Normally around this time in the calendar, high school basketball teams would be heading into the final full week of games and the pursuit of division championships is at a very intense level.
With COVID, there remains nine play dates in the league. Teams are navigating the coronavirus and games are being played. The players are doing a good job and the trajectory of the season is starting to settle into which teams are going to be in the running for championships.
Also, teams will soon be looking toward the hopeful postseason.
DIVISION I
Clearly, Abington Heights has proven it is the best team at the moment. The evidence has never been stronger for a No. 1 team.
Results of Abington Heights games against ranked opponents
Abington Heights’ Harry Johnson.
CLICK GAMES FOR DETAILS
Abington Heights 60, North Pocono 45
Abington Heights 48, Scranton Prep 40
Abington Heights 46, Valley View 31
Abington Heights 45, Scranton 27
So, the Comets are the unanimous No. 1 team and they hold a two-game lead in the Lackawanna Division I standings with seven games to play. Now, of course, anything can happen, especially because of the rematches that loom for Abington Heights moving forward.
2021 STANDINGS
|
League |
Overall |
|||
| Division I |
W |
L |
W |
L |
| Abington Heights |
6 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
| Scranton |
4 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
| Scranton Prep |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
| Valley View |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| West Scranton |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
Abington Heights upcoming games:
| Date | Games | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Tonight Feb. 9 7:15 PM |
1-Abington Heights vs West Scranton | Abington Heights High School |
| Thursday Feb. 11 7:15 PM |
1-Abington Heights vs 4-Scranton | Abington Heights High School |
| Saturday Feb. 13 7:15 PM |
1-Abington Heights at 5-Valley View | Valley View High School |
| Tuesday Feb. 16 7:15 PM |
1-Abington Heights vs 9-Delaware Valley | Abington Heights High School |
| Friday Feb. 19 7:15 PM |
1-Abington Heights at 7-Scranton Prep | Scranton Prep High School |
THIS WEEK
TONIGHT
Valley View’s Zack Kovalchik.
DIVISION I
West Scranton at 1-Abington Heights — PPD to WEDNESDAY
Crossovers
5-Valley View at Honesdale — PPD to FEB. 15
Western Wayne at 4-Scranton — PPD to WEDNESDAY
7-Scranton Prep at 9-Delaware Valley — PPD to WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
DIVISION I
West Scranton at 1-Abington Heights
Crossovers
Western Wayne at Scranton, 5 PM
- Scranton’s Jason Shields is averaging 20.3 points per game in his last three.
7-Scranton Prep at 9-Delaware Valley, 5 PM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
DIVISION I
Scranton’s Marty Crofton.
4-Scranton at 1-Abington Heights
- Abington Heights is 9-1 in last 10 against Scranton.
5-Valley View at West Scranton
Crossover
Honesdale at 7-Scranton Prep
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
DIVISION I
1-Abington Heights at 5-Valley View
- Abington Heights has won 23 of the last 25 meetings with the Cougars.
4-Scranton at 7-Scranton Prep
Crossover
Western Wayne at West Scranton
LEADERS
West Scranton’s Cayden Merrifield.
West Scranton senior Cayden Merrifield scored the 1,000th point of his career last week against Scranton.
Scoring |
||
|
Cayden Merrifield, WS |
 |
21.0 |
|
Jason Shields, SCR |
 |
19.8 |
|
Harry Johnson, AH |
 |
16.8 |
|
Gavin Bednarz, SP |
 |
15.1 |
|
Robert Rossi, SP |
|
14.0 |
|
Zack Kovalchik, VV |
 |
14.0 |
|
Adam Howanitz, VV |
|
13.2 |
|
Jacob Anderson, AH |
|
12.5 |
|
Andrew Ferguson, SP |
|
11.3 |
|
Kevin Lazdowsky, SCR |
|
11.2 |
DIVISION II
North Pocono continues its impressive season.
The Trojans did suffer their first loss at the hands of Abington Heights, however, they continue to rise to the challenges. And they are doing it against the best teams from Division I, as well.
North Pocono’s Zach Walsh.
Photo by Jason FarmerNorth Pocono results against Division I opponents
CLICK GAMES FOR DETAILS
North Pocono 58, Valley View 36
Abington Heights 60, North Pocono 45
North Pocono 55, Scranton 50
North Pocono 44, West Scranton 38
DOUBLE SHOWDOWN
Due to the quirky schedule this season, the top two teams in the Lackawanna League Division II will play twice in two play dates.
DELAWARE VALLEY AT NORTH POCONO
Thursday, 6:45 p.m.
NORTH POCONO AT DELAWARE VALLEY
Saturday, 6:45 p.m.
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
2020
North Pocono 80, Delaware Valley 67
North Pocono 66, Delaware Valley 59
2019
Delaware Valley 65, North Pocono 47
North Pocono 53, Delaware Valley 51
2018
North Pocono 64, Delaware Valley 41
2021 STANDINGS
|
League |
Overall |
|||
| Division II |
W |
L |
W |
L |
| North Pocono |
5 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
| Delaware Valley |
4 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
| Honesdale |
1 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
| Wallenpaupack |
0 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
| Western Wayne |
0 |
6 |
0 |
7 |
THIS WEEK
TODAY
Wallenpaupack’s Jack Smith.
Division II
Wallenpaupack at 2-North Pocono — PPD to WEDNESDAY
Crossovers
5-Valley View at Honesdale — PPD to FEB. 15
Western Wayne at 4-Scranton — PPD to WEDNESDAY
7-Scranton Prep at 9-Delaware Valley — PPD to WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Division II
Wallenpaupack at 2-North Pocono
Crossovers
5-Valley View at Honesdale
Western Wayne at 4-Scranton — 5 PM
7-Scranton Prep at 9-Delaware Valley — 5 PM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Division II
9-Delaware Valley at 2-North Pocono
Wallenpaupack at Western Wayne
Crossover
Honesdale at 7-Scranton Prep
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Division II
2-North Pocono at 9-Delaware Valley
Honesdale at Wallenpaupack
Crossover
Western Wayne at West Scranton
LEADERS
SCORING |
||
|
Mike Leonardo, DV |
|
16.4 |
|
Zach Walsh, NP |
|
15.1 |
|
Jack Smith, WAL |
 |
14.4 |
|
Jacob Lyle, HON |
 |
13.0 |
|
Jimmy Rodda, HON |
|
12.8 |
|
AJ Keller, WAL |
|
11.4 |
|
Ryan Ruddy, NP |
|
9.9 |
|
Nathan Hugaboom, HON |
|
9.3 |
|
Damarco Maglio, NP |
|
9.3 |
|
Wyatt Peifer, WAL |
|
8.6 |
DIVISION III
This is a huge week in the division. Holy Cross has emerged as the team to beat, which seems to be the norm. The Crusaders are undefeated and have a one-game lead in the standings over Riverside and Dunmore.
Now, Holy Cross had been scheduled to play at Dunmore on Sunday, but snow postponed that one to Feb. 21, which sets up a back-to-back with the Bucks on Feb. 23. Those two matchups should go a long way in determining the division champion.
That being said, Riverside, the preseason favorite wants to have a say in this race. And it will get its chance.
BATTLE FOR FIRST
HOLY CROSS AT RIVERSIDE
TONIGHT, 7:30 PM
Senior Night
HOLY CROSS’ LAST LOSS IN DIVISION III
January 16, 2020
BRANDON REED
Riverside
Brandon Reed scored 12 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter and Riverside dealt top-ranked Holy Cross its second loss of the season, 66-62, in a Lackawanna League Division III boys basketball game Thursday.
Reed hit 10 of 12 free throws in the final quarter — he finished 15 of 18 at the line for the game — and the Vikings managed to hold on despite being outscored, 22-21, in the fourth.
Michael Rickert scored 16 points for Riverside and Todd Monahan had 11. Rickert also hauled in eight rebounds.
Holy Cross had three players with at least 10 points. Kieran Burrier led the way with 21, Leahy O’Connor had 17 and Patrick Bennie scored 10. The Crusaders had won seven straight since a 62-56 loss to Dallas on Dec. 18.
2021 STANDINGS
|
League |
Overall |
|||
| Division III |
W |
L |
W |
L |
| Holy Cross |
4 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
| Riverside |
3 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
| Dunmore |
3 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
| Mid Valley |
3 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
| Old Forge |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
| Lakeland |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
| Carbondale Area |
0 |
5 |
0 |
7 |
THIS WEEK
TODAY
Division III
8-Mid Valley at 10-Dunmore — PPD to WEDNESDAY
3-Holy Cross at 6-Riverside
Old Forge at Carbondale Area — PPD to WEDNESDAY (Location change)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Division III
8-Mid Valley at 10-Dunmore
Carbondale Area at Old Forge
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Holy Cross’ Hayden Hosie.
Photo by Christopher Dolan
Division III
Lakeland at 10-Dunmore
Carbondale Area at 8-Mid Valley
3-Holy Cross at Old Forge
- Last meeting: Holy Cross, 50-47, OT as Hayden Hosie scored 17 points
Crossover
6-Riverside at Elk Lake
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Division III
Lakeland at 8-Mid Valley
Carbondale Area at 3-Holy Cross
Old Forge at 6-Riverside, 2:15
- Last meeting: Riverside 60, Old Forge 59, OT as Brandon Reed scored 27 points
Crossover
10-Dunmore at Blue Ridge
LEADERS
SCORING |
||
|
Brandon Reed, RIV |
|
19.6 |
|
Caleb Vigil, LAK |
 |
18.6 |
|
Patrick Bennie, HC |
|
15.2 |
|
Dante Lucarelli, OF |
 |
15.0 |
|
Ray Ofner, CAR |
 |
14.4 |
|
Michael Rickert, RIV |
|
12.8 |
|
Kevin Walsh, DUN |
 |
12.6 |
|
Gabe Tanner, MV |
 |
11.5 |
|
Tyler O’Connor, MV |
|
11.0 |
|
Dom Temperino, DUN |
|
10.9 |
DIVISION IV
OK, Elk Lake has certainly established itself as the team to beat. However, Blue Ridge and its sharp-shooters appears to be the next closest contender.
BLUE RIDGE 3-POINTERS THIS SEASON
| Player | Field Goals | Free Throws Made | Free Throws Attempted | Total Points | 3 Point Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheideler, Calvin | 29 | 8 | 14 | 72 | 6 |
| McCain, Coleman | 14 | 3 | 4 | 44 | 13 |
| Thomas, Hunter | 9 | 4 | 9 | 25 | 3 |
| Rosa, Johnathan | 21 | 7 | 18 | 52 | 3 |
| Higgins, Timothy | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
| Rutter, Dalton | 12 | 0 | 2 | 30 | 6 |
| Barbour, James | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Cranage, Connor | 32 | 13 | 20 | 92 | 15 |
| Glasgow, Aiden | 7 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 4 |
| Bradley, Dylan | 16 | 5 | 8 | 44 | 7 |
NOTE: The last time Elk Lake played Blue Ridge and won Elk Lake 59, Blue Ridge 37, Blue Ridge played without Coleman McCain, who has 13 3-pointers in three games,
2021 STANDINGS
|
League |
Overall |
|||
| Division IV |
W |
L |
W |
L |
| Elk Lake |
4 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
| Blue Ridge |
4 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
| Susquehanna |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
| Montrose |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Lackawanna Trail |
2 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
| Forest City |
2 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
| Mountain View |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
THIS WEEK
TODAY
Division IV
Susquehanna at Blue Ridge — PPD to WEDNESDAY (Plus location change)
Elk Lake at Lackawanna Trail — PPD to WEDNESDAY
Mountain View at Montrose — PPD to WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Division IV
Blue Ridge at Susquehanna
- NOTE: The February 27th game will now be Susquehanna at Blue Ridge
Elk Lake at Lackawanna Trail
Mountain View at Montrose
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Division IV
Blue Ridge at Forest City
Montrose at Susquehanna
- Susquehanna has won eight of the last 10 meetings.
Mountain View at Lackawanna Trail
Crossover
6-Riverside at Elk Lake
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Division IV
Forest City at Susquehanna
Lackawanna Trail at Montrose
Mountain View at Elk Lake
Crossover
10-Dunmore at Blue Ridge
LEADERS
Mountain View’s Ryan Henke.
SCORING |
||
|
Matt Mowry, EL |
 |
17.4 |
|
Ryan Henke, MV |
 |
17.0 |
|
Coleman McCain, BR |
 |
14.7 |
|
Connor Cranage, BR |
|
13.1 |
|
Connor Watkins, MON |
 |
12.8 |
|
Trevor Graham, EL |
|
12.4 |
|
Brycen Decker, LT |
 |
11.6 |
|
Will Filan, LT |
|
11.5 |
|
Sammy Stashko, MON |
|
11.0 |
|
Dylan Bezek, FC |
 |
11.0 |
DISTRICT 2 STANDINGS
Here is also a reminder that we did have some changes in classifications for this two-year cycle.
- Valley View: Last season’s Class 4A finalist is in Class 5A
- Mid Valley: Moved from Class 3A to Class 4A
STANDINGS
CLASS 1A
|
W |
L |
T |
Rating |
TWP |
OWP |
Games |
|
|
2 |
4 |
0 |
0.32 |
0.274194 |
0.38 |
12(6) |
NOTE: MMI Prep is not playing in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic
CLASS 2A
|
W |
L |
T |
Rating |
TWP |
OWP |
Games |
||
| 1 | Holy Cross |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0.7 |
1.000000 |
0.275563 |
14(9) |
| 2 | Elk Lake |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0.636044 |
0.758621 |
0.459654 |
15(10) |
| 3 | Old Forge |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0.488957 |
0.376238 |
0.651163 |
12(7) |
| 4 | Blue Ridge |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0.465704 |
0.519084 |
0.388889 |
16(9) |
| 5 | Northwest Area |
4 |
6 |
0 |
0.419143 |
0.326316 |
0.552724 |
15(5)-PP=2 |
| 6 | Susquehanna |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0.406168 |
0.441667 |
0.355083 |
14(8) |
| 7 | Lackawanna Trail |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0.346251 |
0.262295 |
0.467066 |
14(8) |
| 8 | Mountain View |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0.177620 |
0.000000 |
0.433219 |
12(7) |
CLASS 3A
|
W |
L |
T |
Rating |
TWP |
OWP |
Games |
||
| 1 | Wyoming Seminary |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0.727500 |
1.000000 |
0.335366 |
15(10) |
| 2 | Riverside |
8 |
2 |
0 |
0.676699 |
0.811881 |
0.482168 |
19(9) |
| 3 | Dunmore |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0.556884 |
0.556391 |
0.557594 |
17(10) |
| 4 | Holy Redeemer |
3 |
7 |
0 |
0.514780 |
0.331522 |
0.778492 |
19(9) |
| 5 | Montrose |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0.396317 |
0.410256 |
0.376258 |
12(8) |
| 6 | Lakeland |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0.311491 |
0.220930 |
0.441810 |
15(11) |
| 7 | Carbondale Area |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0.249485 |
0.000000 |
0.608501 |
16(9) |
CLASS 4A
|
W |
L |
T |
Rating |
TWP |
OWP |
Games (Left) |
||
| 1 | Dallas |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0.729720 |
0.819048 |
0.601176 |
16(11) |
| 2 | Scranton Prep |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0.587347 |
0.637037 |
0.515843 |
14(7) |
| 3 | Lake Lehman |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0.563674 |
0.608939 |
0.498538 |
16(7) |
| 4 | Mid Valley |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0.563037 |
0.534351 |
0.604317 |
16(9) |
| 5 | Nanticoke Area |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0.518175 |
0.693548 |
0.265808 |
16(10) |
| 6 | Honesdale |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0.388384 |
0.300000 |
0.515571 |
13(9) |
| 7 | Hanover Area |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0.375284 |
0.230769 |
0.583245 |
13(8)PP=4 |
| 8 | Berwick |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0.315650 |
0.168000 |
0.528122 |
17(10) |
| 9 | Western Wayne |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0.290759 |
0.000000 |
0.709168 |
15(8) |
| 10 | Wyoming Area |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0.270088 |
0.000000 |
0.658751 |
17(9) |
CLASS 5A
|
W |
L |
T |
Rating |
TWP |
OWP |
Games |
|
| Abington Heights |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0.83 |
1.000000 |
0.57 |
13(7) |
| North Pocono |
8 |
1 |
0 |
0.77 |
0.910053 |
0.57 |
16(7) |
| Crestwood |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0.76 |
0.856061 |
0.61 |
15(9) |
| Valley View |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0.61 |
0.577586 |
0.66 |
15(9) |
| Tunkhannock |
6 |
4 |
0 |
0.61 |
0.656566 |
0.54 |
21(11) |
| Pittston Area |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0.58 |
0.609467 |
0.55 |
18(9) |
| Wyoming Valley West |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0.46 |
0.432990 |
0.5 |
15(10) |
| West Scranton |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0.42 |
0.241379 |
0.68 |
13(8) |
| Wallenpaupack |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0.4 |
0.271429 |
0.59 |
15(11) |
CLASS 6A
|
W |
L |
T |
Rating |
TWP |
OWP |
Games (Left) |
|
| Scranton |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0.71 |
0.725806 |
0.68 |
13(7) |
| Williamsport (SR=4) |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0.69 |
0.648810 |
0.76 |
16(8) |
| Wilkes-Barre |
8 |
3 |
0 |
0.68 |
0.757709 |
0.56 |
18(7) |
| Hazleton |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0.61 |
0.518797 |
0.75 |
17(10) |
| Delaware Valley |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0.53 |
0.586592 |
0.44 |
19(10) |
Related posts:
Joby Fawcett has covered high school sports — including football, girls and boys volleyball, girls and boys tennis, girls and boys swimming, boys basketball, girls and boys track and field, and girls and boys lacrosse — for 22 years. The High School Sports Blog offers deeper insights plus statistical and historical information for fans and features photos, videos and graphics along with Top 5 polls for tennis and volleyball. Contact: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5367; @sportsTT
