Brooke or John Jacob, of New York
17. Downhill equipment
18. Beau
19. *”What Was I Made For?” singer
21. *”Fast Car” singer
23. Part of URL
24. Peephole glance
25. Morning drops
28. 1920s art style
30. Reduce, as in standing
35. Big Bang’s original matter
37. Lad’s counterpart
39. Connection
40. Milton Bradley’s game
41. Tea from certain region of India
43. Some bent pipes
44. Rose oil
46. Zeus’ wife
47. Remove from a manuscript
48. What bird did, homewise
50. Hyperbolic sine
52. “____ and the City”
53. Prejudice
55. “Wow!”
57. *”Song Sung Blue” singer
61. *”I Just Called to Say I Love You” singer
64. Barrel racing meet
65. ____ Maria
67. Shockingly graphic
69. Not upright
70. Bathtub libation
71. Food contaminant
72. W on a light bulb
73. Consume
74. Ayes
1. Former Portuguese colony in India
2. Deceptive maneuver
3. Naysayer’s favorite prefi
4. Upbraid
5. 1/3rd of a hockey game
6. Phish homophone
7. One of Indiana’s quests
8. Prepare for winter takeoff
9. Alka-Seltzer sound
10. Nucleus plus electrons
11. Actress Perlman
12. Tattered’s partner
15. Rouse
20. Inscribed pillar
22. He had 24. Own
25. *”Hurricane” singer
26. Like March Madness’ eight
27. Hair extensions
29. *”Folsom Prison Blues” singer
31. *”Walk on the Wild Side” singer
32. Wheel shafts
33. Tutu fabric
34. English county
36. Source of protein
38. Delhi wrap
42. Popular lassi fruit
45. Restart computer
49. Clamor
51. *”The Boys of Summer” singer
54. “Bad news travels fast”, e.g.
56. Draw a conclusion
57. Pull out a pistol
58. Letter before kappa
59. Type of mine passage
60. Cheesy sandwich
61. Hit the road
62. Cupid’s counterpart
63. Rub the wrong way
66. Road, in Rome
68. Bad-mouth, slangily
first time since 200
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
NORTHAMPTON - Winners of eight of their last nine games and fresh off an overtime win in the semifinal round, the Weatherly Area Wreckers came into last Friday’s District 11/2 Class A boys’ basketball final looking for the program’s first district title since 2002.
Instead, the Wreckers ran into a runaway freight train - a top-seeded Bethlehem Christian squad on a mission of its own for a second straight subregional championship.
Using a physical brand of ball and a big-time effort from seniors Gabe Transue and Myles Harris, the Panthers simply overpowered the second-seeded Wreckers, pulling away to an 86-56 victory.
Transue, a 6-feet-4 jumping jack and 2,000-point career scorer, poured in 41 points and hauled down 20 rebounds. Meanwhile, his 6-1 classmate Harris - who has more than 1,800 career points - backed him with a 29-point evening. Together, they provided a 1-2 punch that KO’d the Wreckers.
Transue’s 20 rebounds included five on the offensiv glass, as he and 6-4 senior forward Caleb Brown (7 rebounds) helped the Panthers to a 45-31 rebounding advantage. Eighteen of those 45
rebounds came on the offensive end, and many resulted in second- or third-chance points.
In addition, Bethlehem Christian shot lights-out, making 36-of-72 attempts for 50 percent. The Wreckers, meanwhile, were held to 38.6 percent (22-of-57) from the floor, and made just half of their 18 free throws.
“To me it was the defense that was what we needed,” said Bethlehem Christian head coach Matt De Jesus. “Weatherly’s a good team and I thought we played really well on the defensive side.”
“The kids we just played are pretty athletic, they’re well coached, not a lot of flaws in their game, and we got beat,” said third-year Weatherly coach Luke Medico, who noted the game was physical.
“That was tough, and we have a small team,” he said. “Our guys aren’t too big, but they gave it their all. Officiating aside, yo can’t throw the ball away and you can’t not rebound. That was the number one (priority). Every single possession you find a human being and put your rear into them and your hands out in your stance.”
The Wreckers (16-8) led 6-2 early after Ian McKeegan nailed a pull-up jumper and shot in the lane, and Niko Saldukas canned a corner jumper two minutes into the game.
Weatherly Area’s Dominick Kokinda puts up a reverse layup for two of his 14 points in the Wreckers’ District 11/2 Class A semifinal win over Nativity last week in Tamaqua. The Wreckers are headed back to the state tournament for the first time since the 2005-06 season Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
But the Panthers (22-2) came right back with eight straight points, four each from Transue and Harris, capitalizing on four Wrecker turnovers and five straight misses from the field
Although McKeegan buried a deep triple to pull the Wreckers back within a point (10-9) at the 1:11 mark, Bethlehem Christian scored the final four points of the quarter for a 14-9 lead after one.
The Panthers started the second quarter on an 11-1 run to gain separation. Harris scored on the break, Transue hit a putback then banked in a 3-pointer, while Harris finished off the spurt with two fast-break scores.
With 2:59 to play in the
Continued from page 14
second, Transue picked up his third foul when he pushed off on Corbin Wagner. Transue remained in the game and managed to not pick up a fourth foul.
Saldukas and Wagner had the lone second-quarter baskets for Weatherly, which went 2-for-15 in the period and was outscored 20-7.
Nick Kasper’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer sent the Panthers to the locker room up 34-16 at the break.
The Panthers’ lead grew to 42-18 in the first three minutes of the third quarter, with Transue scoring on a tap-in and another putback in the early push.
The Wreckers began heating up over the last half of the third, with Wagner scoring twice inside and following with a 3-pointer that had the large following of Weatherly fans on their feet. Saldukas got the roll from 15, Matt Adler scored inside, Wagner hit another triple, while Saldukas and Brandon Davis scored inside to finish off a 22-point thir quarter.
“Corbin’s a good shooter, Niko’s a good shooter, and obviously we know about Ian. Last year he had 25 against us, so we knew we had to do a good job on him,” Panthers coach De Jesus said.
Unfortunately for the
Weatherly Area senior Corbin Wagner, second from left, is mobbed by teammates Ian McKeegan (3), Niko Saldukas and Brandon Davis after scoring his 1,000th career point during the Wreckers’ district playoff win over Nativity last week in Tamaqua. Wagner became the 21st player in program history to reach the milestone. More on Wagner’s run to 1,000 in next week’s edition. Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
Wreckers, each time they hit a shot, the Panthers answered with one of their own. Harris had three straight BC baskets during one stretch, and he and Transue combined for 19 of the Panthers’ 23 third-quarter points as they increased their lead to 19 points (57-38).
McKeegan scored 12 straight Weatherly points to start the fourth quarter, but the Panthers responded in kind. Harris hit a pair of 3-pointers and Transue and Kasper each had one during that same stretch as BC continued to pull away.
Transue scored nine points
Tournament for the first time since 2006, and will play this Friday night at home against District 1 third-place finisher Plumstead Christian (10-14). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m
The first-round winner gets the survivor of Sullivan County (22-4) and Coventry Christian (19-5) in the second round on Tuesday, March 10.
Wagner, McKeegan and the Wreckers are pumped for the opportunity to continue on.
“It feels incredible,” said Wagner, who went over 1,000 career points in the semifinal win over Nativity. “It’s been a very long time since we’ve been to states. I love these boys. I love this team, and I couldn’t ask for a better team.”
His backcourt mate McKeegan, who now has 1,313 career points and is up to fifth on Weatherly’s career scoring list, remembers where the team came from when they were freshmen to where they are now.
over the final 3:18, with his two hand slam putting the lead at 30 points and invoking the mercy rule for the final 1:41
De Jesus credited the win to his team’s defense and rebounding effort
“The guys played great defense. Last year when we played (Weatherly) they went on a little bit of a run. These guys play great,” he said. “We talked about weathering the storm, and they did that. And then the second half of the first quarter Deion, Myles, Gabe they all got steals and deflections and it kind of went from there.
“Gabe, Myles, Kaleb are always consistent with that. They eat it up off the glass, but they’re just unselfish offensively,” he added. “It was just settling in on offense, but they played phenomenal defense and that’s what we need to go as far as possible.”
Bethlehem Christian will now play District 4 third-place team Lourdes Regional (12-13) on Friday to open the state tournament.
McKeegan paced Weatherly with 18 points, Wagner followed with 16 and Saldukas had a dozen. Davis and Adler had five rebounds each.
Although the Wreckers had to settle for the silver medal, they live to play another day. They move on to the PIAA Class A
“This means everything to me,” McKeegan said. “After this season is over, when I look back on it, I’ll be saying “Wow. We really came from nothing to something. From being a onewin team to now, we’re literally going to states. It feels amazing.”
“The cool part is being with this group of kids the past three years and just continuing to progress,” Medico said. “When I took over they had one win, then we got to two the next year, then 14 last year and won our first playoff game, and now we got to the (district) championship game. It’s great momentum.
“The state tournament starts Friday and we can make a run in that. There’s nothing holding us back there at all. We can beat anybody on any given night,” Medico stressed. “We had two big goals coming into the season: Play basketball in March, and we got to play in the district championship.”
March is underway, and the Wreckers are ready to continue the madness.
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Three Crestwood Wrestlers will be headed to Hershey this weekend for the PIAA Wrestling Championships after securing their spots with solid performances in the regional round last weekend.
Comets freshman Micah Engelman continued his stellar first season by taking fifth at 145 pounds at the Class 3A Northeast Regional in Bethlehem, where the top five wrestlers moved on to states.
Meanwhile, Crestwood’s Rachel Shoemaker (118 pounds) and Samara Bailey (235) qualified for the PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships after each placed fourth in the Central Regional. The top four wrestlers in each weight class from the girls’ regional advance to states.
Engelman (36-3 entering tourney, 4-2 at regionals, so should be 40-5) opened the tournament with a first-period fall (1:29) over A. Garcia of Father Judge before dropping his quarterfinal match to Notre Dame’s Gavyn Kelton, a 7-2 decision that sent the Comet into the elimination bracket.
Engelman battled back to win two consolation matches, overwhelming Selinsgrove’s H. Harpster 15-3 and beating Dieruff’s C. Recinos 4-1. In the consolation semifinals, Easton’s Ethan Krazer posted a 10-1 major
Crestwood freshman Micah Engelman placed fifth at the Class 3A Northeast Regional wrestling tournament over the weekend, qualifying him for the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships that begin Thursday at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
decision to drop Engelman to the fifth-place match.
Needing a win to get to states, Engelman registered a 13-5 major decision over Northampton’s Chase Grabfelder to clinch fifth place and continue his season in Hershey this weekend.
The PIAA Wrestling Championships will run Thursday through Saturday at the Giant Center.
Joining Engelman at the Class 3A Northeast Regional was teammate Mariusz Bibla, who competed in the 189-pound bracket.
The junior wrestler opened with a second-period pin of Selinsgrove’s A. Modawar in 2:58.
In the quarterfinal round, Easton’s Justin Cosover rolled to 17-1 technical fall (4:59) over Bibla, but the Crestwood wrestler kept his tournament and season alive in the consolation bracket.
Bibla outlasted Athens’ B. Cooke by 12-9 decision, then eased past Delaware Valley’s J. Segal 12-3 to reach the consolation semifinals. However, Pottsville’s Terrell McFarland caught Bibla with an early takedown and 16-second pin.
Sent to the fifth-place bout needing a win to advance to states, Bibla fell to Liberty’s Connor Gillahan by 19-3 technical fall (3:56) to see his stellar 35-10 season end with a sixth-place finish.
Crestwood’s Samara Bailey returns to the PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships after placing fourth at the Central Regional Saturday in Milton.
The Lady Comets’ junior was trailing Northeast Bradford’s E. Beach 3-2 in their opening bout when Bailey turned the tables on her, pinning her at 1:10 of the opening period. In the quarterfinals, she rolled past Montgomery’s Adelyn Rine, building a 16-3 lead before showing her the lights at the 5:37 mark to reach the semifinals.
Eventual 235-pound champion Mylah Steinbuch of Bedford was waiting, posting a 22-6 technical fall in 5:26 that sent Bailey to the consolation bracket.
In the consolation semis, Bailey and Pottsville’s Daisy Glessner
battled to a 5-5 draw in regulation before Bailey pinned her 22 seconds into overtime, sending her to the consolation final and punching her ticket to states.
Athens’ Leah Nason pinned Bailey in 3:42 of their third-place bout, as Bailey settled for fourth place.
Bailey (17-8) will be joined at states by Crestwood teammate Rachel Shoemaker, who was in survivor mode from the get-go in the 118-pound bracket.
The senior and reigning District 2 champion, seeded third for the regional, was stunned in the opening round by Riverside’s K. Watt, the 14-seed, with a 17-9 major decision.
She began her battle through the wrestlebacks with a 7-5 decision over RV’s L. Rapp, then posted a 16-6 major decision over Clearfield’s F. Gilbert, a 5-3 decision over Hanover Area’s G. Griffith, and a 15-1 major over Hughesville’s Ariahna Moore to reach the consi final.
Wrestling for third place, Shoemaker ran out of magic, getting caught with an early takedown and falling to Athens’ Joyce Clinnk by pin in 27 seconds. Shoemaker finished the tournament with a 4-2 record, and heads to stay with a 28-8 mark this season.
Two additional Lady Comets competed at the Central Regional on Saturday, freshman Emersyn Seltzer at 112 pounds and junior Emma Selfe at 136.
Seltzer lost by fall to Towanda’s Kaylen Sluyter in 3:11 of their opening-round match, and was pinned by Nanticoke Area’s Emily Kivler in 25 seconds of their consolation bout. Seltzer ended her first varsity season with a 23-15 mark.
Selfe was pinned by Shikellamy’s R. Ziants in 3:15 of their opening bout, and lost by technical fall to Hazleton Area’s Miah Molinaro (16-1, 4:49) to see her strong season end. She finished at 26-10.
To follow Crestwood’s Engelman, Bailey and Shoemaker at states, including matchups, live scoring, event times and more, go to piaa.org.