In a series of competitive matchups, both Pottsville and Minersville emerged victorious in their respective Division I boys basketball games on January 12, 2024. The wins showcased strong individual performances and solid teamwork, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Pottsville Dominates Pine Grove
Pottsville secured a commanding win against Pine Grove, finishing the game at 61-33. Leading the charge for Pottsville was Davey Kunstek, who scored 14 points. He was supported by Christian Alvarez, contributing 13 points, and Colin McGinley, who added 12 points to the tally.
On the other side, Pine Grove’s offense was spearheaded by Hayden Felty, with 9 points, followed by Teagan Schneck-Haines who managed 5 points. Other contributors included Braylin Fairell and Dane Hannevig, each scoring 4 points.
Minersville Triumphs Over Panther Valley
Minersville achieved a solid victory over Panther Valley with a final score of 58-43. Shazier Bethea was a standout player, leading with an impressive 23 points. He received assistance from Jordan Bowers, who scored 16 points, and Nolan Plesnarski with 8 points.
Panther Valley’s scoring efforts were led by Jarell Thomas, who netted 12 points.
Other notable games included Blue Mountain’s convincing win against North Schuylkill, finishing at 50-29. Tyeirre Meade was pivotal for Blue Mountain, leading with 18 points, while Julian Nelson led North Schuylkill with 16 points.
In another exciting matchup, Mahanoy Area defeated Tamaqua 71-56, with Cam Smith scoring a remarkable 26 points and Connor Bowman adding 22 points. The duo each hit six three-pointers, demonstrating their shooting prowess. Tamaqua’s top scorer was Ace Schickram with 10 points.
In Division II action, Schuylkill Haven achieved a dominant 71-35 victory against Shenandoah Valley, led by Justin Watcher who scored 24 points. Meanwhile, Nativity triumphed over Williams Valley with a score of 75-58, thanks to Trey Keating‘s impressive 45 points.
The girls’ basketball action saw Marian defeat Tri-Valley 60-22. Deanna Pugh and Gia Decosmo each contributed 17 points to lead Marian’s efforts.
As the season progresses, these results highlight the competitive spirit and talent present in the league, promising more thrilling matchups in the weeks to come.