By: Jeric Yurkanin

The 19th Annual Lou Camoni Tournament championship night turned into anything but what you’d expect from a title-game buildup.

Before the lights ever hit tip-off, Valley View’s girls were already winning the moment.

They sat together up on the bleachers — not split up, not locked in silence, not glued to their phones — but together. Watching Lakeland and Carbondale battle it out, cheering at the right moments, smiling like a group that genuinely enjoys being in the same space. It was camaraderie in real time: a few jokes tossed around, laughs that carried, little stories shared back and forth like they were passing the ball even when they weren’t on the floor yet.

For a few minutes, I slid in next to head coach Robbie Martin, and you could hear it in his voice — that quiet, steady pride. Not the flashy kind. The kind that comes from knowing your team has an identity… and actually lives it.

And with Valley View, that identity starts with defense

.

Coach Martin was talking about that stiff, unbreakable, we’re-not-moving Cougar defense — the kind that makes teams uncomfortable before they even cross half court. And while we were talking, I brought up one of the rising names on that end of the floor: Mady Minelli — an emerging key piece in that defensive puzzle.

Here’s the funny part…

I’m listing off the attributes… the instincts… the motor… the way she plays like the ball owes her money…

…and I didn’t even realize she was sitting right behind me.

Coach Martin points. I turn around — and there she is, smiling.

Mady Minelli.

Watch out. That’s a risen star.

But make no mistake — the Cougars weren’t just hanging out. They weren’t killing time.

They were waiting.

Like a pack of Cougars stalking the next possession… the next loose ball… the next mistake to pounce on. Because the moment the opener got near the finish line, you could feel it — that switch flipping. The smiles were still there…

…but now it was hunt mode.

Battle in the Valley.

Championship on the line.

Valley View vs. the Mid Valley Spartanettes.

And Valley View?

They were hungry. Championship hungry.

First Quarter — “Close” lasted about three minutes.

The game didn’t start clean for Mid Valley, and Valley View wasted no time setting the tone.

Sadie Cardoni jumped a pass early, the Cougars moved it around, and she got fouled — hitting 1-of-2 to make it 1–0.

Then came the signature stuff:

Minelli yanked down a defensive rebound… Mid Valley missed again… Cora Castellani erased a shot at the rim like it never existed… and on the other end Minelli got fouled and hit 1-of-2. 2–0 Cougars.

Mid Valley finally answered when Giada Vagni knocked down a bucket to tie it at 2–2 with 5:57 left in the first.

And that… was as close as it was ever going to get.

From there, Valley View turned the game into their kind of chaos — turnovers, chased-down loose balls, hands everywhere, bodies flying, and Cougars sprinting the other way like they were released from a cage.

5:22 — Minelli scores: 4–2 Castellani answers: 6–2 Minelli chases down a loose ball (again), and Castellani finishes: 8–2 with 3:47 left

By the end of the quarter, it was a wave.

Ava Gazoo poured in 7 in the first. Castellani led the charge with 9 in that opening frame.

The Cougars didn’t just take control — they demanded it.

Valley View 23, Mid Valley 4 after one.

Second Quarter — More pressure. More punishment.

Right out of the gate, Minelli picked up where she left off — hunting loose balls, attacking downhill, getting fouled, and cashing in. She went to the line and hit both.

Castellani kept rolling with another two-point bucket, and Mid Valley finally found the net again with Vagni scoring at 5:45 remaining in the half.

But every time the Spartanettes breathed, Valley View squeezed again.

Gazoo swatted away a shot on defense, and when Mid Valley tried to push a little confidence back into the game, Addison Frein hit a three to make it 27–9 with 4:52 left.

Castellani responded immediately: 29–9.

Then came the moment that felt like a statement.

A Cougars deflection… Castellani chases down the loose ball… pushes it herself…

…and drills a three.

32–9 Cougars with 3:30 left in the half.

By halftime, the scoreboard wasn’t just tilted — it was screaming.

Valley View 40, Mid Valley 11 at the break.

Second Half — same story, different quarter.

The second half didn’t change the script. Valley View kept pouring it on with the same DNA: pressure defense, rebounding, quick offense, and relentless energy.

End of the third: 50–13.

And by the time the fourth quarter hit the six-minute mark, Valley View emptied the bench — and that was basically all she wrote.

But even in a runaway, Valley View’s mindset never changed — and Cora Castellani said it best afterward, giving credit to the little things that decided the night early:

“Coming into the game we knew Mid Valley was going be a very aggressive team. I also think besides our defense, our rebounding helped us out with that. We knew they were going play good defense too. Our rebounding helped us — and our defense.”

Because the pack never stopped.

The Lady Cougars were everywhere — Castellani, Gazoo, Minelli — swarming the ball, cutting off lanes, jumping passes, blocking passes, ripping rebounds, and sprinting the other way for more points. They didn’t just attack the basket… they attacked the game. They attacked every loose ball like it was the championship itself rolling across the floor.

And Coach Martin said it best afterward:

“Our effort defensively was just tremendous. The pride that this group takes in their defense is a testament to their work ethic.”

He continued:

“Our defensive pressure in the 1st two qtrs got us some easy baskets. The kids set the tone early and kept them out of rhythm offensively.”

That’s the kind of defense that travels. The kind that carries you. The kind that can take you deep when February turns into March.

They’ve still got room to grow — and that should scare everyone.

Because last year, Castellani was the headline on defense. This year?

Mady Minelli is starting to steal that spotlight — and that’s not a problem.

That’s a gift.

Now you’ve got two elite defenders setting the tone.

Watch out.

The Cougars aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

And as always, the heartbeat was Cora Castellani, who led the Cougar pack with 20 points.

Coach Martin summed it up like only a coach who knows his team can:

“Cora has a motor like no other. The kid is special in terms of her heart and desire. From the opening tip to the final buzzer she goes 110%. She controls the game offensively, defensively and in transition. I’m so proud of this team and the balance we have every night.”

Today Valley View didn’t just win a tournament championship.

They showed the whole gym who they are — a team that bonds together, locks in together, and defends like a unit that takes it personal.

And if you didn’t know the name Mady Minelli before this night?

You do now.

Because this pack of Lady Cougars? They stick together.

They don’t separate. They don’t splinter. They don’t leave one hanging out to dry.

They attack together.

They defend together.

And they win together.

FINAL: Valley View 52, Mid Valley 19.

Valley View stat leaders:

Ali Mauro: 8 points, 6 steals Ava Gazoo: 8 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks Mady Minelli: 7 points, 4 steals Ashlan Palickar: 4 points, 8 rebounds

Cora Castellani and Ava Gazoo were also named to the All-Tournament Team.

—————-———

Thanks to our sponsors for making tonight’s coverage possible! Your support helps us highlight local athletes, tell their stories the right way, and keep NEPA sports in the spotlight. We appreciate you! 🙌🏀

By: Jeric Yurkanin

In the Losers’ Consolation Game tonight, the Lakeland Lady Chiefs and Carbondale Area squared off for Round 2 — a rematch of that early-December heartbreaker where the Chargerettes escaped 43–41 in a nail-biter.

Lakeland came in hungry. Not just to win… but to answer.

But the opening half? Whew. It was rough.

The Lady Chiefs came out flat — struggling to score, playing back on defense, and looking nothing like the aggressive, pressure-heavy team they’re built to be. And Carbondale wasn’t exactly in rhythm either. The first quarter (and the first half) turned into a grind: missed shots, shaky passes, and possessions that felt like they lasted forever with nothing to show for it.

It was the kind of half that would make longtime UConn women’s coach Geno Auriemma shake his head and mutter, “What are we doing here?” because it just wasn’t pretty basketball.

After one quarter, Carbondale led 6–2. At halftime, it was 13–10 Chargerettes.

And the wild part? Both teams are way better than that. You could feel it in the gym — like everyone was waiting for somebody… anybody… to flip the switch.

Then the locker room happened.

And when Lakeland came back out… the switch wasn’t just flipped — it was ripped off the wall.

Four minutes into the second half, the Lady Chiefs were flying. Attacking downhill. Running the floor. Turning stops into layups. Pushing tempo like the game owed them something. Just like that, Lakeland stormed ahead 22–13, and suddenly the entire night shifted.

The energy was different.

The pressure was different.

The pace was different.

Lakeland looked like Lakeland again.

And they did it while shorthanded.

The Chiefs were without freshman starter Natalie Rude, who injured her ankle Saturday against Valley View. You could feel her absence in the first half — her quickness, her aggressiveness, her defensive spark, her ability to score and change the game. But instead of making excuses, Lakeland leaned on the simplest mentality in sports:

Next girl up.

And trust me… you were about to find out exactly who that was.

“At halftime, coach told us we weren’t being ourselves and we weren’t playing our game,” said Lakeland’s Kamri Naniewicz. “Coach told us to move the ball and beat them down on transition. We weren’t really hustling during the first half and we didn’t have any transition layups. At halftime we played better defense and took the ball down court faster.”

Head coach Kelly Vogt echoed the same message — and you could tell it wasn’t just coaching talk. It was a challenge.

“During halftime we were down. We told the girls they were flat — they lacked energy and motivation,” Vogt said. “We were a better team than what we were showing. We were slow, sloppy, and needed to be refined… and work on our transition. Once we got our transition game going tonight, we were much better.”

And that’s where the story turns into something bigger.

Because while Lakeland found its identity in the second half… one freshman stepped into the moment and turned it into a statement.

Olivia Beier.

Usually the sixth player off the bench, Beier didn’t just fill minutes — she filled the void. She brought instant energy: hustling for loose balls, rebounding in traffic, and making the type of winning plays that don’t always show up in a box score… until the moment gets big.

And then the fourth quarter hit.

That’s when it became the Olivia Beier Show.

Beier scored 10 points in the fourth quarter alone, added two more in the third, and finished with 12 points — turning hustle into buckets and confidence into control as Lakeland pulled away with a whole new swagger.

“Olivia really came into the game tonight,” Vogt said. “As a freshman, she was clutch today. She was able to step up and put in the baskets and use her soft touch and basketball skills to help us get the W.”

Senior Naomi Rude put it perfectly — because what Beier did wasn’t just scoring. It was poise.

“Olivia came out with great confidence and handled the ball well,” Rude said. “Nonetheless, she took control of the game when she needed to, including putting the ball in the hoop in clutch moments. She had a lot of mature defensive stops in big moments… she’s a natural-born athlete with a mindset of positive energy and hustle.”

So yeah… the first half was a grind.

But the second half?

That was Lakeland basketball — fast, aggressive, relentless… and fueled by a freshman who announced herself to everyone in the gym.

And after tonight, there’s no longer a question about who can step up while Natalie Rude heals.

Her name is Olivia Beier.

Remember it.

Write it down.

Because if you’re watching Lakeland basketball for the future…

you don’t want to forget that name.

—————————————-

By: Jeric Yurkanin

Carbondale — At the 53rd Turonis / NBT Bank Holiday Classic, two rival programs collided in the opening round with more than just a bracket spot on the line — there was tournament pride in the air. And with a packed gym on hand tonight, fans were more than ready to get this one rolling.

Valley View entered as the defending champion (2024). Lakeland has worn the crown recently too — 2023 champs, with Mid Valley winning in 2022, and the Chiefs also taking it in 2021.

Point is: nobody owns this tournament. The trophy keeps moving, and every winter it feels like a new chapter gets written.

And on this night, with noise bouncing off the walls… the stage was set.

Fans were on their feet — some rocking blue, white, and red for the Chiefs, others in yellow, blue, and gold for the Cougars — and the energy felt like tip-off couldn’t come fast enough.

Lakeland came out strong and hungry, jumping to a 7–0 lead and holding the undefeated Cougars scoreless for the first four minutes. Multi-sport athlete David Naniewicz set the tone early with a block and a couple tough rebounds as the Chiefs’ defense looked locked in.

But the moment Valley View finally saw one go through — a 7–3 three-pointer — the Cougars woke up… and they didn’t look back.

Valley View ripped off 12 unanswered to flip the game and take a 12–7 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The momentum stayed in Cougar hands in the second. With 4:13 left in the half, Valley View had pushed the lead to 21–9 as Lakeland struggled to find rhythm — both from deep and in the paint.

Valley View owned the lane the rest of the half, and by the break the Cougars were up 28–14.

And coming out of halftime, the Cougars kept pouring it on.

Valley View continued right where it left off — turning stops into points, controlling the glass, and stretching the lead possession by possession — and there was no looking back as the Cougars defended their title hopes with a statement 61–30 win over Lakeland.

Valley View leaders:

Michael Muto: 18 points, 4 three-pointers Colin Witkowski: 8 points Aiden Plotkin: 6 points Jagger Roe: 6 points

And Lakelands – David Naniewicz scored 12 points for the Chiefs.

Lakeland’s early punch made it feel like anything could happen in the opening minutes… but once Valley View found the net, the Cougars flipped the switch — and from that point on, they controlled the game on both ends the rest of the way.

————————

GAME PREVIEW: Lakeland Lady Chiefs at Valley View Cougars

By: Jeric Yurkanin

When: Friday, Dec. 27 • 6:30 PM

Where: Valley View High School

Valley View and Lakeland meet up tonight with two very different identities — and that contrast is what makes this one intriguing.

Valley View has been built around a steady, disciplined defense, giving up just 32 points per game, and turning stops into runouts the other way. Offensively, the Cougars have been consistent too, scoring 44 points per night, which gives them a strong +12 average margin coming in.

Lakeland enters looking to flip the script with toughness, patience, and execution. The Lady Chiefs are scoring 36 points per game, and allowing 40, meaning they’ll be hunting for a cleaner night on the defensive end — and a little more efficiency finishing possessions.

Players to Watch:

Valley View:

Cora Castellani – A tone-setter who can impact the game on both ends, especially when Valley View’s defense turns into transition chances.

Madison Minelli – Key piece in Valley View’s rhythm offensively and defensive pressure; watch for her to make timely plays in the half-court.

Lakeland:

Kamri Naniewicz – A difference-maker for the Chiefs who can spark scoring runs and keep Lakeland within striking distance.

Naomi Rude – Brings energy and toughness; her playmaking and hustle will be critical if Lakeland wants to control tempo and limit second chances.

Keys to the Game:

1) Tempo:

Valley View wants pace off stops. Lakeland likely wants to slow it down, value possessions, and make it a half-court battle.

2) Defensive glass & second-chance points:

If Lakeland can finish stops with rebounds and take advantage in scoring off them, it keeps Valley View from piling up quick points.

3) Early confidence:

If the Chiefs hit a couple shots early, it changes the pressure and keeps Valley View from running away with momentum.

What to Expect:

If Valley View’s defense looks like it has all season, the Cougars can build separation in a hurry. For Lakeland, the path is clear: limit turnovers, rebound, and get big nights from Naniewicz and Rude to keep this one tight deep into the second half.

Valley View’s defense is the difference — and I think it keeps Lakeland in the 30s tonight.

Expect the Lady Cougars to control the game with turnovers, steals, and rebounds, turning defense into quick points the other way. This feels like one of those nights where Valley View’s pressure shows up early and keeps showing up late — and I’m expecting Cora Castellani to have a big game leading the way.

But don’t sleep on Lakeland.

This is a different Lady Chiefs team than years past. They can play good ball, they can score in a hurry, and on the right night they can defend. If Lakeland is going to pull it off, the blueprint is clear: limit turnovers, slow down Valley View’s tempo, and stay locked in — especially when Valley View tries to switch gears, slow it down, and control the pace.

Lakeland needs a big defensive game of their own — score off turnovers, rebound misses, and push it down the floor before Valley View’s defense gets set. They have to make it their kind of game.

For the Chiefs, it comes down to two things: they have to score — and they have to score off turnovers. If they can take care of the ball, create a few extra possessions, and control the tempo, they give themselves a real chance to hang around and make it a fourth-quarter game.

Still… I’m rolling with Valley View at home.

PREDICTION: VALLEY VIEW 54, LAKELAND 36.

————————————-

Written by: Jeric Yurkanin

Penn State Harrisburg came out swinging defensively in a true David-vs.-Goliath matchup. With the University of Scranton entering undefeated at 10-0, the Lions held the Lady Royals scoreless for the first two minutes.

But Scranton eventually settled in, found its rhythm, and used a quick run to grab a 7-2 lead with 6:42 remaining in the opening quarter — capped by a free throw at the line. Harrisburg actually struck first on the stat sheet when Mikayla Coleman knocked down a jumper, and the Lions kept battling with energy on the glass early. Scranton answered with pressure and pace, and the Royals’ defense began creating problems in the open floor — including a midcourt takeaway by Dunmore native freshman Sophia Talutto that led to a fast-break finish plus the foul, pushing the lead to 15-2.

Even with Scranton turning up the heat, Penn State Harrisburg kept competing. Coleman came up wwith a steal of her own, and the Lions forced a few empty possessions before Scranton’s Katie Gorski attacked downhill for a driving layup off a Jenna Sloan assist. Scranton’s activity was relentless: Meghan Lamanna jumped a passing lane for a steal, Kaeli Romanowski picked up one as well, and Talutto added another steal before finishing a layup with Kaitlyn Raguso credited with the assist to make it 21-7 late in the quarter. Harrisburg got a needed response from Lauren Moffatt, who scored inside and fought for multiple offensive boards to keep possessions alive — helping the Lions trim the gap to 19-7 after Scranton’s early surge. At the end of first score was University of Scranton 23 Penn State Harrisburg 7. 

If the first quarter was Scranton setting the tone, the second quarter was the Lady Royals slamming the door.

Scranton’s full-court pressure turned the game into a track meet — and Penn State Harrisburg couldn’t get a clean breath. The Royals forced turnover after turnover, jumped passing lanes, and converted those mistakes into instant points. Dunmore native freshman Sophia Talutto continued to be the headliner on the defensive end, adding multiple steals in the quarter and constantly igniting the break. With 2:33 left in the half, Talutto came up with yet another takeaway (her 6th steal) and then calmly knocked down a free throw to give her 10 points as Scranton’s lead continued to balloon.

The Royals weren’t just creating chaos — they were cashing it in. Kaeli Romanowski finished a layup during the surge, and Scranton kept attacking downhill and earning trips to the line, including key free throws from Kaci Kranson (who hit a free throw to reach 12 points late in the quarter). Scranton’s depth kept rolling too, as the Royals got scoring from multiple spots while the defense never let up.

The final minute summed up the half perfectly: Scranton forced another turnover, then Elizabeth Bennett capped the quarter with a layup (assist Gabriella Murphy) with 0:38 remaining — pushing the Royals into a dominant 49-8 halftime lead.

And the numbers told the story: Scranton shot 17-of-33 (51.5%) in the first half while Penn State Harrisburg managed just 3-of-19 (15.8%). The Lions were buried by 24 turnovers, and Scranton made them pay with 34 points off turnovers, 21 fastbreak points, and a 19–3 advantage in steals. Even with rebounds tied 17-17, Scranton’s pressure and pace completely controlled the half, with the Royals owning the paint (28-2 points in the paint) and piling up 14 assists to Harrisburg’s 1.

Scranton won the second quarter 28-1 — and by halftime, it was all Royals.

3rd quarter 6:57 left Penn State Finally score and hit a 3 pointer. 

Coming out of halftime up 49-8, Scranton stayed in control — and wasted no time reminding Penn State Harrisburg why the Lady Royals were unbeaten. Early in the third, Scranton pushed the margin to its biggest of the day, building a 44-point lead at 52-8 with 7:14 remaining in the quarter.

But by the midpoint of the third, with the game firmly in hand, Scranton began pulling most of its starters and letting the bench take over. That shift changed the flow. Penn State Harrisburg finally found a little breathing room, played with more composure, and started getting cleaner looks — including two made three-pointers in the quarter — helping the Lions outscore Scranton 11-10 in the third.

Even with the pace slowing, Scranton’s identity never changed: pressure, depth, and defense creating offense. Through three quarters, the Royals had already piled up 21 steals, forced 27 turnovers, and turned those miscues into 37 points off turnovers, while also owning the transition game with 23 fastbreak points. And the bench impact was real — Scranton had 22 bench points by the end of the third, showing just how deep and dangerous this roster is.

Heading into the fourth, Scranton still held a commanding 59-19 lead, with the outcome decided — but the intensity, pressure, and system still obvious even after the starters took their seats.

With Scranton up 59-19 entering the fourth, the Lady Royals emptied the bench — but the pressure and pace never really changed. Marisa Francione opened the quarter by drilling a 3-pointer at 9:39 (assist Elyse Montgomery) to make it 62-19, and the reserves continued to create offense with defense. Natalie Stoupakis jumped a passing lane for a steal, Lizzie Halligan knocked down a three midway through the quarter, and Francione stayed hot by converting a fastbreak layup (assist Selena Cieszko) before burying another three at 3:51 (assist Stoupakis) as Scranton stretched it to 70-21.

The Royals’ bench kept attacking in transition late — Cieszko cashed two fastbreak free throws at 2:36, and Halligan finished a fastbreak layup after a steal to make it 74-23. Penn State Harrisburg kept competing to the horn, getting late points at the line and a Brookelynn Carr three with :57 left to close the scoring.

Final

University of Scranton 74, Penn State Harrisburg 28

Scranton controlled the game from the opening quarter and never let the Lions find a rhythm, winning each period 23-7, 26-1, 10-11, 15-9. The Lady Royals were led by Katie Gorski (20 points) and Holy Cross High School product Kaci Kranson finished with 15 points, while Sophia Talutto stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, 6 steals, and 4 assists. Francione added 8 points off the bench, and Scranton’s defense dictated the story all afternoon — finishing with 26 steals and 7 blocks as the undefeated Royals rolled to another dominant win.

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN

FROM WEST SIDE GYM RAT TO DISTRICT 2 ICON. LEGENDS AREN’T BORN — THEY’RE BUILT: VINCE BUCCIARELLI’S 700-WIN JOURNEY.

Built through work.

Built through discipline.

Built through failure, fight, and flat-out fire.

Seven hundred wins.

Four decades.

One standard.

Vince Bucciarelli didn’t chase glory — he built it.

Practice by practice.

Player by player.

Season by season.

Consistency. 

They’re built in empty gyms after hours.

In the echo of whistles during offseason workouts.

In the film sessions nobody sees.

In the practices that stretch long past the final horn.

Coach Bucciarelli never cared for headlines.

He chased something deeper: excellence.

And now — more than 40 years, three schools, and hundreds of lives changed — the number is official:

700 career wins.

From the hardwood of Abington Heights,

To the rebuilding years at Mid Valley,

To his current chapter at Dallas,

Vince Bucciarelli has done what few in Pennsylvania basketball history ever have.

And he did it by shaping people — not just players.

Because the truth is:

You don’t coach this long for a paycheck.

You don’t stay in the game for the clout.

You stay because it’s who you are.

Before becoming one of the winningest coaches in District 2 girls basketball history, Bucciarelli was just a gritty kid from West Scranton — a gym rat with a jumper and a dream.

He graduated from West Scranton High School in 1972 and brought that same fire to Penn State Worthington. Just six games into his freshman season, he dropped a career‑high 22 points. He only played two years of college ball, but that wasn’t the end of his basketball story — it was the spark.

He later transferred and earned his degree in elementary mathematics from Penn State’s main campus in State College, graduating in 1976.

His first teaching job was at Bishop O’Hara, where he spent three years teaching freshman and sophomore math, algebra, and geometry — and quietly started building his coaching identity.

And if you rewind even further, the signs were always there.

Back in April 1972, a teenage Bucciarelli stepped onto the court at the Catholic Youth Center for a citywide one‑on‑one tournament — a gym packed with Scranton energy and high‑level talent. The event was hosted by Scranton Prep.

Vince didn’t just show up. He made a statement.

He took down Prep’s Jack Walsh, 20–14, to win the High School Level Championship.

That night, something became clear:

This kid wasn’t just playing the game — he was studying it. Learning it. Mastering it. The rest became future. 

A competitor was crowned.

And over the next five decades…

That competitor became a coach.

That coach became a mentor.

And that mentor became a legend.

But if you really want to understand Vince Bucciarelli’s, you need to know about his greatest supporter:

His mother.

She was his motivator. His encourager. The one who always believed in him. She lived to be 101 years old, passing away just two years ago.

101 years — that’s a legacy in itself.

And just like her son, she hit a milestone most people only dream of, living past 100 years old. 

Maybe that’s just what the Bucciarelli family does.

They hit milestones.

They live with purpose.

And they leave a mark that lasts.

Before the 1982 appointment that made him head coach at Abington Heights, Vince was already laying the bricks.

During his three years at Bishop O’Hara, he coached the girls’ junior varsity team — and helped lead them to the Lackawanna League’s first‑ever JV girls basketball championship. After a brief one‑year break from coaching, he returned and guided the Abington Heights JV girls to a league championship as well.

Even while teaching full‑time, he served as an assistant coach for the Abington Heights girls’ varsity program — always watching, always learning, always preparing.

That hunger to grow led him briefly to Vestal High School in upstate New York, where he served as a teacher and assistant coach. The stay only lasted half a year — but it was one more gym, one more whistle, one more lesson.

Soon after, Bucciarelli joined the Abington Heights School District full‑time — and that’s when the story turned to legend.

In 1982, he inherited the girls basketball program.

In 1984, he led the team above .500 with a 13‑9 record. In December 1990, he reached his first coaching milestone — 100 career wins after a 61‑37 victory over Lackawanna Trail. During that game, his player Becky Bylotas had 9 steals.

In 1991, he began turning Abington Heights into an area powerhouse.  Abington finished with an 18‑9 overall record. He had a few more successful seasons, and in December 1998, Vince hit the 250‑win milestone.

In December 1999, the Scranton Times wrote:

“Vince Bucciarelli has built Abington Heights into one of the state’s top girls’ basketball teams.”

By then, he had helped lead the Lady Comets to four District 2 Championships. That year, he coached one of the nationals top prospects, Amber Jacobs, who would go on to star at Boston College and later play professionally. The 1999 team finished 18‑0 in league play, 29‑2 overall, and made a state final run before falling to Cheltenham, 76‑56, in the Class AAAA Eastern final.

Heading into the 2002 season, Bucciarelli was still at the helm. The Lady Comets had won 8 straight District 2 titles from 1996-2003. Their next would come in 2006, led by another top recruit, Becky Burke, who later played Division I basketball at Louisville.

“It was definitely his intensity that shaped me into the player I became, along with his no‑nonsense approach to winning. He coached me hard — and that’s exactly what I wanted. I loved that he held me to a standard of greatness,” said former Abington and Louisville standout — and current University of Arizona head coach — Becky Burke.

She continued:

“I think it was the culture and the standard. If you wanted to play for Abington Heights, you knew exactly what you were getting: a serious program with a competitive culture. That’s why I chose to work hard for my team and for him.”

In 2009, Vince Bucciarelli reached his 500‑win milestone.

Then came 2014.

Despite all his success, Abington Heights administration pushed him to resign.

“I told them, ‘I’m not ready to retire,’” Bucciarelli said in a March 2014 Scranton Times interview.

He left Abington Heights with one of the best coaching résumés in area history:

14 District Championships.

A dynasty from 1996–2003.

And generations of players molded under his leadership.

But he wasn’t done.

In 2014, he was hired by Mid Valley to lead their girls basketball program.

He doesn’t take breaks. He doesn’t take years off. His passion runs too deep.

In December 2015, he reached another milestone — his 600th win — a moment remembered well by former player Kiana Williams, who went on to star at Lackawanna College.

“What I remember most about Coach’s 600th win is the feeling of pride — knowing my teammates and I shared that moment with him. It was an honor to help him reach something so significant,” Williams said.

She continued:

“Being part of his 600th win in 2016 is something I’ll carry with me forever. Not many coaches ever reach that milestone, so knowing I played a role in something so historic for one of the best coaches I’ve ever had — or even coached alongside — means everything to me. He’s the reason I coach today. That’s how much of an impact he’s had on my life.” 

She added:

“Coach taught me so many lessons during my years at Mid Valley — lessons far beyond basketball — that have stayed with me ever since. He taught me to be confident and to love the person I am. He showed me that if I don’t respect myself, others never will. And he reminded me that life isn’t about wins or losses; it’s about the people standing next to you and supporting you no matter the outcome.”

It took him three seasons to help the Spartanettes return to a winning record. In 2017, they finished 17‑9. In 2018, he led them to the state playoffs — Mid Valley’s first appearance in six years.

In 2021 or 2022, Vince applied for the head varsity girl coaching position at Lakeland High School. With a résumé any program would be blessed to have — and a track record of building culture — he was, in my opinion, the right choice. Lakeland chose to hire Kyle Kiehart. 

Great coaches don’t just coach — they build belief. Vince has proved that time and time again.

“Vince Bucciarelli is an absolute master of the X’s and O’s. His teams over the years have always been well-prepared, well-respected, and they consistently played hard for him. In today’s coaching world, reaching 700 wins is a testament not only to his longevity, but to his sustained excellence.” Said long time Valley View girls basketball Coach Robbie Martin, who coached few times against Vince during his time with the Mid Valley Spartanettes. 

Robbie Added:

“But beyond basketball, what people don’t always see is the person he is — one of the friendliest, most respectful guys you’ll ever meet. His love for the game and his compassion for his players truly go unmatched. I couldn’t be happier for Coach and this incredible achievement.”

After one year as an assistant at Scranton Prep, he was hired by Dallas in 2022 to lead the Mountaineers’ girls basketball program. Dallas opened this season 2‑0 — and on Saturday, Vince reached another milestone:

700 wins.

How many more years does Vince Bucciarelli have left?

How many more milestones?

Only time will tell.

What we do know is this:

You don’t coach this long for trophies.

You coach because you love the game.

Because legends like Vince Bucciarelli aren’t measured by numbers.

They’re measured by the people they’ve shaped.

The character they’ve built.

And the legacy they’ve left.

And make no mistake —

He built it all.

And Becky Burke said it best:

“Vince never made me feel that I had “arrived” or was as good as everyone would tell me. He was always challenging me and wanting me to get better. He was a high level competitor, and that definitely showed in the way he would schedule and challenge us. Not afraid to play anybody. “

Basketball coaches like Vince — coaches who reach 700 wins — don’t come often.

And The 14 District 2 Championships.

It’s rare.

Special.

Historic.

And now, he stands alone:

The winningest girls basketball coach in District 2 history.

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin

Final: Dunmore 57, Valley View 44

Tonight inside the Dunmore gym — with a loud, early-season crowd packed in for a December showdown — we got everything you want in a girls basketball opener: defensive grit, momentum swings, young talent stepping into the spotlight, and a Dunmore team announcing loud and clear:

“We may be young… but we’re here to win.”

From the opening whistle, the Lady Bucks didn’t just defend —

they swarmed.

They boxed out with force.

They clogged driving lanes.

They jumped passing lanes like they were reading plays before they happened.

Every Valley View possession felt like pressure came built-in. Every look was contested. Every rebound was a fight.

Valley View hung tough through effort and hustle, keeping the game within reach heading into halftime — but Dunmore’s defensive identity sent them into the break up 28–21.

THE THIRD-QUARTER TURNING POINT

Here’s where the gym cracked open:

Valley View came roaring back, tied it 33–33, and suddenly the Cougars had all the momentum. You could feel the shift. You could feel the “uh-oh” moment.

But Dunmore didn’t blink.

They answered with poise.

They answered with toughness.

They answered like a team far older than their roster suggests.

“We took a breath and focused on our defense. We stopped doing one-pass, one-shot possessions and got back to what we needed to do to win.”

— Dunmore Head Coach, Carrie Toomey

A quick run out of the tie put the Bucks back in control, silenced the surge, and Dunmore never let the door open again.

That wasn’t luck.

That was a young team playing like veterans.

The most impressive part?

Dunmore did this with freshmen and sophomores playing fearlessly.

Freshman twins Janessa and Janaya Martin, along with freshman Ava Walsh, all saw meaningful minutes and delivered.

Sophomore Michelle Nidoh added 4 points, battled in the paint, and won tough rebounds all night.

This isn’t your standard “young team.”

This is a young-but-dangerous team.

DUNMORE IMPACT PLAYERS

• Jackie Brown — 13 points

Steady, confident, and clutch when the Bucks needed buckets.

• Janaya Martin (Freshman) — 9 points

Smooth, fearless, and efficient. She attacked, knocked down shots, moved without the ball, and played way beyond her grade level in her varsity debut.

• Amanda Dempsey — 10 points

The senior presence who kept the offense organized and calm through momentum swings.

VALLEY VIEW STANDOUTS

Valley View battled with heart and toughness all night.

• Cora Castellani — 13 points

A sparkplug who kept Valley View alive with her intensity, scoring, and relentless motor.

• Sadie Cardoni — 11 points

A strong interior presence who fought for every bucket and every rebound.

The Cougars competed to the end — and once their offense clicks, they’re going to be a handful for anyone in District 2.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP MEETS FRESHMAN FIRE

Tonight was the perfect blend for Dunmore.

Senior Amanda Dempsey + the Martin twins + a deep rotation

a recipe that wins games in December… and even bigger ones in February and March.

Dempsey kept the ship steady.

The freshmen kept the energy high.

The defense kept Valley View uncomfortable all night.

That’s how you build something special.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Dunmore may look young on paper — but on the court, they played disciplined, mature, and hungry. Their defense dictated the pace, their youth injected life, and their veterans sealed the deal.

After the game, Coach Toomey summed it up perfectly:

“This was a big win. We honestly didn’t know what to expect with so many new faces. We lost Sophie Talutto from last year — she was a huge part of our lineup — so we needed to find those points from our freshmen and our returners. We played well today, and I think we’re just scratching the surface.”

If this is the version of Dunmore we get in Week 1?

NEPA… take notice.

This team isn’t waiting for the future —

the future just checked in early.

Thanks to our winter Sponsor, Wyoming Valley Clutch. Thanks for supporting youth sports in NEPA:

WYOMING VALLEY CLUTCH – GAME OF THE WEEK PREGAME RECAP: VALLEY VIEW AT DUNMORE – GIRLS BASKETBALL

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN

Tonight’s a special one. I’m off work, I’m getting holiday pay, and I get to spend my night exactly where I love being—inside a gym, covering my first high school basketball game of the season. — Jeric Yurkanin

And what a matchup to open with.

The Wyoming Valley Clutch Game of the Week brings us a classic early-season showdown as the Valley View Lady Cougars travel to Dunmore to battle the always-tough Lady Bucks.

(Players to Watch – Valley View)

Cora Castellani & Sadie Cardoni

Circle their names. Highlight them. Underline them.

Cora Castellani enters tonight as my impact player pick—the type of defender who can change the pace of a game without needing to score. Expect pressure, steals, physicality, and the kind of on-ball intensity that forces an entire offense to rethink its game plan. And if Dunmore can’t slow her down? She can score in bunches off turnovers and take over a game all by herself.

Sadie Cardoni brings toughness, athleticism, and a natural feel for the game. She rebounds well, finishes strong in the paint, and gives Valley View that extra edge in the little things—the hustle plays, the second-chance points—that decide close games.

(Players to Watch – Dunmore)

Amanda Dempsey & Michelle Nidoh

Amanda Dempsey, coming off a strong 2025 season, brings instant offense and deep-range confidence. She’s the shooter who only needs one good look to flip momentum, and she’ll be a major factor from the three-point line tonight.

Michelle Nidoh anchors the interior—boxing out, rebounding, and owning the lane. She’s a major piece of Dunmore’s inside game and gives the Lady Bucks a strong defensive and rebounding presence they’ll rely on heavily.

The Storylines:

Valley View enters tonight with confidence after a dominant 60–18 win over Pocono Mountain West and strong preseason scrimmages. The Cougars aren’t sneaking up on anyone—they’re already being talked about as a Top 10 team in the area, building off last year’s postseason success.

Dunmore, meanwhile, is in a transition year after graduating standout Sophia Tatutto. But nobody in District 2 underestimates this program. The Lady Bucks are built on tradition, discipline, and playoff toughness. Last year’s state run ended only when they fell to eventual state champion Loyalsock. Dunmore doesn’t rebuild—they reload.

What to Expect Tonight:

Two teams with tradition.
Two gyms with history.
Two communities that always show up.

Expect physical defense, quick-transition guard play, and two teams fighting to make an early-December statement as they set the tone for the long season ahead.

WYOMING VALLEY CLUTCH GAME PREDICTION:

Valley View 56
Dunmore 43

Valley View has the returners, the momentum, and the defensive edge—but expect Dunmore to battle hard on their home court.

Check back tomorrow for game highlights, postgame interviews, and a full game recap article!!!!

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN

SCRANTON, PA — The day didn’t start well for the Houghton Lady Highlanders. Somewhere on the long stretch of highway between Houghton, New York and Scranton, Pennsylvania, their bus broke down. Not exactly the omen you want before a big game. By the time they got rolling again and pulled into Marywood around 1 p.m., the matchup had already been bumped an hour later — pushing tip-off to 3 p.m.

A handful of fans who arrived early waited it out in Marywood’s beautiful lobby, sipping coffee, chatting, and trying to figure out what caused the delay. It had that weird, slow, “something’s off today” kind of feeling. One Highlander joked she should’ve stayed in bed. Unfortunately for her, there was no staying in bed — there was basketball to play.

And Houghton came in hot.

They opened the season 2–0, destroying University of Pittsburgh–Bradford 114–40 in their opener, then rolling past Bryant & Stratton 80–51. Big wins, big scores, and a big roster. They were the clear favorites on paper.

Marywood, meanwhile, entered 1–2 — with losses to strong programs Messiah and Saint Vincent, but a solid win over Penn State Harrisburg. They knew what people were saying… but they also knew something more important: paper doesn’t play the game.

When Houghton walked into the Insalaco Arena, one thing was impossible to miss:

Their size.

• Tabitha DeVries — 6’2

• Tricia Carmer — 6’1

• Keely Mullins — 6’0

Long, athletic, physical. A paint-owning lineup. But Marywood didn’t blink — if anything, the height difference lit a fire.

A Game That Had Everything

Saturday afternoon inside the Insalaco Arena turned into the kind of game every sports writer lives for — swings of momentum, clutch defense, a roaring crowd, a fourth-quarter punch-for-punch battle, and an overtime finish straight out of a movie.

Marywood delivered one of their toughest defensive performances of the season — and they didn’t let up until the final buzzer in OT.

From the opening tip, Marywood punched first and punched hard. They jumped out to an 11–0 lead, shocking the favored Highlanders and setting the tone early. At the end of the first quarter, the Pacers led 19–10. At halftime, they kept full control — 36–25.

“I think we did a great job in the first half rotating out of help, communicating on switches… but in the second half, it’s much harder being away from the bench communication-wise. We got caught on some rotations that weren’t right, and they made the most of the mistakes.”

— Marywood Head Coach, Tara Macciocco

Marywood’s defense was suffocating early — forcing turnovers, jumping lanes, and pushing Houghton completely off rhythm. Offensively, the Pacers played smart, controlled basketball and dictated the entire first half.

But championship-caliber teams always surge.

And Houghton surged.

The Second-Half Push.

Houghton adjusted at halftime and came out more aggressive, more connected, and more confident. Shots that weren’t falling earlier suddenly started dropping. Their defense tightened, and possessions became a grind.

Marywood held on, answering nearly every Houghton run. But momentum — that invisible monster — began to lean toward the Highlanders.

At the end of the third, Marywood still led 48–39, but the energy in the gym said the game was far from over.

Heading into the fourth, Houghton turned up the pressure. Their offense clicked. Their defense sharpened. And the Pacers, despite fighting like warriors, watched their lead slowly shrink.

Fans felt the tension building. Every possession. Every rebound. Every whistle.

Late in the fourth, Houghton found the spark they’d been chasing all afternoon. Stops became transition points. Open shooters found their rhythm. The Highlanders clawed their way back, possession by possession.

And with the crowd holding its breath…

Houghton tied the game at 57 as regulation expired.

Overtime.

Winner-take-all.

Every mistake magnified. Every play pressure-packed.

“We really came together as a team. The team trusted each other the whole way through — start to finish. We were pressing, we were running, we were trying to wear them out… Marywood is a very good team. We had a couple bounces go our way at the end, and we trusted our senior point guard to find shooters and make the right read. We ended up with our freshman hitting the game-winner, which was really good.”

— Houghton Head Coach, Phil Pellegrino

Overtime brought out the absolute best in both teams. Every possession mattered. Every decision felt huge.

But with the clock winding down…

Houghton freshman Olivia Simser stepped into the moment.

Bang. A clutch three at the buzzer.

Houghton wins 69–66 in stunning, dramatic fashion.

Simser finished with 13 points — none bigger than the final shot of the afternoon.

“We just have to learn from the mistakes and not make them again. Continue to work at it and get better for league play.”

— Coach Macciocco

“It was a tough one. We’re going to learn from it. There are things we can work on and get prepared for conference games.”

— Marywood senior & Old Forge alum, Olivia Ciullo

Marywood may not have left with a win, but they absolutely left with respect. They showed heart, discipline, toughness, and a defensive identity that can hang with anybody.

This wasn’t just a game — it was a statement.

Even in defeat, the Pacers showed who they are becoming:

A connected team. A resilient team. A dangerous team.

Both squads emptied the tank. And for everyone watching, this was one of those games that reminds you why sports matter — the emotion, the drama, the grit, the unpredictability, and the thrill of watching two teams refuse to quit.

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A huge thank you to our sponsor, Wyoming Valley Clutch of Wilkes- Barre for supporting Agape Freedom Sports. Your commitment helps us continue covering local athletes, creating highlights, and giving our community the recognition it deserves. We appreciate you!

— Agape Freedom Sports

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN

Credits to The Heart Photography for several of the photos used in this post.

If you grew up in NEPA, you already know: Lakeland vs. Dunmore hits different. It doesn’t feel like a game week — it feels like a chapter being written. A chapter your dad remembers, your uncle argued about, and your grandfather still brings up at family gatherings. And if you were anywhere near Chapman Lake back in 2002, you remember the weight of it.

Inside a cramped locker room, longtime Lakeland assistant coach Jeff Cavanaugh Sr. stood in front of his team. No headset. No hype video. No theatrics.

Just a coach who understood the heartbeat of this rivalry.

It was September 20th — Dunmore week — and around Lakeland, that carried a meaning heavier than any regular-season Friday night. It carried tradition, pride, history, heartbreak… and hope.

Cavanaugh didn’t get angry.

He didn’t sit.

He didn’t even raise a hand.

He simply reminded his players that Lakeland–Dunmore isn’t played… it’s lived.

Two blue-blood programs built on toughness, discipline, and culture.

Two towns that might disagree on everything else — except that football matters.

And nearly a quarter-century later, the numbers still say he was right:

Dunmore: 19 league titles, 14 District 2 championships, 1 state title, 35 overall

Lakeland: 24 league titles, 8 District 2 championships, 38 overall — the most in conference history

Down years? Sure, everyone has them.

But these two?

Their peaks are higher. Their memories last longer.

“Lakeland has a storied tradition since the days of Coach Dan Case and has had great teams for a long time. The rivalry with Dunmore has gone on since the early 80s, with epic battles in each decade. Both teams have mutual respect — as do both fan bases,” said Dunmore Head Coach Kevin McHale, capturing the heartbeat of this thing.

And that day in 2002, Cavanaugh started rolling through the moments Lakeland kids grow up hearing like family folklore.

He brought up 1998, when a freshman quarterback — Evan Kraky — walked into Dunmore and stunned the Bucks. Cavanaugh told his team, “There will never be another Lakeland freshman quarterback who beats Dunmore.” And all these years later… he’s still right.

He reminded them of 1986, when Lakeland’s Joby Fawcett earned his legend card. Down 7–6 as time expired, a defensive pass-interference flag gave the Chiefs one final snap. Paul Pidgeon fired a 20-yard strike, and Fawcett — through contact and off-balance — held on in the end zone.

Lakeland wins, 12–7.

The kind of ending newspapers lived for long before social media.

Then came 1994, the night the lights literally died. Lakeland undefeated. Dunmore at home. Twenty-six seconds left in the first quarter — and V.J. Gatto Stadium went dark as a transformer blew. When the game resumed the next day, Dunmore ended Lakeland’s perfect season, 28–10.

And who could forget November 2, 2001?

With 1:45 left in the second quarter, Lakeland’s Kraky hit Jake Rogowski for a 56-yard bomb — the throw that broke Ron Powlus’ Pennsylvania state passing record. Kraky finished with 224 yards in a dominant 48–20 win.

Then came another Lakeland–Dunmore moment — that very night in 2002.

Lakeland down 14–0 at the half.

Momentum shifting like someone cracked a window and let the doubt escape.

And with 7:17 left, Trevor Tellip launched a deep ball to John Wormuth:

Seventy-one yards.

One sprint.

One roar from the Lakeland crowd.

One more story added to the legend.

Twenty unanswered points.

A comeback permanently stamped into rivalry history.

The room could feel it.

History wasn’t just something you read.

History was something you added to.

And that’s the thing about Dunmore vs. Lakeland —

When these two line up, records don’t matter.

Rankings don’t matter.

Predictions don’t matter.

What you can expect is a battle.

A fight.

A game decided by toughness, pride, and whichever team refuses to blink first.

THE NEXT GENERATION ADDS THEIR CHAPTER

Some players on Lakeland and Dunmore’s 2025 teams grew up hearing these stories — and Friday night, they get to write their own page.

DUNMORE FB/LB RYAN MECCA — A FAMILY TRADITION

His father, Charles Mecca, played for Dunmore under legendary Coach Jack Henzes in the late 1990s. His uncle played in the mid-to-late 2000s. The Mecca family has lived this rivalry for decades — and now Ryan gets his turn.

“I think it’s pretty special to have a chance to go up to Chapman Lake to compete for a district championship. We have a chance tomorrow to be the first Dunmore team in history to go up to Lakeland and win a title on their own field. I’m excited to be a part of it and for the atmosphere.”

— Ryan Mecca

LAKELAND QB DAVID NANIEWICZ — WRITING HIS OWN STORY

Lakeland senior quarterback David Naniewicz has been part of this rivalry long before varsity.

“We know as a team that this rivalry means so much to our program and culture. Growing up in the Jr. Chiefs program, the coaches told us every year that the Lakeland–Dunmore game is special. My dad still tells me stories from when he played in the late 80s — it was just as big back then.”

— David Naniewicz

DUNMORE FB XAVIER BURKE — BLEEDING CRIMSON AND BLUE

Dunmore’s fullback Xavier Burke is the definition of football lineage. His father Mike Burke was a 6’3 linebacker who went on to play at Lehigh. His grandfather Thomas, and his granduncles, also played for Dunmore.

His uncle Len Burke wore No. 17 before switching to No. 71 his senior year in 1987 — earning All-Region and first-team Big 11 honors. He played in the Dream Game and helped pull off one of the biggest upsets in the series when the City beat a heavily favored County team, 22–8.

His brother Michael played for Dunmore from 2018 to 2020.

“Growing up, my dad told me tons of stories about the rivalry. Ever since I was little, all I wanted was to play in one of those games. I know the type of competitor he was — and he’d give everything he had in a game like tomorrow. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

— Xavier Burke

LAKELAND LB/DL DYLAN LOOMIS — THE WORMUTH LEGACY

Lakeland’s Dylan Loomis carries the Wormuth name proudly. His uncle John Wormuth made the legendary 71-yard touchdown catch in 2002. He led Lakeland to its only state semifinal appearance in 2003 and later played Division I football at Maine.

“It means a lot to keep the tradition going in my family after growing up hearing the stories. It makes me want to make an impact this Friday.”

— Dylan Loomis

Even Dunmore Head Coach Kevin McHale played in this rivalry in the late 1990s.

He isn’t just coaching it — he lived it.

THE RIVALRY THROUGH THE YEARS — 1999 TO NOW

The rivalry never cooled. It evolved.

1999–2009:

1999: Dunmore beats Lakeland in the D2 Championship, 38–21

2000: Lakeland answers with a 28–13 playoff win.

2003, 2004, 2006: Lakeland victories

2007: Dunmore spoils Lakeland’s preseason No. 1 ranking and reaches the state title game 2008 & 2009: Dunmore wins back-to-back

2010–2021:

2010: Lakeland answers 2011–2012: Dunmore takes two straight 2013: Lakeland strikes again 2014–2017: Dunmore owns a four-year run 2018: Lakeland breaks through 2019: Dunmore responds 2020–2021: Lakeland goes 2–0

2022:

Two classics:

Regular season: Lakeland beats Dunmore 55–14 Playoffs: Lakeland wins the D2 Championship 20–14 — a game where Chapman Lake shook

2023 & 2024

Dunmore answered back, winning both and swinging the pendulum again.

Lakeland gets a turn.

Dunmore gets a turn.

And tonight?

Someone new writes the next sentence.

2025: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

This year feels different.

Lakeland isn’t the same team from the past two seasons — they’ve grown. There’s leadership. Identity. Purpose.

Dunmore remains Dunmore: disciplined, physical, rooted in tradition.

And the stakes?

A district championship berth.

A rivalry at it again.

A legacy opportunity.

When you mix history, emotion, and gold-on-the-line football…

you don’t get a game — you get a collision.

WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE

Every Lakeland–Dunmore game has that moment:

The 1986 pass interference.

The 1994 blackout.

The 2002 71-yard bomb.

The 2022 goal-line stand.

The 2024 63-yard run.

Tonight will have one too — the moment fans talk about in diners and barbershops for the next decade.

THE STAGE IS SET

For Lakeland?

Legacy. Pride. Protecting Chapman Lake.

For Dunmore?

Proving again that the Bucks never fear Chapman Lake — they walk into it with purpose.

For the families — Burkes, Wormuths, Meccas, Naniewicz — another chance to see history repeat… or rewrite itself.

For NEPA football?

It’s the game of the year.

THE PREDICTION — WHERE THIS GAME TURNS

On paper, tight.

On film, tighter.

Two historic programs.

Two communities built on pride.

Two rosters full of sons, nephews, and grandsons of men who lived this rivalry.

Why Lakeland Can Win:

Home-field energy Naniewicz playing confident football Senior urgency — they want this one

Why Dunmore Can Win:

A punishing run game Burke playing with generations behind him Disciplined, low-mistake football

The X-Factor

One moment.

One spark.

One shift.

The team that handles that moment wins.

 Final Score Prediction:

Lakeland 27, Dunmore 20

A four-quarter battle.

A heavyweight fight.

A finish worthy of the rivalry.

Lakeland protects Chapman Lake — but Dunmore makes them earn every inch.

THE FINAL HYPE CLOSE — A CHAPTER WAITING TO BE WRITTEN

When the lights flip on tonight, this rivalry won’t care who’s favored.

It won’t care about records.

It won’t care about past scores.

It cares about who shows up when it matters most.

Lakeland and Dunmore don’t just play football games — they create memories that outlive the seasons and the generations. Somewhere in that cold November air, someone is going to make the play that gets talked about for years.

A freshman might make a name.

A senior might cement a legacy.

A family name might earn a new chapter.

And when the final horn sounds, one community will erupt…

and the other will reload for next year.

That’s the beauty of Lakeland vs. Dunmore.

That’s why it never dies.

That’s why NEPA watches.

Tonight, another story gets added to the book.

And it’s going to be a good one.

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A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors below! Your support is the reason we’re able to cover our local athletes, tell their stories, and shine a spotlight on the athletes who make NEPA proud. We appreciate you!

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin

(Email): AgapeFreedomsports@Yahoo.com

The night before every game, Naomi Rude’s room looks like a locker room ready for battle.

Her jersey? Folded neatly.

Cleats? Aligned just right.

Socks, shin guards, and water bottle—everything in perfect order.

Perhaps It’s her pregame ritual. Her quiet focus.

Across the hall, Perhaps her younger sister Natalie is a whole different scene—running around, hair half-braided, music playing, frantically searching for that one missing sock she swore was right there a minute ago. I imagine something like that…

“I think my sister takes longer to get ready because I’m a prepared person and get all of my stuff out the night before a game,” Naomi laughed. “As for Nat, she’s the on-the-go type, which shows she’ll always take longer compared to me.”

Two sisters. Two habits. One heartbeat for the same game.

But Naomi doesn’t just laugh at her sister’s last-minute chaos—she admires her deeply.

“What I admire most about how Natalie plays,” Naomi said, “is the amount of dedication she puts into not only herself but her teammates as well. She plays with heart and hunger all in one. She strives for wins—especially as a team. Natalie is one of the most unselfish people I’ve ever met, and she’s a key player on our team. As a freshman, she’s upheld amazing qualities and met high expectations at forward this season. I’m nonetheless proud of every step and bump in the road she’s overcome, and I can’t wait to watch her grow over the next couple of years.”

She continued, “To me it meant the world to share the field with my sister and spend my last year playing high school sports with her.” 

Faith Before the First Whistle:

For Naomi, soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s sacred space.

While teammates stretch and joke through warmups, she walks quietly toward the sideline. Then, with the toe of her cleat, she draws a small cross into the dirt. Quick. Subtle. Barely noticeable.

Only one person ever sees it—Natalie.

“Before each game, Naomi draws a cross on the field with her shoe, and I don’t think anyone else sees her do it,” Natalie said.

It’s not superstition. It’s not for show. It’s a quiet moment between her and God—a reminder of who gave her this gift and who she plays for.

That cross grounds her. It gives her calm when nerves hit and focus when the whistle blows. Every sprint, every kick, every goal begins there—with a simple mark in the soil and a silent prayer.

Naomi and Natalie aren’t just teammates—they’re mirrors.

Naomi, the older one, carries herself like an anchor—steady, patient, calm under pressure.

Natalie? She’s the spark plug—energy in motion, fearless and fast.

“Having Naomi guide me throughout my first year as a varsity athlete is honestly a blessing,” Natalie said. “She’s helped me achieve and overcome so much—encouraging me on and off the field, helping me grow not just as a player, but as a person.”

This season, their connection for the Lady Chiefs was undeniable.

Naomi orchestrated plays through the midfield, reading the game with poise. Natalie raced down the wing with pure energy, feeding off her sister’s leadership. Every pass, every celebration felt like an unspoken language—a rhythm only siblings share.

“My favorite moment this season,” Naomi said, smiling, “was when Natalie scored her first goal and ran straight to me for a hug. I felt like the best big sister in the world.”

That moment told the story better than words ever could—a mix of pride, joy, and sisterhood under the same set of lights.

Where It All Began:

Their story doesn’t start under stadium lights. It began years ago, perhaps barefoot in the backyard, chasing a soccer ball until the porch light flicked on and perhaps their mom called them in for dinner.

“Whatever sports season it was, my sister and I always practiced together,” Naomi said.

Those summer nights became their first training ground—filled with scraped knees, laughter, and competitive spirit.

If one slacked off, the other called it out.

If one got discouraged, the other picked her up.

That backyard bond became the foundation for who they are today—faith, family, and fight.

Natalie’s Rise:

As a freshman starter for Lakeland’s 8–10 Lady Chiefs, Natalie earned every minute she played.

“My job was to work hard, learn from the older players, and contribute however I could,” she said. “I usually play forward or wing. My style? Aggressive and determined.”

And it showed.

She finished her first varsity season with 21 goals and 11 assists—numbers that speak for themselves. But those stats only scratch the surface. Her effort, energy, and competitive fire gave the Lady Chiefs life when games got tough.

“Me and Naomi push each other in drills, in games, everything,” Natalie said. “We compete hard, but we also encourage each other and hold each other accountable.”

Even when Naomi graduates, Natalie knows her sister won’t be far—she’ll be there training beside her, pushing her to reach that next level.

The Legacy of #5:

Naomi didn’t have a big sister to guide her, but she had someone who filled that role perfectly.

“Ava Piraino was my biggest influence,” Naomi said. “She was a senior when I was a freshman. She taught me how to become the best version of myself—on and off the field.”

Ava passed down her #5 jersey, a gesture that carried deep meaning.

“She showed me how to lead, how to take younger players under my wing. When my time comes, I plan to pass that jersey on too.”

That number isn’t just a uniform—it’s a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and love. A reminder that great players don’t just make plays—they make others better.

The Competitor Within:

Ask Naomi who’s more competitive, and she doesn’t hesitate.

“Oh, Natalie—by far,” she laughs. “She hates losing. Whether it’s a match, a sprint, or a board game, she’ll find a way to win.”

Natalie’s drive burns bright. She thrives under pressure, turning frustration into fuel.

“She’ll go out of her way to make something happen,” Naomi said. “That’s just who she is—she’ll always find a way.”

But off the field, the two are inseparable. Shopping trips, coffee runs, random Target adventures—they’re more like best friends than sisters.

“If Natalie had to pick a last meal,” Naomi joked, “it’d be Starbucks. No hesitation.”

Their competitiveness might clash sometimes, but underneath it is a love that runs deep—an unspoken understanding that no matter what happens, they’ll always have each other’s back.

The Story Beyond the Scoreboard:

The Rude sisters’ story isn’t just about goals and stats—it’s about grace, friendship, grit, growth and family.

It’s about faith lived out loud and quiet moments that matter more than trophies.

They remind us that sports aren’t just about competition—they’re about connection.

Next season, the Lady Chiefs will take the field without Naomi’s leadership — but her mark will remain: in the culture she helped build, in the confidence she inspired, and in the quiet cross she drew before every game.

Natalie will carry that same faith forward—running, scoring, and smiling just like her sister once did.

And maybe one day, years from now, a little girl—Naomi or Natalie’s daughter—will lace up her cleats for the Lady Chiefs, whisper a prayer or draw a cross in the dirt, and carry on the tradition that began with her mom or her aunt. And wearing a #5 Jersey.

Because some legacies aren’t written in stats. They’re written in dirt—with the toe of a cleat and the shape of a cross. Faith and Sports.

Written by Founder & General Manager, Agape Freedom Warriors 18U Travel Softball Team — Jeric Yurkanin

What if the very moment you’re ready to walk away is the same moment where growth is waiting to happen?

I’ve been challenged many times in my life — both personally and as a coach. When I was running a men’s slow-pitch softball team, I made my share of mistakes. There were moments when things got hard, when we lost games we should’ve won, or when I felt like giving up. But I realized something important — if I walked away, I wasn’t just quitting on myself. I was quitting on my team, my vision, and the growth that comes through adversity.

The truth is, I learned the most during the toughest seasons. Leading a team taught me patience, accountability, and the importance of doing things differently instead of simply following what everyone else in the league was doing. By working hard, staying committed, and rising to every challenge, success eventually followed.

From 2017 to 2023, I became one of the most successful coaches in the NEPA Adult Church League — not because we had the most talent (we didn’t at first), but because of trust, work ethic, positive attitudes, belief, and culture. My players knew my vision every year and the standard we held — to compete for a championship every season. They trusted that I would lead them toward that goal, and I trusted them to give everything they had. Even when we were underdogs, we found a way to win.

It was the type of environment I created — one that challenged players to work hard, become better teammates, and learn from mistakes. Tomorrow is a new day. We learn, we forget, we move forward, and we develop. My players encouraged one another, and even when mistakes were made, they reminded each other to shake it off and focus on the next play. That kind of culture — believing in each other — helped our backups deliver big hits when it mattered, driving in runs or sparking rallies. Everyone mattered — from catcher to pitcher to the backups in the dugout. It takes a team.

We never focused on other teams’ records or their talent. We studied opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, prepared strategically, and trusted our own system. In 2017, as the #5 seed, we faced the #1 seed, Greenridge AG, in the semifinals. Game 1, we lost on a walk-off, 12–11. Game 2, we came home and mercy-ruled them 20–5. In Game 3, we won 17–9 to advance to the league championship.

That became our identity — believing we could, no matter the odds.

In 2017 also, as a lower-seeded team, we mercy-ruled a top opponent , Rescue and Restore Church 22–7 in a wildcard game. In 2018, We beat the defending league champions 15–9 in the league wildcard game then the same night defeated another higher seed 12–6, Rescue and Restore Church.

In 2021, during the first game of the season, we mercy-ruled a veteran, talented team — the commissioner’s team — 24–0. In 2022, during the semifinals, we scored 20 runs in the first inning of Game 3 and won 25–5.

But one of my favorite memories came in the 2021 semifinals. We lost Game 1, 13–5, even though we were favored to win. That same night under the lights, before Game 2, I gave the team a prep talk — part encouragement, part psychological spark — to remind them who they were. In the first three innings, we scored 34 runs while the other team scored 8. We mercy-ruled them and went on to win the series on a walk-off hit by Matt Fisch in Game 4, advancing to the league championship.

What mattered most is that I always saw potential in my players that others might have overlooked. Most of my players were new or still learning the game when they joined. But I believed in my system, and it worked. Every position mattered. Every role mattered. It takes a team — not stars — to win. My players trusted that I had their best interests at heart, and together, we built something special: a culture rooted in trust, hard work, coachability, preparation, and unity.

The team I originally coached from 2016 to 2018 went on to win back-to-back league championships in 2020 and 2021, with an incredible 35-game win streak before leaving the league at the end of 2021. From 2020 to 2023, I found similar success leading another team built on the same foundation — hard work, selflessness, and belief in the system.

Because when a coach believes in his players, and players believe in their coach — championships follow, but character lasts forever.

Those experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about pursuing progress, staying faithful through the grind, and trusting the process. That same mindset is what I’m bringing into the Agape Freedom Warriors program today.

The Culture We’re Building

Our program is built on five pillars: Effort. Attitude. Growth. Trust. Vision.

We teach our players that softball — like life — won’t always be fair. You might not always start. You might not always get the call. You might fail, strike out, or feel overlooked.

But quitting doesn’t build confidence — it buries potential.

Every rep, every inning, every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and learn.

At Agape Freedom, we don’t coach fear — we coach freedom:

the freedom to compete, to fail, to improve, and to become something greater than a stat line.

If a player is benched because they need to improve, that’s a growth moment.

If a player is benched because of bias or favoritism — that’s a red flag.

One builds you. The other breaks you.

At Agape Freedom Warriors, we’re committed to removing politics from the game. Every athlete gets a fair shot, a fair voice, and a fair chance to earn it.

The Agape Freedom Warrior Way:

One thing we will never do is start or favor an athlete because of who their parent, family member, or friend is.

Playing time will always be earned. The right athletes will play when the time is right.

We believe in fairness, effort, and accountability — not politics.

There’s no room for favoritism in this program, only hard work, growth, and respect for the game.

Every player has the same opportunity to earn their spot through attitude, effort, and consistency.

That’s how we build trust — in our team, our leadership, and the process.

Our Team Philosophy: What We Believe as Coaches:

First, we’ll have 15 to 17 players on our roster. Our goal is to create an environment where players can grow and develop — a place where the younger athletes can learn from and be inspired by the older players who have already begun reaching their full potential. Our culture and environment is created for this type of roster.

At the heart of every great team is a shared belief — not just in talent, but in purpose.

At Agape Freedom Warriors, our mission isn’t only to win games; it’s to shape people.

We are committed to working hard, preparing with purpose, and leading with vision.

Success isn’t measured in trophies — it’s measured in growth, effort, and character.

As coaches, we believe every player deserves the chance to develop, make mistakes, and learn without fear.

That belief shapes how we coach, how we communicate with parents, and how we represent our program in the community.

We hold ourselves to high standards of effort, integrity, and consistency.

Our goal is to create an environment where athletes grow comfortably, confidently, and courageously — supported not just as players, but as people.

For the Parents:

To every parent — thank you for trusting us with your daughter’s journey.

We understand what that means. You invest time, money, and emotion into their dreams.

Our promise is to teach, not just train.

To prepare, not just play.

There will be days your daughter shines and others when she struggles — both are vital.

This game, like life, teaches resilience through repetition.

Please know that every drill, every lineup, and every correction is rooted in purpose.

Sometimes that purpose looks like patience. Sometimes it looks like perseverance.

But in both, your child is learning lessons that will outlast the scoreboard.

We’re not just building better athletes — we’re building confident, disciplined young women who understand that talent only matters when it’s paired with attitude and effort. It’s not about how good you are — it’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way. We teach our players to show up with great body language, to trust their teammates, and to work hard even when no one’s watching — to be great teammates themselves and set the example for others. Our goal is to build better humans, too — because who you are off the field matters most. These lessons go beyond softball; they create leaders who carry confidence, humility, and character into classrooms, colleges, and future careers.

The Agape Freedom Warrior Way:

The Agape Freedom Warriors aren’t just building a team — we’re building a culture.

A culture where players compete with heart, lead with humility, and finish what they start.

Where coaches teach with compassion, not comparison.

Where parents see growth before glory.

Our mission is to raise strong young women who understand that adversity isn’t their enemy — it’s their advantage.

Because in the end, it’s not about playing time or trophies.

It’s about the person you become when no one’s watching.

That’s how champions are made — and how success tends to follow.

This is the same philosophy I’ve carried for over a decade — from coaching men’s slow-pitch softball in the NEPA Church League, where my teams made three league championship appearances (winning one), plus three semifinal runs and two additional semifinal finishes as an assistant coach and general manager.

Those ten years taught me that success never comes overnight — it’s built through teamwork, trust, and consistency.

Our program will never be built around one star. It’s built on depth — a team of athletes who are prepared, confident, and ready to step in when needed.

Every girl matters. Every role counts.

It’s never a one-girl show — it’s always about the team.

Each player should strive to be such a great teammate that her presence helps others grow, work harder, and believe in themselves more deeply.

When that happens — when one player’s influence lifts another — the whole team wins.

That’s the Agape Freedom Way.

And that’s exactly what I’m bringing into this program.

You Interested having your daughter join the Agape Freedom Warriors?

If this sounds like the kind of culture and environment your daughter belongs in, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 Contact: Jeric Yurkanin — (570) 677-0353 (Text Preferred)

📍 Home Location: Jessup, Pennsylvania (near Scranton)

🥎 Team: 18U Travel Softball (Accepting ages 13–18 on one team)

— Jeric Yurkanin

Founder & General Manager

Agape Freedom Warriors Travel 18U Team

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff

When your last name is Tochelli in Lakeland athletics, expectations follow. For nearly three decades, legendary coach Phil Tochelli built one of the most respected track and cross country programs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. From 1979 to 2007, his track and field teams captured 21 Lackawanna Conference titles, 18 Jordan Relays, 11 District II Championships, and produced 42 state medalists — including two state champions. Some of those same athletes also competed in cross country each fall, carrying the Chiefs’ tradition across seasons. With a career record of 213–20 with the boys and 24–5 with the girls, along with seven Times-Tribune Coach of the Year awards, Tochelli earned a place in the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and recognition among the Times-Tribune’s Top 100 Sports Figures.

Stepping into that role after 28 years of dominance was no small task. But who better to carry the cross country torch than someone who had lived it, learned from it, and grown up in the middle of it all? In 2007, Phil’s son, Jason Tochelli, a former Lakeland runner himself, took the reins.

Jason remembers the moment like it was yesterday:

“I was in Florida playing golf with my family when I got a call from the newspaper asking about taking over for him. It was definitely more challenging than I thought. He and his staff made it look easier. I had a lot more to learn than I expected.”

The lessons came naturally, though. He had been watching them since he was a kid.

“He was a very hard worker in everything he did—teaching, coaching, life. Team was always the focus. You improve every athlete, whether they’re the top guy or the last one in the race.”

That “team first” mentality became the heartbeat of Lakeland’s program, and Jason embraced it fully.

Memories on the Course.

Jason’s own career as a Lakeland runner shaped the perspective he brought to coaching.

“A few memories come to mind. When I was pretty young I remember being around a XC team that qualified for states. My brother was on the team and I was playing the role of little brother with them. They seemed to be having a great time at State College together. As a runner I remember pulling an upset in the 4×8 at districts and qualifying for states with the other guys on the relay. Had our best guy run second instead of anchor. Brilliant coaching move. He blew the race wide open.”

Those moments taught him how much decisions and culture could mean to a team.

A Tradition Passed Down.

Lakeland’s cross country tradition didn’t begin with Phil, but he elevated it into a powerhouse. By 1979, the Scranton Tribune was already noting the rise of Lakeland’s squads. Over time, Phil turned consistency into culture.

Jason continues that legacy today. He still uses many of his father’s workouts, occasionally brings Phil in to talk to the team, and emphasizes the same philosophy of unity.

“When athletes buy into the team, they learn the history from the older athletes and carry it on with them.”

That’s why names like Mark Arzie, Nathan Morgan, Emily Black—Lakeland’s first female state medalist—and current standout Henry Decker are part of a living lineage.

Building His Own Path.

Taking over in 2007 brought new challenges.

“In the fall of ’07 when I took over our numbers were low. The previous year the team was quite good but many graduated. I remember having to move up a few freshmen to help fill out the varsity team. I also remember having to wait a few weeks to win our first meets against Montrose and Blue Ridge. It was a longer wait than I would have hoped for but it was all a great learning experience. I knew I had to change some things I was doing in regards to practice and training. I also learned that the sash on the jersey that said Lakeland meant all the other teams were going to bring their best when they competed against us.”

As Jason developed as a coach, he also leaned into the wisdom of others.

“My father always encouraged me to talk to other coaches. I wish I did this more when I was a younger coach. There were so many good coaches finishing up their careers when I was getting started. One coach I enjoy talking to still is Coach Osburn, the former Forest City coach. He had some really tough-nosed teams throughout the years. He was always energetic and encouraging to not just his athletes but other teams as well. I think XC more than any other sport sees opposing coaches cheering on other teams’ athletes. It truly makes our sport unique.”

The Grind and the Growth.

High school running in District 2 has changed since Jason’s own competitive days. Cluster meets, expanded invitationals, and new training philosophies have shifted the landscape. One change, however, stands out to him:

“At the end of a meet, you’ll see 10–15 kids from different schools cooling down together, running and laughing after racing their hearts out. When I ran, that never happened. That’s sport at its best.”

Jason has also learned that coaching now means managing more than workouts and races.

“Kids anymore put a lot of pressure on themselves. Reminding them that these races are not the end all be all of their lives and that regardless of if they perform well or fall a little short, life will go on and things will be just fine. I guess it’s a perspective thing.

“It is not easy to keep their heads into it for the entire season. Trying to keep practice easygoing at some points is important. We also break our training into three phases. Setting a season-ending goal while understanding that the only thing you can do is what’s in front of you that day is definitely important.”

Family, Balance, and Perspective.

Coaching was easier when Jason was young and single. Now, with kids of his own, balancing family life and the grind of cross country is a challenge. But when his children show up in Lakeland XC gear on the sidelines, he smiles:

“Reminds me of when I was their age.”

Maybe one day they’ll run with that Chief logo on their chest, knowing exactly what it means.

Through it all, Jason remains grounded in humility:

“Winning is nice. But it’s more important to be a good person and to respect the sport and your competition. You don’t need to brag about how good you are or how many meets you won. It’s about the athletes—not the coach’s individual success.”

Pride in the Program.

Ask Jason about his proudest moment, and he doesn’t point to banners or trophies. Instead, he points to the culture.

“Seeing kids come together, work hard, and become a tight-knit team who actually enjoy their time together—that’s what makes it worth it.”

And as for how he wants to be remembered? His answer sounds a lot like his father’s:

“If people look back and say the program was healthy and had teams that worked hard, that’s enough for me. It’s always about the team—not me.”

Father like son. And the Tochelli legacy continues.

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports |

In the fall, Northeastern Pennsylvania beats to the drum of football. Friday nights under the lights, Saturday afternoons at college stadiums, and Sundays packed into living rooms and bars where diehards scream at TV screens—it’s tradition. NEPA bleeds football.

Earlier today, I grabbed lunch at Benny’s Restaurant on Main Avenue in Peckville before heading up to Valley Views softball clinic.. Let me just say—if you haven’t had their double-crusted steak and cheese pizza, put it on your list. Best in the area, no doubt. (They’ve got locations in Scranton and Clarks Summit too—worth the stop.) Inside, the scene was pure NEPA: wild cheers, fans on their feet, eyes glued to the NFL broadcast. That’s what Sundays look like around here.

Meanwhile, just a few miles away, Valley View state champion head coach Mia Wascura was running a clinic—not for college or pro football hopefuls, but for the next generation of softball players.

Because here’s the twist: while football rules the headlines, another sport is quietly building its empire in NEPA—girls’ varsity softball.

“Take a look at our classifications—1A, 3A, 4A, 5A—and you’ll see teams representing Pennsylvania at the highest level,” Wascura said. “A few of them were even named State Players of the Year. Others came close—two Tunkhannock girls, Valley View’s Abbi Call as a runner-up. And former Cougar Taylor Cawley was runner up as pitcher of year 4A classification.”

She’s not exaggerating. The résumé is stacked. Mia Galella of Holy Cross (Class A) was State Player of the Year before heading to Boston College. Valley View’s Kalli Karwowski claimed the 4A honor and is now suiting up at Penn State. Pitchers of the Year, runners-up, and a growing list of Division I commitments prove it: softball isn’t just keeping pace in NEPA—it’s sprinting ahead.

And while NFL fans were glued to their screens this weekend, Wascura was on the field with about 50 kids, grades one through six, at Valley View’s softball complex. Alongside her assistants and several of her 2025 4A state champion Cougars, she poured her energy into stations—hitting, outfield, fielding—breaking the game down for the youngest players in the valley.

That’s the thing about Wascura: she doesn’t coast. She eats, breathes, and lives softball. It’s the fire that delivered her Cougars gold last spring, and the same fire that’s turning her into one of the most respected coaches in the region.

Among her helpers was Cora Castellani—a steady second baseman last season who’s sliding over to shortstop this spring. She’s not only stepping into a bigger role on the field but also giving back to the sport already.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to help the youth and be here,” Castellani said. “The younger athletes will definitely benefit—learning from a state championship team, seeing how we practice, and how we carry that into games. As they get older, they’ll be able to use it themselves.”

Cora smiled and added, “It felt good helping the kids. Some came up with questions, some already knew who I was. It was cool that they felt comfortable enough to do that. What we did today was special—I really enjoyed it.”

The camp looked like the future in action: kids lugging their bats, sporting travel-ball and rec jerseys, even a few rocking softball shades like they meant business. The next wave of talent was on display, and the foundation was being laid one rep, one drill, one word of encouragement at a time.

I found myself listening just as intently. Soon, I’ll be launching my own 18U travel team alongside William Sandly and Margaret Adolfson. Watching Wascura was like attending a masterclass. Her speeches weren’t just for the kids—they were for anyone who wants to understand what makes champions.

“Most of these kids came from different schools and areas,” Wascura said. “I wanted to share my passion and love of the game. When young players can learn from high school athletes who’ve been through it, it means more. Our program is about giving back—and today proved it.”

Football may own the fall in NEPA. But make no mistake—softball is rising. And with Wascura at the helm, her Cougars aren’t just building players—they’re building a legacy. Don’t be surprised if Valley View makes yet another run at state gold.

Thanks to some of our fall sponsors below:

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Sports Staff

September 15 2025:

Some families pass down heirlooms. Others pass down recipes. The Bradleys, Schmidts, and Stalicas? They pass down championships. Baseballs, softballs, and fastballs are stitched into their DNA, and the results are everywhere—record books rewritten, college rosters filled, and a reputation that has become one of NEPA’s fiercest family legacies.

Now, Nick Bradley, Abington Heights’ standout pitcher, is the latest to carry that torch.

Nick was born to be a baseball player—the sport he’s played most of his life. Football came later, and with his natural talent, he found success there too. But his dream was always baseball. It’s easy to see why when you look at his sister and cousins and the sports they’ve excelled in. Nick wears the navy and white of Abington Heights with pride, grateful to represent a school with strong programs and supportive administrators.

“I love knowing I can represent Abington in both sports because I can carry on tradition and something that other people started. I feel like a lot of people don’t like Abington in sports. Knowing I get to represent them and prove people wrong is something I really like to do,” said Nick Bradley.

He also knows what it takes to succeed.

“A successful athlete is someone who is consistent, works hard, and shows poise and confidence in big situations. I believe you have to work for what you get. Being able to stay poised and humble while showing out in big spots is something I see as very successful.”

Last year, he broke Abington Heights’ career passing record in football. This year, he extended it even further, and it may stand for a long time—maybe even after he pursues a professional baseball career.

“Breaking the passing record at Abington means a ton. But more than the actual record itself, it’s the teammates that were around me that I want to remember most. We faced a lot of adversity when I first started Abington football and from there we strived and overcame. All of the success that came from that was really a bonus because we built a real family of guys that I’ve been playing with since I was little.”

Born Into Competition:

Nick’s older sister, Jenna Bradley—a former Division I softball player—knows better than anyone what makes her brother tick.

“Growing up, Nick and I were both extremely competitive,” Jenna said. “The difference was, I was outward about it, while Nick always stayed humble. He never rubbed his talent in your face—he just let his actions speak.”

From cornhole bags to hill sprints, tennis to poker, Nick had a knack for excelling at anything he picked up. Jenna still laughs about the time she handed him a softball in Crocs and told him to throw a windmill pitch—he hit 63 mph on the gun, a number she had trained months to reach.

But Nick’s competitiveness wasn’t about beating others. “He’s more competitive with himself than anyone else,” Jenna explained. “He sets an incredibly high standard and just puts his head down to do the work.”

Nick credits Jenna for instilling that drive.

“Jenna has taught me max competitiveness. She is one of the most competitive athletes I have ever seen play, especially when she was at Holy Cross competing for the championship every year. This gives me something to work for in her footsteps too. Jenna also has been through a very similar process and being able to lean on her really helps me mentally.”

There was only one time Jenna recalls beating her brother—during a spin class. “I’ll hold on to that win forever,” she laughed.

The siblings constantly pushed each other, feeding off their shared competitiveness.

“What makes Nick unique, though, isn’t just raw talent. It’s the standard he holds himself to. He’s not watching what everyone else is doing—he just puts his head down and works. And instead of using his abilities to show anyone up, he uses them to lift others.”

Nick summed it up:

“It is really a blessing because everyone in my family wants to win no matter what, and having that mindset always feels like it puts me ahead. Also, having family that I can lean on mentally helps a lot because they always keep trying to push you to get better and keep moving forward.”

Work Ethic Meets Natural Talent:

Those standards paid off. Nick grew from a stocky kid in youth leagues to one of the area’s most coveted recruits. His rise wasn’t just natural ability—it was forged in barns lit up late at night, bullpens into makeshift nets, and 5 a.m. workouts at NEPA FitClub before school.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a time in his 17 years where someone had to tell Nick to practice,” Jenna said. “He’ll do it over and over until he gets it right.”

Nick embraces the grind and the pressure.

“I feel like you have to just embrace the pressure and trust that everything you’ve done to that point has set you up to be successful in that moment. Knowing the hard work that goes into it makes it a lot easier because you don’t feel unprepared—you just have to compete.”

That mindset made Auburn the perfect fit for his next chapter.

“The coaches, the facilities, the culture—it just feels like home. I can’t wait to see how I stack up against the best hitters in the country.”

More Than a Player:

He’s spent countless hours catching bullpens for Jenna’s players, helping at youth camps, and giving back to the Little League fields where it all began.

“He’s the first to volunteer, the first to sit down with kids and help them,” Jenna said. “Even though he could go professional in anything, he’s always tried to make those around him better.”

Their sibling bond has been central to Nick’s journey.

“People might think I paved the way, but truthfully, Nick has helped me more than I’ve helped him,” Jenna admitted. “He’s my best friend. He saw me at my lowest and knew when I needed my brother, not just a teammate. That’s who he is.”

For Jenna, watching her younger brother grow into one of the area’s top athletes has been nothing short of inspiring.

“Although, if you met him on the street, you wouldn’t know this about him,” she said. “I knew even when we were younger that Nick was made for more. I’ve played sports at all levels and I’ve never met someone who pays attention to detail quite like him.”

Most nights, Nick could be found in the barn with the lights on, throwing bullpens or analyzing video. The hours piled up—moving hay with their grandfather, 5 a.m. workouts before school, and endless hill sprints in South Side.

“Even more impressive than his work ethic is how much he gives back,” Jenna added. She works with about 50 local girls in softball, and Nick has caught for nearly all of them. He volunteers at camps, returns to his Little League roots, and looks for ways to grow not just as a player, but as a mentor.

“My family is extremely close, and whenever Nick and I would moan and groan about doing something, he would look at us and say, ‘Well, you’re different,’” Jenna said. “Nick took that to heart. He isn’t afraid to swim against the crowd and be his own person—something most kids his age struggle with. In many ways, he sets the standards for all of us. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter in his career brings for him.”

Nick gives credit to his family:

“I look up to the people in my family who played sports and always wanted to beat my sister and cousins and everyone when we were playing.”

That competitive spirit clearly runs through the family. His cousin, Ava Schmitt, made waves this past softball season as one of District 2’s top pitchers. She racked up 21 wins and struck out 178 batters. Now entering her senior year at Holy Cross, she looks up to Nick and will have one more shot at a District 2 title and a chance to chase a state championship appearance.

“Watching Nick achieve so much in baseball while making my own mark in softball has been exciting. It’s great to see him succeed, and it motivates me to push myself in my own sport. Even though we play different games, we both want to compete and be the best we can be,” Ava said.

She added: “Nick’s work ethic has definitely influenced how I approach softball. Knowing the dedication he puts into baseball inspires me to always give 100% in every practice and game. Seeing his success is motivation in itself. It’s special to have family who understands both the challenges and the rewards of sports.”

One of her favorite memories? Summer camps together, playing random games and laughing between drills. “Beyond being family, what I admire most about Nick is his dedication. He works very hard and treats everyone with respect. As a person and an athlete, he sets a great example for others.”

And then there’s Lauren Stalica—Nick Bradley’s cousin and one of the brightest softball talents to ever come out of Abington Heights. A dominant pitcher and first baseman, Lauren is just as dangerous at the plate as she is in the circle. Her résumé speaks for itself: PA Class 5A Pitcher of the Year, All-State First Team, and now a freshman at Division I Saint Joseph’s University. She closed her high school career with more than 400 strikeouts.

In 2024 and 2025, she was the heartbeat of Abington Heights’ varsity team, leading them to District 2 Class 5A championship games. With her blend of power, precision, and poise, Lauren has carved her name into the rich legacy of NEPA softball—and shown that athletic excellence runs deep in the Bradley family tree.

Respect From Across the Diamond:

Valley View’s longtime coach, Jason Munley—who coached current major leaguers Mason Black and Max Kranick—knows firsthand what it’s like to face Nick Bradley.

“His dominance on the mound. A plus fastball in the low-90s is very difficult for high school hitters. They just don’t see it that often. He is also a fierce competitor. Abington is lucky to have him,” Munley said.

He sees more than just talent. “He’s a great leader. The whole team feeds off of him. When he gets in a rhythm on the mound, he’s tough to stop.”

Munley added: “I spoke to him a few times on the field. He was a true gentleman and very humble. He obviously works very hard at his craft and is very confident in his abilities. From a coach’s standpoint, he’s everything you want in a ballplayer. I wish him the best. He will be successful no matter what path he takes in life.”

A Role Model for the Next Generation:

For all of Nick’s achievements on the field, what may matter most is the way he’s already influencing the next generation. Jenna trains around 50 young girls in softball, and Nick has sat on a bucket catching for nearly all of them.

“He doesn’t have to do it—he wants to,” Jenna said. “He’s the first to volunteer, the first to show up at camps, and the first to give back to the same Little League that raised him. That says a lot about his character.”

By giving his time, encouragement, and presence, Nick has become more than just a top recruit—he’s a role model. He shows local kids that hard work, humility, and giving back are just as important as throwing 90-plus on the radar gun.

And that’s the Bradley–Schmidt–Stalica legacy at its core: not just championships, but impact.

And now, the Auburn Tigers are betting on him too.

————————

***We would like to take this time to thank our sponsors listed below****

WHAT YOUTH SPORTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE:

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff |Agape Freedom Sports

Have you ever reached the point where you just can’t stand youth sports anymore? The way some coaches think. The way some parents act. Honestly—many of us are there.

Here’s a thought: the youngest teams are often led by well-meaning but inexperienced parent-coaches. What if, instead, we invited a handful of great elementary education teachers—people who already excel at connecting with kids, challenging them appropriately, and helping them grow while still being a favorite adult—to help lead youth teams? If you can inspire students with diverse needs in a classroom, you can certainly teach a game with patience and joy. I’m convinced we’d see more growth than we do under some of today’s “win-first” approaches.

Everything I’ve learned about coaching didn’t come from chasing wins. It came from studying the philosophies of the greats—and none of them started with “winning at all costs.” It was always about what happens in between.

John Wooden: Effort Over Scoreboards

John Wooden, the legendary UCLA coach, won 10 national championships in 12 years—yet he never obsessed over the score. His definition of success:

“Peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

For Wooden, the real victory was effort, preparation, teamwork, and character. His Pyramid of Success emphasized industriousness, enthusiasm, loyalty, cooperation, and self-control.

A “loss” with your best effort wasn’t failure; it was growth. He believed the real battle was within—so after games he asked, Did you do your best? Did you play together? Did you prepare properly? Ironically, that mindset produced less pressure and more championships.

Geno Auriemma: Relationships Before Talent

Like Wooden, UConn’s Geno Auriemma built a dynasty on people first.

“Coaching is about relationships. If you don’t care about your players, they won’t care about what you’re teaching.”

He chooses character over ego because talent without humility wrecks chemistry. He’s demanding and honest, but players trust him because the standard is for their growth, not his image. At UConn no one is bigger than the team—superstars included. As Geno says, “We don’t talk about winning championships. We talk about becoming a championship team.”

Herb Brooks: Great Moments From Great Opportunities

1980 U.S. Olympic coach Herb Brooks proved determination can outrun raw talent.

“Great moments are born from great opportunities.”

He chose young, hungry players who would sacrifice for the group. His focus was discipline, belief, and being ready when the moment comes. That belief turned preparation into history.

Why This Matters for Youth Sports

Wooden, Auriemma, and Brooks point to the same truth: winning is a byproduct, not the goal. The real targets are effort, relationships, character, and determination. That’s the foundation youth sports should be built on.

For me, ages 4–12 should start with one word: fun—not endless discipline drills, not parental pressure, not chasing imaginary NIL or pro futures. At that age, sport should shape better humans: love the game, respect others, show kindness.

Real coaching earns respect and leads with care. Kids should follow because they want to—because they know you’re for them. Teach a positive attitude, coachability, and work ethic—not just for personal dreams, but for the team.

My Coaching Lesson:,

In eight years as a head coach in an adult men’s softball league—and the past two years as an assistant—I’ve learned that philosophy matters more than trophies. As a head coach (2016–2023), my teams reached three league championships and three semifinals. As an assistant (2024–2025), we reached two more semifinals.

One of my former squads went on to win 42 straight games and back-to-back titles (2020–21). Their only real obstacle? My new team—we held them to four runs in the playoffs when they averaged 25. We lost 4–3, but the way we competed proved the philosophy works.

My standard every year was to compete for the title—but how we got there mattered most and was about everything in between. Most seasons, half the roster was brand new to the game. I preferred it. It wasn’t about collecting talent—it was about shaping teammates.

I even passed on “experienced” players who played only for themselves. Some bragged about skill levels, state tournaments, or semi-pro titles, but those things didn’t impress me. Labels don’t win for you—character does. I once released a very skilled player with high-level experience because he lacked the attitude, work ethic, and team-first mentality we needed.

For me, the only things that mattered were:

Are you coachable? Are you a good teammate? Do you put the team above yourself?

That’s what sports are supposed to be: not win-at-all-costs, not selfishness—learning, growing, and becoming better people together.

Where Youth Sports Go Wrong:,

Too often, I’ve seen coaches yell at kids—sometimes their own—right in front of the team. That’s not discipline; it’s humiliation. It embarrasses, crushes confidence, and poisons the culture.

I’ll never forget a 5–7-year-old in youth football with autism and ADHD. Instead of patience and support, he got harshness. He left the sport. Stories like that aren’t rare. Two of my family members quit youth football—not because of the game, but because of how adults acted.

So I have to ask: What gives any adult the right to scream at a child?

At those ages, it should be about teaching and joy, not tearing kids down. Parents can unintentionally fuel the problem by insisting kids obey a coach “no matter what,” even when the approach is wrong. When we measure success only by wins and “toughness,” we lose sight of joy and growth.

The Truth Youth Sports Must Remember

The single most important part of coaching is building a positive, trustworthy relationship with your athletes. When kids feel safe and respected, they give you everything they’ve got. When they feel humiliated, they shut down—and sometimes they don’t come back.

Wooden got it right. Auriemma got it right. Brooks got it right. The greatest coaches showed that trust, character, and belief create the conditions for winning. If they lived by that standard, youth sports can, too.

It doesn’t have to stay the way it is. If we choose love over ego, patience over screaming, and growth over politics, we’ll give kids what sports are supposed to be: a place to learn, to grow, and to fall in love with the game. Get those pieces right, and team success follows.

🏀🏈⚾ JERIC’S COACHING GUIDE

The Big Three Lessons

John Wooden (UCLA) → Success = effort and character, not scoreboards. Geno Auriemma (UConn) → Relationships and accountability before talent. Herb Brooks (USA Hockey) → Opportunity + determination create great moments.

What This Means for Ages 4–12

Fun first — not drills, pressure, or parent dreams. Relationships before results — kids need to know you care. Character & teamwork — build better humans, not just athletes. No screaming — correction without humiliation. Parents: support, don’t enable poor coaching behaviors.

Jeric’s Challenge to Coaches & Parents

✅ Choose love over ego

✅ Choose patience over screaming

✅ Choose growth over politics

👉 Winning isn’t the goal. Becoming a better person and teammate is.

🏈🎾⚾️🏐⚽️🏓🥎🥍🏀

Stronger Together: Supporting Local Sports Outlets in NEPA

Written by: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff, Agape Sports

I began this sports podcast in 2024 out of pure passion and a dream I’ve carried since high school in 2002. Between 2000 and 2005, I ran a free website called JERIC’S Lackawanna Sports. I loved writing, volunteered my time, and covered games because I wanted nothing more than to be a sports journalist. But college didn’t go the way I hoped—it was a struggle.

My old website (2000-2005):

https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=jericslackawannasports

Back then, times were different. Technology wasn’t what it is today. Now we have iPhones, instant access, and better tools that grammar check our writing and help us share articles instantly. That’s been a blessing—it gave me the chance to restart the dream I had 20 years ago and bring it to life through my Agape Sports organization .

Sports have always been my passion. Writing and covering games isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. And I believe this: if passion dies, everything dies with it. I’ve never done this for a paycheck. Sponsorships help offset the costs of running the podcast and, yes, provide a little support for my family and me. But at its core, this podcast was birthed—and will always be birthed—out of love for sports, a desire to support our communities, and to shine a positive light on athletes and coaches.

Respecting Other Voices:

I’m not interested in competing with other podcasts or worrying about who people see as rivals. This has always been about passion, community, and the joy of sports.

In fact, I deeply respect the other voices covering our area. Sportzwire with Brad Loft and Justin Bradley, and the NPF Network with Chris Kucharski and Scott Mackinder, all do a fantastic job. They work hard, bring exposure, and provide unique coverage that strengthens the entire sports community.

If I wasn’t so busy with my own sports media outlet, I’d honestly be their number one fan. I’ve always enjoyed NPF’s play-by-play broadcasts, and for years I tuned in to their game coverage and updated live football scores. That’s why I encourage everyone—check them out, support them, and support all our local podcasts.

I also love what Sportzwire brings to the table. Their live score updates keep fans connected in real time, and their photography captures unforgettable moments for local athletes and families. On top of that, their website is filled with valuable information and stands as one of the best resources for NEPA sports fans.

We each bring different gifts to the table. One may shine in one area, another in a different one, but together we make NEPA’s sports scene stronger. What I can’t cover, other local outlets do—and that’s exactly what makes all of our organizations necessary.

My Current Role:

Right now, I’m a one-man team. I run the Agape Sports social media pages, create content, cover games, and write articles. Since September 2024, that’s been the way it is. Earlier this year, we had some help with the NEPA Chronicles Show and even brought in a few paid hosts for winter and spring, Some of them covered about five games in the spring and wrote one extra article. But with my new second-shift job in school maintenance, my time is limited.

For now:

Weekend coverage is my main focus. Podcasts are recorded on weekends. Articles are written during the week before I head to work.

It’s not easy—but it’s worth it. My dream is to eventually move to a first-shift job, which will allow me more flexibility to cover even more local sports.

Athletes Deserve the Spotlight:

I don’t believe in an “us vs. them” mentality. Athletes only get a few years in their life to shine, to be recognized, and to capture moments they can look back on decades later with gratitude. Every outlet that gives them that exposure matters.

NEPA is blessed with so many passionate small organizations covering local sports—and I’m just thankful to play a small part in it. Support all our local sports outlets. Together, we make a difference.

What’s Next for Agape Sports:

In the winter season, starting in November our focus will shift to boys’ and girls’ basketball and college men’s and women’s basketball bringing consistent coverage, features, and stories that highlight the talent across NEPA. But we will cover games in weekend until further notice.

For Spring 2026, the sport we will cover most consistently—and with a dedicated weekly podcast, Top 12 countdown, and weekly articles—will be girls’ softball. Softball has always been my biggest passion, and truthfully, it doesn’t get the level of coverage it deserves. Our goal is to change that and give these athletes the spotlight they’ve earned. And in NEPA my opinion, we have some of the best softball players in the state just in our area!

Here are a few local organizations doing great work—check them out, support them, and help keep local sports coverage alive and thriving:

Sportzwire website:

https://sportzwire.com/

NPF Website:

https://www.nepafootball.com/

Home

By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Sports Staff

The roar of the crowd. The clash of helmets. The weight of expectation. Scranton quarterback Brody Coyle doesn’t just survive in the middle of it—he thrives. Under the Friday night lights, he’s not just another kid in a Silver-and-red jersey. He’s the next chapter in a football family that already means something in NEPA. With his father’s legacy looming large, Brody is proving he can write his own story, one snap at a time.

It almost feels like destiny. From the moment he could grip a football, it seemed inevitable: Brody Coyle was going to be a quarterback. But destiny alone doesn’t complete passes, lead huddles, or win games. That part—the grind, the pressure, the spotlight—Brody has embraced on his own.

The First Two Weeks:

Scranton’s season didn’t start the way they wanted. In Week 1 against Pocono Mountain West, the Knights fell 39–19. But Brody showed why he’s the heartbeat of the offense. He threw the ball 35 times, completing 18 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 33 yards on the ground. The stat line spoke volumes: even in a loss, he fought until the final whistle.

That performance set the tone. One week later against Wyoming Valley West, Brody didn’t need volume—he needed efficiency. And he delivered. He went 5-of-8 for 111 yards and a touchdown, guiding the Knights to a rebound win. Two weeks, two very different scripts. But both games revealed the same truth: Brody adapts, competes, and leads.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps:

The Coyle name already carries weight around Lackawanna County. Brody’s father, John, was a standout quarterback at Riverside before taking his talents to Kutztown in the early ’90s. This was before Hudl highlights and social media clips, yet people still talk about John’s arm strength and poise in the pocket. That kind of reputation doesn’t disappear.

“I feel like I’m following in his footsteps while also trying to carve out my own path,” Brody said.

And that’s the balance. The younger Coyle isn’t copying his dad—he’s carrying the torch into a new era. Different times, different competition, different challenges. And with the Knights facing some of the state’s biggest programs every postseason, Brody knows his role is bigger than the numbers on a stat sheet.

“One of my first big memories was going to a Scranton game and throwing on the sidelines with him before kickoff,” he recalled.

Calm Under Fire:

Ask anyone who’s watched Brody play, and they’ll tell you the same thing: he doesn’t rattle. Whether it’s airing it out for 262 yards in a shootout loss or managing a controlled offense in a bounce-back win, he adjusts to the moment. His arm strength and poise are obvious, but what stands out more is his leadership.

“My dad gives me advice every day—whether it’s about football or just life in general,” Brody said. “He was my QB coach growing up and still is to this day. Before every game, he reminds me: ‘You already did the hard part in the offseason—now playing is the fun part.’ Seeing how hard he worked makes me want to push myself even harder.”

Writing the Next Chapter:

For the Coyles, football has never been just a sport—it’s a legacy. John made his mark in the ’90s. Brody is making his now. And years from today, kids in Scranton might tell stories of his Friday night drives the same way people still talk about his father’s.

But Brody doesn’t get caught up in comparison. He’s focused on moments—the Bell Game under the lights, the roar of the student section after a touchdown, the bonds in the locker room. “I gave everything I had the second I stepped between the white lines,” he says, and that’s how he wants to be remembered.

This season, Scranton’s No. 1 has the Knights chasing something bigger—touchdowns, championships, and respect across the state. And if the first two weeks are any indication, Brody Coyle is ready for the spotlight.

As for the future? Brody dreams of one day suiting up for his dad’s alma mater, Kutztown University. Could it happen? Absolutely. But football—like life—has its twists and turns. For now, his focus is on writing this chapter with the Knights, one snap at a time.

By: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff | Agape Sports

The Lakeland Lady Chiefs came out kicking, determined not to hold back after dropping their season opener to Wyoming Seminary Prep. They weren’t about to start the year 0–2.

It was a game played with grit and control. From the opposite sideline, the atmosphere carried its own character—smoke drifted across the field, maybe from a fire pit or a backyard cookout, blending with the crisp, chilly evening air. It was a fitting backdrop for a team that played with fire and focus.

From the opening whistle, Lakeland dictated the first half on both ends of the field. Their new goalkeeper, first year playing soccer, Kamri Naniewicz – hardly had to make a save, protected by a rock-solid defense in front of her. Mountain View managed a few pushes forward, but the Chiefs’ back line held its ground. Players like Bria Hill, Natalie and Naomi Rude stepped up at key moments—blocking shots, intercepting passes, and stripping possessions to keep the Eagles off the board.

By halftime, the Lady Chiefs had already built a commanding 3–0 lead. And they didn’t let up after the break. With 23 minutes left in the second half, Lakeland had pushed the score to 6–0, burying Mountain View under relentless offensive pressure. The defense continued to shine, giving their keeper a quiet night while the midfielders and forwards kept the attack alive.

It was the response Lakeland needed—a statement win that showed resilience, energy, and a refusal to let one loss define their season.

The Lakeland Lady Chiefs stormed into Saturday’s matchup at Chapman Lake with one goal in mind—change the story. After dropping a wild 7–5 season opener to Wyoming Seminary, and still carrying the sting of a 4–11 campaign in 2024 that ended with yet another playoff loss to Seminary, the Chiefs knew enough was enough. Just a season removed from being crowned the 2023 District 2 Class 1A champions, this program wasn’t about to let back-to-back down years define them. They came hungry—for a spark, for fresh energy, and for the kind of chemistry that could put Lakeland soccer right back where it belongs.

And that spark? It came from the Rude sisters.

Freshman Natalie Rude wasted no time lighting it up, blasting in the opening goal to set the tone. From there, Lakeland never looked back. They pushed the pace, played with swagger, and by halftime the Lady Chiefs were cruising with a 3–0 lead.

The second half was a statement. Just 10 minutes in, Natalie buried her second of the day, and moments later, Bria Hill ripped one past the keeper to stretch it to 5–0. Then older sister Naomi Rude joined the party, punching in a goal of her own to make it six unanswered.

Mountain View showed fight, breaking the shutout with a goal from Emily Trichilo in the 67th minute, but this game belonged to Lakeland from start to finish. And fittingly, it was Natalie again—sealing her breakout night with a late dagger in the 78th minute to complete her hat trick and lock down a commanding 7–1 victory.

“My mindset was to come and win. I know I have a good team around me, and they have good energy,” said Natalie Rude.

“Our defense obviously contributed the most during today’s win, and it helped me individually on the field to do what I needed to do.”

This year Lakeland has a group of young, talented freshmen who will hopefully help guide the Lady Chiefs to a winning season.

“We did really good today. We have a great group of freshmen that came up this year. We lost a few players due to graduation, but we all played well together. It’s a great opportunity to have my sister Natalie playing with me—we feed off each other’s energy and have really good field chemistry. It’s so amazing,” said her older sister Naomi Rude.

She continued: “We played well today. I think because of the practices we had—we did some drills that helped us in this game, like communication and working on our defensive positioning—it turned out in our favor. We got the win.”

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

The Lady Chiefs aren’t here to repeat last year—they’re here to write a new chapter.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

The Lady Chiefs aren’t here to repeat last year—they’re here to write a new chapter. One like they had just two years ago. This is Lakeland Lady Chiefs soccer. A program with a standard to uphold and a reputation to rebuild.

With the Rude sisters leading the charge, that goal feels more possible than ever. Keep an eye on Natalie and Naomi this season—either one can sneak a goal in on you at any moment. And make no mistake, Lakeland isn’t finished. Expect them to be right in the mix for a District 2 championship run this year.

🎥 POST-GAME INTERVIEW | Lakeland vs. Holy Cross

Final Score: Lakeland 53 – Holy Cross 6

We caught up with four of Lakeland’s standout athletes following their dominant performance:

🏈 Gavin Roberts

🏈 Dylan Loomis

🏈 David Naniewicz

🏈 Jackson Pochas

🏈 Head Coach: Coach P

Hear their thoughts on tonight’s game, the team’s chemistry, and what it means to represent the Chiefs under the lights.

Subscribe for more local high school football coverage, interviews, and highlights every week!

📱 Follow Agape Sports

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

#LakelandFootball #PostGameInterview #AgapeSports #NEPAfootbal

By Jeric Yurkanin | Staff Writer | Agape Freedom Sports

🎾 For 40 Years, It Was Always About the Kids

For four decades, Jerry Pickard stood at the helm of the Valley View girls tennis program, quietly building something special since 1986. He took over the boys team in 1995 and spent nearly 40 years shaping young athletes into competitors and—more importantly—good people.

His name is etched into the Valley View community. Coaches across the region either played for him, coached alongside him, or faced off against his teams. You don’t forget a Jerry Pickard team.

When I had the chance to interview him recently, I realized right away—Coach Pickard is a gentle giant. He’s soft-spoken. Reserved. A man of few words. But one thing he made crystal clear:

“It was always about the kids.”

It was about teaching the game the right way.

About having fun.

About competing with class.

About winning the right way.

Ask any of his players and they’ll tell you: he’s more than a coach. He’s a teacher, a role model, and someone they respect deeply.

You’d often see him walking calmly up and down the Valley View courts, reminding players to stretch, drink water, and most importantly—have fun. One match, he made sure every single player on the team got into the lineup. Why?

Because it wasn’t about records or rankings.

It was about the kids.

“I coach for the kids,” said Pickard, now 78. “Tennis is fun. I enjoy teaching kids how to be competitive, how to be good people, and how to represent themselves in the community.”

“I want them to learn the fundamentals, to practice hard, and to enjoy playing.”

For new players just joining a team, his advice is simple and timeless:

“Don’t quit. Come to practice. Participate. Enjoy what you’re doing.”

Before a recent match, I watched him tell his team to clap louder as lineups were announced. Then, right before the first serve, he gathered them together and led them in a chant:

“Play to the best of our abilities.”

That’s what he demands—not perfection, but effort.

When you play for Jerry Pickard, you give 100% of the talent God gave you. Nothing less.

Very few coaches can say they spent 40 years at one school. He bled blue, yellow, and white. Cougar colors. But even more than that—he is part of this community’s foundation. He was made for this place. He was born for it.

I’d know—Jerry Pickard is actually my third cousin once removed. I learned that back in 2022 while building my family tree through Ancestry and talking to relatives. He was born in 1947, and both our third great-grandparents migrated from Ireland to Archbald generations ago.

The Beginning: From 0-13 to a Legacy:

Jerry’s coaching journey started in 1986 when his daughter Shannon joined the team as a freshman. At the time, the program was on the verge of folding. He submitted an application to coach, asking only to be considered if no one else wanted the job.

No one did. So he stepped up.

He didn’t know much about tennis that first year. His team went 0–13. But instead of quitting, he studied. He learned. And then he built one of the most consistent programs in NEPA history. The rest? That’s history.

“I think he knows so much about tennis,” said senior Ella Swingle. “When I started as a freshman, he literally taught me everything I needed to know. He puts everything into this team.”

Sophomore Lucy Ritzco added,

“He doesn’t get mad if you mess up—he trusts you’ll fix it and play better.”

Emily Messett, head coach of Mid Valley Girls Tennis and a Scranton Prep graduate, put it perfectly:

“I’ve known Coach Pickard since I was 15. I always joke that he probably forgets what he ate for breakfast, but he remembers the score from when I played his team in districts as a junior. He’s the grandfather of tennis in this area. I tell my players—if he’s coaching you during a match, listen to what he’s saying. He knows what he’s talking about.”

Messett added,

“He always said he’d retire if Mid Valley ever beat him. Last year, our boys team finally did—and he was so kind, congratulating every one of our players. He’s not just for Valley View. He’s for the sport. He’s for keeping tennis strong in this area. I didn’t really want to beat him… because I didn’t want him to retire.”

And when asked about his influence?

“I try to model my coaching after Coach Pickard. He’s had so much success working with kids who often never played tennis before—and still competing against experienced programs. Even my all-stars have gotten tips from him during matches.

A Recovery Story That Inspires:

Off the court, Jerry Pickard’s story is one of redemption, faith, and second chances.

Before the tennis, before the winning seasons, before the legacy—he fought a darker battle: alcoholism.

He drank until he blacked out. It had taken over his life. In 1983, he checked into The Salvation Army with his friend Victor to begin the long road to recovery. He stayed for nearly a year. That place—and that choice—saved his life.

He found a new purpose. A spiritual awakening. He leaned on faith.

“I always believed in God,” he shared on a moving episode of the AllBetter podcast. “I had aunts who were nuns. A cousin who was a priest. But it took hitting rock bottom to understand what real surrender and peace looked like.”

Before 1984, he was a bartender. After that, he was reborn—not just as a man of faith, but as a mentor, teacher, and builder of one of NEPA’s most respected high school sports programs.

From 1986 until now, Valley View tennis has been blessed to call Jerry Pickard their coach.

🐾 Coach. Mentor. Survivor. Cougar for Life.

He’s not just a man with wins.

He’s a man with wisdom.

He’s not just a coach with stats.

He’s a coach with heart.

And for 40 years, through every match, every stretch of courtside encouragement, every player who picked up a racket for the first time—Coach Pickard made sure it was never about him.

Always about the kids. Forever part of Valley View. One of the best to ever do it, he’s my cousin and family—and the humblest of giants. His name is Jerry Pickard.

By Jeric Yurkanin | Staff | Agape Freedom Sports

Friday night’s Valley View vs. Scranton Prep matchup was more than just a football game—it was a night of honor. Valley View hosted its annual Salute to Service Night, and while the scoreboard told one story, the meaning behind the evening told another.

When you hear the phrase Salute to Service, what comes to mind? For many, it’s guns, tanks, bullets, and war. But maybe it’s time to think deeper. Maybe Salute to Service should make us think of sacrifice, unity, courage, and commitment. It’s about ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things so we can enjoy nights like these—safe, free, and under the lights as a community.

Friday wasn’t just an average game in Peckville. It was a special night honoring America’s finest veterans.

A War on the Field

Valley View players didn’t take the theme lightly. They came into the game motivated and ready to fight in their own battle—the war of football. After last year’s 33-0 loss to Scranton Prep, the Cougars had not forgotten the sting. The last time Valley View defeated Prep was back in 2022 (22-16). Friday night, they were determined to change that.

Scranton Prep opened the game with a statement drive, marching all the way to Valley View’s 4-yard line. But after a key tackle for loss and a missed field goal, momentum swung.

Valley View’s offense took over—briefly. A bad snap rolled over quarterback Caleb Brown’s head and into the end zone, where Prep recovered for a touchdown. That would be the only time Scranton Prep found the end zone all night.

Defense Wins the Night

The Cougars’ defense answered the call and didn’t flinch again. They bent at times but never broke, delivering key stops as the Cavaliers threatened in the red zone multiple times. Scranton Prep finished with 121 rushing yards and just 31 through the air, while Valley View allowed nothing after that early miscue.

Leading the charge was standout linebacker Jeffrey Wasilchak, who looked every bit like one of the top defensive players in the area. Wasilchak finished last season with 107 tackles, barely missing an All-State nod, and he showed why he’ll be in that conversation again this year.

On offense, he contributed 43 hard-fought yards on 7 carries—a big piece of the Cougars’ 150 total rushing yards against a stout Prep defense.

What It Meant

“The first half, after the opening drive, we just settled in and the younger guys stepped up,” Wasilchak said after the game. “We just played football and we got a win. Us linebackers had nothing on our laps all night. We played amazing.”

This was a long-awaited redemption for the Cougars. After being shut out 33-0 last year, they had to wait an entire offseason for this moment. Friday night, they showed grit, toughness, and the heart of a team ready to fight for every inch—just like the men and women honored in the stands.

Brody Call, another key defensive playmaker, credited discipline for the unit’s success:

“We know we have a good defense and the type of players that can make plays at any moment, so we just had to stay calm and play football,” Call said.

On stopping Prep’s run game, he added: “We just played hard-nosed football, read our keys well, the D-line maintained their gaps, and the linebackers were able to come and make some big plays.”

When it came to crunch time, the mentality was simple: “The mindset was to just end the game. We knew we had it sealed and just needed a stop or two to win—and we were able to get the job done.”

But it wasn’t just the defensive line that came up big on Friday night—the defensive backs were busy all night as well, allowing only 4 completions out of 12 attempts by Scranton Prep quarterback Owen Jeffers. On Prep’s final drive, the Cougar defensive backs broke up multiple passes to seal the upset win.

Michael Shemonski Jr., a senior cornerback, played lights-out defense Friday night. His dad, Mike Shemonski Sr., played on Valley View’s state championship team in 1992 and was one of their key wide receivers and cornerbacks who helped secure their first and only state football championship.

“Coach Jeff Wasilchak put a lot of time into our defensive game plan, and we’ve been repping this for the past two weeks,” Shemonski said. “All our backs like to go against each other in practice, and we put a lot of effort in against each other to get ready for the Scranton Prep game. It was important that we communicated and stayed on the same page because we wanted to be a big part of Coach Wasilchak’s game plan.”

Humble and hard-working—that was the tone. And it was that defense—the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary—that played a huge role Friday night. They bent but never broke. They held Scranton Prep to zero offensive touchdowns.

It was one of those wins Valley View’s seniors will never forget: the night they went to war for their brothers, fought hard, and beat the favorite—the area’s Goliath. Wins like this have been rare in recent years, but it shows what can happen when you practice hard, stay focused, work as a team, and execute a solid game plan.

On Friday, Goliath fell. And the Cougars are 1-0, looking to make more statement wins this season—hoping to win another District 2 championship and take a shot at the state championship game.

Don’t count the Cougars out!

📅 Date: August 22, 2025

📍 John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium

🏆 Final Score: Valley View 14, Scranton Prep 10

⸻

Storyline:

No. 5 Valley View opened the season with a statement win over No. 1 Scranton Prep in a defensive slugfest. The Cougars overcame two costly fumbles, 102 penalty yards, and a 10-minute Prep drive to gut out a 14-10 victory in front of a packed home crowd.

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Key Highlights

• First Quarter

• Scranton Prep struck first after recovering a fumble in the end zone.

• Valley View answered on a 48-yard bomb from Caleb Brown to Gabe Davis in the final seconds of the quarter (7-7).

• Second Quarter

• Tyler Bianchi’s 25-yard field goal gave Prep a 10-7 halftime lead.

• Third Quarter

• After a muffed punt by Prep, Valley View’s Tyler Muchal scored on a 4th-and-1 run from 18 yards out, giving the Cougars a 14-10 lead.

• Defense Wins It

• VV defense held Prep scoreless in the second half.

• Key stops included Brady Bachman’s 4th-and-2 tackle and the secondary forcing five straight incompletions on Prep’s final drive.

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Stat Leaders

Valley View

• Caleb Brown: 6/8, 81 yards, 1 TD

• Gabe Davis: 48-yard TD reception

• Tyler Muchal: 17 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD

• Jeffrey Wasilchak: 7 carries, 43 yards

Scranton Prep

• Owen Jeffers: 4/12, 31 yards

• Anthony Prince: 14 carries, 68 yards

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Game MVP Candidates

• Tyler Muchal (RB) – clutch 18-yard TD run on 4th down

• Gabe Davis (WR) – huge 48-yard TD catch

• Jeffrey Wasilchak (RB/LB) – two-way force with bruising runs and big defensive stops

• Brady Bachman (LB) – critical 4th-quarter tackle on 4th-and-2

Welcome back to the Hail-Mary Show!

This week, we’re diving into TWO of the biggest rivalry games of the week and breaking down the preseason matchups.

Plus, we unveil our Top 7 Preseason Countdown — who’s ready to make a statement this season, and which teams could surprise everyone?

Subscribe and join us every Thursday for picks, predictions, and the best high school football coverage in the area.

📣 Comment below with YOUR game predictions and let us know who should be #1 in our countdown!

👍 Special thanks to our producer and editor, Daniel Bohenek, for bringing this show to life.🏈

Valley View opened its girls tennis season with a dominant 5-0 win over Western Wayne on Monday in Lackawanna League play. 🎾

⭐ Singles Leaders

Ella Swingle (VV) def. Wertman, 6-0, 6-0 Josie Checho (VV) def. McClure, 6-0, 7-5 Lucy Ritzco (VV) def. Spewack, 6-2, 6-2

⭐ Doubles

Dahlia Ciullo & Sophia Laboranti (VV) def. Fiorgione & Swingle, 6-1, 6-1 Madison Miller & Natalie Cole (VV) won by forfeit

📊 Final Score: Valley View 5, Western Wayne 0

📌 Records: Valley View (1-0), Western Wayne (0-1)

Hear from the Players of the Match — Swingle, Checho, and Ritzco — in our postgame interviews!

Our Sponsors:

By: Jeric Yurkanin

The Dunmore Bucks football team enters the 2025 season determined to build on its tradition of physical play and strong community support.

The Bucks opened last fall in unfamiliar territory — dropping their first four games. It was their first 0–4 start since 1997, when Honesdale handed Dunmore a 50–14 loss. But the team regrouped, winning four of its next six, then defeating Susquehanna in the playoffs before falling to Riverside, 24–6, in the District 2 semifinals.

Last year was anything but typical Dunmore football. This fall, the Bucks feel the pressure to perform, uphold their proud tradition, and prove they remain one of the Lackawanna League’s toughest programs.

Key Returners

Xavier Burke (FB/LB) Burke returns as a cornerstone on both sides of the ball. A bruising fullback who excels in short-yardage situations, he also anchors the defense at linebacker. His toughness and leadership set the tone for a physical Dunmore front seven. Supporting Cast Several veterans are back in the trenches and at skill positions. Their experience will be essential in guiding a younger roster through the grind of league play.

New Addition:

Weston Yannone (QB, transfer from Susquehanna Sabers) Yannone, a dual-threat quarterback with varsity experience, transfers in after starting at Susquehanna. His ability to extend plays and add balance to the Bucks’ offense could be the spark Dunmore needs to evolve beyond its traditional ground-heavy approach. However, he has not been handed the job — there is still a battle to determine who will open the season as the Bucks’ starting quarterback.

Players to Watch:

Ryan Mecca (RB/DB) – A versatile playmaker, Mecca is expected to shoulder more of the offensive load while continuing to shine in the secondary. Lineman Core – Dunmore’s success starts up front, and this year’s group will need to control the line of scrimmage to give the offense room to operate. Underclassmen Skill Players – Several young athletes are ready for larger roles at receiver, defensive back, and on special teams. Their development could give the Bucks much-needed depth and energy.

Season Outlook:

The Bucks enter 2025 with a chip on their shoulder, determined to get back to playing traditional Dunmore football — hard running, physical defense, and competing for a District 2 championship. With veteran leadership, a hungry defense, and a quarterback competition driving improvement, the Bucks have the pieces to bounce back and make noise in November.

Schedule Highlights:

Dunmore’s path won’t be easy. Rivalry showdowns with Lackawanna Trail, Carbondale, Lakeland, and Western Wayne headline the schedule, alongside challenging non-conference contests. To stay in contention, the Bucks will need to blend grit with execution week after week.

The other day, I stopped by to check out the Valley View Cougars — last year’s 4A District 2 Champions. 💪

Sure, they’ve lost a few key pieces from last season, but make no mistake — this year’s squad isn’t backing down. With hard-hitting linebacker Jeffrey Wasilchak leading the charge, the Cougars have been grinding in the weight room all offseason and putting in serious work at camp.

Returning offensive starters: Nico Hazleton, Jason Munley, Ben Evans, Brody Call, Jack Kondrat

Returning defensive starters: Jeff Wasilchak, Brady Cunningham, Aidan Muchal, Mason Mitchell, Jake Rutkowski, Jack Kondrat

The hunger is real, the fire is lit — and I wouldn’t be shocked one bit if they’re hoisting another District 2 championship trophy when it’s all said and done. 🏆🔥

By: Jeric Yurkanin

Well, neighbor, grab your sneakers and your favorite sun-block, because today was a wonderful day in the neighborhood of youth football! The Valley View Cougars kicked off their season in style, pouncing their way to an exciting win over the Dunmore Bucks.

Leading the parade of paw prints were Schuback and Naughton who ran like two determined workhorses galloping through the gridiron garden — each crossing the magical white line called the end zone! 🐾🏈

But oh my, what a defense the Cougars brought with them today! They stood as tall and strong as the oaks in the park, making big stops and keeping the Bucks at bay. And let’s give a big cheer for the backups — because heroes don’t always start the game, but they sure can finish strong!

The Bucks, though, weren’t about to tiptoe quietly away. #10 for Dunmore found the end zone with a burst of energy, and oh, did that make the Bucks fans clap their hands with joy!

Both teams showed hearts as big as the sky and smiles that could light up a whole neighborhood. If this was only Game One, friends, then oh boy — we’re in for a season full of fun, teamwork, and plenty of touchdowns with both teams!!

So remember: whether you’re a Cougar, a Buck, or just a fan in the stands — it’s always a beautiful day for football! I hope all you fan felt today energy and had fun just like all the players and media did watching this game! 🏉😊

About Dan LaMagna 🏈

Dan LaMagna, Ed.D., has dedicated his life to building teams—on and off the football field. A proud alum of the Lakeland Chiefs, Dan made his mark in high school football before continuing his playing career with the Scranton Eagles semi-pro team. His passion for the game later led him to coach at Lackawanna College and even found a semi-pro football team of his own.

Today, Dan serves as Associate Vice President of Student Engagement at Lackawanna College, where he helps guide and support students beyond the classroom. Off the field, he’s the Northeastern Pennsylvania Affiliate Chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), leading fundraising and awareness efforts in honor of his late father.

In this interview, we talk football, leadership, and how the game has shaped Dan’s life—from his playing days with Lakeland and the Scranton Eagles to the lessons that last far beyond the scoreboard.

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⚡ Subscribe for more interviews with local football legends and community leaders.

Written by Jeric Yurkanin

Bigger Than a Game: Why August 9th Matters

Autism affects millions of kids and adults across the world — and right here in our own communities. People with autism often see the world differently, and while they may face unique challenges, they also carry incredible gifts. Many shine in sports, music, art, or academics — in ways that can’t be taught in a classroom.

Different doesn’t mean less. Different means strong, resilient, and extraordinary. If everyone were the same, life would be boring. Our differences are what move the world forward. That’s why this Autism Awareness Game matters: it’s a chance to celebrate what makes us unique and to remind the world that every person deserves love, respect, and opportunity.

But this game is also about shattering old narratives — the ones that said girls can’t compete. The ones that told kids and adults with autism they’re “different.” The same kind of lies that once said people with different skin colors couldn’t rise to the same level as the whites — as the men. Too many still believe it — especially in parts of America’s religious culture, where girls are too often treated as “less than.”

Here’s the truth: that thinking is not only outdated — it’s wrong. Every person, no matter their gender, ability, or background, is made in the Creator’s image. Every person deserves love, respect, and opportunity.

This game is personal for me. From 2016 to 2023, I had the privilege of running a men’s slow-pitch softball team in the NEPA Church League. Over those 8 years, we reached three league championships, won one in 2022, and made three other semifinal runs. I loved every second of leading a team that believed in something bigger than themselves.

But this past spring gave me a new passion: covering high school girls’ softball. And wow — it blew me away. Some of the very best players in Pennsylvania were right here in NEPA. Tough. Smart. Fearless. Watching them play reminded me of Jackie Robinson’s story — and Branch Rickey’s courage to say “why not?” when the world said “don’t.” That kind of leadership changed history. I have a plaque up on my wall of Jackie Robinson signing his contract with Branch Rickey next to him. Both believed everyone was created by God and believed in something bigger than themselves, racism, and fighting against the cultural norms. Mr.Rickey also believed in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself, all laws of prophets hung on that Bible says. Mr.Rickey also believed in both of those Jesus sayings and Mr Rickey set the example by his actions. And he showed it and displayed it. He changed history. He did what was different, necessary and unexpected. He changed everything. Both i consider some of my historical heroes.

After a few parents reached out to me, I decided to take on a challenge: have the girls play against the boys. And I decided to lead the girls’ team.

Why not?

Why not try to accomplish the least expected? Why not push back against what parts of American culture and parts of the religious culture still think is impossible?

For too long, people have said girls can’t compete on the same level. That autism makes someone “different” in a way that means “less.” That labels and stereotypes define who we are.

But I don’t buy it. And neither do these girls.

On August 9th, we’re stepping onto that field not just to play a game — but to prove a point. To show that limits are meant to be broken, that differences are meant to be celebrated, and that everyone — no matter their gender, ability, or background — is made in the Creator’s image.

This isn’t just about softball. It’s about respect. It’s about equality. It’s about showing the world what’s possible when you take on the challenge everyone else thinks can’t be won.

Next Saturday, August 9th, I’ll have the honor of leading some of those very girls in our Autism Awareness Slow-Pitch Softball Game. And here’s the twist: they’ll be going up against the boys.

Most people assume the boys are stronger, faster, harder hitters. But I know better. This girls’ team is skilled. They’re determined. They’re tougher than many of the guys I’ve coached — even on my championship teams. The sports app I tested predicts we’ll lose Game 1, then win Games 2 and 3. And I believe it — because these girls don’t stay down. They fight back.

This game is bigger than softball. It’s about showing the world that labels don’t define us. That girls can compete with guys — and succeed. That autism doesn’t mean less — it means different, gifted, and worthy of love.

On August 9th, the girls won’t just be playing softball. They’ll be stepping onto that field as equals — to prove what’s possible when you refuse to accept limits, when you believe in who you are, and when you know you were created for more.

Because here’s the truth: we are all equal. Every one of us is made in the Creator’s image. And on that day, we won’t just play for a win — we’ll play for respect, for equality, for inclusion, and for the belief that different doesn’t mean less — it means strong.

And sometimes, the team no one expects to win is the one that shocks everybody. Whether we win or lose, it’s all about having fun and playing for something bigger than us!

LET’S GO GIRLS — LET’S WIN THIS SERIES! 🥎💙

.

Friday, I officially wrap up Year 1 of our podcast journey.

Starting this Friday, I’ll be taking a 3-week mental health break—stepping away from posting and podcast work until August 15th.

It’s been an incredible first year filled with growth, stories, and community, but it’s time to recharge, reset, and come back refreshed for Year 2. Thank you all for the continued support—I truly appreciate it See you soon. 💙

But first, Let’s share some of my favorite moments in the 2024 and 2025 high school sports season. 

One thing about my podcast organization—it all started because of my long-time passion for sports. 2002 Coming out of high school, it was a dream of mine to go to college and become a journalist. I loved writing and how it gave people a voice to express themselves. One of my biggest inspirations was Donnie Collins from the Scranton Times. I admired his writing style—how he made each story feel real, personal, and creative. After reading his work, I felt like I was right there at the game.

JERIC’S Lackawanna Sports WebSite (2000-2005)

Back in 2001, I created a free sports website through League Lineup. I would go to games, cover them, and write articles. It was a different time—no social media, no modern tech. I kept at it until 2005. I tried college in 2003 but never graduated, so I went into the workforce. It wasn’t until 2023 that I started a podcast on a completely different topic. But in May 2024, I thought—why not start a sports podcast? The rest is history.

Year One in the Books:

So here we are—my first full year as a podcast sports journalist—and what a rollercoaster it’s been! Our area saw some incredible achievements: Valley View and Holy Cross boys basketball teams both made the state semifinals. In softball, Mid Valley reached the 3A state semifinals, and Valley View brought home the 4A state championship. The Riverside Vikings football team also reached the state semis. NEPA sports was alive and thriving.

To be honest, football season was a blur. It was my first time covering sports since 2003, and I was new to interviews, was still dealing with nerves and anxiety. It took months to find my footing. It wasn’t really until softball and baseball season that I found my comfort zone—sports I’ve been more connected to. I’ve ran a men’s slow-pitch softball team since 2016 and helped coach or manage that program to multiple league championships and semifinal runs. I built a team culture and system that worked—and that experience gave me the foundation to cover spring sports with confidence.

Basketball Season Memories:

Basketball was another learning experience, but a few players stood out. Valley View’s Beyon McClean was a force—dominant in the paint, physical on defense, and capable of driving the lane with power. His teammate, Nick Kucharski, may not have led in points, but his hustle, grit, and defense made him the kind of player every championship team needs. I told him back in December, “You might not lead in scoring, but your defense is going to matter in the playoffs.” And sure enough, it did. Valley View won their first District 2 title since 1997 and made state semifinal game.

Another one, Scranton Prep’s Ambrose Rossi also stood out—6’5”, 250 lbs, and a force in both football and basketball. He was a beast in the paint and a leader on the field.

🏆 2024 Honors & Hardware:

• Offensive Hookey Reap Award Winner

• Defensive Hookey Reap Award Runner-Up

• All-Region – Offense & Defense

• 2024 Team Captain

• 3× District 2 Champion

• LFC Division I Champion

In girls basketball, the standouts I got to watch were Valley View’s Cora Castellani, Dunmore’s Sophia Talutto, and Mid Valley’s Krista Cortazar—tough, gritty defenders and true leaders on the court. As someone who loves defense, they were a joy to watch.

Spring Sports and Unforgettable Moments

But the highlight of the year—without question—was Valley View’s softball state championship. That feeling was surreal. I came home from work (I do 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shifts), got to the couch just in time for the 1:30 p.m. first pitch. What a moment. To witness that, to write about it, and to interview the athletes who made it happen—it’s something I’ll never forget.

Thank you, Valley View softball team and community. You made me feel like I was part of the family. When things got overwhelming—juggling work, podcast duties, and life—it was your encouragement and support that kept me motivated.

This was personal. I’ve followed high school sports since I was 9, but I had never personally known someone who won a PIAA state title—until now. To be there on the field after the game with my son, celebrating at the school—it meant the world. The game of softball has always held special meaning for me, and this season, it meant more than ever.

Other Games That Stuck With Me

One of the most intense games I witnessed was the Dunmore vs. Riverside District 2 baseball championship. Dunmore hadn’t won a title in nearly 30 years. Riverside was cruising through the first six innings, dominating with pitching. But Dunmore came storming back with four runs in the 7th inning—an unforgettable comeback and one of the most electric atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. The Dunmore community was amazing all season.

Another game that stood out was the Holy Cross vs. Mid Valley league softball championship. The hype matched the atmosphere. I arrived an hour early—by first pitch, there wasn’t even standing room left. Holy Cross led most of the game, and I had already started prepping postgame questions. But Mid Valley tied it in the 7th—and the game went 10 innings before Holy Cross pulled out the win. One of the best softball games I’ve ever seen live.

The Holy Cross and Mid Valley softball communities were incredibly supportive and kind. That encouragement goes a long way. We’re all human, and I believe in the importance of community, friendship, and support systems. We need healthy relationships and connections—and I’ve found that through sports more than anywhere else.

Looking Ahead: Year 2 Begins

And with that, I officially wrap up Year 1 of my podcast sports organization. In just a few weeks, we begin our 2025–2026 campaign—and I couldn’t be more excited.

I fully expect Valley View softball to return as a strong contender for both district and state championships. And I look forward to covering more amazing athletes, telling more unforgettable stories, and building even deeper connections in the NEPA sports world.

Let’s keep it going. Year 2—let’s ride.

🎉 Agape Freedom Sports -“Athlete of the Year” • Kalli Karwowski

Meet Kalli Karwowski, a powerhouse shortstop from Valley View High School in Archbald, PA — and your 2025 Athlete of the Year!

🏆 Career Highlights

• 3× All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honoree

• Helped lead Valley View to its 3rd State Championship in the past 25 years

• Named Class 4A PIAA All-State Player of the Year as a senior

• Ranked Top 3 in PA and #257 nationally in key offensive stats

• Final season stats:

• .566 batting average

• .611 on-base percentage

• 47 hits, 37 RBIs, 45 runs in just 24 games

⚾ Journey & Achievements

• Began playing softball at age 4 and quickly grew into a standout shortstop

• Led the Cougars to multiple league titles, a District 4A championship, and deep playoff runs

🎓 Collegiate Commitment

• Signed with Penn State University, joining the Nittany Lions for the 2025–26 season

• Ranked #45 nationally in the Extra Elite 100 Class of 2025

• #5 overall in the Northeast Region

🌟 About Kalli

Disciplined. Competitive. Humble. A leader and a mentor to young girls in the Valley View sports community. Kalli is more than just a ballplayer—she’s a 2nd-degree black belt, a National Honor Society member, and a true student of the game. She leads with grit, character, and a relentless drive to succeed. Penn State got a good one!

🎥 Watch now and see why Kalli Karwowski is the definition of a team-first leader, a dominant athlete, and a role model on and off the field.

🧢Lackawanna “East” Team –
Head Coach: Jeric Yurkanin
Assistant Coaches: William Sandly and Eugene Gallagher

🥎 Boys Roster:

• Jake Reese – North Pocono
• Kaden Coyne – Dallas
• Zach Cwalinski – Valley View
• Aiden Mills – Valley View
• Bobby Hoban – Dunmore
• Mason Stets – Dunmore
• Anthony Yerka – Dunmore

🥎 Girls Roster:

• Ava Hazelton – Mid Valley
• Parker Bennett – Mid Valley
• Abby Mackey – Mid Valley
• Mackenzie Adolfson – Mid Valley
• Kamri Naniewicz – Lakeland
• Olivia Cunningham – Lakeland
• Hannah Chipego – Lake-Lehman
• Kate Reynolds – Riverside
• Clara Sandly – Riverside
• Chloe Mendicino – Holy Cross
• Addie Smith – Riverside

———————

Autism Awareness Game Roster Lackawanna East.
🟥 Lackawanna “West” Roster

LACKAWANNA “WEST” ROSTER – RED TEAM
Head Coach: Jason Munley

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🥎 BOYS TEAM

1. Derek Shemanski – Nanticoke
2. Jordan Andino – Valley View
3. Jonathan Greenburg – Valley View
4. Timmy Ulkoski – Valley View
5. Frankie Pero – Old Forge
6. Peyton Toth – Wallenpaupack*
7. Nicholas Janosky – Lakeland
8. Freddy Ceccacci – Holy Cross
9. AJ Piestrak – Holy Cross
10. Ty Sokoloski – Lakeland
11. Tyler Musso – Holy Cross

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🥎 GIRLS TEAM

1. Riley Arzie – Lakeland
2. Payton Laytos – Lackawanna Trail
3. Kyleah Edwards – Riverside
4. Caitlin Lewis – Riverside
5. Katie Genovese – Holy Redeemer
6. Lucy Ritzco – Valley View
7. Rachel Walsh – Dunmore
8. Lilly Smith – Valley View

🆕 NEW FORMAT ANNOUNCEMENT:

💙 AUTISM AWARENESS CO-ED SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL GAME.

Hosted by Agape Freedom Sports

📅 Saturday, August 9th
⏰ 4:00 PM – First Pitch
📍 Jessup Youth Association Field
(1 Moosic Lake Rd, Jessup, PA 18434)

⸻——-

🎉 IMPORTANT UPDATE: NOW A CO-ED GAME!

We’re bringing the boys and girls together for a fun, inclusive, and community-centered day of softball!

⸻———

⚾ GAME FORMAT:
• 3 Total Games.

• Games 1 & 2: 5 Innings or 1-Hour Time Limit.

• Game 3 – The Finale: 5 Innings, No Time Limit.

⸻———

📋 BASIC GAME RULES (Safety First):

• No stealing, leading, or sliding — automatic out if violated.

• Pitching must follow slow-pitch underhand arc (6 to 12 feet)

• Each team must have at least 5 boys and 5 girls on the field at all times.

• All teams must bat a minimum of 12 players •. Foot leaves base only once the ball makes contact with the bat.

⸻——-

🕐 EVENT SCHEDULE:
• 2:00 PM – Player Check-In
• 2:15 PM – Blue Team Photo
• 2:25 PM – Red Team Photo

• 2:25–2:50 PM – Blue Team: Infield/Outfield | Red Team: Stretch.

• 2:50–3:15 PM – Red Team: Infield/Outfield | Blue Team: Stretch.

• 3:20–3:50PM – Player Take Break.

• 3:30PM – Special Message by Jeric Yurkanin (10 to 15 minutes)

• 4:00 PM – Game 1 First Pitch

⸻——-

🥎 GAME SCHEDULE:

Game 1:

• 5 Innings or 1-Hour Time Limit
• 15-Minute Break to Follow

Game 2:

• New Lineups / New Players
• 5 Innings or 1-Hour Time Limit
• 15-Minute Break to Follow

Game 3 – The Finale:

• 5 Innings, No Time Limit
• No Run Limit per Inning
• Any player may be in the lineup

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🏅 CLOSING CEREMONY AWARDS:
• Series MVP – One Boy & One Girl
• Agape Freedom Team Spirit Award

⸻

🔁 ROTATIONS & PLAYING TIME:

• Coaches will manage fair playing time and team rotations.

⸻

Let’s make this an unforgettable day of unity, awareness, and great softball! 🧢💙 Come support the cause and cheer on these amazing young athletes!

🎯 Whether it’s a birthday, a big matchup, or just because — make their moment even more memorable.

👇 Choose your game & package today! 🔥 SPECIAL FALL OFFER: All Personal Shoutout Packages are 20% OFF for a limited time until August 15!!!

🎙️ Make Someone’s Game Day Unforgettable!
Do you know a player who deserves a special shoutout? A birthday coming up in September, October or November? A big milestone on the field?

We’re now offering personal shoutouts through Agape Freedom Sports — featured in our game highlight videos, postgame interviews, and our Weekly Hail-Mary Football Show!

🔥 Packages starting at just $15!
From birthday wishes to clutch-game celebrations, we’ve got you covered.

✅ Add a message to our highlight reels
✅ Get featured on our podcast
✅ Social media recognition
✅ even poster posted top of our page of our game recap article (Gold Package)

⸻

📦 LIMITED FALL PACKAGES AVAILABLE!
Text or email to reserve your shoutout today:
📱 Jeric Yurkanin – 570-677-0353
📧 AgapeFreedomSports@yahoo.com

Let’s celebrate our athletes the right way — with love, hype, and community support. 💪💙

Basketball brilliance. Soccer grit. Championship mindset.

Sophia Talutto is the definition of a multi-sport leader whose legacy continues to grow in Dunmore.

A 1,000-point scorer, two-time Basketball Player of the Year, and all-league soccer midfielder, Sophia capped off her senior year with the one thing every athlete dreams of—a state championship. Whether it’s setting the tempo on the basketball court or controlling possession on the soccer pitch, Sophia’s intensity, poise, and leadership elevate everyone around her.

But stats only tell part of the story.

What makes Sophia special is her heart. She’s a competitor in every sense, yet grounded by humility, discipline, and an unmatched work ethic. She balances the pressure of dual varsity sports with the demands of the classroom—always setting an example for what it means to be a student-athlete.

She’s inspired the next generation of Lady Bucks—and made her mark as one of Dunmore’s all-time greats.

Congrats to Sophia Talutto, our #2 Athlete of the Year

Meet Kristi Cortazar: a two‐sport dynamo from Mid Valley High School in Throop, PA, ranked #3 on the Athlete of the Year list! Her elite athleticism, relentless drive, and leadership shine on both the diamond and the court.

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🔥 Softball Standout:

• Position: Versatile infielder and was key run‑producer for Mid Valley’s Class 3A softball team. 

• Big Moments: Helped power the Spartans to supremacy and help her team to eastern semifinals this past year. 

• Recent Spotlight: Delivered a clutch sac‑fly in the PIAA state playoffs, igniting Mid Valley’s offensive charge. 

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🏀 Basketball Impact: 

• Court Role: Guard #23 for Mid Valley’s girls basketball, known for tenacious defense and savvy ball handling

• Accolades: Named to the Lackawanna League Division 2 Coaches’ All‑Star team. 

• Defensive Prowess: Highlight reel includes multiple energy‑sparking steals and lockdown defense  

💡 Why Kristi Inspires: 

Kristi Cortazar is the embodiment of a modern, dual-sport high school standout—combining athleticism, grit, and performance under pressure. With game‑changing plays in both softball and basketball, she energizes every lineup she joins. Her #3 ranking is no surprise—it’s earned, on and off the field.

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👉 Don’t miss her highlight reel—hit Like & Subscribe to follow Kristi’s journey through playoff pushes, all-star seasons, and beyond!

Meet Kristi Cortazar: a two‐sport dynamo from Mid Valley High School in Throop, PA, ranked #3 on the Athlete of the Year list! Her elite athleticism, relentless drive, and leadership shine on both the diamond and the court.

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🔥 Softball Standout:

• Position: Versatile infielder and was key run‑producer for Mid Valley’s Class 3A softball team. 

• Big Moments: Helped power the Spartans to supremacy and help her team to eastern semifinals this past year. 

• Recent Spotlight: Delivered a clutch sac‑fly in the PIAA state playoffs, igniting Mid Valley’s offensive charge. 

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🏀 Basketball Impact:

• Court Role: Guard #23 for Mid Valley’s girls basketball, known for tenacious defense and savvy ball handling

• Accolades: Named to the Lackawanna League Division 2 Coaches’ All‑Star team. 

• Defensive Prowess: Highlight reel includes multiple energy‑sparking steals and lockdown defense  

💡 Why Kristi Inspires:

Kristi Cortazar is the embodiment of a modern, dual-sport high school standout—combining athleticism, grit, and performance under pressure. With game‑changing plays in both softball and basketball, she energizes every lineup she joins. Her #3 ranking is no surprise—it’s earned, on and off the field.

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👉 Don’t miss her highlight reel—hit Like & Subscribe to follow Kristi’s journey through playoff pushes, all-star seasons, and beyond!

Get hyped—Tommy Fiorelli, the multi-sport powerhouse out of Valley View High School, earns the #4 Athlete of the Year title! From bulldozing on the line to dominating shot put circles, Tommy’s earned his stripes.

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🏈 Football Dominance:

• Position: Offensive Tackle / Defensive Line (#68)

• Accolades: Named to league’s 2nd Team Offensive Tackle; earned LTC All‑Region honors
• A linchpin of the offensive front, praised by coaches for intelligence and relentless offseason improvement

💡 Why Tommy Inspires

Tommy is the ideal blueprint of a complete athlete—size, speed, skill, and scholarship. Tagged “one of the best linemen in the league” by coaches, his relentless drive spills over into the shot put circle, where he’s equally dominant. Whether on the gridiron or on the field, he brings heart & hustle.

Get ready to meet one of Pennsylvania’s brightest softball stars—Mia Galella, the dynamic #5 Athlete of the Year! From crushing home runs to overcoming setbacks, Mia’s story is a testament to talent, toughness, and heart.

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🔥 Quick Stats & Highlights

• Position: First Baseman — powerhouse on offense and anchor on defense

• High School: Holy Cross High School, Dunmore, PA – Varsity starter since freshman year

• Class: 2025

• Batting Average: .618, On‑Base %: .705, Slugging: 1.265 – top 3 in Division A, top 11 in PA, top 319 nationally

• Power Numbers: Over 70 career home runs; routinely launches balls 275–300 ft

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🏆 Accolades & Recognition:

• Class 1A State Player of the Year – a three-time honoree at the state level

• High School Player of the Week: NA Sports Nation, with monster performances like 5 hits and 2 homers in a single week

• High-ranking Recruit: Facted as a Top 25 national recruit and Extra Elite 100 power hitter

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🏋️‍♀️ Beyond the Diamond:

• Comeback Story: Rebounded from a torn UCL, had successful surgery, and is determined to inspire others.

• College Commitment: Pledged to Boston College—bringing big-game power and leadership to the Eagles. Look for her to make an immediate impact!

Mia Galella:

One of the most dominant hitters in the area, Mia Galella capped off her senior season at Holy Cross with video game numbers. Over 23 games, Galella posted an eye-popping .618 batting average with 42 hits, 27 RBIs, and 41 runs scored. Her .705 on-base percentage made her nearly impossible to keep off the basepaths, and she added 17 walks to just 8 strikeouts on the season. Galella’s plate discipline and power presence were unmatched, helping to lead Holy Cross deep into postseason play. Her leadership and consistency at the plate made her a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ success and one of the most feared bats in the Lackawanna League.

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Follow her journey—from tearing up high school softball to making waves at Boston College. 💚

👍 If you love underdog stories, big hits, and incredible comebacks, hit Like & Subscribe to cheer on Mia Galella, our #5 Athlete of the Year!

This fall, Eugene will be covering high school football games across the region—and that’s just the beginning.

Eugene Gallagher will also be as a Co-Host of our Hail-Mary Football Show alongside Daniel Bohenek and Jeric Yurkanin!

Eugene brings a wealth of experience and football knowledge to the table—both as a former standout athlete and as a highly respected coach in the Lackawanna League. From setting records at Riverside to developing future stars on the sidelines, Eugene’s passion for sports and leadership is unmatched.

📅 He’ll also be joining our coverage team for:
🏀 Winter Basketball
⚾ Spring Baseball & Softball

With his deep roots in local athletics and dedication to spotlighting student-athletes, Eugene is a perfect fit for Agape Freedom Sports as we continue growing our year-round coverage.

Give him a warm welcome and get ready for an exciting season ahead! 💪🔥

Eugene Gallagher Sports Resume! Impressive! We are looking excited to have him part of our podcast team!

Coming in at #6 on our Top 10 Athletes of the Year, Matt Lyons is the true definition of a clutch, all-around competitor.

A two-sport standout at Holy Cross, Matt played a vital role in leading the Crusaders to back-to-back state semifinal appearances and a trip to the 2024 PIAA State Championship Game. On the hardwood, he reached the incredible milestone of 1,000 career points — a testament to his consistency, leadership, and ability to rise to the moment.

A two-sport standout at Holy Cross, Matt played a vital role in leading the Crusaders to back-to-back state semifinal appearances and a trip to the 2024 PIAA State Championship Game. On the hardwood, he reached the incredible milestone of 1,000 career points — a testament to his consistency, leadership, and ability to rise to the moment.

🎯 What sets Matt apart?
✔️ 3-year varsity starter in basketball
✔️ Reliable presence in the Crusaders’ baseball lineup
✔️ Calm under pressure and fierce in competition
✔️ Known for his work ethic and coachability
✔️ A key leader in one of NEPA’s most respected programs

From basketball playoff magic to key baseball hits, Matt Lyons delivered when it mattered most — and that’s why he earns a spot among the very best athletes in our area for 2025.

By Jeric Yurkanin | July 13, 2025

Big-time players show up in big-time moments.

And Taylor Cawley didn’t just show up—she owned the biggest stage in Pennsylvania high school softball. With ice in her veins and fire in her arm, she helped bring a state championship back to Valley View, capping off a dominant senior season in unforgettable fashion. That performance alone earns her a well-deserved spot in our Top 10 Athletes of the Year.

Her Next Stop: Binghamton University, where she’ll continue her softball journey at the Division I level!

But the way she dominated in the championship game? That made her unforgettable.

In her final high school appearance, Cawley tossed a two-hit shutout, struck out 13, walked none, and pitched with zero fear, leading Valley View to a 6–0 win over District 3 champion Kennard-Dale. She didn’t just pitch her heart out—she put a stamp on one of the greatest seasons in Cougar history.

We’d call it legendary.

Taylor Cawley didn’t just pitch well—she dominated like a veteran with nothing to lose and everything to prove.

Final Pitching Line (Senior Season)

• ERA – 0.72 (Top 10 in PA)

• Record – 15-0 (Undefeated)

• IP – 87

• Strikeouts – 144

• Opponent Batting Avg – .147

She was Valley View’s ace, their anchor, their automatic. When she was in the circle, victory wasn’t just possible—it was expected.

Power at the Plate

Oh, and don’t sleep on the bat.

While mowing down hitters from the mound, Taylor was also launching missiles at the plate.

Final Hitting Stats:

• AVG – .513

• HR – 14 (4th in PA)

• RBI – 49 (2nd in PA)

A pitcher who can do that with the bat? That’s rare air. And Cawley did it night after night—all season long.

Golden Finish, Forever Legacy:

With this championship, Valley View secured its third state title (2000, 2013, 2025). But this one felt different.

This one was about poise under pressure.

Leadership in the dugout.

And a senior who refused to leave anything on the field.

From strikeouts to bombs, Taylor Cawley did it all—and she did it when it mattered most.

Now? Her name is etched in Valley View softball history—maybe even at the very top.

Why She’s #7 on Our List?

This wasn’t just a great season. It was a championship-sealing, history-making, all-time kind of year.

Taylor Cawley didn’t just wear the uniform—she embodied it.

Toughness. Grit. Greatness.

A Cougar through and through.

A true gamer. A true champion. A true legend.

Congratulations, Taylor—your story now lives forever in Pennsylvania softball history.

By Jeric Yurkanin | July 12, 2025 | Agape Freedom Sports

Some athletes make their mark on just one side of the ball. Others shine in a single sport. But Scranton Prep’s Ambrose Rossi made his impact everywhere.

A two-way force on the football field and a key presence on the basketball court, Rossi earns the #8 spot on our Agape Freedom Sports Athletes of the Year list for his dominance as both an offensive and defensive lineman — and as one of the top defenders in Lackawanna League Division I basketball.

🏉 Trench Warrior – Offense and Defense:

At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Rossi anchored a Scranton Prep offensive line that cleared the way for 3,211 rushing yards and an offense that averaged 331.5 total yards per game. A dependable pass blocker, he gave quarterback Louis Paris the protection needed to rack up nearly 3,600 career passing yards.

But Rossi didn’t just protect the backfield — he attacked it.

As a defensive end, he recorded 57 tackles and 2.5 sacks, earning First-Team All-Region recognition on both sides of the ball. His versatility, strength, and relentless motor helped Prep capture the Lackawanna Football Conference Division I title and the District 2 Class 3A Championship, advancing all the way to the PIAA state quarterfinals and finishing 12–2 on the season.

🏀 Defensive Anchor on the Court

On the hardwood, Rossi was just as tough. Named to the Lackawanna League Division I Coaches’ All-Defensive Team, he was a physical, high-IQ presence for Scranton Prep. While not always the leading scorer, he impacted games with hustle, positioning, communication, and toughness.

He was the kind of player every coach wants — someone who defends the paint, dives for loose balls, and elevates the team.

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🏀 🏉 💥 True Two-Sport Toughness:

In an era when athletes often specialize in one sport, Ambrose Rossi proved that greatness can span multiple arenas. A rare two-way starter in football and a defensive leader in basketball, he combined grit, stamina, and leadership in every season.

Throughout the 2024–2025 sports year, Rossi was one of those athletes you look forward to watching. Whether it was leveling a lineman, blowing up a run play, or locking down on the court, he did it with intensity and heart. He was one of the most dominant defenders in the area — and one of the most entertaining to watch. I really enjoyed watching him play. He was a fierce competitor!

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Legacy:

Ambrose Rossi leaves behind a decorated resume at Scranton Prep:

🏈 2× First-Team All-Region Football selection 💥 57 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a senior 🧱 Anchor on an offensive line that gained 3,200+ rushing yards 🏀 All-Defensive Team pick in basketball 🏆 District 2 football championship and deep PIAA playoff run

Whether crashing through the line or crashing the boards, Rossi played with fire — and always left everything on the field and court.

That’s why he’s your #8 Athlete of the Year.

By Jeric Yurkanin | July 11, 2025 | Agape Freedom Sports

Few athletes in Pennsylvania can say they rewrote a school’s record books in one sport and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in another — but Abington Heights junior Nick Bradley did both.

A two-sport phenom, Bradley earns the #9 spot on our Agape Freedom Sports “Athletes of the Year” list for his outstanding accomplishments as both quarterback and pitcher, showcasing elite leadership, competitive drive, and next-level production every time he stepped on the field.

On the Gridiron: Abington’s All-Time QB:

Bradley led the Comets to their first District 2 Class 5A championship since 2016, guiding them to an 8–4 season and a PIAA playoff appearance. He didn’t just manage games — he owned them. The junior threw for 2,076 yards and 26 touchdowns, while adding 371 rushing yards and 8 more scores on the ground.

And he’s not done yet.

With one more year to go, Bradley has the chance to pile up even more yards and potentially lead Abington Heights to back-to-back District 2 titles. There hasn’t been a quarterback like Nick at Abington in decades — not since the days of Chris Kelly in the late 1990s, when the Comets were a regional powerhouse. Bradley has already shattered Kelly’s career passing yardage record, adding to his growing legend.

Career Totals (so far):
• 4,491 passing yards
• 52 total touchdowns
• Two-time All-Region selection
• School record-holder in passing yards and touchdowns

With big-time weapons like Shawn Theodore and Gavin Anders, Bradley helped the Comets average over 30 points per game during a five-game win streak that led to the district title. But his greatest value isn’t just on the stat sheet — it’s the poise, leadership, and confidence he brings to the huddle.

⚾ On the Diamond: Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year:

If the fall belonged to Bradley, the spring confirmed his status as one of the state’s elite athletes. The Auburn University baseball commit was named the 2025 Gatorade Pennsylvania Baseball Player of the Year, joining an elite list that includes Mike Mussina and Neil Walker.

2025 Baseball Season Stats:
• 7–1 pitching record
• 0.72 ERA, 92 strikeouts
• .493 batting average (35-for-71)
• 7 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs
• 32 RBIs, 20 runs scored

Bradley helped lead Abington Heights to a 17–5 record and a trip to the District 2 Class 5A final. And he did it while maintaining a 94.4 GPA, volunteering as a youth baseball instructor, and giving back through football team community initiatives.

Legacy Still Building:

Still just a junior, Nick Bradley already owns one of the most decorated athletic resumes in Abington Heights history. A fierce competitor with a humble, team-first mindset, Bradley’s rare blend of intelligence, toughness, and leadership made him an easy Top 10 pick on this year’s list.

Whether it’s firing a touchdown pass under pressure or striking out a cleanup hitter with the game on the line — Nick Bradley delivers.

And his senior year? It might be the most legendary chapter yet — solidifying his place as one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of Abington Heights.

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports

In a region steeped in hard-nosed competition and athletic pride, few athletes stood taller in 2024–25 than Dunmore’s Tommy Clark.

A three-sport athlete. A school record-holder. An All-American. And now, one of Agape Freedom Sports’ Top 10 Athletes of the Year.

⚽ The Midfield Maestro:

Clark was the heartbeat of Dunmore’s boys soccer program the last few years, and his impact went beyond just one standout season. he graduated as Dunmore’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing a mark that stood for decades.

A three-time All-Region selection, Clark’s senior year was his best yet. His skill, vision, and leadership earned him the honor of Scranton Times Division II MVP, while also capturing the attention of college programs.

Committed to Lafayette:

In a decision that highlighted both his athletic ability and academic promise, Clark officially committed to play NCAA Division I soccer at Lafayette College. The Leopards compete in the Patriot League and have built a reputation for developing talent with strong discipline and technical prowess — a perfect fit for Clark’s game.

“It’s just a good mix of everything I was looking for,” Clark said in an interview with The Times-Tribune. “The team atmosphere, the culture, the coaching staff — it felt like the right place.”

His resume backs it up: a proven goal scorer, high-IQ midfielder, and relentless competitor who never takes a play off.

🇺🇸 All-American Selection:

Clark’s senior year accolades reached national levels. In November, he was selected as one of just 40 players nationwide to compete in the prestigious High School All-American Game, becoming the only representative from eastern Pennsylvania.

He trained with and competed against top players from across the country — an experience that sharpened his confidence and confirmed what Dunmore already knew: Tommy Clark is among the best.

🏃‍♂️ Track & Field Standout

In the spring, Clark showcased his elite speed and athleticism on the track, running a blistering 23.71 seconds in the 200-meter dash during district prelims. His ability to excel in multiple sports only adds to his legacy as one of the most complete athletes Dunmore has seen.

Lasting Legacy:

Tommy Clark leaves Dunmore as a record-setter, All-American, multi-sport leader, and the definition of a student-athlete. Quiet in demeanor but fierce in competition, he carried himself with humility, work ethic, and focus from day one.

Whether slicing through defenders on the soccer pitch or sprinting down the track, Clark gave his school and community something to cheer for — and something to be proud of.

As he steps onto the field at Lafayette, the message is clear: Tommy Clark is far from finished — he’s just getting started.

June 28, 2025

Friday night was one of those games you don’t forget.

Two youth all-star teams. Ages 9 to 11. Two proud Scranton programs — South vs. West. Two sides of the same city, colliding on a chilly mountain night up at Aston Field in Moscow, PA. These kids didn’t just show up — they showed heart, hustle, and a fire to win.

I brought my wife and our 6-year-old son along. Her nephew was playing for South Scranton. Before we left, she told me to pack extra clothes for Micah — sweatshirt, pants, the whole deal. I said, “He’ll be fine.”

We pulled up to the field, wind cutting through the air like October baseball. I got out of the car, shivered, and gave her that look. She smiled. “Told you so.” Yeah… sometimes wives just know better. It was a good game we went too.

This game had everything — clutch hits, lead changes, emotion, and elite-level effort from both dugouts. But like in all great games, only one team walks off with the W.

West Scranton 9/10 All Stars did just that — storming back from an early deficit and launching a fourth-inning rally that turned the tide in a back-and-forth showdown, pulling off a 10-7 victory that had the whole field buzzing.

South Scranton wasted no time getting on the board. Dakarai Walters smashed a triple, and Jackson Kane’s groundout made it 2-0. By the third, South had built a 4-2 lead thanks to a rope double from Julian Peters and a clean RBI single by Aali Muhammad.

But West Scranton didn’t panic. They responded like a seasoned squad — patient, focused, and ready to attack.

Trailing 4-2, West Scranton erupted.

Zach Nealon sparked it with a single. Then Christian Cook stepped in and delivered an RBI knock — the kid was cooking. Vallon McNamara showed patience and drew a walk. Dallas Sostre moved runners with a smart out. And then came the flood.

Maylen Haffner lined one into right. Jojo Jaworski went down the left field line. Darian Martes punched one up the middle. Hit after hit. Run after run. West turned a two-run hole into an 8-4 lead, and the dugout was rocking.

It wasn’t just power — it was pressure. Baseball the West Scranton way.

K.J. Abram was electric — 3-for-3 with speed to burn, stealing multiple bases and setting the tone. Zach Nealon chipped in a 2-for-2 night with big swings, and Liam O’Hora came up clutch with two RBIs, including a sixth-inning double that gave West a late cushion they wouldn’t give back.

West finished with 11 hits and 7 stolen bags — full throttle on the base paths all night.

Christian Cook got the start and powered through 3.1 innings, striking out five while navigating traffic on the bases. He gave up seven hits and five runs but kept West in the game.

Jack Schalk came in from the pen and closed the door when it mattered, keeping South off the board when the game was tightest.

Defensively, West locked in late. Martes and Nealon made key throws, and the team stayed composed under pressure.

South didn’t back down. Aali Muhammad had a standout game — multiple hits, two stolen bases, and constant pressure on the base paths. Dakarai Walters and Conrad O’Connor drove in runs, while Jaxon McLane collected two hits of his own.

Alex Novoa quietly had one of the smartest games of the night — walking twice, staying disciplined, and giving his team chances. In big-time games, getting on base is everything — and Novoa did exactly that.

This one had it all. Energy. Emotion. Execution. Two well-coached, motivated teams — and one game to decide it all.

West Scranton walked away with the win, but both sides walked off the field with pride. If the West side continues to bring this kind of effort — scrappy, fearless, and together — they won’t just win games.

They’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

“Coal Region to Greencastle-Antrim: How Mark DeCarli’s Roots Shaped a Title Run”

By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | 6/12/25

There’s an old saying: “Leaders are born, not made.” But perhaps the opposite is more true. Leadership is often a product of the people and culture that shape you—molded not just by natural talent, but by the examples set before you.

Take Valley View graduate and standout athlete Mark DeCarli—now the current Greencastle-Antrim softball head coach in District 5 in the south-central Pennsylvania area. He became the head coach in 2013 and remained since then.

His leadership journey didn’t begin in a huddle or on the court—it began at home, in a household where influence and integrity were modeled daily. His father, Anthony DeCarli, wasn’t just a presence in the Valley View community; he was a pillar. A longtime principal at the high school, Anthony’s steady leadership left a lasting impression on students, faculty, and of course, his son.

In 1988, Anthony DeCarli was elected president of the Lackawanna Interscholastic Athletic Association—a testament to the respect he commanded across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He was a leader’s leader, trusted to guide one of the region’s most important athletic bodies.

It’s no surprise, then, that Mark grew up immersed in that environment of purpose and service. The impact of his father’s leadership wasn’t just seen—it was felt. Through discipline, example, and quiet strength, Mark learned what it meant to lead long before he ever wore a jersey or held a clipboard.

It wasn’t surprising that he would follow a similar path as his father. It wasn’t just that which made him who he is today or taught him how to become an impactful leader—it was having the right people in his life.

He first got a taste of coaching in his early 20s, in the 1990s, where he learned some of the most important qualities in the coaching field.

“I credit Joe Ferguson for that opportunity. It taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, and attention to detail at a higher level. Most importantly, I learned that coaches who build relationships and truly care about their players make the biggest difference. That’s the kind of coach I strive to be,” said Mark DeCarli.

He continued, “There will be failure in softball and life. It is how you deal with failure. If you let failure defeat you, then you can’t move forward. Learn from failure, turn it into positivity, and then you can accomplish success and not look back asking, ‘What if?’”

“Coaching is about much more than wins and losses—it’s about building relationships, teaching life lessons, and helping young people grow. Be patient, stay humble, and never stop learning. Focus on communication, consistency, and setting a good example. And most importantly, remember why you started: to make a difference.”

Mark’s coaching roots go back to high school, where he had some great leaders in his life. He would watch them closely and observe every word and the way they talked to their student-athletes. His parents—and longtime Valley View head football coach Frank Pazzaglia, who surpassed the 300-win mark in his career—really helped shape Mark into the coach he is today.

“They always encouraged me to go after my dreams. Also, Coach Frank Pazzaglia—even though I coach softball—playing football for him taught me a lot of life lessons and what true competitive nature is all about,” said Mark.

Today, Mark DeCarli stands not just as a former athlete, but as a mentor to young people. His leadership style is rooted in legacy, in culture, and in something more powerful than a title: impact.

On Friday, Mark’s team will play in the Pennsylvania 5A State Softball Championship against Penn-Trafford at 4 p.m. This is the first time since 2009 that Greencastle-Antrim will play in the state championship. In 2009, they were guided by a different head coach.

This story is not uncommon. Time and time again, whether in coaching or community service, we see the influence of leaders passed on to the next generation. Fathers, mothers, mentors—they plant seeds. Sometimes those seeds bloom into future principals, educators, or coaches. Other times, they blossom into leaders in their own right, uniquely equipped to serve because they were once served.

But Mark’s deep roots started at Valley View—the yellow, the blue, and the white. The Cougar community helped shape Mark into the type of coach and person he is today.

“Having a great support system—family and friends—I know I can always reach out to someone back home if needed. It was just a close community. I do miss home, but at the time, I had to do what I felt was best for me and my family,” said DeCarli.

Mark still often thinks about those roots and misses the home-cooked meals and restaurants in the Valley—that’s the nickname for the Jessup, Archbald, and Peckville area. He misses pizza joints like Andy’s Pizza, which has been around since the 1950s.

“I miss my family—the big gatherings—my friends, homemade pasta, the meats, and the pizza!”

But to Mark, he will be forever thankful for once being part of the Valley View community and for the coaching lessons he learned from his mentors, which he now uses every day to help his softball players succeed—both academically and as student-athletes.

As Valley View’s softball team also plays in the state championship this year, it’s a special time for both Mark’s Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils and his hometown Valley View Cougars.

“I always follow Valley View sports every season. To see the Valley View softball team in the state finals puts a smile on my face. Makes me proud to be a Valley View alum. You can take the kid out of the coal region, but you can never take the coal region out of the kid.”

Mark never forgot where he started—his roots, and the coal region in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Written by: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports |

Some dreams never come true. Some never even begin. But others? They start small—just a flicker in the heart of a child—and with vision, work, and belief, they grow.

For some, dreaming begins young. Like my son, who’s about to start first grade at Valley View. He’s already planning out his future—wants to live on Church Street in Jessup, obsessed with the Race of the Saints, flipping through YouTube videos of the event on repeat. He tells me he wants to be a college football player at Clemson. He’s six. It’s just a dream, right? But sometimes… that’s where everything begins.

Let’s go back.

Two girls. Two dreams. Kalli Karwowski and Taylor Cawley.

Kalli was just six or seven when she watched Valley View celebrate a state championship. She stood on the curb, fire trucks blaring, fans screaming, a sea of blue, yellow and white in the streets. She looked up at her dad with a confident smile and said, “Dad, I’ll do that one day.”

It was just a dream.
But dreams paired with belief and work? That’s where the magic happens.

Since that moment, Kalli’s life became preparation for Thursday, play in the high school state championship game. Travel ball tournaments. Endless road trips with her parents. Late-night throwing sessions in the backyard. All of it—step by step—building toward something bigger.

Taylor’s dream began in 2013. She was six, sitting in the stands as Valley View took the field for another state championship. She watched the Lady Cougars dominate, scoring four runs in the first inning and winning 5–0. She didn’t know all the details, couldn’t grasp the magnitude at the time, but she felt it—the energy, the pride, the joy. She watched the players, studied their movements, and locked in on their smiles.

She also had stories. Her aunt, Brittany, was part of Valley View’s first state title in 2000. It wasn’t just a program. It was a legacy.

“When I was a kid, I went to see Valley View win the state championship in 2013. Ever since then, it has been a goal of mine,” said Taylor Cawley.

“As a little girl, I was always connected to the Valley View softball program,” said shortstop Kalli Karwowski. “I went to all the camps and watched the older girls play, dreaming of being in their shoes one day. To now have the chance to play for a state championship, wearing the same uniform as the players I once looked up to, feels surreal. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for so long—and to live it out with my team and for my community means everything.”

Some people say a dream is just a dream. But sometimes, it becomes more.

Kalli never imagined that her final high school softball game would take place on the very field where her college career will begin—at Penn State. She’ll be wearing navy blue and white next season for the Nittany Lions, carrying the same pride she wore in blue, yellow, and white as a Cougar.

“To end my high school career at the same place I’ll be starting my college journey in just a few months is a full-circle moment I never would’ve imagined,” Karwowski said. “All the hard work, sacrifices, and setbacks led to this. Getting to live it surrounded by the people who’ve believed in me from the start is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Not every dream in sports comes true. But sometimes—with the right coaching, the right mentors, the right belief—they do. Just like they did for Kalli and Taylor.

And Thursday, at that state championship game, somewhere in the stands, there will be a 6- or 7-year-old girl wearing Valley View colors. She’ll be watching wide-eyed, soaking in the energy, not quite understanding everything—but feeling it. Watching Kalli, bound for Penn State. Watching Taylor, heading to Binghamton. Watching her heroes.

She’ll go home and dream of being just like them. Of wearing the Cougar uniform. Of walking that same field, playing with that same pride. Because in Valley View, softball runs deep—it’s in the DNA.

And it all starts with just a dream.

So dream.
Dream big.

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | 6/11/25

Great programs don’t start under stadium lights or in front of packed crowds. They begin in the quiet corners of small towns—on fields where fundamentals are taught, confidence is built, and young girls first fall in love with the game. For Valley View, that beginning traces back to the early 2000s with the launch of the youth girls’ Carbino Club softball program.

In 2002, longtime community member Ron Collarini helped lay the foundation for what would become a pipeline of talent feeding into the Valley View High School softball program. His passion for teaching and competition didn’t just spark a youth league—it sparked a culture. His daughter, Mia Collarini Wascura, was among the first wave of players to benefit.

Mia, now the head coach of Valley View’s varsity softball team, learned early what it meant to compete. Playing under her father in the Carbino Club, she wasn’t just learning how to swing a bat—she was learning how to fight, how to believe, and how to lead.

“A coach’s job isn’t to teach student-athletes how to win, but how to compete,” longtime Holy Cross coach Joe Ross once said. That mindset was evident in Mia from the start—and it’s a legacy she now passes on to the next generation of Cougars.

A 2007 Valley View graduate, Mia was part of the program’s early years of success. After high school, she continued her playing career at the University of Scranton, where she made a major impact before transitioning into coaching. She was eventually named head coach of her alma mater, leading the Royals for eight seasons and becoming one of the most successful coaches in university history.

Her coaching journey later included a two-year stop at Lakeland, but in 2022, the story came full circle when she returned home to lead the Valley View program she once proudly played for.

At the helm of this championship-caliber team is Coach Wascura—a name now synonymous with leadership and success. With nearly 15 years of coaching experience, including 11 standout seasons at the collegiate level, she’s brought a culture of excellence back to her hometown roots.

“Coaching for so long has given me the opportunity to reflect on so many things,” she said. “Most importantly, I’ve learned to adapt with change. I believe adaptability helps students not only in games but in life.”

Her passion for the game is matched by her belief in chemistry and cohesion.

“Team dynamic is extremely important,” she added. “You can have individual players who are fantastic, but if we don’t put in the work together as a team, it just won’t work. Everyone on this team wants success for each other.”

Wascura’s coaching philosophy is shaped by past experiences—particularly the unforgettable 2019 Landmark Conference title run at Scranton.

“That run can be simply said as—we faced challenges, we stumbled, we learned, we adapted, we rose to the opportunity, and we won. We never gave up. We always believed.”

Now in her third year leading Valley View, she’s brought that same belief and championship DNA to a program steeped in tradition—and hungry for one more banner.

When asked what separates a good athlete from a great one, Wascura doesn’t hesitate.

“Consistency, mental toughness, a growth mindset, and being team-oriented,” she said. “Unselfishness is key. The best athletes are not just talented—they’re driven, coachable, and lift up everyone around them.

🥎 The Leadership Core: Zoie Krupovich’s Growth and Grit 🥎

As Valley View’s softball program marches toward a possible state championship, junior leader Zoie Krupovich stands as a living example of resilience, growth, and the unbreakable bond of team culture.

Krupovich, a trusted veteran on and off the field, has faced her share of challenges this season. But it’s the lessons behind the box score that have shaped her into more than just a dependable player—they’ve forged a leader.

“This season has taught me that not every day will be a success for every player,” Krupovich said. “I struggled at the plate in the beginning because I was in my own head. But there are days where just being an upbeat, reliable teammate can significantly impact the outcome of most games. I try to keep everyone upbeat and zeroed in.”

Her self-awareness and positivity have become contagious throughout the Cougars’ dugout. But it wasn’t just a mindset shift that convinced Krupovich this team could be special—it was how they bounced back when it mattered most.

“The moment I realized we had the potential to win the championship was our response in the second North Pocono game,” she said. “After a disappointing loss in the first game, we knew we had to one-up our previous performance or risk surrendering our chances at the comeback.”

That comeback mindset has become a trademark of this year’s squad—gritty, determined, and deeply united. And with Valley View on the brink of its first state title since 2013, the historical weight of the opportunity isn’t lost on Krupovich.

“Securing another title after 12 years would not only alter our entire high school experience but also create a lifelong memory,” she said. “This group’s relentless work ethic ensures that every accomplishment is well-deserved. To bring home another title would be indescribable—one that can only be truly understood by those who are present.”

🥎 Future Looks Bright: Two Cougars Selected for USA Softball All-American Games 🥎

Two of Valley View’s brightest young softball stars are about to showcase their talents on one of the sport’s most prestigious national stages.

Sofia Esterline and Ella Helcoski have been selected to represent Region 1 in the 2025 USA Softball 12U All-American Games, set for August 7–10 in Oklahoma City, the home of USA Softball.

Only 360 athletes nationwide were chosen for the event, which brings together the top 12U players in the country. Region 1—which includes all of the Northeast (PA, NY, NJ, and New England)—will send just 45 players, divided into three teams: Freedom, Stripes, and Stars.

Together, Esterline and Helcoski represent the future of Valley View’s softball tradition—a future that is already making noise on the national scene.

🥎 Freshman Phenomenon: Hallett Rising 🥎

Valley View’s present is just as exciting as its future. Freshman Maggie Hallett has quickly made a name for herself in the Cougars’ starting lineup. Currently holding the fifth-highest batting average on the team at .373, she’s also fifth in hits and has launched four home runs this season.

Her performance is impressive—but it’s her perspective and poise that truly stand out.

“I never really thought I was going to play in a state championship this early on, but it is a very exciting opportunity for me,” Hallett said. “We have a great group of girls. It means so much that I get to play with all of the seniors one more time. It’s about making great memories with them and the rest of my teammates—whatever the outcome.”

Hallett credits the team’s success to a rare level of chemistry and selflessness.

“The thing that makes this team special is that we all put in the work—during practice and after. We have each other’s backs. No one has to carry the team alone. Everyone contributes,” she added. “Our chemistry allows us to be compatible and perform well. Everyone’s always trying to get better and be the best teammate they can be.”

🥎 A Tradition That’s Here to Stay 🥎

As Valley View prepares for its biggest game of the season, one thing is certain: the Cougars aren’t just chasing a title—they’re chasing a legacy. From the Carbino Club fields to the championship stage, the program’s roots run deep—and its future burns even brighter.

Valley View softball isn’t going anywhere. With a strong foundation, dedicated leadership, and a wave of rising talent, don’t be surprised if they’re right back in the state championship conversation again in the coming years.

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports |Staff Writer May 31, 2025

WILKES-BARRE, PA — Zoe Pecuch doesn’t just play for wins. She plays for something deeper. She plays for legacy. She plays for love. She plays for “PA”

If you’ve ever been to a Holy Redeemer softball game, you’ve likely seen him — the quiet man near the dugout, notepad in hand, glasses slipping down his nose, scribbling between pitches. That’s her grandfather. And to Zoe, he’s everything.

On a brisk playoff afternoon, Her PA was locked in as always — tallying runs, tracking base runners, watching the game unfold like a coach with a deeper connection. But by the fourth inning, Elk Lake had taken a 3-0 lead. Zoe was 0-for-3. And Pa’s posture said it all — tense shoulders, furrowed brow, pen paused.

I leaned over and said, “It’s softball — one big inning, and everything flips. Just watch.”

And then, like it was scripted, it happened.

In the fifth, Redeemer punched back. In the sixth, they pulled ahead. And in the seventh — with the season hanging in the balance — it was Zoe’s turn. Two runners on. Game on the line. Pressure thick. And Zoe? Calm. Fierce. Ready.
Crack.
A rocket into left.
Two runs score.
Ballgame.
Redemption complete.

Pa didn’t cheer. He didn’t shout. He just smiled — soft, full, healing. The kind of smile that carries memories and says everything without saying a word.

It’s been a year since he lost his beloved wife — Zoe’s grandmother. He hasn’t missed a game since. Not one. He’s not just a stat-keeper. He’s a memory-keeper. A living legacy. A quiet presence reminding Zoe — and all of us — that love, like softball, endures through the seasons.

I get it. I lost my mom to cancer in 2018. My dad, heartbroken after 50 years of marriage, passed away less than two years later. Grief is heavy. It lingers. But what remains are the stories, the moments, the way they made us feel.

“He texts me before every game. He cheers like crazy. He’s my biggest fan,” Zoe says, lighting up.

But “biggest fan” doesn’t even scratch the surface. Pa watches like a coach, loves like a grandfather, and lives like a legend. Someday, Zoe will pass down these stories to her kids — how their great-grandfather never missed a game, never stopped believing, never stopped showing up.

Not every athlete gets that. Zoe is one of the lucky ones. She knows it. And I felt it, too.

I wasn’t that lucky. Three of my grandparents passed before I turned eight. My grandmother lived into my high school years, but she didn’t care for sports. I never had a “Pa” in the stands.

But Zoe does. And that matters.

What she’s building isn’t just stats — it’s legacy. A connection between past and present, between pain and purpose, between family and the game. And that’s what makes Zoe Pecuch more than a standout player.

That’s what makes her unforgettable.

But Zoe keeps moving keeps working hard and doesn’t quit working and learning and improving her game.

🥎🔥 THE ENGINE THAT DOESN’T QUIT 🥎🏆

When Zoe Pecuch steps into the batter’s box, she brings calm confidence and laser focus. She’s not just another bat in the order — she’s the sparkplug. The anchor. The engine.

This year? That engine’s been running red-hot.
She’s torching pitchers with a .581 batting average and a jaw-dropping .658 on-base percentage. Her presence at the plate has changed games, flipped narratives, and carried Holy Redeemer through big moments.

“Every at-bat, I step up expecting to hit,” she said. “I want to put the ball in play and help us win.”

And win they have — often because of her.

🏅 1st in Wyoming Valley in batting average, OBP, RBI, and runs.
🔥 Within Top 20 in Pennsylvania AA for every major offensive category
💪 .903 slugging percentage — showing not just contact, but power.

But none of it came easy.

“My travel coach has been my hitting instructor since I was 10,” Zoe said. “He taught me everything. And I’ve worked hard in the gym all offseason to get stronger.”
That work is paying off — in box scores and banners.
The Cycle, the Shift, and the Championship
Every athlete has a moment where they shift from contributor to leader.

For Zoe, that moment came with the rarest of achievements — hitting for the cycle.

“After that game against Hanover, I felt it,” she said. “I was becoming a leader.”

It wasn’t just about the bat — it was her voice, her poise, her presence.

And when Holy Redeemer finally lifted the District 2 title after three straight years of heartbreak? Zoe soaked it all in.

“That was the best moment ever,” she said, eyes lighting up. “So happy. We finally did it.”

🥎 BUILT THROUGH BATTLES🥎

Zoe doesn’t just rely on high school ball. She grinds year-round with the Impact Panthers, a travel team that plays nearly 100 games a year.

“Travel ball prepares you for everything,” she said. “It’s a huge reason for my success.”

Her summer is already booked — travel tournaments, gym sessions, and a senior season she’s already laser-focused on.

2026 Goals:

• 100 career hits
• All-State honors
• Another District Championship

“But it’s never just about me,” she said. “Team always comes first. I want to grow, but I want us to win together.”

🥎 FAMILY FIRST, LEGACY IN MOTION🥎

At the heart of Zoe’s fire is family.

Athleticism runs in her blood — her parents, cousins, and relatives all competed. But Zoe? She’s forging her own legacy, step by step, swing by swing.

And she’s not just an elite player — she’s a teammate’s dream.

“I want coaches to know I’m all-in,” she said. “I give 100% every time. I celebrate my teammates. I just want us all to succeed.”

Off the Field?

She’s still competitive — just in different ways. Whether she’s tanning, hanging with friends, or pushing herself in workouts, Zoe finds joy in the grind and the downtime.

🥎 A MESSAGE TO THE FUTURE ROYALS🥎

“Get stronger. Stay active. Eat right. Don’t give up. Know your worth — and never let anyone shake your confidence.” Said Zoe.

Zoe Pecuch isn’t just a rising star. She’s the heartbeat of a program, a leader built on grit and love, and a reminder that softball is more than a game — it’s a story that connects generations and storing up memories.

And she’s just getting started.

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports |Staff Writer

SCRANTON, PA — On a damp and electric night at the University of Scranton, softball fans packed the bleachers early, anticipating a high-stakes battle between two of the Lackawanna League’s finest: the Mid Valley Spartanettes and the Holy Cross Crusaders.

The weathermen had predicted more rain around 8 p.m., threatening delays or chaos. But instead, the skies cleared, and the sun broke through—setting the stage for a picture-perfect night of championship softball. As the field dried under golden light, the atmosphere shifted from cautious to electric.

But this wasn’t just a rivalry rubber match—this was the Lackawanna League Championship Game.

Both teams entered the diamond with nearly flawless resumes. Mid Valley came in at 18–2, with their only blemishes coming at the hands of state-ranked 4A powerhouse Tunkhannock in a 1–0 heartbreaker and, more recently, the Crusaders themselves in a thriller just ten days prior. That May 5 contest ended in walk-off fashion, thanks to a two-run single off the bat of Holy Cross sophomore Jules Galella—a birthday moment for the ages.

The first meeting of the season saw Mid Valley emerge victorious, 4–2. This was round three—with the title on the line.

The spotlight didn’t just draw hometown fans—it attracted softball enthusiasts from across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bleachers were dotted with spectators from rival districts, coaches, and players from other top teams across District 2, all eager to witness the area’s premier pitching duel: Mid Valley’s Ava Hazleton vs. Holy Cross’s Ava Schmidt. Two elite arms. One massive stage.

By first pitch, fans had surrounded the entire fence line. Nearly every inch of viewing space was claimed—standing room only. It wasn’t just a game. It was the game.

Early Tension and Big-Time Plays:

In the top of the 2nd, Holy Cross slugger Peyton Graboske ignited the crowd with a towering solo home run to put the Crusaders up 1–0. As “Let’s go 99!” chants echoed through the Holy Cross section, their ace Ava Schmidt continued to silence Mid Valley’s powerful bats.

Mid Valley answered with pressure in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases behind Ava Hazleton and Jordan Carroll. But Schmidt and the Crusaders held firm.

In the 3rd, Schmidt crushed a ball to deep center that looked gone off the bat—but Carroll had other plans. She raced back and leaped at the wall, robbing Schmidt of extra bases with a sensational catch that left jaws dropped and cameras flashing. Mid Valley’s defense held strong, and both teams continued showcasing elite fundamentals—no errors through three.

The Fireworks Begin: 6th to 10th Inning:

In the top of the 6th, the Crusaders added insurance. After a walk from Graboske, first baseman Mia Galella blasted a homer to dead center, sending the Holy Cross dugout into a frenzy and giving them a 2–0 lead.

But Mid Valley had no intentions of letting the night end quietly.

In the bottom of the 7th, they loaded the bases behind bunt singles from Ava Mackey and Jordan Carroll. A walk brought in a run, and then—chaos. A wild pitch allowed Carroll to score the tying run. Just like that, the game was knotted at 2–2, and we were heading to extras.

“I definitely wasn’t throwing my best pitches tonight,” Schmidt admitted. “I knew I had to take one pitch at a time and couldn’t get frustrated because it wouldn’t have helped us anyway. So I just tried to stay focused on the next pitch and throw strikes.”

The 8th and 9th innings became a clinic in clutch pitching and defensive grit. Hazleton and Schmidt continued to trade zeroes, and every pitch felt like a pressure cooker. Fans held their breath on every contact.

Then came the 10th—and the Crusaders broke through.

Julia Galella singled, a walk followed, and Caleigh Helring ripped a clutch RBI single to give Holy Cross the lead. Then Graboske came through again—this time with a two-run double to left. Jules Galella added one more with an RBI single, capping a five-run outburst that had the Crusaders up 7–2.

“I was just looking for my pitch and trying not to get too stressed in such an intense game, especially with so many people there,” said Graboske, who delivered in the biggest moments.

“It felt so great,” Schmidt added. “It definitely was a lot more tense when the game was really close, and when we got those runs it really helped us feel better.”

Still, Mid Valley wasn’t finished.

In the bottom of the 10th, Mackey drove in a run, and Carroll smashed a two-RBI triple to slice the lead to 7–5. With tension peaking, Holy Cross secured the final out on a sharp line drive to shortstop—ending the game and sealing a championship win that will be remembered for years.

A Game for the Ages:

From jaw-dropping defensive plays to home-run heroics, from extra-inning drama to a packed house of die-hards, this game was more than a league championship.

It was a reminder of why we love sports. It was heart. It was rivalry. It was softball at its absolute finest.

And it was a dogfight—one that pushed past 10 p.m. as both teams battled deeper into the night. The air grew damper with each inning, moisture clinging to uniforms, bats, and even my clipboard tablet I felt the moisture on. It was damp.

Late in the game, during one of the most intense stretches, a fan tried to rally her team by shouting, “It’s peanut butter and jelly time!”—bringing laughter and light-hearted energy to an otherwise pressure-packed atmosphere.

The stands remained full into extra innings, with fans shoulder to shoulder through the 8th and 9th. Only midway through the 10th did a few spectators begin to trickle out, unable to withstand the emotional rollercoaster—or the late hour—any longer.

But for those who stayed, they witnessed something unforgettable.

For Holy Cross, it was a crown earned through grit, resilience, and timely firepower. For Mid Valley, it was a performance packed with heart, hustle, and never-quit attitude.

“It feels great to win the league championship tonight,” said Graboske. “We worked really hard for this game, and I’m happy we performed the way we were expected to.”

And for everyone in attendance, it was something greater than a game.

It was a memory.
It was a moment.
It was—a game for the ages.

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer

TAYLOR, PA — Some players take years to find their rhythm at the varsity level. Kate Reynolds needed just one season.

The Riverside freshman has burst onto the scene with the poise of a senior and the production of a star. A .429 batting average. Six home runs. Thirty-one RBIs in just 19 games. Reynolds isn’t just playing varsity softball—she’s owning it.

Ranked 55th in Pennsylvania for RBIs and 73rd for home runs, she sits in the top 8 for Division AA across the state and is among the top 15 in batting average.

In Lackawanna League Division 3, she’s second in both RBIs and home runs—phenomenal marks for any player, let alone a 9th grader.

And she’s done it all while helping lead a young Riverside Varsity Lady Vikes squad (9–11 overall) through a season marked by growth, grit, and resilience.

Kate’s journey didn’t start with varsity softball. She began her career as an athlete during her T-Ball days—and it’s a decision her parents are grateful they made.

“I was introduced to softball at the age of 5 years old (this is why I wear my #5),” Kate explained. “During my first year of travel ball, I developed a negative mindset that really affected my ability to play. During that time, my parents encouraged me to keep going—and I’ve never looked back since.”

That early lesson in perseverance laid the foundation for the athlete—and the person—she is today.

Faith First, Always:

In today’s sports culture, some athletes shy away from openly sharing their faith. But not Kate Reynolds.

She embraces it. Lives it. Leads with it.

“I have always been a true believer in my faith,” she said. “I have never once doubted my Savior while playing the sport I love. Softball is a game of success and failure—there is no in-between. I am a believer that God will support me in my best days and worst days. God gives me the strength to be happy in the victories and pick myself up in times of defeat.”

Whether she’s hammering home runs or making tough throws across the diamond, her mindset is anchored in Christ. Kate’s faith is rooted in loving her neighbor, helping those in need, and serving her community—just like her Savior, Jesus.

In the Bible, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). That’s how Kate plays—with love, kindness, and integrity. Her teammates and even her opponents can feel it. She plays with purpose and treats others with respect—on the diamond and in daily life.

She’s not just a player. She’s a representative.

She’s one of a kind. And she knows exactly who she plays for.

A Program Built on Mental Strength:

Riverside’s rise this season isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset. The coaching staff, led by Coach Kate, has worked hard to build a culture of focus and mental toughness.

“One of the big things Riverside focuses on is having a strong mental mindset,” Reynolds said. “Coach Kate and the rest of our coaching staff have developed a ‘so what, what’s next?’ mentality in our brains, which helps us remain focused and calm during high-pressure situations.”

That mantra has become a core part of Kate’s own routine—and a pillar of the program’s identity.

Rising to the Moment:

“This season has meant so much to me as a person and an athlete,” Reynolds reflected. “If I had to describe it in three words, I’d say ‘adjusting to change.’ New team. New coaching staff. New competition. But with change comes growth—and I’ve grown into a new version of myself.”

“Since I am only a freshman, I don’t have many memories yet with my team,” she added. “But if I could pick out one thing I am most proud of from this season, it would be beating Old Forge after a previous run-rule loss and keeping the trophy at Riverside for another year.”

“During this season, I have overcome tough losses, an early season slump, and anxiety at the plate,” she shared. “I’ve learned to breathe, reset, and trust God through it all.”

Poised Under Pressure:

At third base, Reynolds anchors the infield. In 62 total chances, she’s recorded 17 assists and 39 putouts with a .903 fielding percentage. Her play at the hot corner mirrors her presence at the plate—confident, steady, and mature beyond her years.

Even opponents recognize her impact.

“Competing against Kate Reynolds on the field is definitely a challenge because of the energy she brings to the plate,” said Lakeland sophomore Kamri Naniewicz. “Kate has built a strong reputation for only being a freshman. My teammates and I approach every game against her ready to adjust on the field and be ready for every at-bat.”

“One thing I respect about Kate’s game is her ability to pull through for her team every at-bat,” Kamri added. “She stays calm during intense moments and gets the job done.”

Beyond the Diamond: A Heart to Serve:

Kate’s talents don’t stop on the field. This summer, she’ll be part of the prestigious Geisinger Junior Volunteer Program, a competitive healthcare internship accepting only a handful of students out of over 500 applicants. Her essay, interview, and recommendations stood out.

She’ll spend eight weeks completing 40 service hours and 16 educational hours at Geisinger Wyoming Valley—evidence that her desire to make a difference goes far beyond chalk lines and dugouts.

She’s community-minded, service-driven, and mission-focused. Whether volunteering at a hospital or helping a teammate through a slump, Kate lives to lift others up.

“I want to be remembered not just as a softball player,” she said. “I want to be known for how I treat people—for volunteering, for spreading kindness and faith. If even one person turns to God because of me—that’s the real win.”

Built by Faith. Backed by Family. Focused on the Future:

Kate credits her parents, coaches, teammates, and best friend for helping her stay grounded.

Her personal mantra—“So what? What’s next?”—keeps her centered in the face of adversity.

“When I feel overwhelmed, I take a breath, break it all down, and remind myself of the bigger picture,” she said.

With three seasons still ahead of her, Kate Reynolds is already building a legacy defined by more than stats. It’s marked by faith, humility, community, and an unmistakable fire.

She’s not just one of the top freshmen in District 2—she’s one of the most inspiring young freshman softball players Lackawanna Conference has seen in years.

And Riverside is proud to call her their own.

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer

DUNMORE — Under a cloudless sky and the warmth of the spring sun, the Holy Cross Lady Crusaders brought the heat Monday afternoon, blanking the Dunmore Lady Bucks 8-0 in a commanding road victory at Dunmore High School.

The spark? That came from sophomore Jules Galella, who crushed a towering three-run homer over the left-field fence in the third inning to give Holy Cross an early 3-0 lead. The fire? Her older sister, senior Mia Galella, added the exclamation point with a solo shot to dead center in the sixth.

It was as if the sisters had a family meeting and decided: Let’s handle business.

As a former NEPA church slow-pitch softball coach from 2016 to 2023, I had a motto: “We do our talking with our bats.” On Monday, the Galella sisters did just that—and then some.

Mia Galella turned in a flawless 4-for-4 performance at the plate, with a home run, three singles, three runs scored, and an RBI. When asked what’s been working for her at the plate, Mia said, “Honestly, just going up there and doing what I know I can do. I clear my mind and keep out doubt—what I’ve been doing for the past eight years of my softball career.”

But Mia isn’t just producing at the plate—she’s stepping up as a leader. “One of my biggest roles is just trying to lead our team and get the team going, especially addressing aggressive base running,” she said. “It makes more adrenaline, so it keeps our spirit and hype going on the team.”

Jules finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs, setting the tone early with her clutch blast. “I was looking for strikes and looking for my pitch to swing at,” she said. “When I got it, I just attacked.” She also contributed defensively with confidence and control. “I’ve been just playing my game and looking at pitches to swing at, and I know I have a strong arm, so I just field like I normally do,” she added.

When reflecting on the win, Jules emphasized the urgency and team mindset. “It felt really good. We knew our team needed to win this game to play on Thursday against Mid Valley for the conference championship,” she said. “We knew we all needed to have an impact tonight.”

Holy Cross Head Coach Joe Ross had high praise for both sisters after their standout performances:
“Well obviously, Mia’s a wrecking machine. When you see her hit, she’s a different type of player—she just drives the ball constantly and pounds it,” Ross said. “Jules is starting to come into her own. When she’s fully engaged and puts the barrel on the ball—as you saw today with the homerun and line drive—she can be very aggressive in the strike zone. She crushed that line drive to right-center to score two runs, which was just as big as the homerun. It just keeps the pressure on the other team.”

Ross also reflected on the team’s culture and approach:

“One of the things we’ve always talked about is the main thing in our softball program—and that is team,” he said. “Mia and Jules are starting to buy into that philosophy. They go out and understand there’s something bigger than themselves, and they have a chance to represent what has been one of the most quality programs in the Lackawanna League and District 2. We’re fortunate to play in the division we’re in and face the teams we do. It allows us to compete every single day.”

He added that plate discipline played a big role:

“I think our message has been constant through the years: get quality at-bats and not beat ourselves,” Ross said. “We have the tendency to get on our front foot with that pitch mix—you’re getting thrown off with changeups. Dunmore’s pitcher Rachel Walsh can give us a little bit of fits. But we have a really disciplined and patient team at the plate.”

Together, the Galella connection is quickly becoming one of the most feared duos in District 2 Class A softball.

On the mound, Ava Schmidt was in complete control. The Crusaders’ ace spun a two-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts and no walks—one of her most dominant outings of the season. She even helped her own cause with a triple at the plate.

Peyton Graboske had a productive day, reaching base three times with two singles and a hit-by-pitch. Lila Kolcharno and Chloe Mendicino each added a hit, rounding out an 11-hit attack for Holy Cross.

Defensively, the Crusaders were locked in, recording their 10th shutout of the season. Dunmore managed just two singles—one each by Rachel Walsh and Kylee Farr—and committed two costly errors. Walsh pitched a complete game for the Lady Bucks, allowing eight earned runs and striking out two.

With the postseason looming, Holy Cross appears to be peaking at just the right time—firing on all cylinders at the plate, on the mound, and in the field.

When asked how they plan to keep the momentum rolling into playoffs, Mia kept it simple: “Nothing different, nothing special. We’re just going to play our game and stay focused.”

Off camera, I asked Mia and Jules if they enjoyed playing together. They looked at each other, smiled, and hugged before answering in unison: “Yes, we love it.”

That’s family. And come playoff time, this family isn’t one to mess with.

Expect Holy Cross to make some serious noise on the eastern side of the bracket—and expect the Galella sisters to keep talking loud and clear with their bats.

Just like family should.

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Some athletes are born into the game. Others are built by it. Payton Laytos is both.

The Lackawanna Trail sophomore shortstop has quickly emerged as one of the fiercest competitors in District 2 — a powerful hitter, vocal leader, and driven student-athlete with a maturity far beyond her years.

In the 2025 season, Laytos is batting .400, with 20 hits, 17 RBIs, 19 runs scored, and 2 home runs, including a grand slam against Blue Ridge. Her .524 on-base percentage and .620 slugging percentage tell the story of a complete hitter — but her impact goes far beyond the box score.

On April 17, in a 19–9 win over Blue Ridge, Laytos delivered a statement performance — going 4-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs. The highlight? A no-doubt grand slam to center field in the fourth inning, part of a seven-run outburst that helped the Lions take full control of the game.

“A particular moment in this season that meant a lot to me was hitting my first grand slam against Blue Ridge.” Said Laytos.

On May 12, she delivered one of the season’s most defining moments — singling home the tying run and scoring the game-winner in a dramatic 4–3 walk-off victory over Susquehanna.

That clutch DNA? It runs in the family.

Daughter Like Her Father:

Payton is the daughter of Ed Laytos, one of the most dynamic football players in Lackawanna Trail history. A two-way Suburban All-Star in the early 1980s, Ed rushed for over 1,050 yards his senior season, including a 214-yard, two-touchdown performance against Wallenpaupack that sealed third place in the conference.

He was named WEJL Athlete of the Week, and earned respect across the region for his grit, versatility, and leadership — the same qualities his daughter now carries to the diamond.

It should come as no surprise.

The Leader of Today’s Lions:

Whether she’s ripping a liner to left or firing a strike across the infield, Payton Laytos plays with a blend of intensity and confidence that’s rare at any level.

“When I step into the batter’s box, I clear my mind and transform any pressure into confidence,” Laytos said. “I aim for base hits — and every once in a while, a home run will come.”

Earlier this season, she went 3-for-3 in a blowout win over Mountain View. But she’s made her biggest mark in the clutch — none bigger than her 7th-inning heroics against Susquehanna.

Year-Round Training and Relentless Discipline
Laytos trains year-round with the Lackawanna Lightning travel team and in August 2024, she worked with Coach Grant at 7 Deadly Spins Fastpitch in Wilkes-Barre during specialized velocity training — part of her commitment to improving arm strength and mechanics.

At 6’0″, 130 lbs., with a 70 mph throwing velocity, she’s an athletic force at shortstop and also sharpens her skills behind the plate as a secondary catcher. She’s drawn 13 walks to just 6 strikeouts, showcasing her advanced plate discipline and mental poise.

She also plays goalkeeper on the varsity field hockey team, and is a member of the National Honor Society, where her commitment to academics remains strong.

“Balancing academics and athletics is definitely not easy, especially during the spring time when you’re juggling school softball, and travel softball. Some weeks I have no days off of softball, but that is no excuse to not make time for studying, and homework. Being a member of the National Honors Society has gave me extra motivation towards making sure I put school first.”

Trail Toughness and Legacy Mindset:

“Wearing the Lackawanna Trail jersey means to me that everything I do is to represent my school,”. Said Payton. This program has allowed me to find my voice on the field, even outside of this team, because I am not afraid to be myself around my peers.”

Just like her father — an athlete, all-star, and the embodiment of hard work — Payton is continuing the family tradition with excellence. And though only a sophomore, she’s already playing with the poise of a senior. Trail is lucky to have her — and Ed Laytos no doubt beams with pride as the Laytos legacy leaves its mark once again.

“Individually, my goal for next season is to continue leading the team in hits,” she said. “As for my team, it would be amazing for us to capture a district title, and I have total faith that we could.”

Team-minded. Team-first. And always focused on what’s best for the group.

Beyond the Field:

Away from the game, Payton finds balance in pickleball with friends and playing the harmonica, a peaceful outlet that helps her reset and recharge.

Her advice to younger athletes?

“Don’t let others discourage you,” she said. “You have to get back up when you’re knocked down. Keep that mentality — and don’t let anyone block your goals.”

From Ed to Payton, the Laytos name continues to stand for heart, hustle, and Lion pride. And with two seasons still ahead of her, Payton Laytos is only just getting started. In a few years, don’t be surprised when you hear the name Payton Laytos making noise at the college softball level — a skilled, hardworking, and naturally gifted athlete destined for big things.

Written By: Daniel Bohenek | Staff Writer

• Agape Freedom Sports

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Kirsten Finarelli, a senior standout at Lake-Lehman High has made a name for herself both on the softball field and in the classroom. Finarelli has committed to Penn State University, where she plans to study biobehavioral health. Her ultimate goal is becoming an orthopedic physician assistant.
Finarelli’s athletic achievements are as impressive as they come. She posted a .597 batting average and a .971 fielding percentage during her high school career — statistics that place her among the best in Lehman softball history.

Outside of games, Finarelli is constantly training, whether it’s in the weight room or on the field.

Her dedication stems from a deep support system that includes her coaches, family and teammates.

“Coach Nikki has been my coach since little league — she is practically my second mother,” Finarelli said. “Coaches Kim, Scott, Emily, Dan and Joe, along with my club coaches, have done so much for me other these last few years and this past season. My trainer Jessie Williams has made me so much stronger and my hitting coach, Dennis Smeding keeps my head space in the right place.

She also credits her family for playing a crucial role in her upbringing.

“My parents and my brother have always been in my corner,” she said. “They’ve supported me through good games and bad. My brother, who plays Division I baseball at Monmouth University, is my biggest role model. I started playing because of him.”

Finarelli’s work ethic is unlike any other. She recalls some days where she attended both travel and high school practices, still finding time at the end of the day to complete batting practice with her father.

“There were times where I did not want to do anything but still got up to do it because I knew I had to if I ever want to be the best,” she said.

As a catcher, Finarelli takes pride in managing the game and calming her pitchers.

“One of the best aspects of my position is controlling the game and keeping the pitcher calm,” she said.
Finarelli has tons of memories with the Lake Lehman Knights, but one sticks out above the rest.

“My favorite memory is when they accidentally played ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ instead of the national anthem before a game,”she said.

When asked about why someone should attend Lake Lehman high school, Finarelli elaborated on why you don’t have to be an incredible athlete to be a Knight.
Lehman takes academics seriously. Lake Lehman is a school that puts students first and has an incredible community of teachers who support their students.
She encourages younger athletes to enjoy the game and never take a moment for granted.

“Play like it’s your last game, every game,” she said.
For students considering Lake-Lehman softball, Finarelli offershigh praise for the program.

“We have an amazing softball program and incredible coacheswho care,” she said.

At the next level, Finarelli believes that her hitting skills will help her excel most.

As she prepares for her future at Penn State, Finarelli remains grateful.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without all my coaches, teammates and family,” she said.

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer | May 17, 2025

ARCHBALD, PA — Behind every elite athlete lies a story of doubt, determination, and dreams fulfilled. For Valley View’s standout shortstop Kalli Karwowski, that story is rooted in resilience—a journey from quiet frustration to national recognition and a commitment to Power 5 softball at Penn State.

“I didn’t get the calls or messages I had hoped for, and it shook my confidence,” Karwowski admitted. “I started to question if I was even good enough to play at the level I dreamed of.”

But a conversation with elite trainer Rob Crews changed everything. When Karwowski asked if she had what it took to play at the Power 5 level, Crews didn’t just say yes—he gave her direction.

He connected her with recruiter Rachel Coleman, who watched Kalli’s highlight reel and immediately offered her a spot.

That belief reignited a fire in Karwowski—and she hasn’t looked back.

.667 on-base percentage and .917 fielding percentage—well above national averages

Her combination of power, consistency, and leadership has not only put her on the radar—but on the fast track to greatness.

Finding a Home in Happy Valley:

With multiple D1 and Power 5 offers, it was the culture in Happy Valley that won her heart.

“The moment I stepped foot on Penn State’s campus, I knew it was home. The coaching staff, the culture, the energy—it was everything I wanted,” Karwowski said.

Though she hopes to earn her spot in the middle infield, she’s ready to contribute wherever needed.

“I pride myself on being a utility player. It’s about doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed.”

Fueling the Fire:

Karwowski isn’t shy about the grind that fuels her rise. Her motto?

“If you practice fast, you play fast.”

She puts in extra reps, trains at game speed, and focuses on the small details that build champions. Along with physical preparation, she’s embraced the mental side of the game—using tools like visualization, breathing control, and mindset coaching to overcome anxiety and self-doubt.

“Pressure is a privilege,” she said. “Now I have tools that keep me grounded and confident.”

Valley View Head Coach Mia Wascura says Karwowski’s mindset is what truly sets her apart.

“What separates Kalli from other athletes is her dedication and commitment to being a lifelong learner of the game of softball. She is always trying to better herself—whether it be going to the weight room, getting extra reps when we don’t practice, or watching and breaking down film,” Wascura said. “Kalli leads on and off the softball field. Her accolades, both academically and athletically, speak for themselves.”

More Than a Player:

A second-degree black belt in karate, and a mentor to younger athletes, Karwowski’s story is grounded in more than stats.

“My dad has been the rock of this whole journey—driving me across the country, pushing me in workouts, and teaching me how to lead. My grandma was my biggest cheerleader. My Poppi never misses a game. Their love and sacrifices are why I do this.”

Coach Wascura, who began her Valley View tenure after coaching at the University of Scranton, recalls Karwowski’s growth vividly.

“When I first got to Valley View, I was just transitioning from college coaching at the University of Scranton while starting as a counselor here,” she said. “Young Kalli was always a gamer. As she grew, she became more confident in her ability and in using her voice. She’s mentally, physically, and emotionally strong. She’d run through a brick wall if I asked her to. She’s the kind of teammate every coach dreams of.”

Wascura added: “Kalli is a game-changer for this program. Her presence has elevated overall team performance, boosted morale, and will continue to attract talent to Valley View. Penn State has no idea the player they’re getting—she’s one in a million.”

Respected by Rivals:

Karwowski’s impact extends beyond her own dugout.

“When I faced Karwowski, I knew she was a good player! The way she carried herself with such passion and confidence really gave it away,” said West Scranton’s Sophia Deluca.

“I had heard really good things about her and realized I needed to play to my best ability to level against her. You could tell that she had a real connection to the game—physically and mentally.”

Deluca, a freshman, says Karwowski set the tone for the entire league.

“She sets a prime example for athletes across the Lackawanna League. As a freshman, I look up to upperclassmen like Kalli—the way they carry themselves, how they play, and how they react to adversity. She’s a hard, dedicated worker.”

Leading by Example:

“It’s not about stats—it’s about finding ways to win. I want to bring energy, be a spark, and do the little things that make a big difference.”

Karwowski’s leadership is deeply felt by her teammates—especially younger players.

“Playing alongside Kalli is an absolute honor,” said sophomore teammate Cora Castellani. “Her energy and effort toward this team is what starts everything. She has an amazing impact—getting on base, making plays, cheering us on. There’s nothing like her.”

“There have been games where we didn’t start strong, but Kalli was always the one boosting our confidence,” Castellani added. “She’s a role model. I’m really going to miss her next year.”

Valley View Legacy:

Over four years, Karwowski has helped build something special with her Cougar teammates.

“We’ve grown up playing together and pushed each other every year. There’s nothing like chasing big goals with your best friends.”

That chemistry has powered Valley View’s high-octane 2025 lineup, one that’s drawn comparisons to the program’s past greats.

“This year’s team is loaded with power,” said Brittany Crawley, aunt of Valley View’s Division I Binghamton commit Taylor Cawley and a member of the school’s 2000 state championship team. “Kalli is the spark at leadoff—speed, power, hype. Every girl in that lineup can change a game with one swing.”

While the 2000 squad was known for scrappy, clutch wins, Crawley sees a different level of dominance in today’s Cougars.

Looking Ahead:

Valley View’s playoff run may soon end, but Karwowski’s journey is just beginning.

“Ten years from now, I hope people say I worked hard, loved my teammates, stayed humble, and always played with joy,” Karwowski said.

With grit, grace, and gratitude, Kalli Karwowski isn’t just writing her own story—she’s inspiring the next generation to believe in theirs.