NOTE: Preview stories for Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte, Bucktail, Central Mountain and Jersey Shore will be included in the daily section of The Express beginning on Friday. ... Previews for high school swimming will be included in the daily sections of The Express and Sun-Gazette beginning on Friday.
Girls basketball
By CHRIS MASSE cmasse@sungazette.com
Loyalsock reached last year’s PIAA Class AAA Final Four. Hughesville and Muncy both captured district championships and reached the state quarterfinals. All three squads return the majority of their starters this season.
While the area boys side is in a rebuild mode, the girls’ scene is quite loaded. Jersey Shore and Lewisburg both reached the 4A state tournament and return most of their starters, while Milton could be a sleeper in that field and Central Mountain looks like a team to watch in the 5A field. Add in St. John Neumann returning three starters from a District 4 Class A champion and there is some impressive depth among area teams.
Obviously, last year’s results mean nothing in the grand scheme of things since every team must earn success the hard way. Still, the area feels as deep as it has in recent memory and excitement is high.
DR. MASSE’S PRESEASON TOP 5
1. Hughesville (24-5): After making history last season, Hughesville is hoping to go even deeper this season and returns all but two players from last year’s district champion. Forward Alli Anstadt and versatile guard Ava Snyder are four-year starters, while Maddie Smith earned first team HAC-III and Sun-Gazette all-star honors as a freshman guard. Forward Vivian Draper developed into one of the area’s biggest breakout players
and all four averaged more than six points per game. All four also were leading scorers in different games, highlighting the team’s balance and inside-outside strength. Players like sophomores Kendall Hamm, Kylie Temple and Anna Easton made big contributions off the bench. Hughesville also receives a boost with Allyssa King returning from injury. Hughesville has a different role this year as it no longer is the hunter in District 4 but the hunted. This group, however, showed what it
can do against some of the state’s premier teams last year, boosted its non-conference schedule and is eager to try and make last year just a start.
2. Loyalsock (27-4): It was basically a coin toss for the top ranking, but Hughesville has more experience returning, so it earned the nod. Obviously, that means nothing, however, and likely will motivate a team which rebounded from its district final loss to reach the Final 4 for the first time. Loyalsock also set the program record
for wins in a season while capturing both HAC-III and Heartland Conference championships. Alaina Dadzie and Lacey Kriebel both earned all-state honors and Julie Ellis is a three-year starter. The big question, however, is how Loyalsock replaces dynamic playmaker Izzy Dadzie as well as a strong set of seniors who did so many little things which helped produce big wins. Watch out for guard Jaekairah Harden who was a weapon off the bench last season and made some key plays to help spark
a comeback against eventual state champion Lancaster Catholic. If Loyalsock can build the same kind of depth it did last year, it can again be a tough out come playoff time.
3. Jersey Shore (19-8): Jersey Shore has captured consecutive HAC-I championships and came as close as it has in the last 27 years to winning a district title, dropping a hard-fought District 4 Class AAAA final against Central Columbia. The Bulldogs are thirsting to end that district drought
and have a good nucleus to go after their goal. Senior Peyton Dincher earned first team 4A all-state honors last season and point guard Cailyn Schall also is a fouryear starter coming off her best season. Schall and fellow guard Sophia Stover hit massive clutch shots in a last-second semifinal win against Shamokin and both are versatile guards who make things happen on both ends. The Bulldogs, though, will have to fill a large void left with the graduations of
(See XXX, Page X)
(A) 11/29 1:00pm.....................vs Horseheads Central HS
(A) 12/3 7:00pm vs Carlisle Area SD
(H) 12/5 7:00pm........... vs Scranton Preparatory School
(H) 12/10 7:30pm vs Shamokin Area
(H) 12/12 7:00pm vs Crestwood HS
(A) 12/17 7:00pm vs Dallas School District
(H) 12/23 6:30pm vs Holy Redeemer HS
(H) 12/27 6:00pm vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 12/27 7:00pm vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 12/28 12:00pm ....................... vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 12/28 1:30pm vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/4 3:00pm....................... vs State College Area SD
(A) 1/6 7:30pm vs Selinsgrove HS
(A) 1/8 7:00pm......................... vs Bishop McDevitt HS
(A) 1/11 2:30pm vs Cumberland Valley
(H) 1/13 7:00pm...................... vs Hollidaysburg Area HS
(A) 1/20 7:00pm vs Harrisburg HS
(A) 1/25 3:00pm................................... vs Pottsville Area
(A) 1/30 7:30pm vs Wilkes Barre Area HS
(H) 2/1 6:30pm................................ vs Altoona Area HS
(H) 2/13 5:30pm vs Executive Education Academy Charter School
(H) 11/25 6:00pm vs Jersey Shore Area
(A) 11/30 11:00am ...................... vs Central Columbia HS
(H) 12/3 7:00pm vs Berwick Area HS
(A) 12/6 6:00pm.......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/7 6:00pm vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/10 7:00pm........................... vs Holy Redeemer HS
(A) 12/12 7:30pm vs Crestwood HS
(H) 12/14 7:30pm vs Selinsgrove HS
(A) 12/17 7:00pm vs Hollidaysburg Area HS
(H) 12/20 7:30pm vs Warrior Run HS
(A) 12/23 1:30pm.................................. vs Shikellamy HS
(H) 12/30 6:30pm.............................. vs Hazleton Area HS
(H) 1/9 7:30pm vs Lewisburg HS
(H) 1/11 2:00pm vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(H) 1/15 6:30pm vs Altoona Area HS
(H) 1/18 2:30pm vs Harrisburg HS
(A) 1/21 7:00pm..................... vs Dubois Area Senior HS
(A) 1/24 6:00pm.................... vs Loyalsock Township HS
(H) 1/27 7:30pm............................ vs Bellefonte Area HS
(A) 2/1 2:30pm vs North Schuylkill Jr/Sr HS
(H) 2/3 7:00pm vs State College Area SD
(A) 2/6 7:30pm vs Dannville Area Senior HS
(H) 2/8 1:30pm vs Montoursville Area HS
(H) 2/11 7:30pm................ vs Central Mountain Schools
(H) 12/6 5:00pm vs Multiple Opponents1
(H) 12/7 10:00am ........................ vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/12 7:00pm............................. vs Jersey Shore Area
(H) 12/17 7:00pm vs Sellinsgrove HS
(A) 12/20 11:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/21 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/28 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/29 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/7 7:00pm....................... vs State College Area SD
(A) 1/9 7:00pm.................................. vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 1/11 9:00am .......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/14 7:00pm vs Shamokin Area
(H) 1/16 7:00pm vs Central Mountain
(A) 1/21 7:00pm vs Danville Area Senior HS
(A) 1/24 12:00pm vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/25 8:30am .......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/28 7:00pm................................ vs Altoona Area HS
(H) 2/6 7:00pm............... vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(H) 2/7 1:00pm vs Loyalsock Township HS
(H) 2/22 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 3/6 9:00am .......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/10 5:30pm............................. vs Jersey Shore Area
(A) 12/10 6:0pm vs Selinsgrove HS
(A) 12/22 12:00pm ....................... vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/4 11:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/6 7:00pm vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 1/10 4:00pm vs. Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/11 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/16 7:00pm vs Milton HS
(H) 1/21 7:00pm vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(A) 1/25 10:00am ........................ vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/29 7:00pm vs Montgomery Senior HS
(H) 2/1 9:30am .......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 2/6 6:30pm vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(H) 2/15 10:00am ........................ vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/7 11:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 12/11 4:30pm vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 12/14 11:00 vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 12/17 4:30pm.......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/7 4:30pm.......................... vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/11 11:00am vs State College Area SD
(A) 1/14 4:30pm vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(H) 1/18 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/22 4:30pm vs Shamokin Area
(A) 1/25 11:00am ............................ vs Hazleton Area HS
(H) 1/25 11:00am ........................ vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/30 4:30pm vs Danville Area Senior Area
(A) 2/1 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 2/4 4:30pm vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 2/8 10:00am vs Multiple Opponents HAVE A GREAT SEASON!
(From Page 2)
four-year contributors Jocelyn McCracken and Celia Shemory. That hurts most in the post where Jersey Shore will have to hit the boards hard. Hannah Heaton can provide a lift there and players like Kylie Schall and Avery DePasqua played major minutes in big games.
4. Lewisburg (15-11): Lewisburg, like Jersey Shore, has competed in consecutive 4A state tournaments, finishing third in the district both times. The Green Dragons did so last year with just one senior and four new starters. The experience gained there should provide a major boost this season. Lewisburg also has a super guard-post duo in juniors Maddy Moyers and Tegan Osunde who both were Sun-Gazette all-stars. Moyers flourished starting at point guard for the first time, averaging 11.6 points, five rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Osunde became a force inside, producing a double-double of 10.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, while adding 2.4 steals. She also collected 14 double-doubles. Addy Wuerderman is an experienced guard who averaged near double figures and Addy Shedleski made huge strides down the stretch in the post. Ava Motto and Faridah Aboueid played well off the bench and Lewisburg is yet another contender in what looks like a loaded 4A district field this year.
5. Muncy (19-9): Like Neumann, Hughesville and Loyalsock, Muncy also made history last season, capturing that district championship and reaching the state’s Elite 8 for the first time. Replacing standout forward Nolah Moyer and fellow graduate Kaylyn Rice will be difficult, but Muncy returns most of its rotation from last year and also has some young players eager to make an impact. Addi Eyer is one of the area’s best point guards and helps power the team’s engine after playing her best in the playoffs last winter. Eyer averaged 10 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.6 steals, while her
group in tact, although depth is a concern. Matti Mason, Kendall Wagner and Eva Sockman all are multi-year starters/contributors and each is a double-double threat on a nightly basis.
Canton (9-14): One of last season’s teams is now quite experience since no seniors were on that squad. That is creating excitement since that team received a taste of playoffs. Kendall Kitchen is a four-year starting guard who averaged 13.3 points per game and three steals per game. Cailyn Van Noy had a big freshman season, producing 9.4 points, 3.1 assists and 3.3 steals per game. The Warriors could make a big jump in both the NTL-II and District 4 Class AA if they continue progressing.
Central Mountain (9-14):
Much like Canton, Central Mountain has created a nice buzz going into this season. After making a three-win improvement last season, the Wildcats return four starters and six of the seven players from the rotation. This is a balanced and athletic team and Taylor Doyle, Lena Walker, Camdyn Weaver and Taylor Doyle all averaged six or more points per game. As a whole, that group played together for the first time and could be poised for a breakout in the balanced HAC-I.
high-scoring guard Addison Wenzel who shined as a freshman and scored 26 points in an exciting District 4 Class AAAA quarterfinal at Lewisburg. Kiley Long, Lainey Snyder, Elizabeth Schrock and Kyleigh Snyder also had quality campaigns and are back for a team which could challenge in both the HAC-II and Class AAAA.
Montgomery (6-16): The Red Raiders must replace three of their top four scorers from last season, but showed promise during the first half of the year before struggling down the stretch. Addi Muhl is a quality post player who is capable of double-doubles and Rihanna Arredondo, Anali Pick and Autumn Fry also showcased their potential at times last year in their first extended varsity action. If some younger players can step up, Montgomery could take a step forward.
sister Ava enjoyed a super freshman season, consistently stuffing the stat sheet. Anna Zalonis is a ferocious defender with offensive punch. Addi Gresh has the potential to be a big difference-maker in the post and Rosie Zalonis and Emma McCormick were weapons off the bench. The team also excelled in pressure situations during the playoffs. Ava Eyer and Rosie Zalonis were both freshmen, but Eyer hit a go-ahead 3-point play with 16 seconds left before Zalonis hit the clinching free throws in the district final. Put it all together and Muncy has calm under fire players to go with the athletic ability.
Bald Eagle Area (4-14):
Bald Eagle Area had a tough season last winter and finished 4-14 and 3-12 in the Laurel Highlands conference. Those wins last year came against Philipsburg-Osceola, West Branch, Bellefonte and Somerset. Consider those losses learning experiences though as Bald Eagle Area will look to build off last year. The Eagles did graduate a handful of seniors and will look to replace that leadership, but plenty of returning talent is on the team this year.
Bellefonte (1-18): Last year was rough for the Raiders, who went just 1-18 and 1-15 in the Laurel Highlands conference. That lone win came against Philipsburg-Osceola, 43-38.
Bellefonte’s offense struggled scoring points last year, but the Raiders’ players got valuable experience on the court in those losses. Bellefonte has to replace just four graduating seniors in Mackenzie Ellenberger, Keira Whitman, Madison Ripka and Maria Cotter. The Raiders had eight freshmen on the roster last year who got thrown into the fire in games they played against varsity action.
Bucktail (14-11): Bucktail enjoyed its best season since 2009 a year ago and came within a few seconds of reaching the District 4 Class A final. Gone is four-year starter Makenzie Wagner who led the team in scoring all four years, but the Bucks still have a good
Cowanesque Valley (715): CV won four of its eight games and nearly made the playoffs last season, but moves up to Class AA this season and will be a younger team this time around.
Leading scorer Ella Churchill graduated, but Ashley Woodring was another double-digit scorer and provides a quality building block.
Galeton (0-21): There is nowhere to go but up following last year’s winless season. The Tigers will look to improve offensively this season and return most of their players from last year, including leading scorer Lynlee Basile.
Milton (12-11): One last season’s most improved teams could be even better this season since the Black Panthers return most of those players. That includes
Montoursville (8-15): After reaching last year’s Class AAAA district playoffs, Montoursville must replace a strong senior group which included Sun-Gazette second team all-star Maddie Labatch. There are good pieces, though, as the Warriors try putting the puzzle together. Jill Stone is a versatile threat who started alongside guard Emily George last season. Jordan Chamberlain also played a lot and is a good athlete, while Elsa Kehrer and Danika Seese are among those who could make big impacts.
North Penn-Liberty (815): The Mounties reached districts for a second straight season and have one of the NTL-II’s best players in Haley Litzelman. The junior is tough inside and also is a good shooter who averaged a double-double of 11.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. If the Mounties can complement that consistent production they could be a factor in what seems like will be a more wide-open Class A field than the last few years. Watch out for Kaylee Graham and Payton Harer as well.
North Penn-Mansfield
(H) 11/26 6:00 PM vs Milton HS
(H) 11/29 11:00 AM vs Dunmore HS
(H) 12/04 7:15 PM vs Central Columbia HS
(A) 12/06 7:15 PM vs Wellsboro Area School District
(H) 12/11 7:15 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS
(A) 12/13 7:15 PM vs St. John Neumann Reg. Aca.
(A) 12/16 7:15 PM vs Crestwood HS
(H) 12/18 7:15 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(A) 12/20 7:15 PM vs Jersey Shore Area
(H) 12/27 7:30 PM vs Bellefonte Area
(H) 12/28 TBD vs OPEN
(H) 1/04 7:15 PM vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(A) 1/08 7:15 PM vs Warrior Run HS
(H) 1/11 7:15 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(A) 1/13 7:15 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
(A) 1/15 7:15 PM vs Southern Columbia HS
(H) 1/18 7:15 PM vs Bloomburg HS
(A) 1/21 7:15 PM vs Miffinburg HS
(H) 1/24 7:15 PM vs Warrior Run HS
(A) 1/28 7:15 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(H) 1/31 7:15 PM vs Southern ColumbiaHS
(A) 2/03 7:15 PM vs Bloomburg HS
(H) 2/05 7:15 PM vs Lewisburg Area SD
(H) 2/08 7:15 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
(A) 11/23 10:00 AM vs Hazelton Area HS
(H) 12/03 7:15 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(A) 12/07 6:15 PM vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(A) 12/10 7:15 PM...............................vs Danville Area Senior HS
(A) 12/12 7:15 PM vs Central Columbia HS
(A) 12/14 2:45 PM vs Cedar Crest HS
(H) 12/17 7:15 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
(A) 12/21 2:00 PM......................................... vs North Pocono HS
(H) 12/30 7:15 pm vs Jersey Shore Area
(A) 1/3 7:15 PM vs Mount Carmel Are Jr/Sr HS
(H) 1/6 6:45 PM vs Crestwood HS
(H) 1/7 7:15 PM........................................... vs Warrior Run HS
(A) 1/10 7:15 PM vs Hughesville Jr/Sr HS
(H) 1/14 7:30 PM vs Southern Columbia HS (A) 1/16 7:30 PM vs Bloomburg HS (H) 1/18 7:30 PM.............................. vs North Schuylkill Jr/Sr HS (H) 1/22 7:30 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(H) 1/24 2:30 PM vs William Area HS
(A) 1/25 7:30 PM vs Warrior Run HS (H) 1/29 7:30 PM.................................... vs Hughesville Jr/Sr HS
(A) 2/1 7:30 PM vs Southern Columbia HS (H) 2/4 7:30 PM vs Bloomburg HS (H) 2/6 7:30 PM vs Lewisburg Area SD
(A) 12/4 6:00 PM vs Columbia-Montour AVTS (H) 12/10 7:00 PM vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS (H) 12/16 7:00 PM vs Shamokin Area
(A) 12/20 1:00 PM OPEN
(A) 12/28 10:00 AM vs OPEN (A) 1/4 9:00 AM vs OPEN
(A) 1/7 7:00 PM vs Muncy Jr/Sr HS
(A) 1/11 TBA OPEN
(H) 1/15 7:00 PM vs Sugar Valley Rural Charter (A) 1/18 TBA OPEN (H) 1/21 7:00 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS (A) 1/23 7:00 PM vs North Penn-Liberty Jr/Sr HS (A) 1/25 TBA vs OPEN (H) 1/28 7:00 PM Midd-West Jr/Sr
(A) 2/3 7:00 PM
Troy Jr/Sr HS (A) 2/7 1:00 PM........................................ Williamsport Area HS
(A) 12/10 5:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents (A) 12/22 12:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/4 T11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/6 7:00 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 1/10 4:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/11 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/16 7:00 PM vs Milton HS
(H) 1/21 7:00 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(A) 1/25 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 1/29 7:00 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS
(H) 2/1 9:30 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 2/6 6:30 PM vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(H) 2/15 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/7 11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents (H) 12/11 4:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents (H) 12/14 11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents (A) 12/17 4:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents (A) 1/7 4:30 PM vs Central Columbia HS (A) 1/11 11:00 AM vs State College Area SD (A) 1/14 4:30 PM vs Mount Carmel Are Jr/Sr HS
(A) 1/18 11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents (H) 1/22 4:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 1/25 11:00 AM vs Hazelton Area HS
(H) 1/25 11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 1/30 4:30 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS (A) 2/1 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents (H) 2/4 4:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents (A) 2/8 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(13-11): After making a nine-win improvement and finishing second in the NTLII, North Penn-Mansfield will be trying for more. Kameron Lightner, Elaina Shaw, Claire Dominick and Raegan Watkins are back after having good seasons and form a nice foundation for a team which enjoyed a quality offseason. The Tigers were one of the area’s best defensive teams last season and if the offense can improve they could become a District 4 Class AA title contender.
South Williamsport (716): South will have a strong backcourt with Abby Akers and Ella Moore leading the way but has some work to do in the post with Mikaiya Hills and Maddie Pinkerton not playing this year. Akers enjoyed an excellent season a year ago, averaging 16 points, 4.5 steals and 4.3 rebounds per game. Moore runs the offense well and 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and three steals per game. Starter Kaitlyn Apker returns as well after playing well in her first season in that role but how quick the younger players develop will likely determine if South reaches districts again a year after pushing finalist Northeast Bradford hard in the quarterfinals.
St. John Neumann (24-5): Neumann obliterated the record book a year ago, capturing the first league and district championships in program history while besting the program record for wins by six. The Knights also reached the state quarterfinals but now must replace first-team all-stater and Penn College standout Gigi Parlante as well as post threat Lizzie Weller. The good news is the Knights return one of the area’s top point guards in Niyah Tutler who was the Sun-Gazette Defensive Player of the Year, while also averaging 11.5 points per game. So, too, are guards Bre Nixon and Sophie Reid who excelled in their first seasons start and were especially strong during the playoffs. Kallee Johnson could be a difference-maker
RALPH WILSOn/Sun-Gazette Correspondent St. John Neumann’s Bre Nixon returns this year for the Golden Knights.
inside and Savanna Smith is another player who could take a big step forward.
Sullivan County (5-16): Sullivan will be one of the area’s youngest teams with Tori Marotti and August Harney the only players with significant varsity experience. There might be some growing pains, but Sullivan made strides last year and rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit late in the year to win, 32-31 at Montgomery. The Griffins also defeated Mid-Penn East runner-up Northwest.
Warrior Run (11-12):
Warrior Run gave NTL-I champ Troy a battle in last year’s District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals but must replace four starters, including its top three scorers in coach Gary Meehan’s debut season. The HAC-III being deep again makes things more difficult but
there is an exciting group of young players. There may be some growing pains but the Defenders could gain valuable experience this season which makes them a contender down the road. Annabelle Pierce scored 10 points in her varsity debut against Mifflinburg.
Wellsboro (8-13): The Hornets just missed reaching districts last season, but could return to the postseason with some strong four-year starters to build around. Senior point guard Chloe Brandenburg has a shot at reaching 1,000 career points and has averaged in double figures the past two seasons. Fellow senior Paige Logsdon already has topped 500 career rebounds and has double-double potential each game. If the Hornets develop some weapons around that duo they could be dangerous.
is starting as a freshman in college. Still, first-year coach Olivia Erb has a hungry group with which to work and Nadirah Tutler was playing as well as nearly anyone in the area down the stretch. Jaelynn Helmrich started last year and developed into quite a weapon on both ends. Helmrich can be a scorer, facilitator and/or post up. She also is one of the area’s premier defenders. Khamya Moate played key minutes off the bench, Ella Ballard helped Neumann make a run to the state quarterfinals two years ago and Isabelle Campbell could make some noise in the paint.
Alli Anstadt, Hughesville: A four-year starting forward, Anstadt has helped Hughesville enjoy its best run in program history during that time, excelling in all facets. Anstadt was first team HACIII offensively and defensively last season and averaged 9.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game. She also went over 500 career rebounds and her stellar interior defense was a huge part of Hughesville’s playoff run.
Williamson (19-5):
Coming off its best season in two decades, Williamson must replace 1,000-point scorer Taylor Rae Jones. That will not be easy, but the Warriors return nearly every other player, including four starters. Kenna Thomas averaged a double-double as a sophomore and could be one of the NTL’s top players. Olivia Meisner also consistently put up big numbers, including multiple double-doubles. Madisen Jones is a three-year starter and Williamson has the look of a team which could build off last year’s success.
Williamsport (17-7): Williamsport enjoyed its best season since 2006 a year ago and reached a second straight District 2-4 Class AAAAAA final. The Millionaires, however, lost an excellent group of seniors, including Payton Baney who
per game. Smith is quick, shoots well and plays hard. She elevated her performance during the postseason, averaging 16.7 points per game. Smith also scored 17 points in the district final against Loyalsock and 20 against West Catholic in the state tournament’s second round.
Nadirah Tutler, Williamsport: Last year’s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Tutler burst onto the scene and literally grew into a forward in a guard’s body. A growth spurt allowed the former guard to do damage on the perimeter and in the post where she was virtually unstoppable at times. Tutler was a major reason Williamsport won 11 straight games at one point, averaging 13.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. She collected a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds against state qualifier Dallas and scored 30 points against Central Mountain.
Lacey Kriebel, Loyalsock: Another four-year starter, Kriebel is a two-time all-state selection who has helped South Williamsport and Loyalsock go 71-16 in her three years. The Lock Haven-bound guard is one of the area’s best shooters but also can make things happen in the paint and/or off the dribble. She averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last season while going over 1,000 career points. Kriebel enters her senior year with 1,084 points, 433 rebounds and 244 steals.
Maddie Smith, Hughesville: A freshman in name only last season, Smith played with a veteran’s poise and repeatedly made clutch plays in big wins. An all-state softball player last spring, Smith is equally strong on the court and averaged a team-best 14.3 points, six rebounds and three steals
Alaina Dadzie, Loyalsock and Peyton Dincher, Jersey Shore: Why pick one tremendous player when you can pick two? It would be a coin flip either way, so both get the spot here. Dadzie built off her strong freshman year and became one of the state’s best 3A players, earning all-state honors in the process. The junior center averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, 2.7 steals and two blocks per game while rarely playing in the fourth quarter and fighting double teams. Dadzie was even better in the playoffs, producing 23 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as well as four straight double-doubles, closing the season with a 27-point, 12-rebound tour de force against state champion Lancaster Catholic. Dincher also has been facing double teams pretty much since she first took the court at Jersey Shore but that has not stopped her either. The Lemoyne-bound senior earned 4A first team all-state honors for a second straight year while also
11/25 H 5:30 pm vs. Danville Area High School
11/27 H 5:00 pm vs. Bald Eagle Area/Hughesville Jr/Sr High/Huntingdon Area Senior
12/4 H 7:30 pm vs. Du Bois Area Senior High School
12/6 A 6:00 pm vs. Milton Area/Northwest Area/Warrior Run Tournament
12/7 A 12:00 pm vs. Milton Area/Northwest Area/Warrior Run Tournament
12/10 A 6:00 pm vs. Penns Valley Senior High School
12/13 A 6:00 pm vs. Martinsburg Central High School
12/13 A 7:30 pm vs. Central High School
12/18 A 7:30 pm vs. Loyalsock Township High School
12/23 A 7:30 pm vs. Du Bois Area Senior High School
1/2 A 7:30pm vs. St. John Neumann Regional Academy
1/4 H 7:15 pm vs. Shamokin Area High School
1/4 A 7:30 pm vs. Shamokin Area High School
1/8 H 7:30 pm vs. Jersey Shore High School
1/11 A 7:15 pm vs. Midd-West High School
1/13 H 7:30 pm vs. Forest Hills High School
1/15 H 7:30 pm vs. Selinsgrove Area High School
1/18 H 7:30 pm vs. Shikellamy Area High School
1/21 A 7:30 pm vs. Shamokin Area High School
1/24 A 7:30 pm vs. Jersey Shore High School
1/28 H 7:30 pm vs. Midd-West High School
1/28 H 7:30 pm vs. Midd-West High School
1/31 A 7:30 pm vs. Selinsgrove Area High School
2/3 A 7:30 pm vs. Shikellamy High School
2/6 H 7:30 pm vs. Nativity BVM
2/11 H 7:30 pm vs. Williamsport Area High School
Coed Varsity Swimming
1/3 H 4:30 pm vs. Altoona Area High School
1/22 H 4:30 pm vs. Milton Area Senior High School
1/30 H 4:30 pm vs. Central Columbia High School
1/3 A 4:30 pm vs. Central Columbia High School
Girls Basketball
11/23 A 11:00 am vs. Montoursville Area High School
11/29 A 11:00 am vs. Selinsgrove Area High School
12/3 A 7:15 pm vs. Loyalsock Township High School
12/6 A 7:30 pm vs. Hughesville Jr/Sr High School
12/9 H 7:30 pm vs. Penns Valley Senior High School
12/13 A 7:30 pm vs. Du Bois Area Senior High School
12/18 A 7:30 pm vs. Bellwood Antis High School
12/30 H 7:30 pm vs. Mi in County High School
1/7 A 7:30 pm vs. Jersey Shore High School
1/10 H 7:30 pm vs. Midd-West High School
1/10 H 7:30 pm vs. Midd-West High School
1/14 A 7:30 pm vs. Selinsgrove Area High School
1/17 A 7:30 pm vs. Shikellamy High School
1/20 H 7:30 pm vs. South Williamsport Area High School
1/22 A 7:30 pm vs. Danville Area High School
1/25 H 7:30 pm vs. Jersey Shore High School
1/29 A 7:30 pm vs. Midd-West High School
2/1 H 7:30 pm vs. Selinsgrove Area High School
2/4 H 7:00 pm vs. Shikellamy High School
2/4 H 7:30 pm vs. Shikellamy High School
2/5 H 6:00 pm vs. Shikellamy High School
2/7 H 6:00 pm vs. Dubois Central Catholic High School
2/8 A 7:30 pm vs. Milton Area High School
2/11 A 7:30 pm vs. Williamsport Area High School
2/13 A 7:30 pm vs. South Williamsport Area High School
Boys Wrestling
11/29 H 9:00 am vs. Penns Valley High School
12/5 H 7:00 pm vs. Shamokin Area High School
12/6 A 7:00 pm vs. Williamsport Area High School Top Hat Tournament
12/7 A 10:00 am vs. Williamsport Area High School Top Hat Tournament
12/10 A 7:00 pm vs. Bald Eagle Area High School
12/12 A 7:00 pm vs. Shikellamy Area High School
12/18 A 700 pm vs. Mi in County High School
12/20 H 12:01 am King of the Mountain Tournament
12/21 H 12:01 am King of the Mountain Tournament
12/21 H 8:30 am King of the Mountain Tournament
12/21 H 10:00 am King of the Mountain Tournament
1/4 H 8:00 am Dual Meet Tournament - Coudersport Area
1/9 H 7:00 pm Selinsgrove Area High School
1/10 A 12:00 am Mid-Winter Mayhem Tournament
1/11 A 12:00 am Mid-Winter Mayhem Tournament
1/16 A 7:00 pm vs. Williamsport Area High School
1/21 H 7:00 pm vs. Hollidaysburg Area High School
1/23 A 7:00 pm vs. Jersey Shore Area High School
1/24 A 11:30 pm Ultimate Warrior Tournament - West Branch High School
1/25 A 9:00 am Ultimate Warrior Tournament - West Branch High School
2/1 A 12:00 am District Duals
3/6 A 12:00 am PIAA State Tournament @ Giant Center - Hershey
3/7 A 12:00 am PIAA State Tournament @ Giant Center - Hershey
3/8 A 12:00 am PIAA State Tournament @ Giant Center - Hershey
Girls Wrestling
12/5 H 6:00 pm vs. Shamokin Area High School
12/7 A 9:00 am Dual Meet Tournament @ Boiling Springs High School
12/10 A 6:45 pm vs. Bald Eagle Area High School
12/22 H 1:00 pm Queen of the Mountain Tournament
12/28 A 9:30 am Tournament @ Clear eld Area High School 1/18 A 9:30 am Tournament @ Philipsburg-Osceola High School 2/1 A 9:30 am Williamsport Showcase & Williamsport Area High School
Varsity Uni ed Bocce
12/11 H 4:00 pm Shikellamy Area High School
12/16 H 3:30 pm Warrior Run High School
1/9 A 3:30 pm Mi inburg Area High School
1/15 A 4:30 pm Jersey Shore High School
1/22 H 4:00 pm Muncy Junior-Senior High School
1/30 A 3:30 pm Williamsport Area High School
(From Page 4)
winning a second straight area scoring title. Dincher averaged 20.3 points, scoring in nearly every way one can. She also is an elite defender who averaged two steals and nearly a block per game as well as 6.3 rebounds. Dincher has 1,452 career points, 366 rebounds, 88 assists and 158 3-pointers. She also has helped Jersey Shore go from three wins the year before her arrival to 52 wins in three years, two league titles and two state tournament appearances.
Second Team: Maddy Moyers, Lewisburg; Tegan Osunde, Lewisburg; Addi Eyer, Muncy; 10 Niyah Tutler, St. John Neumann; Ava Snyder, Hughesville; Addison Wenzel, Milton
CANTON
Coach: Ryan VanNoy
Last year’s record: 9-14
Classification: Class AA
League affiliation: NTL-II
Roster: Seniors: Kendall Kitchen. Juniors: Daveian Crowley, Emma McGhee, Chelsie Harris, Alexis McRoberts. Sophomores: Danah Wesneski, Fayth Kilbourne, Stella Rockwell, Lydia Roupp, Cheyanne Fitch, Cailyn VanNoy. Freshmen: Kendall Petrowski, Lilly Jackson, Lydia Mead, Savannah Boyles.
Coach Scott Baker
Assistants: Tim Keohane, Jaime Kessinger
Last year’s record: 9-14
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation: HAC-I
Roster: Seniors: Macy Plowman, Lena Walker, Ava Doyle, Jacey Tripp. Juniors: Morgan Davis, Elise McKean, Charlee Probst. Sophomores: Alaina Carnahan, Shailynn Fullerton, Camdyn Weaver, Samileycie Lewis, Mya Krout. Freshmen: Aubrey Miller, Leah Wian, Natalie Shaffer
Coach Dustin King
Assistants: Melinda Temple, Phil Easton, Brian Snyder
Last year’s record: 24-5
Classification: Class AAA League affiliation: HAC-III
Roster: Seniors: Ava Snyder, Alli Anstadt. Juniors: Kylie Temple, Georgia Randall, Allyssa King, Vivian Draper. Sophomores: Alyson Creasy, Maddie Smith, Kendall Hamm, Anna Eaton. Freshmen: Addilynn Shrivinski, Tori Morgan, Evelyn Meckbach.
Coach: Mike Schall
Assistants: Averie Hess, Patty Hess, Josh Smith
Last year’s record 19-8
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation: HAC-I
Roster: Seniors: Cailyn Schall, Sophia Stover, Hannah Heaton, Peyton Dincher,. Juniors: Avery DePasqua. Sophomores: Azelyn Dincher, Kylie Schall, Taylor Heaton, Lillian Bowers. Freshmen: Azlyn Guerrero, Jessalyn Millbrand, Ryleigh Eck, Bella Hensler, Gracelyn Frantz, Emma Dady.
Coach: Brent Sample
Assistants: Mallory Sample
Last year’s record 15-11
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation: HAC-II
Roster: Seniors: Addy Wuerdeman, Faridah Aboueid, Ava Motto, Teagan Osunde. Juniors: Maddy Moyers, Lauren Schwartz, Addy Shedleski, Bianca Boria. Sophomores: Bryn Lauver. Freshmen: Elliana Rupert, Brinley Haile, Kylie Orth, Aaliyah Branch, Lyla Shuey, Zaida Easton.
Coach: Curtis Jacobson
Assistants: Kerri Jacobson, Jason Perry, Jake Sekel, Jeff Everett
Last year’s record 27-4
Classification: Class AAA
League affiliation: HAC-III
Roster: Seniors: Julie Ellis, Lacey Kriebel. Juniors: Hazel Zajack, Jillian Kennedy, Addie Bastian, Jaekairah Harden, Alaina Dadzie,
Maddie Wertz, Iyana Sewell. Sophomores: Addi Barowy, Mackenzie Miller, Madalyne McGarr. Freshmen: Madison Perry, Julisa Martin, Molly Boyer, Zaryah Hawkins.
Coach: Gene Bruno
Last year’s record: 12-11
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation HAC-II
Roster: Seniors: Amelia Gainer, Addyson Murray. Juniors: Rylie Anspach, Camryn Hoover, Carrie King, Emma King, Kiley Long, Elizabeth Schrock, Claire Souder. Sophomores: Tiffany Chen, Madison Coup, Sienna Short, Lainey Snyder, Addison Wenzel. Freshmen: Joelle Hoover, Alexis Bergey, Jaslene Holder, Hayden Snyder.
Coach: Mark Hauck
Last year’s record: 6-16
Classification: Class AA League affiliation Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Delilah Preitz, Addi Muhl. Juniors: Rihanna Arrendondo, Idalia Garcia, Nova Bartlett. Sophomores: Aubrey Hetner, Lainie Solano, Paige Winters, Adelyn Brown, Brooke Edkin, Isabella Goliash, Anali Pick, Gabby Hill. Freshmen: Avelyn Moore.
Coach: Craig Weaver Sr.
Assistants: Tyler Marshall
Last year’s record: 19-8
Classification: Class AA League affiliation Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Addi Eyer, Addison Gresh, Taylor Shannon. Juniors: Emma McCormick,
Alexis McKeta, Abby Niedermyer, Anna Zalonis. Sophomores: Amelia Beckman, Ava Eyer, Aubrey Frantz, Rachel Paulhamus, Rosie Zalonis.
Coach Derrick McLean
Last year’s record: 13-11
Classification: Class AA League affiliation: NTL-II
Roster: Claire Dominick, Iris Irwin, Kameron Lightner, Maddie McNamara, Avalon Rew, Keeha Rieppel, Emmi Route, Elaina Shaw, Raegan Watkins, Addilyn Lehman
Coach Aaron Green
Assistants: Gregg Anthony, Julie Anthony
Last year’s record: 7-16
Classification: Class AA
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Abby Akers, Kaitlyn
Apker. Juniors: Ella Moore, Calleen Anderson. Sophomores: Brielle Borgess, Maddie Reidy, Carly Loundenslager. Freshmen: Coco Kline, Arianna Oeler, Kloey Persun, Carla Quimby, Abigail Holbrook.
Coach Jaiden Cioffi
Assistants: Jaiden Lynch, Shar Robinson, Shayna McNamee
Last year’s record: 24-5
Classification: Class A
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Niyah Tutler, Bre Nixon, Kallee Johnson, Savannah Smith, Sophie Reid, Alexa Clabaugh, Hailey Meixel
Coach: Pat Kimble
Assistants Jason Dickinson
Last year’s record: 5-16
Classification: Class A
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Kaylee Lopez, Leah Bedford, Anna Mazzoleni, Tori Marotti. Juniors: Alana Olson, August Harney. Sophomores: Sophia Boyer, Bethany Eberlin, Miley Dickinson. Freshmen: Zoey Reese, Bailey Bogart, Paige Jordan, Charley Insinger.
Coach: Gary Meehan
Assistants Jake Felix
Last year’s record: 11-12
Classification: Class AAA
League affiliation: HAC-III
Roster: Seniors: Ava Derr. Juniors: Chloe Burden, Mya Evans. Sophomores: Savannah Hopper, Kiley Ferguson, Sophie Dufrene, Kristal Perez, Yoselin Gil. Freshmen: Ellie Sivers, Alice Hollenbach, Annabelle Pierce, Lynnlee Hoban, Skye Reigle.
Coach: Olivia Erb
Assistants Randy Smith
Last year’s record: 17-7
Classification: Class 6A
League affiliation: Independent Roster: Seniors: Ella Ballard, Nadirah Tutler, Isabelle Campbell. Juniors: Makayla Cerami, Jaelynn
By CHRIS MASSE cmasse@sungazette.com
Of the 18 players who earned Sun-Gazette all-star honors, either as first, second or third team members last year, only four remain.
Loyalsock came within a shot of reaching the Class AAA state Final Four, but must replace all five starters. Montoursville was consistently ranked among the area’s top five teams last year and faces a similar situation and several other teams must replenish after graduating several starters. Needless to say, this upcoming season could be quite unpredictable. There is no dominant area team and it’s a matter of how quickly these teams grow and
jell which will determine who, if any enjoys ample postseason success. Keeping that in mind, choosing a preseason top five sort was like throwing darts. Honestly, it could stay that way throughout the season because the only thing certain at this point is what is uncertain.
DR. MASSE’S PRESEASON TOP 5
1. Lewisburg (8-18): Lewisburg lost a bunch of close games in the regular season a year ago, but came together in the postseason, upsetting No. 2-seeded Montoursville before finishing third in District 4 Class AAAA and reaching states for a third straight year. Most of the players who made that run possible are returning. The Green Dragons have a nice blend of experience, size, quickness and shooters. Neyshawn Mabry can
be a difference-maker in the paint, while Cooper Mowry is a versatile guard. Nazir Meredith could be a match-up problem inside. Quin Michaels is a tenacious defender who helped set the tone for a comeback state qualifying win against Central Columbia and Tai Britto can fill multiple roles for a team that has the confidence after last year’s playoff run to match its talent.
2. Williamsport (8-15):
Although ravaged by injuries in the preseason and into the early portion of the season a year ago, Williamsport heated up down the stretch, won a playoff game and pushed five-time defending District 2-4 Class 6A champion Scranton hard in the semifinals. The Millionaires receive a big boost with Kyreek Bradshaw returning after missing last year with a torn ACL and also return some quality experience from that 2024 team. Cassin Diggs has big-time potential inside
and Micah Washington is a steady player who competes hard inside and can guard multiple positions. Naazir Lowe played well off the bench at times and furiously competes on both ends and freshman Tevin Williams is another player to watch. Williamsport traditionally makes steady progress throughout the season and if it does so again, could be back in the district title hunt.
3. Loyalsock (28-2):
Loyalsock is in this spot more based on past success because how it will perform this season is a mystery. Isiah Jennings is the lone player back from last year’s district champion. Loyalsock has won five district titles in the last six seasons under Pennsylvania’s all-time wins leader Ron Insinger but will need its young players to make dramatic progress throughout the season to again be a title contender. Jennings was a weapon off the bench who made a lot of
big shots during Loyalsock’s postseason run but has a new role this season as team leader. The JV team enjoyed a good season last year and many of those players might have played varsity had the roster not been so senior-laden. Now those players have a chance to show what they can do on the big state so this will be an intriguing team.
4. Warrior Run (1510): On the other end of the experience spectrum is Warrior Run. Although the Defenders graduated some good players, they have a strong foundation in place. Many are three and fouryear contributors who have helped Warrior Run reach the District 4 Class AAA semifinals in consecutive years. First team HAC-III and Sun-Gazette all-star Aiden McKee is a force inside and guard Cooper Wilkins can play multiple guard positions while excelling on both ends. Warrior Run has good shoot-
ers to help loosen the middle for McKee and junior Landon Polcyn enjoyed a breakout season last year. Fellow junior Griffen Harrington provides inside depth and James Keifer also has ample experience. The Defenders have knocked on the district door the past two seasons and are hoping this is the year they can kick it down.
5. Muncy (20-7):
Although a strong set of seniors led by Noah Confer, Patrick Zalonis and Konnor Shearer have moved on, Muncy retains a good core from a team which repeated as District 4 Class AA champion last year. That group did so with Confer the lone returning starter, so replacing good players is nothing new for a team which has reached states three straight years. The Indians, however, will have to balance several players having no to limited preseason work since they (See BEA, Page 10)
Boys Varsity Basketball
01/14 07:00 PM ................................................................ vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
Boys Varsity Baseball
(H) 11/26 06:00 PM .................................................................... vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(A) 12/06 TBA vs OPEN
Mon 04/04 4:30pm Away @ MIFFLINBURG
(A) 12/07 TBA vs OPEN
(H) 12/10 07:30 PM ...................................................................................... vs Shikellamy HS
BOWMAN FIELD
Wed 04/06 4:30pm Away @ SHIKELLAMY
(A) 12/13 07:30 PM ............................................................................. vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
(A) 12/17 07:30 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
BOWMAN FIELD
Fri 04/08 4:30pm Away @ SELINSGROVE
(H) 12/21 07:30 PM vs Wellsboro Area School District
(A) 12/27 06:00 PM vs OPEN
BOWMAN FIELD
Wed 04/13 4:30 pm Home vs JERSEY SHORE
(A) 12/28 07:30 PM .................................................................................................... vs OPEN (A) 12/30 07:30 PM ................................................................................... vs Warrior Run HS (A) 01/02 07:30 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS (A) 01/04 07:30 PM vs North Penn-Mansfield Jr/Sr HS (H) 01/08 07:30 PM .......................................................................... vs Central Columbia HS
Tue 03/29 4:30 pm Away @ SELINSGROVE
Thu 03/31 4:30 pm Home vs LEWISBURG
Tue 04/05 4:30 pm Home vs WARRIOR RUN
MCCALL S/BALL FIELD
Thu 04/07 4:30 pm Away @ CENTRAL COLUMBIA
Sat 04/09 11:00 am Home vs SOUTH
WILLIAMSPORT
01/15 05:00 PM vs Bishop McDevitt HS (A) 01/18 TBA vs OPEN (A) 01/21 07:00 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS (H) 01/23 07:00 PM ................................................................................... vs Warrior Run HS (A) 01/28 07:00 PM ............................................................................ vs Selinsgrove Area HS (A) 01/29 TBA vs OPEN (A) 02/01 TBA vs OPEN Girls Varsity Basketball
MCCALL BB FIELD
Mon 04/18 4:30pm Home vs MILTON
MCCALL BB FIELD
MCCALL S/BALL FIELD
(H) 11/23 11:00 AM ......................................................................... vs Central Mountain HS (H) 11/30 12:00 PM ...................................................................................... vs Shikellamy HS
Wed 04/20 4:30pm Home vs CENTRAL MOUNTAIN
MCCALL BB FIELD
Fri 04/22 4:30pm Home vs MIDD-WEST
(A) 01/11 07:30 PM ....................................................................................... vs Lewisburg HS
(H) 01/13 07:30 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS (H) 01/15 07:30 PM vs Milton HS (H) 01/18 07:30 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS (H) 01/21 07:30 PM ......................................................................vs Danville Area Senior HS (A) 01/24 07:30 PM .......................................................................... vs Central Columbia HS (H) 01/28 07:30 PM vs Lewisburg HS
Tue 04/26 4:30 pm Away @ LEWISBURG
Thu 04/28 4:30 pm Away @ WARRIOR RUN
Fri 04/29 4:00 pm Away @ WILLIAMSPORT WILLIAMSPORT TOURNAMENT
Sat 04/30 9:00 am Away @ WILLIAMSPORT WILLIAMSPORT TOURNAMENT
Tue 05/03 4:30 pm Away @ SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT
Thu 05/05 4:30 pm Home vs SOUTHERN COLUMBIA MCCALL S/BALL FIELD
Tue 05/10 4:30 pm Away @ HUGHESVILLE
Thu 05/12 4:30 pm Home vs MILTON
MCCALL S/BALL FIELD
Tue 05/17 4:30 pm Away @ LOYALSOCK
Thu 05/19 4:30 pm Home vs CENTRAL COLUMBIA
MCCALL S/BALL FIELD
Coed
Tue 03/29 4:00pm Away @ CENTRAL COLUMBIA
Sat 04/02 10:00am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS SELINSGROVE CLASSIC
Tue 04/05 4:00pm Away @ DANVILLE
Sat 04/09 9:00 am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS Susquehanna Invitational
Tue 04/12 4:00pm Home vs MIDD-WEST HIGH SCHOOL FIELD
Tue 04/12 4:30 pm Away @ SOUTHERN COLUMBIA
Thu 04/14 4:30 pm Home vs HUGHESVILLE
MCCALL S/BALL FIELD
Sat 04/16 4:30 pm Away @ MILTON Thu 04/21 4:30 pm Home vs LOYALSOCK
(A) 12/06 07:30 PM vs Warrior Run HS (A) 12/09 07:30 PM vs Bloomsburg HS (H) 12/14 07:30 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS
MCCALL BB FIELD
Mon 04/25 4:30pm Away @ JERSEY SHORE
BOWMAN FIELD
Wed 04/27 4:30pm Home vs MIFFLINBURG
MCCALL S/BALL FIELD Tue 04/26 4:30 pm Away @ LEWISBURG Thu 04/28 4:30 pm Away @ WARRIOR RUN Fri 04/29 4:00 pm Away @ WILLIAMSPORT
Thu 04/14 4:00 pm Away @ WILLIAMSPORT
MCCALL BB FIELD
Fri 04/29 4:30pm Home vs SHIKELLAMY
Tue 04/19 4:00 pm Home vs MILTON
(A) 12/17 07:15 PM ....................................................................... vs Loyalsock Township HS (H) 12/19 07:30 PM ...................................................................... vs Montgomery Senior HS (H) 12/23 07:30 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS (A) 12/27 TBA vs OPEN (A) 12/28 TBA ............................................................................................................ vs OPEN
Tue 04/26 4:00pm Home vs LEWISBURG
MCCALL BB FIELD
Sat 04/30 12:00am Home vs Northwest Area HS
(H) 12/30 07:30 PM .................................................................... vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
HIGH SCHOOL FIELD
MCCALL BB FIELD
(H) 01/03 07:30 PM vs Shamokin Area
Mon 05/02 4:30pm Home vs SELINSGROVE
Sat 04/30 9:00 am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS LHU Invitational
MCCALL BB FIELD
Wed 05/04 4:30pm Away @ MILTON
Tue 05/03 4:00pm Home vs MT. CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL FIELD
BOWMAN FIELD
4:30
(A) 01/07 07:30 PM vs Central Columbia HS (H) 01/10 07:30 PM vs Lewisburg HS (A) 01/14 07:30 PM ............................................................................................. vs Milton HS (A) 01/16 07:30 PM ................................................................ vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
Fri 05/06 4:30pm Away @ CENTRAL MOUNTAIN
Sat 05/07 10:00am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE MEET
BOWMAN FIELD
Sat 05/07 9:00am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS
Sat 05/14 10:00am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS LEAGUES
BOWMAN FIELD
BACKYARD BRAWL
Mon 05/09 4:30pm Away @ MIDD-WEST
Sat 05/21 9:00am Away @ OPPONENT SCHOOLS DISTRICT IV MEET
(A) 01/20 07:15 PM vs Jersey Shore Area (A) 01/22 07:30 PM vs Shamokin Area (H) 01/25 07:30 PM .......................................................................... vs Central Columbia HS (H) 01/27 06:00 PM ....................................................... vs St. John Neumann Reg Academy (A) 01/29 07:30 PM vs Lewisburg HS
BOWMAN FIELD
Fri 05/13 4:30pm Home vs Athens Area High School
Tue 03/22 4:00 pm Away @ SHIKELLAMY
MCCALL BB FIELD
Mon 05/16 4:30 pm Home vs TROY
(H) 02/01 07:30 PM vs Milton HS (H) 02/04 07:30 PM vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS (A) 02/08 01:30 PM .......................................................................... vs Williamsport Area HS
MCCALL TENNIS
MCCALL BB FIELD
Thu 03/24 4:00 pm Home vs MIFFLINBURG
Fri 05/20 4:30 pm Home vs MANSFIELD
MCCALL TENNIS
MCCALL BB FIELD
Tue 03/29 4:00 pm Away @ MILTON
MCCALL TENNIS
TENNIS
04/08
(From Page 8)
were on the football team which reached the state semifinals. One of those is point guard Stiles Eyer who stuffs the stat sheet and was last season’s Sun-Gazette Defensive Player of the Year. Another is Nate Rogers who shined as a freshman, averaging eight points and six rebounds per game. Likely all-state lineman Ken Hampe hit the game-winning free throws in the final seconds of the district final and sophomore Kyran Lisembee is a defensive presence who also has great vision and can hurt opponents several ways.
(ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Bald Eagle Area (9-14): Bald Eagle Area finished 9-14 last year and will look to build off that success and improve in the wins column. One tough piece for Bald Eagle Area is replacing seven seniors in Hunter Green, Dustin Reavis, Camron Watkins, Gavin Brooks, Kaden Burns, Dru Smith and Kahale Burns. But expect those younger players from last year who saw time to step up this year and help fuel the offense.
Bellefonte (7-15): The Raiders are coming off a 7-15 season in which Bellefonte went 7-11 in the Laurel Highlands conference. Bellefonte graduated six seniors from last year’s squad in Derek Cox, Brady Wertz, Jacob McConnell, Ethan Tomasacci, Trevor Johnson and Jacob Corman. The cupboard is far from bare, however, as Bellefonte returns plenty of athletes who saw time in games. The Raiders open the year with games against Clearfield, Central and Huntingdon before having to face perennially tough Loyalsock on Dec. 27.
Bucktail (14-12): Bucktail made history a season ago, capturing its first District 4 championship and its first district crown since 1989 when it was a District 6 participant. Three starters graduated, including 1,000-point scorer Braylon Fantaski, but Bucktail still has the look of
Bellefonte will look to build off last year’s 7-15 season, but has to replace six seniors who graduated.
a team which could make noise in Class A. Brody Pentz has more than 1,000 points and 500 rebounds and returns to help lead the team, while Gary Whipp also had a strong season, making some key plays in shots in the playoffs.
Canton (8-15): A young team last season, Canton still rallied to reach districts for a record-setting fifth straight season. The Warriors will be fairly inexperienced again but have some excellent building blocks. Ben Fitch averaged nearly a double-double and Talin Williams also enjoyed a quality season and is a three-year contributor. No other Warrior averaged more than two points per game, but Canton has shown a knack for developing as
the last few seasons have progressed and will try doing so again.
Central Mountain (1310): Central Mountain was a new-look team last season, replacing most of its 2023 starters, but started 6-0 and reached the District 4-6 Class AAAAA semifinals. Most of last year’s contributors are back, including first team HAC-I and Sun-Gazette all-star Hunter Hoy. Caleb Mahoney and Max Verrelli enjoyed breakthrough seasons and Central Mountain has a well-rounded nucleus. If it stays healthy, Central Mountain again could be a major player in districts and the HAC-I.
Cowanesque Valley (12-12): The Indians started strong last year, opening
at 8-3 before fading late and losing in the District 4 Class A quarterfinals. CV lost its top three scorers from that team, so it will be much younger this season. In a wide-open district field, though, it could make a move if those players progress.
Galeton (12-14): Galeton enjoyed an excellent playoff run last year, knocking off the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds before losing a close District 4 Class A final against Bucktail. Galeton reached the final for the first time in the 2000s but must replace its top four scorers, so building on that success will not be easy.
Hughesville (9-14): Like Galeton, Hughesville also is replacing a strong set of starters. The Spartans
Even better for Jersey Shore is that it returns a lot of the players who helped the team improve. Ben Dalton, Caden Jolin, Jude TenEyck and Landon Lathan all started and/or played big minutes last year, doing so well. Breylon Guerrero also is a player to watch and Jersey Shore graduate Jon Boob has a good group with which to work in his debut season.
Milton (3-18): Milton was hit hard by injury and adversity last season but has a chance for a nice rebound this season. Joel Langdon was off to a strong start and averaging in double figures before an early-season injury. Point guard Rylin Scott ran the offense well and can attack the basket and/or hit the outside shoot. Chase Knarr is another good shooter and Izayah Minium is a player to watch.
will be among the area’s youngest teams, but there is a lot of upside there. Gavin Knarr could be one of this year’s breakout players and played well off the bench last season, while Brady Morgan, Jarrett Easton, Paul Ragan were among others who offered glimpses of what could be coming during a fourth straight playoff season. It may take some time to build the chemistry with a lot of moving parts, but Hughesville is a team which could experience a lot of growth as the season continues.
Jersey Shore (2-19): The record might not show it, but Jersey Shore heated up down the stretch last season and nearly upset HAC-I champion Shamokin, dropping a 78-76 heartbreaker.
Montgomery (8-14): Montgomery was a victory from reaching the District 4 Class AA playoffs last year despite being loaded with underclassmen. That means expectations are high since all five starters are back. Demaj Stewart-Williams also returns after missing last season, so the Red Raiders have a well-rounded unit. Parker Bennett, Briar Persing and Hayden Wilt all averaged in double figures and Jace Hanford is a strong defender. Cody Sechrist, Ethan Tupper and Xavier Koch also played a lot and Montgomery could be a major player in the 2A district scene.
Montoursville (16-7): Montoursville is on the opposite end of where Montgomery is, replacing five starters from last year’s team. Still, there is reason for optimism, especially in the backcourt. Shea Ulmer and Jimmy Mussina were the top players off the bench a year ago and each shoots and handles the ball well. Both also had some big games and provide valuable postseason experience. Kingston Fisher is a player to keep an eye on in the post after a standout football season and Todd Crawford also could be poised for a strong year as could some first-time (See KNIGHTS, Page 12)
(H) 11/23/24 10:00 AM vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(A) 12/03/24 7:30 PM vs Columbia-Montour AVTS
(H) 12/05/24 7:15 PM vs South Williamsport Area PM HS
(A) 12/09/24 7:30 PM vs Lewisburg HS
(H) 12/11/24 7:30 PM vs Warrior Run HS
(H) 12/14/24 7:30 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
(H) 12/18/24 7:30 PM vs Milton HS
(H) 12/20/24 7:30 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
(H) 01/02/25 7:30 PM vs Wellsboro Area School District
(A) 01/06/25 7:30 PM vs Northumberland Christian School
(A) 01/08/25 7:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(H) 01/11/25 7:30 PM vs Shamokin Area
(A) 01/15/25 7:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 01/18/25 7:30 PM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
(A) 01/21/25 7:30 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
(H) 01/24/25 7:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(A) 01/28/25 7:30 PM vs Shamokin Area
(H) 01/31/25 7:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(H) 02/03/25 7:30 PM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
(H) 02/05/25 7:00 PM vs East Juniata Jr/Sr HS
(H) 02/08/25 7:30 PM vs Troy Junior/Senior HS
(A) 02/10/25 7:15 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
(A) 02/12/25 7:15 PM vs St. John Neumann Reg Acad
(A) 11/25/24 6:00 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
(H) 12/03/24 7:15 PM vs Warrior Run HS
(A) 12/05/24 TBA vs Multiple Opponents
Angela Wolfe Memorial Girls Basketball Tournament
(A) 12/06/24 TBA vs Multiple Opponents
Angela Wolfe Memorial Girls Basketball Tournament
(H) 12/10/24 7:30 PM vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(H) 12/16/24 7:00 PM vs Bloomsburg HS
(A) 12/18/24 5:30 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(H) 12/21/24 7:15 PM vs Redbank Valley HS
(H) 12/23/24 7:15 PM vs Lewisburg HS
(A) 12/30/24 7:15 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
(H) 01/03/25 7:30 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
(H) 01/07/25 7:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(A) 01/10/25 7:30 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS
(H) 01/14/25 7:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(H) 01/17/25 7:30 PM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
(H) 01/20/25 7:15 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
(H) 01/22/25 7:30 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
(A) 01/25/25 7:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(H) 01/29/25 7:30 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS
(A) 02/01/25 1:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 02/04/25 7:30 PM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
(A) 02/06/25 6:30 PM vs Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy
(A) 02/08/25 7:30 PM vs Troy Junior/Senior HS
(A) 12/13/24 4:30 PM vs Milton HS
(A) 12/17/24 4:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents
@ Wmspt Tri meet (Bloom)
(A) 01/07/25 4:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents
@Lewisburg Tri Meet (Danville)
(A) 01/11/25 TBA vs OPEN Arctic Swim Classic - Clearfield HS
(H) 01/14/25 4:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(H) 01/16/25 4:30 PM vs Central Columbia HS
(H) 01/25/25 4:30 PM vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(H) 02/06/25 4:30 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(A) 02/08/25 TBA vs OPEN Coaches Invitational @ Williamsport (H) 02/12/25 4:30 PM vs Shamokin Area
(A) 11/23/24 9:00 AM vs South Williamsport Area HS
(A) 12/06/24 5:00 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
Top Hat Wrestling Tournament
(A) 12/07/24 10:00 AMvs Williamsport Area HS
Top Hat Wrestling Tournament
(H) 12/12/24 7:15 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
(A) 12/14/24 TBA vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(A) 12/17/24 7:00 PM vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
(A) 12/19/24 7:00 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 12/27/24 TBA vs Conestoga Valley
(A) 12/28/24 TBA vs Conestoga Valley
(A) 01/04/25 TBA vs Line Mountain Jr/Sr HS
(A) 01/07/25 7:00 PM vs Bellefonte Area HS
(A) 01/09/25 7:00 PM vs Shamokin Area
(A) 01/11/25 TBA vs OPEN League Championship
(H) 01/16/25 7:00 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
(H) 01/23/25 7:00 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(H) 01/28/25 7:00 PM vs Troy Junior/Senior HS
(H) 02/01/25 12:30 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(A) 02/04/25 7:00 PM vs Wellsboro Area School District
(A) 12/10/24 5:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents Tri Meet @ Selinsgrove
(H) 12/12/24 6:30 PM vs Sugar Valley Rural Charter School
(A) 12/14/24 8:00 AM vs Sugar Valley Rural Charter School
(A) 12/19/24 6:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 01/04/25 TBA vs Montgomery Senior HS
(A) 01/07/25 6:30 PM vs Bellefonte Area HS
(A) 01/09/25 6:30 PM vs Shamokin Area
(H) 01/18/25 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
Tri Meet JS, Miff,
(H) 01/23/25 6:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(A) 01/25/25 TBA vs Bald Eagle Area
(A) 02/04/25 6:30 PM vs Wellsboro Area School District
Boys-Girls Varsity Bocce
(A) 12/11/24 3:30 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
(H) 12/17/24 4:30 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
(A) 01/06/25 3:30 PM vs Mifflinburg Area Senior HS
(H) 01/15/25 4:30 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
(A) 01/22/25 3:30 PM vs Warrior Run HS
(H) 01/30/25 4:30 PM vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
(A) 02/07/25 3:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(From Page 10)
contributors and freshmen.
North Penn-Liberty (1212): Despite having five new starters last season, North Penn-Liberty reached the District 4 Class A semifinals for a fifth straight year. Now, the Mounties are hungry for more and look like title contenders with their top four scorers back. Louis Mercantino, Adynn Wheeland, Luke Kreger and Blake Oakley all averaged 7.7 or more points per game. All filled out the stat sheets as well and Evan McTish and Jacob Brown also could play vital roles.
North Penn-Mansfield (17-8): The Tigers must replace two-time Sun-Gazette Player of the Year Karson Dominick but the cupboard certainly is not bare for the perennial NTL title contender. Cooper Shaw, Tayton Strange, Alex Davis and Andy Hermansen all averaged more than five points per game and Shaw and Davis are three-year starters. Shaw and Davis played vital roles on the 2023 District 4 Class AAA finalist so North Penn-Mansfield could again be a contender.
South Williamsport (7-16): A team with five new starters last season rallied to reach the postseason and gave eventual champion Muncy a serious scare in the quarterfinals. South returns most of that group and will try making some noise in 3A this year. Pushing Muncy hard gave the team a boost entering the offseason and Radley Knapp was playing like one of the area’s best by season’s end. South receives a boost with Dylan Scheller returning and Jordan Baier, Levi Butler, Chance Quimby and Marc Molina all started and/or played key roles off the bench, so there is some excitement brewing.
St. John Neumann (14-12): Neumann has reached states in 12 of the last 13 seasons, capturing eight district championships during that time but faces a tough task this season. The Knights must replace their top three leading scorers from a team which was a
MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
St. John Neumann went 14-12 last year, falling to Muncy in the District 4 Class A championship. The Golden Knights reached staes for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons, however.
shot from winning another district crown. There are some good pieces to build around, though, and getting Daiton Thompson back healthy is a huge plus. The backcourt could be particularly strong with Lajon Dizard, Angelo Birch, Gino Birch and Jager Woodring all having good experience.
Sullivan County (9-14): Sullivan must replace its top scorers in Ben Carpenter and Derrick Finnegan but has a group which could make it again a tough out in the District 4 Class A field. Four of the team’s eight returnees are 6-feet or taller and all four have the potential to build off the
progress they made as firsttime contributors last year.
Tucker Blasi is one of the Mid-Penn’s premier guards and Colin King, Lucas King and James Romeo provide backcourt depth. Sullivan has to put the pieces together but if it does, it could be a big factor in Class A.
Wellsboro (14-9): Wellsboro has been one of the NTL’s most consistent winners throughout the 2000s and will have to find a way to replace double-double machine Hayes Campbell and assists leader Caden Smith to keep that going. Fortunately, the Hornets have some strong players coming back to build around. That
includes Luke Rothermel who averaged more than 10 points during his first season starting. Mitchel Lechler also produced some strong games as did Ian Hoose, who is a strong defender. Aaron Kirk, Marek Mascho, Jonathan Carl and Lucas Cuneo all received quality minutes as well and will be eager to step up.
Williamson (3-19): The Warriors will be a fairly young team but have an exciting player in Jack Nolan who was among the NTL’s leading scorers last season. Nolan averaged more than 14 points per game and if Williamson can build around him, it may surprise some
Kyreek Bradshaw, Williamsport: He missed last season with a torn ACL, but Bradshaw showed during his sophomore campaign why he had the potential to be one of the area’s premier players. A key reserve on a team which won 19 games and reached states, Bradshaw can score in multiple ways and do threat as a guard or in the paint. He also defends well and is a smart player who sees the court well and provides quality leadership.
Stiles Eyer, Muncy: Coming off an excellent football season, Eyer will make a quick transition into a similar do-everything role on the basketball role. The reigning area defensive player of the year also sees the court well and can do damage as a scorer and/or facilitator. Eyer averaged seven points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in addition to his 3.6 steals per game. He also went for 10 points, six assists and three steals in a state playoff game against Claysburg-Kimmel.
NTL-II teams.
Parker Bennett, Montgomery: As a sophomore starting for the first time, Bennett burst onto the scene, finishing second among area’s scorers at 18.7 points per game. A versatile guard, Bennett attacks the basket hard and also has a quality shot. He filled up the stat sheet last season, adding 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. He also was the team leader in transition points, points off turnovers, second-chance points, points in the past and 3-point percentage.
Hunter Hoy, Central Mountain: Taking on a leadership role as Central Mountain’s lone returning starter a season ago, Hoy excelled. He was a difference-maker on both ends and averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. A good shooter and ball-handler, Hoy scored 20 or more points nine times and led Central Mountain in assists. He also is an effective defender who averaged 3.2 steals per game. In his last two games against Williamsport and District 4-6 Class 5A champion Selinsgrove, Hoy scored 49 points.
Brody Pentz, Bucktail:
One of the driving forces on last year’s district champion, Pentz finished tied for an area-high 17 double-doubles. Like on the football field, Pentz is a well-rounded athlete who can score in a variety of ways while piling up rebounds and/or assists. The senior is a four-year starter who has 1,028 career points and more than 500 rebounds. He was among (See ROSTER, Page 14)
Friday 11/15/24 OPEN (First O cial Practice )
11/27/24 Warrior Run High School
12/21/24 *Bucktail High School
(From Page 12)
the area’s leading scorers and rebounders a year ago, going for 15.8 points and more than 10 rebounds per game.
Aiden McKee, Warrior Run: McKee has helped Warrior Run go from one win the year before he arrived to the brink of states the past two seasons. The threeyear starting center grew two inches in the offseason and is now 6-8. He also is a skilled big man who shoots and passes well. Evans tied Pentz with 17 double-doubles and averaged 16.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. All this while dealing with constant double teaming. McKee also produced 1.8 assists per game and is a hard worker who made a lot of progress from his freshman to sophomore year. That creates a lot of excitement about what could be coming this season.
Second Team: Radley Knapp, South Williamsport; Ben Fitch, Canton; Neyshawn Mabry, Lewisburg; Isiah Jennings, Loyalsock; Cooper Shaw, North Penn-Mansfield; Cassin Diggs, Williamsport
Coach Kris Glunt
Assistants: Ayden Jodon, Ben Gibboney
Last year’s record: 9-14
Classification: Class AAA
League affiliation: Laurel Highlands
Roster: Myles Stover, Jackson Millward, Kane Wolf, Alex Gavlock, Cole Parsons, Ethan Hoover, Owen Irvin, James Cowan, Ethan Koleno, Wade Habovik, Luke Hosband, Drew Bucha, Max Yetsko, Nathan Hoover, Blaze Angelotti, Colin Witherite, Blake Roberts, Samuel Clark, Brayden Dubbs, Wyatt Spackman, Keith Greene.
Coach Mike Fantaskey
Last year’s record: 14-12
Classification: Class A
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Brody Pentz, Gavin Pick, Talan Ditty, Aiden Ditty, Ethan Charcalla, Ethan Kalafut, Xander Shearer, Leon Matthews, Stevie Heiser, Sam Mansfield, Gary Whipp, William Pedokus, Nate Steele, Cam Barnes, Teagan Stone
Coach Travis Bardo
Assistants: Luke Welshans
Last year’s record: 13-10
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation: HAC-I
Roster: Seniors: Max Verrelli, Hunter Hoy, Caleb Mahoney, Jeremy Reese. Juniors: Blake Walker, Noah Wells, Carson Couturiaux, Isah Dorman, Keron Yerger, Darius Shade, Calen Hunter, Benedict Shields, Jared Bischof, Evan Dejesus, Travis Diaz. Sophomores: Anthony
RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Williamsport’s Naamir Lowe (1) looks to pass around Central Mountain’s Blake Walker (10) during a agme last year. The Millionaires finished 8-15 lsat season and the Wildcats went 13-10.
Croak, Brayden Bird, Nolan Karstetter. Freshmen: Blake King, Collin Confer
Coach: (not available)
Last year’s record 12-12
Classification: Class AA League affiliation: NTL-II
Roster: Juniors: Parker Lee, Jacob Johnson, Danny Smith, Josh Teague, Levi Stahli, Carsyn Kemp. Sophomores: Ashtyn Burdick, Gavin Churchill. Freshmen: Trevin Hollenbach
Coach: Cam St. James
Assistants: Mark Forbes, Greg Johnson, Luke Kaiser
Last year’s record 9-14
Classification: Class AAA League affiliation: HAC-III
Roster: Seniors: Ithel Miley, Jarrett Easton, Brady Morgan, Paul Ragan, Mckelvey Brink. Juniors: Carson Stackhouse, Evan Mackenie, Tyson Harrington, Kevin Bobak. Sophomores: Dylan McConnell, Gavin Knarr, Noland Pearson, Alex Schultz. Freshmen: Malachi Flowers, Michael Fuller, Hudson Meckbach, Gage Webb.
Coach: Jon Bobb
Last year’s record 2-19
Classification: Class AAAA League affiliation: HAC-I
Coach: Jonathan Mattison
Assistants: Kyle Bower
Last year’s record: 12-12
Classification: Class A
League affiliation: NTL-II
Roster: Seniors: Adynn Wheeland, Louis Mercantino, Blake Oakley. Juniors: Luke Kreger, Brody Grinnell, Evan McTish.
Coach: Joe Simon
Assistants: Paul McGinn, Ricky Moser, Nick Koletar, Scott Lowery, Braydon Miller, JJ Manikowski
Last year’s record: 7-16
Classification: Class AAA
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Jordan Baier, Trayden Beaghley, Radley Knapp, Ben Pfirman, Ken Regel III, Chima Uwawuike, Dylan Scheller. Juniors: Marc Molina. Sophomores: Levi Butler, Caleb Johnson, Dominic McGrath, Chance Quimby, Isaiah Weaver, Ethan Gardner, Davis Pace, Robert Regan. Freshmen: Judah Butler, Jaymes Carpenter, Jax Miller, Kyree Moy, Kaden White, Neeko Bowen, Kasim Davenport, Kaiden Paulhamus.
Coach: Glenn Vaughan
Assistants: Riley King, Frank Comfort, Jeff Neary, Dave Metzger, Jon Pedro, Maddox Bahr, Aaron King, Brian Bahr, Austin Kelsey, Rich Sweigart
Last year’s record: 9-14
Classification: Class A
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Jayden Barringer, Conner Morgan. Juniors: Tucker Blasi, Colin King, Ryan Murray, James Romeo, Elijah Phillips, Sean Ortz. Sophomores: Lucas King, Justin Hemighaus, Cayden Smithkors, Jaiden Moore, Landon Bahr, Kameren Brown, Logan Knight, Aiden Sperry, Antonio Poggy-Dornan. Freshmen: Carter Blasi, Madden Fries, Dominic Marotti.
Coach: Eric Wertman
Last year’s record: 15-10
Classification: Class AAA
League affiliation: HAC-III
Roster: Seniors: George Carmer, Ben Dalton, Caden Jolin, Zack Kendall, Easton Laubscher, Jude TenEyck. Juniors: Roman Dittmar, Breylan Guerrero, Tucker Hanna, Landon Lathan, Brayden Swales, Carson Watkins, Gannon Willoughby. Sophomores: Kaihl Harlan, Jacob Lorson, Khani McCray, Abram Paulhamus. Freshmen: Clayton Hart, Jackson Keefer, Hayden Kelley, Brayden Lehman, Ty McDermit, Orrin Pennycoff, Mitchell Watkins
Coach: Leon Tucker
Assistants: Jeff Mowery, Earl Mowry, Janna Ward, Jason Mattern
Last year’s record: 8-18
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation HAC-II
Roster: Seniors: Tai Britto, Quin Michaels, Neyshawn Mabry. Juniors: Cooper Mowry, Nazir Meredith, Rebira Jemama, Aiden Eby. Sophomores: Jaylen Walker, Gabriel Pawling
Freshmen: Leon Tucker II.
Coach: Ron Insinger
Assistants: Jahad Thomas, Dave Winner, Ron Emery, Ryan Cioffi
Last year’s record: 28-2
Classification: Class AAA
League affiliation HAC-III
Roster: Seniors: Chase Wright, Isiah Jennings, Jaydn Wagner, Cadyn Plank. Juniors: Jalil Coates, Drake Dupont. Sophomores: Ryan Lingg, Ronnie Emery, CJ Taylor, Isaac Blackwell, Saoj Jones. Freshmen: Brecken Gusick, Brayden Cioffi.
Coach: (not available)
Assistants: (not available)
Last year’s record: 3-18
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation: HAC-I
Roster: Seniors: Adrian Castellanos, Tyler Emery, Joel Langdon, Juriel Medina, Izayah Minium, Preston Reedy, Rylin Scott, Talen Strous. Juniors: Jake Harris, Alex Krall, Garrett Lewczyk. Sophomores: Carter Bailey, Elijah Brosious, Rahmire Lopez, Tavin Reitz, Tobin Strous, Yomar Vargas. Freshmen: Schuyler Humphrey, Luis Santos.
Coach: Junior Parrish
Assistants: (not available)
Last year’s record: 8-14
Classification: Class AA
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Tyler Kuhn, Hayden Wilt, Braiden Winter. Juniors: Parker Bennett, James Godley, Jace Hanford, Damaj Stewart-Williams, Ethan Tupper, Cameron Wilver. Sophomores: Samson Bolden, Brody Denton, Logan Joy, Briar Persing, Cody Sechrist. Freshmen: Chase Bennett, Dylon Harvey, Brady O’Rourke.
Coach: Mark Mussina
Assistants Mike Heimbach, Eric Wise
Last year’s record: 16-7
Classification: Class AAAA
League affiliation: HAC-II
Roster: Seniors: Jimmy Mussina, Kacen Engel, Shaw Simpson, Todd Crawford. Juniors: Kamden Brown, Gabe Moser, Brennen Imbro, Adam Shearer, Carlos Tira, Shea Ulmer, Carson Menne, Mikey Wood, Kingston Fisher. Sophomores: Trent Jean, Austin Davidson, Mason Fry, Zack Neil, Cole Snyder, Vinny DeBrody. Freshman: Cam Cintron, Jay Houseknecht, Elijah Eck.
Coach: Jason Gresh
Assistants Bill Frantz, John Brink, Jeff Martin, Patrick Nork, John Karichner
Last year’s record: 20-7
Classification: Class AA
League affiliation: Mid-Penn
Roster: Seniors: Stiles Eyer, Kohen Meyer, Ken Hampe. Juniors: Bryson Barrows, Gavin Barrows, Carter Feigles, Bohdy Thomas, Dominic Guardini. Sophomores: Nate Rogers, Kyran Lisembee, Jaxton Frantz, Jermain Morgan, Caleb Beaver, Aiden Pace, Nixon Lamper, Nasir Miller, Paden Duff, Liam Driscoll. Freshmen: Alec Noviello, Liam Schrawder, Jackson Reiber, Nolan Trostle, Dylan Mausteller, Jameson Bartlow, Ryan Wetzel, Jackson Guardini.
Roster: Seniors: Cooper Wilkins, Gavin Gorton, Jake Bruckhart, Donovan Figueroa, Keagen Watson. Juniors: Aiden Evans, James Keifer, Carter Sheesley, Ethan Balzer, Griff Harrington, Landon Polcyn. Sophomores: Carter McCormick, Max Burden, Connor Shoemaker, Colin Moore. Freshmen: Cayden Robinson, Emmett Ranck, Zach Seibert.
Coach: Ron Doughtie
Assistants: Jake Singer, Kyle Smith, Aiden Weiner
Last year’s record: 14-9
Classification: Class AAA League affiliation: NTL-I
Roster: Seniors: Lucas Cuneo, Mitchel Lechler, Halen Kalani. Juniors: Luke Rothermel, Jonathan Carl, Marek Mascho. Sophomores: Colin Fletcher, Ethan Keane, Max Mascho, Gideon Lawton. Freshmen: Ransom Schultz, Griffin Morral.
Coach: Allen Taylor
Assistants: DeMarr Wright, Lamar Ballard
Last year’s record: 8-15
Classification: Class 6A
League affiliation: Independent Roster: Seniors: Ja’Sir Cobb, Kyreek Bradshaw, Dezmyr Noble, Cassin Diggs, Micah Washington, Samir Williams, Eric Collins. Juniors: Naazir Lowe, Kye Diakite, Kenyon Harden, Ethan Chilson, Tyrin Sabb-Wilson, Caden Gunsallas, Jahki Brister. Sophomores: Quincy Williams, Zion Hughes, Dion Young, Alex Takach, Jensen Spencer, Trey Damschroder, James Hill, Nathaniel Crowe, Kason Ulmer. Freshmen: Tevin Williams
12/09/24 A 7:30 PM @ Clearfield Area
12/12/24 A 7:30 PM @ Tyrone Area
12/16/24 H 7:30 PM vs Central HS - Martinsburg
12/20/24 A 7:30 PM @ Huntingdon Area
12/27/24 A 7:30 PM @ Loyalsock Township HS
12/28/24 A 7:30 PM @ OPEN
01/03/25 H TBA vs Greater Johnstown Sr. HS
01/04/25 A 6:00 PM @ BishopMcCort Catholic HS
01/06/25 H 7:30 PM vs Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
01/08/25 A 7:30 PM @ Bellwood-Antis HS
01/10/25 H 7:30 PM vs Hollidaysburg Area
01/13/25 A 7:15 PM @ Shikellamy HS
01/15/25 A 7:30 PM @ Bald Eagle Area
01/17/25 A 6:00 PM @ Westmont Hilltop HS
01/20/25 A 7:00 PM @ Mifflin County HS
01/22/25 H 6:30 PM vs Philipsburg-Osceola
01/24/25 H 7:30 PM vs Penns Valley
01/28/25 A 7:30 PM @ Hollidaysburg Area
01/31/25 H TBA vs Bedford HS
02/05/25 H 7:30 PM vs Clearfield Area
02/07/25 H 7:30 PM vs Tyrone Area
02/10/25 A 7:30 PM @ Central HS - Martinsburg
02/13/25 A TBA @ OPEN
02/15/25 A TBA @ OPEN
12/04/24 A 6:00 PM @ Westmont Hilltop HS
12/09/24 A 5:00 PM @ Central Cambria HS/MS
12/11/24 A 4:15 PM @ Somerset Area
12/13/24 A 6:00 PM @ Clearfield Area
12/19/24 A 6:00 PM @ Huntingdon Area
01/06/25 A 6:00 PM @ Tyrone Area
01/13/25 A 6:00 PM @ Richland Senior HS
01/17/25 A TBA @ OPEN
01/22/25 A 5:00 PM @ Hollidaysburg Area
12/09/24 H 7:15 PM vs Philipsburg-Osceola
12/11/24 H 7:30 PM vs Clearfield Area
12/13/24 H 7:30 PM vs Tyrone Area
12/18/24 A 7:30 PM @ Central HS - Martinsburg
12/20/24 H 7:30 PM vs Huntingdon Area
01/03/25 H TBA vs Greater Johnstown Sr. HS
01/04/25 A 7:30 PM @ Bishop McCort Catholic HS
01/06/25 A 7:30 PM @ Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
01/08/25 H 7:30 PM vs Bellwood-Antis HS
01/10/25 A 7:30 PM @ Hollidaysburg Area
01/13/25 H 7:30 PM vs Bald Eagle Area
01/15/25 A 6:15 PM @ Southern Huntingdon County Jr/Sr HS
01/17/25 A 7:15 PM @ Westmont Hilltop HS
01/20/25 A 7:30 PM @ Philipsburg-Osceola
01/23/25 A 7:30 PM @ Penns Valley
01/27/25 A 7:15 PM @ Williamsport Area HS
01/29/25 H 7:30 PM vs Hollidaysburg Area
01/31/25 H TBA vs Bedford HS
02/03/25 A 7:30 PM @ Clearfield Area
02/06/25 A 7:30 PM @ Tyrone Area
02/10/25 H 6:30 PM vs Central HS - Martinsburg
02/13/25 A TBA @ OPEN
02/15/25 A TBA @ OPEN
12/05/24 A 7:00 PM @ Bald Eagle Area
12/07/24 A 9:00 PM @ Multiple Opponents
12/10/24 A 7:00 PM vs Huntingdon Area
12/17/24 A 7:00 PM vs Philipsburg-Osceola
12/20/24 A 11:00 AM @ OPEN
12/21/24 A 10:00 AM @ OPEN
12/22/24 A TBA @ OPEN
12/27/24 A TBA @ OPEN 12/28/24 A TBA @ OPEN
01/03/25 A 1:00 PM @ OPEN
01/04/25 A TBA @ OPEN
01/07/25 H 7:00 PM vs Jersey Shore Area
01/10/25 A 1:00 PM @ OPEN
01/11/25 A TBA @ OPEN
01/16/25 A 7:00 PM @ Penns Valley
01/21/25 A 7:00 PM @ Clearfield Area
01/25/25 A 9:00 AM @ OPEN
02/04/25 H 7:00 PM vs Central HS - Martinsburg
02/14/25 A TBA @ OPEN
02/15/25 A TBA @ OPEN
02/21/25 A TBA @ OPEN
02/22/25 A TBA @ OPEN
02/28/25 A TBA @ OPEN
03/01/25 A TBA @ OPEN
03/06/25 A TBA @ OPEN
03/07/25 A TBA @ OPEN
03/08/25 A TBA @ OPEN
By HENRY HUBER hhuber@lockhaven.com
Breaking down the area boys wrestling teams between Class AA and Class AAA.
Coach: Ron Guenot, ninth season
Assistants: Kyle Wallace, Eddie Hockenberry, Kyle Fluke, Mike Cook, Hunter Guenot, Troy Guenot, Ronnie Garbinsky
Returning state qualifiers: Tanner Guenot, 107; Caden Judice, 114; Caleb Close, 189.
Returning regional qualifiers: Dawson Lomison, 133; Tanner Guenot, 107; Caden Judice, 114; Caleb Close, 189.
Returning district qualifiers: Gage Gardner, 215; Liam Purcell, 121; Kayson Tice, 139; Dawson Lomison, 133; Tanner Guenot, 107; Caden Judice, 114; Caleb Close, 189.
Roster: Seniors – Caleb Close; Hunter Davis; Gavin Guenot; Alexander Surovec; Austin Stine; Luke Tobias. Juniors – Gage Gardner; Caden Judice; Liam Purcell; Kyle Watson; Michael Wesley. Sophomores – Tanner Guenot; Chayse Kellander; Wyatt Knepp; Dawson Lomison. Freshmen – Logan Burns; Ty Corey; Brody Gardner; Easton Grimes.
OUTLOOK: Though it had to depart with two-time state medalist Lucas Fye at the conclusion of last season, the Bald Eagle Area wrestling team enters December possessing plenty of promise, maintaining much of the prosperous core that headlined runner-up finishes at District 6 Class AA Duals and the District 6 Class AA tournament through last season.
“It’s always nice coming off a successful season like that, but it’s a new season and what we did last year is in the past,” said BEA head coach Ron Guenot when discussing his outlook heading into the season. “We need to look forward to this year and
TIM WEIGHT/For The Express
Bald Eagle Area has a handful of returning state, regional and district qualifiers back, including TAnner Guenot (107) above, who reached states.
just work on getting better every day.”
Senior Caleb Close, junior Caden Judice and sophomore Tanner Guenot headline the incoming roster, each returning to the mat having placed at states in 2024. That trio has worked at the M2 Training Center throughout the offseason, refining their game as they prepare to build off last season’s success.
Guenot and Judice look to improve on seventh place finishes in their Hershey debuts while Close looks to take the final step towards earning a title, coming off a bronze-medal finish at 189 –his third straight state medal. Guenot believes the keys to Close taking that extra step are continued hard work and remaining unsatisfied.
“Anytime you have three
returning state place winners, that’s a huge plus as far as being able to rely on them to score points at our dual meets and tournaments,” said Guenot. “They’re going to bring it every match and show all the hard work that they’ve put in.”
Apart from that trio, Guenot also expects Dawson Lomison, Gage Gardner, Liam Purcell and Alex Surovec to make the impact, the former two which are looking to build off 20-win seasons having each qualified for regionals once throughout their careers.
“With them all being underclassmen last season and getting that varsity experience, and their work ethic in the room, it’s exciting and hopefully, it’ll translate into a successful season,” said Guenot. “We also have a lot
Long, 152; Jack McHail, 160; Quinn Park, 172; Luke Hockenberry, 189; Logan Rarrick, 215; Ian Valimont, 285.
Roster: Seniors – Cameron Garcia; Jan Rojas; Noah Weaver. Juniors – Jackson Long; Wyatt Long; Jack McHail; Logan Rarrick; Ezra Swisher; Ian Valimont; Nolan Weaver. Sophomores – Mason Englert; Luke Hockenberry; Jacob Horn; Gavin Lucas; Quinn Park. Freshmen – Carson Crawford; Andrew Gall; Mason Grove; Jackson Vanorden.
OUTLOOK: Heading into his 18th season with the program, Bellefonte head coach Mike Maney brings back a long list of promising wrestlers, a core which combined to take sixth at last season’s District 6 AA tournament and win over ten wins for the program’s tenth straight season.
Ezra Swisher leads the way, coming off a season where he surpassed 40 wins and punched his first ticket to Hershey. The Red Raider heads into his junior season just 27 victories away from breaching the 100-win barrier, with 46 of his career wins earning his squad bonus points through the years.
of newcomers that we’ll need to step up into their varsity roles and try to get better every day.”
Their season begins with a dual match against Laurel Highlands foe Bellefonte, set to take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Bald Eagle Area.
Coach: Mike Maney (18th season, 17th at Bellefonte) Returning state qualifiers: Ezra Swisher, 139. Returning regional qualifiers: Ezra Swisher, 139; Wyatt Long, 107; Jackson Long, 152; Noah Weaver, 145; Cameron Garcia, 127 Returning district qualifiers: Wyatt Long, 107; Nolan Weaver, 121; Cameron Garcia, 127; Gavin Lucas, 133; Ezra Swisher, 139; Noah Weaver, 145; Jackson
20 wins and ten pins for the second straight season.
Seniors Noah Weaver and Cameron Garcia each have three regional appearances to their name, with Weaver claiming district silver as a junior and heading into his fourth season just 15 career wins away from 100. And Luke Hockenberry forefronts a promising, deep sophomore class, concluding last season with 23 wins and an eighth-place finish at districts.
Bellefonte has been an embodiment of consistent success throughout the decade. And with just one contributor from last year’s squad graduating following the 2023-24 season, the prospect of that continuing is promising.
Their season begins with a dual match against Laurel Highlands foe Bald Eagle Area, set to take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Bald Eagle Area.
Coach: Troy Charles (sixth season)
Swisher is by no means the only standout to keep an eye on though. The midweight headlines a solid allaround junior class that saw three advance to regionals in 2024.
Light-weight Wyatt Long finished last season with 37 wins, an uptick of 13 from his previous, closing out his second season at regionals. And Jackson Long saw similar success, qualifying for regionals and surpassing
Returning state qualifiers: Chase Shaner, 121. Returning regional qualifiers: Kile Hartman, 139; Conor Knight, 160; Keagan Smith, 152; Chase Shaner, 121.
Returning district qualifiers: Kile Hartman, 139; Conor Knight, 160; Mason Mordan, 145; Keagan Smith, 152; Chase Shaner, 121.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Mason Mordan, 145; Luke Stutzman, 172; Kile Hartman, 139; Conor Knight, 160; Keagan Smith,
(See HHS, Page 17)
(From Page 16)
152; Chase Shaner, 121.
Roster: Seniors – Wyatt Gavitt, 189; Conor Knight, 160; Casey Mook, 127; Mason Mordan, 160; Chase Shaner, 133; Keagan Smith, 152; Luke Stutzman, 189; Bryson Swisher, 285; Jarrett Whitmoyer, 107. Juniors –Jakob Charles, 172; Wesley Harvey, 139; Dawson Liebersohn, 152. Sophomores – Jerry Barton, 215; Royce Gardner, 189; Kile Hartman, 145; Alex Smulek, 133; Billy Travis, 127. Freshmen –Jace Gordner, 121; Landen Puderbach, 145; Ethan Wodrig, 114; Colton Woolever, 215.
OUTLOOK: Prior to the arrival of sixth-year head coach Troy Charles, Hughesville had posted just one winning record in dual competition between 2014 and 2019. Now, the Spartans head into the 2024-25 season looking to secure their fourth in a row, with plenty of last year’s standouts set to return for their senior season.
“We’re going to be a pretty competitive team,” said Charles. “We have quite a few upperclassmen who have been in the lineup for a while and have experienced the ups and downs of wrestling season and know what it takes to be successful.”
Within that nine-man senior class, Chase Shaner stands out above the rest, having qualified for states in each of the past two seasons and surpassing 100 wins as a junior at regionals. Charles gave Shaner credit for being an important part of the program’s rebuild through the 2020s, describing him as ‘such a leader’ and someone who has ‘done everything possible to help the team.’
Alongside Shaner, Conor Knight and Keagan Smith gave the program three regional qualifiers – where Knight placed sixth at 160 – and Mason Mordan and Luke Stutzman each surpassed 20 wins. The class didn’t even get a chance to reach its peak last postseason, with Smith and Mordan being forced to withdraw
from regionals and districts respectively.
Charles expects many of his seniors to have a shot at taking that extra step towards Hershey. He also highlighted Casey Mook as another senior that could potentially make an impact and surprise people.
“We also have Luke Stutzman and Wyatt Gavitt in the upper weights who are super important parts of our team and could make a postseason run,” added Charles when discussing his vast senior class. “These seniors have put so much time and effort into our program, and I’d love to see that rewarded with team as well as individual success.”
Outside of the senior class, Kile Hartman made a strong impression as a freshman, qualifying for regionals, finishing the season with 27 wins and appearing primed for a shot at Hershey.
“Kile made so much improvement last year as a freshman and put in a lot of time in the off season,” said Charles. “I think he’s ready to take that next step.”
With plenty of promising freshmen like Ethan Wodrig, Colton Woolever, Jace Gordner and Landen Puderbach joining the roster alongside him, the team’s semi-distant future is bright, and it won’t have much issue filling out its lineup this season.
With that in mind, the goal is to continue building on its success and attaining bigger accomplishments.
“I would love to see our guys finally break through and get to the Saturday of district duals,” said Charles on the team’s goals heading into the season. “We’ve been just out of that second round of team districts for a few years, and I’d love to see our guys get to experience that Saturday in Milton.”
The Spartans begin their season at the Darren Klingerman Invitational (DKI) in Bloomsburg alongside other area teams in South Williamsport, Warrior Run, Sugar Valley Rural Charter, North Penn-Liberty and Sullivan County. That tournament is set to begin at 2 p.m. on
Chase Shaner of Hughesville controls the action as he wrestles Josh Hill of Muncy during last year’s sectional tournament.
Friday, Dec. 6.
LEWISBURG
Coach: Justin Michaels (sixth season)
Assistants: Tommy Michaels, Nate Wagner, Brett Michaels, Jason Wenrich, Tyler Hassinger, Lance Klinefelter, Dakotah Snyder, Justin Gessner, Jordan Gessner, Nate Snyder
Returning state qualifiers: Landen Wagner, 139.
Returning regional qualifiers: Landon Michaels, 121; Chase Wenrich, 160; Landen Wagner, 139.
Returning district qualifiers: Nolan Altoft, 114; Landon Michaels, 121; Chase Wenrich, 160; Landen Wagner, 139.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Lennon Barner, 189; Evan Frederick, 215; Michael Hernandez, 107; Ethan Long, 145; Ahmaad Robinson, 160; Landon Michaels, 121; Chase Wenrich,
season. Then, the Green Dragons had featured zero freshmen on their roster, a factor which greatly affected their depth coupled with a few key departures.
Fortunately, Lewisburg is now over that hump. It’s set to field its largest freshman class in recent memory, with 11 freshmen making up Lewisburg’s 23-man roster.
“Our numbers are good this season after having low numbers for several years due to the effects of the COVID period. Those numbers will give us flexibility with our lineup,” said Lewisburg head coach Justin Michaels. “The key to our team success is the development of our younger wrestlers.”
They’ll fill in around a solid list of upperclassmen, many which hold aspirations of making it to Hershey come March.
physically and mentally over the last year. We are looking for that success and confidence on the football field to carry over to the wrestling mat, as we will look to him as leader for our young team.”
With other proven wrestlers like regional qualifier Landon Michaels, district qualifier Nolan Altoft, Ethan Long and Lennon Barner expected to take steps forward, this team has a shot of attaining similar success to its 2022-23 season, which saw it advance to Saturday of District 4 Class AA Duals. They are all working hard,” said Michaels. “Our goal is to get better each day and be wrestling our best by the time the post season comes around.”
160; Landen Wagner, 139. Roster: Seniors – Skyler Crosby, 121; Evan Frederick, 215; Mike Hernandez, 114; Ahmaad Robinson, 189; Kedrin Sosa, 133; Chase Wenrich, 172; Chase McGuire, 285. Juniors –Nolan Altoft, 127; Lennon Barner, 189; Ethan Long, 152; Landon Michaels, 133; Landen Wagner, 160. Sophomores – none. Freshmen – Eli Abunassar, 139; Dicter Aguilar, 133; Roan Beachey, 121; James Byrum, 127; Joel Gessner, 121; Cole Hollenback, 189; Jack Kohl, 107; Fynn Oberdorf, 107; Carl Rodriguez-Noonan, 133; Zachery Rutherford, 145; Tyler Williams, 114. OUTLOOK: Throughout 2021 and 2022, Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School in Lewisburg dealt with low enrollment numbers due to COVID-19, a situation which affected Lewisburg wrestling ahead of the 2023-24
Despite moving up three classes, Landen Wagner is up for the challenge of making back-to-back state appearances and could expect to surpass 100 career wins if he makes it that far, coming off two 30-win seasons. And senior Chase Wenrich, who’s coming off a strong football season behind center – looks to return to the Giant Center after falling just short in February, 14 career wins away from 100.
“Landen is very athletic and is a competitor who hates to lose. He got the experience of getting to the state tournament last season and lost two close matches by 1 point. That experience will motivate him and prepare him to get on the podium this year,” said Michaels on Wagner. “Chase has grown both
The Green Dragons begin their season at the Sam Lovello Classic at Brandywine Height High School, with that tournament set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Coach: Chris Engler (first season)
Returning state qualifiers: None
Returning regional qualifiers: Ivan Baker, 114.
Returning district qualifiers: Ivan Baker, 114.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Connor Phillips, 127; Ivan Baker, 114.
. Roster: Seniors –Karnell Blount, 127. Juniors – Jeremiah Johnson, 285; Kayden Keefer, 160; Connor Phillips, 133. Sophomores –Ivan Baker, 133; Ty Cipriani, 189; Cage Best, 152; Trey Borgess, 172. Freshmen –Cole Gephart, 130; Owen
(See SOCK, Page 18)
(From Page 17)
Peck, 107.
OUTLOOK: After Ben Hepburn’s legendary, 40year run as Loyalsock’s head coach came to an end last season, the torched was passed to assistant coach Chris Engler. Engler heads into his debut at the helm with extensive coaching experience, working on and off as an assistant for Hepburn through the years and having been a part of the South Williamsport football coaching staff since 2010.
He’ll kick things off in a tough spot, coaching a roster that just lost two state qualifiers and senior leaders in Kaden Rodarmel and Braden Vincenzes and holds just two wrestlers with postseason experience. So, the goal right now is to get more wrestlers on board and work towards turning a program that’s experienced a turbulent decade back into the consistent, prosperous one of the 2000s.
“We’re young, but we have a lot of junior high kids. So, the next couple of years, it looks like we should be moving down the right path,” said Engler. “We’re not going to fill every weight but hopefully as this season progresses, we get some more guys getting in the lineup. We’re trying to change the culture and get these guys back to a win formula like the one we used to have years ago.”
Loyalsock’s most promising wrestler entering the season is sophomore Ivan Baker, a testament to not just the program’s lack of experience but also Baker’s proficiency as an underclassman. He closed out a 31-win, freshman season as a Central Sectional champion and regional qualifier and is expected to benefit from moving up a few weight classes.
“He’s definitely gotten stronger and quicker,” said Engler on Baker, also complimenting his work ethic. “I think (not focusing on cutting weight) is gonna help him make deeper runs, be more energetic and be stronger.”
Engler hopes to have Baker lead this team by
example, along with guys like Kayden Keefer – who showed promise before a season-ending injury last season – and sectional place winner Connor Phillips. He could also see newcomer and football standout Jeremiah Johnson fill that leadership role, admiring his commitment and believing his athleticism will mitigate potential growing pains.
“He’s a 280-pound kid but he’s all muscle. It’s pretty impressive the way he moves and he’s very intelligent,” said Engler on Johnson. “He’s very, very coachable and that’s a hard thing to find, someone who lets you coach them and listens to what you say. And he goes out and does it. That’s a very rare quality.”
Loyalsock’s season is set to begin on Wednesday, Dec. 4, where the Lancers will travel to take on Columbia Moutour Vo-Tech at 6 p.m.
MILTON
Coach: Josh Anspach (eighth season)
Assistants: Jason Betz, Greg Edinger, Zach Bennett
Returning state qualifiers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: Ty Locke, 121.
Returning district qualifiers: Ty Locke, 121.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Lucas Hollenbach, 139; Nate Lopez, 285; Chase Lytle, 152; Luke Maturani, 189; Canaan Robinson, 127; Jackson Wertz, 160; Ty Locke, 121.
Roster: Seniors – Brighton Dauberman, 133. Juniors – Lucas Hollenbach, 145; Ty Locke, 127; Nathaniel Lopez, 285; Chase Lytle, 152; Wyatt Wolfgang, 127. Sophomores – Ash Clugston, 133; Alex Garcia, 121; Hunter Guffey, 127; Tyler Kain, 133; Jonathan Kime, 215; Canaan Robinson, 133; Jackson Wertz, 172; Gavin Whitenight, 145. Freshmen – Gavin Batman, 107; Jacob Boob, 160; Bryce Ficks, 114; Alan Garcia, 107; Keegan
is very athletic and strong. Gavin had a great junior high career and is a pinner.”
Anspach also projects sophomores Alex Garcia, Canaan Robinson and Jackson Wertz to build off the experience they gained from last season. He added that he could see freshmen Gavin Batman, Bryce Ficks, Sebastian Santos, Jordan Sassaman, Domminick Mong and Keegan McCaffrey crack the starting lineup.
That group is expected to be led by juniors Ty Locke and Chase Lytle.
Locke has had a strong career with the Black Panthers up to this point, earning back-to-back regional spots and improving on all three of his debut appearances through postseason. He was one win away from states last season and has worked hard to breach that wall through the offseason.
Lytle built on his freshman season as well, upping his win total by eight and finishing fifth at the District 4 Class AA South Sectional.
McCaffrey, 172; Domminick Mong, 139; Michael Runkle, 189; Sebastian Santos, 107; Jordan Sassaman, 121; Lane Wolfe, 139.
OUTLOOK: After seeing two standouts in Cale Bastian and Alex Hoffman graduate and two more in Nate Lopez and Brady Wolfe suffer injuries in football, Milton heads into the upcoming season expecting to feature a very young cast, with head coach Josh Anspach expecting to start a vast number of freshmen and sophomores.
Of that list of underclassmen, Anspach highlighted freshman Michael Runkle and sophomore Gavin Whitenight as wrestlers to keep an eye on once the season kicks off. Both saw considerable success through junior high.
“Runkle controls his own destiny on the Resilite. He has the ability to make a deep post season run. Confidence and work ethic will set him apart,” said Anspach. “Gavin, a sophomore,
a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, as they look to compete against five other squads at CaseFlynn Duals.
Coach: Denny Harer, (18th season, fifth at Montgomery).
Returning state qualifiers: Coy Bryson, 189; Brandt Harer, 133; Manny Stoltzfus, 107.
Returning regional qualifiers: Porter Hall, 114.
Returning district qualifiers: A.J. Kroft, 139; Seth McClintock, 127; Victor Ottman, 121.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Connor Jarrett, 215.
“We are looking for Ty Locke to take the next step in the post season. “He has spent the off season in the weight room and working on his techniques. He is a year older, has matured very much and has the ability to end the match at any time,” said Anspach on Locke. “Lytle has improved greatly over his first two seasons. He is the hardest working guy in the room, and we are expecting big things from him.”
With those guys leading the way and the roster featuring a promising list of newcomers, the hope is that the Black Panthers can continue to adjust to the uptick in competition that the Heartland-I imposes. Though that’ll be a challenge with their current roster’s lack of experience, Anspach doesn’t project this year being purely developmental.
“Although we are featuring a very young roster, most of our starters have experience on the mat,” said Anspach. “We are expecting to be very competitive in District 4.”
Their season begins at 9
Roster: Seniors– Coy Bryson, 189. Juniors –Hunter Bieber, 160/172; Raiden Felix, 160/172; Justin Figard, 189; Layne Gingery, 285; Porter Hall, 121; Brandt Harer, 139; A.J. Kroft, 145; Seth McClintock, 127/133; John Shrimp, 139; Manny Stolzfus, 107; Nathanial Straub, 133; Carden Wagner, 127/133; Ben Whitmoyer, 160; Sophomores – Trace Furman, 152; Aiden Nash; Gaige Reynolds, 127/133; Cameron Woltz, 160. Freshmen – Killian Clark; Evan Hugar, 215; Liam Seeley, 114.
OUTLOOK: Though three-time state champion Conner Harer closed out his career at Montgomery in March, along with two-time state medalist Caden Finck, head coach Denny Harer’s expectations remain high heading into the 2024-25 season.
Junior Brandt Harer is coming off a state title of his own, having also surpassed 100 wins as a sophomore. And the team returns plenty of standouts alongside him, including two promising wrestlers that missed last season due to injury in heavyweight Layne Gingery and Trace Furman and another that took the year off in Carden Wagner.
“We’re excited,” said Harer. “We have big goals and we’re going to be a hard bout for anybody. They (Gingery and Furman) have been in
(See RAIDERS, Page 16)
(A) 11/23 11:00 AM .....................................vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(H) 11/26 6:00 PM vs Meadowbrook Christian School
(A) 12/3 6:00 PM ..........................................vs North Penn-Liberty HS
(A) 12/5 6:00 PM ............................................ vs Jersey Shore Area HS
(A) 12/10 6:00 PM vs Midd-West HS
(H) 12/14 12:00 PM vs Bucktail HS
(A) 12/16 6:00 PM ..................................................... vs Warrior Run HS
(H) 12/18 6:00 PM .................................................... vs Montgomery HS
(A) 12/21 6:00 PM vs Muncy HS
(H) 1/2 6:00 PM ..................................................... vs Canton Area HS
(A) 1/4 1:30 PM .................................................. vs St. John Neumann
(A) 1/7 6:00 PM ..................................................... vs Benton Area HS
(A) 1/10 6:00 PM vs Millville Area Jr/Sr
(H) 1/13 6:00 PM ...................................................... vs Hughesville HS
(H) 1/14 6:00 PM .................................. vs Columbia-Montour Vo Tech
(H) 1/17 6:00 PM vs Nothwest Area HS
(A) 1/20 6:00 PM vs Northumberland
(H) 1/22 6:00 PM ............................................... vs Sullivan County HS
(H) 1/24 6:00 PM ........................................................... vs Bucktail HS
(A) 2/1 1:00 PM vs Montgomery HS
(H) 2/5 6:00 PM .............................................................. vs Muncy HS
(H) 2/8 12:00 PM ................................................ vs St. John Neumann
(A) 2/11 6:00 PM .............................................................. vs Milton HS
(H) 11/24 10:00 AM ................................... vs North Penn-Mansfield HS
(A) 12/7 6:00 PM vs Wellsboro Area HS
(H) 12/10 6:00 PM vs Northumberland
(H) 12/13 6:00 PM ........................................................... vs Bucktail HS
(H) 12/17 6:00 PM .................................................... vs Montgomery HS
(A) 12/20 6:00 PM vs Muncy HS
(A) 12/23 6:00 PM .......................................... vs Montoursville Area HS
(A) 1/4 12:00 PM ................................................ vs St. John Neumann
(A) 1/6 4:00 PM ............................ vs Meadowbrook Christian School
(A) 1/8 6:00 PM vs Benton Area HS
(A) 1/11 6:00 PM ............................................... vs Millville Area Jr/Sr
(H) 1/15 6:00 PM .................................. vs Columbia-Montour Vo Tech
(H) 1/18 12:00 PM vs Northwest Area HS
(A) 1/20 6:00 PM vs Central Mountain
(H) 1/21 6:00 PM ............................................... vs Sullivan County HS
(A) 1/24 6:00 PM ................................................. vs Line Mountain HS
(A) 1/28 6:00 PM vs Bucktail HS
(A) 1/31 6:00 PM .................................................... vs Montgomery HS
(H) 2/1 6:00 PM vs Northeast Bradford HS
(H) 2/4 6:00 PM vs Muncy HS
(H) 2/8 3:00 PM .................................................. vs St. John Neumann
(A) 2/10 6:00 PM ..................................................... vs Bloomsburg HS (H) 2/13 6:00 PM vs Central Mountain
(A) 12/6 2:00 PM .....................................................................vs OPEN (A) 12/7 10:00 AM ...................................................................vs OPEN (H) 12/12 7:00 PM ......................................................vs Hughesville HS (A) 12/28 9:00 AM vs OPEN (H) 1/4 9:00 AM vs OPEN (A) 1/8 5:00 PM vs OPEN (A) 1/10 3:00 PM vs OPEN (A) 1/11 9:00 AM vs OPEN (A) 1/14 7:00 PM vs Benton Area HS
(A) 1/16 7:00 PM vs Dannville Area HS (A) 1/18 9:00 AM vs OPEN (A) 1/21 7:00 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS (H) 1/23 7:00 PM vs Columbia-Montour Bo Tech (A) 1/28 7:00 PM vs Sugar Valley Rur (A) 2/6 7:00 PM ................................................... vs Berwick Area HS
(A) 2/15 10:00 AM ...................................................................vs OPEN (A) 2/22 9:00 AM .....................................................................vs OPEN (A) 2/28 5:00 PM .....................................................................vs OPEN (A) 3/1 9:00 AM .....................................................................vs OPEN (A) 3/8 9:00 AM .....................................................................vs OPEN
(From Page 18)
the room for a while now and they’ve been getting to work. They’re good leaders as well.”
Brandt Harer had a tumultuous offseason, getting up over 150 pounds before coming down with a severe case of Mycoplasma pneumonia, which turned into RIME. But after spending eight days in the hospital, dropping over ten pounds in the process, Harer was able to quickly get back to the mat and has since gotten back up to speed.
“It showed us how tough he really is,” said Coach Harer on Brandt. “This was obviously a big setback for him but he’s back and he looks sharper than ever. He’s going to be ready and he’s ready to repeat as a state champion.”
Alongside Harer, Montgomery returns to two state qualifiers from last year’s squad in senior Coy Bryson and junior Manny Stoltzfus. After seeing last year’s runs at Hershey end relatively early, the hope is that those two can progress and shoot for a podium spot.
“It didn’t end the way they wanted it to end, and they control that. We remind them at practice to remember that feeling of not reaching the podium,” said Harer. “Remember how it felt and what are we doing to change that?”
Harer expects returners in Seth McClintock, AJ Croft, Raiden Felix and Carden Wagner and freshmen in Liam Seeley, Evan Hugar and Ian Marquette to effectively fill out the rest of the roster. All in all, the team’s optimistic, as it looks to build on back-to-back fourth place finishes at states.
“We have good balance, a really good junior class and a lot of kids that are ready to help the younger kids,” said Harer. “We’re excited. Our fan base is excited. And I think we’ve got something special at Montgomery.”
The Red Raiders begin their season on Tuesday, Dec. 3, where they’ll take on Wyalusing in front of their home crowd starting
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Montgomery’s Connor Harer (left) and Brandt Harer (right) both won state titles last year. Conor graduated, but the Raiders bring back Brandt.
at 6 p.m.
Coach: Matt Yonkin (seventh season)
Returning state qualifiers: Teli Bobotas, 107; David Kennedy, 127; Landon Morehart, 285; Blaize Vogel, 133; Gage Wentzel, 152. Returning regional qualifiers: Hayden Harvey, 145; Owen Kleinman, 172; Teli Bobotas, 107; David Kennedy, 127; Landon Morehart, 285; Blaize Vogel, 133; Gage Wentzel, 152.
Returning district qualifiers: Ryan Aguire, 121; Teli Bobotas, 107; David Kennedy, 127; Landon Morehart, 285; Blaize Vogel, 133; Gage Wentzel, 152.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Karter Stone, 139; Teli Bobotas, 107; David Kennedy, 127; Landon Morehart, 285; Blaize Vogel, 133; Gage Wentzel, 152. Roster: Seniors – Ryan Aguirre; Steven Butler; David Kennedy; Owen Kleinman; Landon Morehart; Parker Stautzman; Blaize Vogel. Juniors – Teli Bobotas; Gio Catino; Hunter Gee; Maggie Keeth; Ryan Meredith; Haze Mullen; Gabe Newton; Karter Stone; Gabe Vanderwall; Gage Wentzel; Walker
Wood. Sophomores – Brody Bower; Hayden Harvey; Coltyn Wagner. Freshmen –Zane Butler; Dominic Cozzi, Branden Eisenhour; Asa Fox; Kaden Kleinman; Logan Wagner; Maxton Williamson; Mason Winter.
OUTLOOK: The Warriors are coming off a monumental season, one which culminated in District 4 AA and North East Class AA Regional titles, an appearance at PIAA Class AA Duals and six state qualifiers. And while some might expect that to come with an overhaul following its conclusion, much of its core remains intact heading into December.
Though two-time state qualifier and 100-win wrestler Cole Yonkin graduated following the season, twotime medalist Gage Wentzel, three-time qualifier David Kennedy, two-time qualifier Teli Bobotas and one-time qualifiers Blaize Vogel and Landon Morehart are all set to return. Each looks to forefront more success for the team while also hoping to build on their individual accomplishments, with Wentzel coming off a fourth-place finish at the Giant Center in March.
“(They) all return with
be a consistent force at 189; both with state tournament goals,” said Yonkin. “(Stone) has worked incredibly hard in the off-season and is proving to be committed and dedicated to his progress and development. He should better physically fit the weight class and lineup this season and we are looking forward to significant contributions from him.”
With a solid foundation featuring proven success, Yonkin expects his squad to produce another exciting season of Montoursville wrestling.
“We have always taken great pride in the consistency of the program over the years and this season is no different,” expressed Yonkin.
Heading into his senior season, the Oklahoma State commit’s goal is clear.
“Our expectations for him are 100-percent to win that second state title and I think it’s also his expectations,” said Muncy head coach Patrick Sparks on the prospect. “That’s the end goal here.”
Alongside the three-time state finalist, the Muncy wrestling team will also see junior Gage Swank make his return to the mat after missing all of last season with an injury.
expectations to improve on last season’s state finishes. With this comes pressure for each of them, but they all have proven to handle that well,” said Montoursville head coach Matt Yonkin on the quintet. “This gives us a really strong core to build around. We will lean heavily on these five to be leaders, but the goals and expectations will remain the same; that is, to develop and improve throughout the course of the year and perform our best when it matters most.”
Its team success also relies heavily on the continued development of midweights Hayden Harvey and Owen Kleinman.
Each saw their runs end at regionals in March, with Harvey coming one win short of states as a freshman and Kleinman showing considerable improvement throughout his junior season. Yonkin also highlighted junior Karter Stone – who fell just short of districts last season – as a ‘critical piece of the lineup’ and could see a number of incoming freshmen contribute as well.
“As a sophomore, Harvey now has a year of varsity experience under his belt to lean on and Kleinman should
Montoursville season is set to begin on Monday, Dec. 16, where the Warriors will face Shikellamy in front of its home crowd at 7 p.m. The Brakes, along with Towanda two days later, should help the team become battle tested early.
MUNCY
Coach: Patrick Sparks (fourth season)
Returning state qualifiers: Austin Johnson, 215.
Returning regional qualifiers: Austin Johnson, 215.
Returning district qualifiers: Roman Maiorana, 107; Austin Johnson, 215.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Liam Adams, 139; Paxton Derr, 160; Gabe Martin, 285; Kase Snyder, 127; Roman Maiorana, 107; Austin Johnson, 215.
Roster: Seniors – Liam Adams; Paxton Derr; Austin Johnson, 215/285. Juniors –Kaleb Calisti; Roman Maiorana; Kase Snyder; Gage Swank; Evan Trostle; Owen Woodward. Sophomores – Joey Braunsberg; Chris Cummings; Gabe Kessler. Freshmen – none.
OUTLOOK: Though his run of three-peating as state champion came to a heartbreaking end in last season’s 215 title, Muncy phenom Austin Johnson still showed why he warrants a national ranking amidst it, dominating his way to the finals before giving four-time champ Rune Lawrence a solid match.
Swank had a storied run as a freshman, earning a sectional, district and regional title at 107 before closing it out by making podium at states, where he placed eighth. Though he missed a tremendous amount of time recovering, he has since gotten back into the wrestling room and can be expected to make an immediate impact for the Indians.
“I don’t think he’s competed yet this summer so it may be a little bit of a shock being back on the mat, but I think it’ll be more excitement than anything,” said Sparks on Swank. “I think once he gets over that excitement, slows down a little bit and gets back into it, he’ll make an impact pretty quick.”
Rounding out the expected standouts are junior lightweight Roman Maiorana – who qualified for districts last season – and Paxton Derr and Kase Snyder – who each had respectable 16 and 15-win seasons respectively. Though this isn’t anticipated to be the year the team’s freshman class makes a huge impact, Sparks is optimistic about the class that’s coming next in that regard.
“Next year is gonna be our year with that,” said Sparks. “We had a couple seventh graders last year that fared extremely well. Gage Swank has a brother, Gannon, and we’ll have Chase Boozer, who just moved in from Utah and is for sure gonna make some noise next year. And Roman has a brother, Sal, that we’re also very excited about.” It may have a tough time
(See SOUTH, Page 16)
Thu, Dec 5 A 7:00 pm @ Warrior Run
Fri, Dec 6 A 2:00 pm Tournament @ Bloomsburg
Sat, Dec 7 A 7:00 pm Tournament @ Bloomsburg
Sat, Dec 14 H 9:00 am Dual Meet Tournament
Wed, Dec 18 A 7:00 pm @ Montgomery
Thu, Dec 19 H 12:00 am Benton Area
Fri, Dec 27 H 9:00 am Tournament @Jim Thorpe
Sat, Dec 28 A 10:00 am Tournament @Jim Thorpe
Fri, Jan 10 A 12:00 am Tournament @ Indiana
Sat, Jan 11 A 10:00 am Tournament @ Indiana
Thu, Jan 16 H 7:00 pm Muncy
Fri, Jan 24 A 7:00 pm Tournament @West Branch
Sat, Jan 25 H 8:00 am Tournament @West Branch
Thu, Feb 6 A 12:00 am @ South Williamsport Area
Sat, Dec 14 A 10:00 am Tournament @Honesdale
Tue, Dec 17 A 7:00 pm @ Montgomery Area
Sun, Dec 22 A 1:00 pm Tournament @Central Mt.
Sat, Jan 4 A 12:00 pm Tournament @ Montgomery
Sun, Jan 12 A 9:00 pm Tournament @ Juniata
Fri, Jan 17 A 10:00 am Tournament @Jim Thorpe
Sat, Jan 18 A 10:00 pm Tournament @Jim Thorpe
Tue, Jan 21 A 12:00 am @ Williamsport Area
Wed, Jan 29 H 7:00 pm Shikellamy
Sat, Feb 1 A 9:00 pm @ Williamsport Area
Fri, Feb 6 H 7:00 pm Athens
Wed, Nov 27 A 5:00 pm @ Central Mountain
Sat, Nov 30 A 1:00 pm @ Berwick Area
Fri, Dec 6 A 12:00 am Tournament @ Shikellamy
Tues, Dec 10 A 7:30 pm @ Carmel Area
Fri, Dec 13 H 7:30 pm Central Columbia
Tue, Dec 17 H 7:30 pm Montoursville Area
Fri, Dec 20 H 7:30 pm Milton Area
Sat, Jan 4 A 1:00 pm @ Southern Columbia Area
Mon, Jan 6 A 7:30 pm @ St. John Neumann
Wed, Jan 8 H 7:30 pm Bloomsburg Area
Sat, Jan 11 A 7:30 pm Loyalsock Township
Mon, Jan 13 H 7:30 pm @ South Williamsport
Wed, Jan 15 H 12:30 am Warrior Run
Sat, Jan 18 H 12:00 am Mifflinburg Area
Mon, Jan 20 H 7:30 pm Welsboro Area
Wed, Jan 22 H 7:30 pm Southern Columbia Area
Fri, Jan 24 A 7:30 pm @ Bloomsburg Area
Tue, Jan 28 H 7:30 pm Loyalsock Township
Fri, Jan 31 A 7:30 pm @ Warrior Run
Mon, Feb 3 A 7:30 pm @ Mifflinburg Area
Wed, Feb 5 H 7:30 pm Selinsgrove Area
Fri, Feb 7 H 7:30pm Lewisburg Area
Tue, Nov 26 H 5:30 pm Danville Area
Sat, Nov 30 A 1:15 pm @ Dallas
Sat, Nov 30 A 7:15 pm @ Dallas
Sat, Dec 14 A 2:30 pm @Schuylkill Haven
Mon, Dec 16 H 7:30 pm Wyalusing
Sat, Dec 21 A 2:00 pm Wyoming Valley
Fri, Dec 27 H 6:00 pm Tournament
Sat, Dec 28 H 6:00 pm Tournament
Fri, Jan 3 H 7:30 pm Southern Columbia Area
Tue, Jan 7 A 7:30 pm @ Bloomsburg
Fri, Jan 10 H 7:30 pm Loyalsock Township
Mon, Jan 13 H 7:30 pm Warrior Run
Fri, Jan 17 A 7:30 pm @ Mount Carmel Area
Sat, Jan 25 H 7:30 pm Hughesville
Wed, Jan 29 A 7:30 pm @ Loyalsock Township
Sat, Feb 1 A 7:30 pm @ Warrior Run
Tue, Feb 4 H 7:30 pm Mount Carmel Area
Sat, Feb 8 A 12:30 pm @ Elk Lake Junior
(From Page 20)
in dual competition like last season, but there’s still plenty to be excited about when it comes to Muncy wrestling.
Sparks believes his guys can accomplish a lot individually and wants to see them focus on developing and aspiring for new postseason heights.
“We’re going to keep our head down no matter what’s going on throughout the season and continue to get better as we move and progress throughout it,” said Sparks.
Muncy will kick off its 2024-25 campaign at Williamsport’s annual Tom Best Memorial Top Hat Tournament, with that tournament set to feature area teams in Central Mountain, Jersey Shore, Muncy and Williamsport. It’ll begin on Friday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m.
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT
Coach: Eric Gerber (12th season)
Returning state qualifiers: None
Returning regional qualifiers: None.
Returning district qualifiers: Jonah Caputo, 114; Jayden Hamm, 189.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Jackson Bower, 133; Darnell Mitchell, 107; Jonah Caputo, 114; Jayden Hamm, 189.
Roster: Seniors – Paxton Gephart, 215/285; Juniors – William Reese, 133/139; Jack Fortin, 160/172; Eli Harvey, 285; Sophomores – Jackson Bower, 133/139; Jonah Caputo, 127/133; Jayden Hamm, 189/215; Mason Murray, 189/215; Kamden Vanzile, 114/121. Freshmen – Garrett Bacorn, 107/114; Cole Gerber, 172/189; Wes Hamman, 107/114; Cade Lusk, 152/160; Louis Mazzullo, 139/145; Trent Rogers, 114/121; Eli White, 145/152.
OUTLOOK: Following last season, the Mounties saw a considerable eightman senior class graduate, one which featured two 100-win wrestlers in Ryan Casella and Kayvan Shams, a 90-win wrestler in Sam Persun and three wrestlers that finished their final sea-
Gavin Hunter of Warrior Run celebrates his win over Bryndin Chamberlain of Clearfield with coach Jeremy Betz at 127 pounds during the PIAA team tournament last year. Warrior Run has numerous wrestlers back who have sectional, districts, regional or staet experience.
sons with winning records in Owen Bird, Landon Gephart and Jonah White.
Of that octet, three closed out their careers with regional medals in Casella, Shams and Persun, with Casella taking bronze to qualify for states. With those departures in mind, this season is expected to be somewhat developmental for South Williamsport wrestling, though some promising returners could be expected to see success.
“Obviously, we’re going to be an extremely young team made out of pretty much freshmen and sophomores. But with them being young, they had a lot of success last year in junior high,” said South Williamsport head coach Eric Gerber. “So, we’re really excited for them. Obviously, wrestling District 4, nothing going be a given though.”
Of its returning cast, sophomore Jayden Hamm comes into the season as
South’s biggest potential standout. He finished his freshman season with 24 wins and a District 4 Class AA appearance, taking fourth at sectionals amidst a tough 189 class.
Other returners Gerber highlighted include sophomore Jonah Caputo – who also qualified for districts at 114 as a freshman – and Eli Harvey – who’ll be manning heavyweight for the Mounties.
“We’re excited for Jayden this year,” said Gerber. “I know his goals are to get to the state tournament and he’s working really hard to do that.”
“Those guys keep improving every single day. They all work really, really hard, listen to anything we’re telling them to do and put in a lot of time of energy,” added Gerber when discussing the trio.
With Paxton Gephart and Jack Fortin returning to wrestling after focusing on other sports and all seven
ers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: None.
Returning district qualifiers: Jarren McCloskey, 133.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Leroy Culvey, 107; Wyatt Conoway, 139; Brandon Galentine, 215; Jarren McCloskey, 133.
Roster: Seniors – Brandon Galentine, 189; Jarren McCloskey, 133; Koda Mincer, 285; Connor Ohl, 160. Juniors – Layden Bryan, 172; Wyatt Conoway, 139; Dakota Jodun, 152. Sophomores – Hunter Berry, 114; Taylor Cantolina, 121; Leroy Culvey, 114; Logan Leland, 160. Freshmen – Tobias Conoway, 121.
OUTLOOK: Though it experienced some ups and downs through dual competition last season, the Sugar Valley Rural Charter wrestling team managed to secure double-digit wins for the second straight season, with multiple Griffins posting solid individual campaigns.
Bilbay also highlighted seniors Brandon Galentine – a one-time sectional participant – and Koda Mincer – who went 2-2 at DKIs last season – as guys he could expect to see take another large step forward this season.
“Koda Mincer is only a second-year wrestler but he’s showing us another side of what can happen when you’re all in,” said Bilbay. “I’ve also seen improvement from Brandon, who’s dropping down from 215 to 189 for this year. Only two years in, we will see how this season prevails for him.”
Apart from those three, along with two underclassmen that competed in sectionals last season in Leroy Culvey and Wyatt Conoway, the Griffins will have a lot of newcomers competing for them, with Bilbay mentioning Tobias Conoway and Hunter Berry as guys that could make an immediate splash.
WARRIOR RUN
of South’s freshmen having qualified for the PJW JH Championship at least once, there are plenty of newcomers that could make an impact as well.
“We’re excited for those guys,” said Gerber. “Obviously, that was junior high and now they’re stepping into high school but to just watch them grow throughout the year and continue to progress and get better match by match is probably what we’re most excited for.”
The Mounties begin their season at the Darren Klingerman Invitational (DKI) in Bloomsburg alongside other area teams in Hughesville, Warrior Run, Sugar Valley Rural Charter, North Penn-Liberty and Sullivan County. That tournament is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.
SUGAR VALLEY
Coach: Jason Bilbay (fifth season)
Returning state qualifi-
Despite graduating an impactful senior class, the team heads into the season with a fuller roster compared to recent years. Sugar Valley will still have its hands full when it comes to filling a lineup, with its 107, 127 and 145-weight classes currently being unattended, but it could still expect to see some dual success.
“Not having all weights filled is always a setback that we will have to overcome,” said Sugar Valley head coach Jason Bilbay on the team’s outlook. “(But) we have a great schedule this year and (we’re) excited to get the local crowds in our gym once again.”
Senior Jarren McCloskey has produced a winning record in all three of his seasons on the mat and more notably, has improved by the year, going from 13 wins as a freshman to 27 as a junior. His junior season saw him take home a bronze medal at the District 4 Class AA Central Sectional, earning his first appearance at districts.
“Jarren McCloskey is looking at pushing for that state-qualifying spot,” said Bilbay on the senior.
Coach: Jeremy Betz (ninth season)
Returning state qualifiers: Cameron Milheim, 152; Reagan Milheim, 145; Max Wirnsberger, 133.
Returning regional qualifiers: Stone Allison, 285; Tyler Ulrich, 139; Cameron Milheim, 152; Reagan Milheim, 145; Max Wirnsberger, 133.
Returning district qualifiers: Isaiah Betz, 189; Stone Allison, 285; Tyler Ulrich, 139; Cameron Milheim, 152; Reagan Milheim, 145; Max Wirnsberger, 133.
Returning sectional qualifiers: Caden Snyder, 121; Stone Allison, 285; Tyler Ulrich, 139; Cameron Milheim, 152; Reagan Milheim, 145; Max Wirnsberger, 133.
Roster: Seniors – Stone Allison; Isaiah Betz; Cameron Milheim; Caden Snyder; Tristen Witmer. Juniors – Noah Johnson; Reagan Milheim; Blake Parker; Tyler Ulrich; Max Wirnsberger. Sophomores – Brandon Bingaman. Freshmen –Chase Wirnsberger.
OUTLOOK: Warrior Run
12/05/24 7:00 PM vs Bellefonte Area HS
12/10/24 7:00 PM vs Central Mountain Schools
12/14/24 11:00 AM @ Multiple Opponents Dandy Duals
12/17/24 7:00 PM vs Penns Valley HS
12/20/24 11:00 AM @ Multiple Opponents King of the Mountain Tournament
12/21/24 10:00 AM @ Multiple Opponents King of the Mountain Tournament
12/28/24 TBA @ Multiple Opponents 2024 MyHOUSE Trojan Wars
12/29/24 TBA @ Multiple Opponents 2024 MyHOUSE Trojan Wars
01/03/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents LHAC Tournament
01/04/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents LHAC Tournament
01/07/25 7:00 PM @ Philipsburg-Osceola HS
01/10/25 TBA @ vs Multiple Opponents Mid-Winter Mayhem
01/11/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents Mid-Winter Mayhem
01/14/25 7:00 PM vs Clear eld Area HS
01/21/25 7:00 PM @ Huntingdon Area HS
01/24/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents Ultimate Warrior Tournament
01/25/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents Ultimate Warrior Tournament
02/14/25 9:00 AM @ Multiple Opponents District 6 AA Individual Championships
02/15/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents District 6 AA Individual Championships
02/28/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents Southwest Regional AA Tournament
03/01/25 TBA @ Multiple Opponents Southwest Regional AA Tournament
03/06/25 9:00 AM @ Multiple Opponents PIAA AA Individual Championships
03/07/25 9:00 AM @ Multiple Opponents PIAA AA Individual Championships
03/07/25 7:30 PM @ Multiple Opponents PIAA AA Individual Championships
03/08/25 2:00 PM @ Multiple Opponents PIAA AA Individual Championships
12/06/24 6:00 PM @ Bedford HS
12/09/24 7:15 PM vs Tyrone Area HS
12/11/24 7:15 PM @ Hollidaysburg Area HS
12/16/24 7:15 PM vs Huntingdon Area HS
12/17/24 7:15 PM @ Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
12/19/24 7:15 PM @ Philipsburg-Osceola HS
12/27/24 6:00 PM @ West Branch HS P-O Holiday Tournament
12/28/24 TBA @ Multiple Opponents P-O Holiday Tournament
01/03/25 6:00 PM vs Richland Senior HS
01/06/25 7:15 PM vs Bellwood-Antis HS
01/08/25 7:15 PM vs Penns Valley HS
01/10/25 7:15 PM vs Moshannon Valley Jr/Sr
01/15/25 7:15 PM vs Bellefonte Area HS
01/17/25 6:00 PM @ Somerset HS
01/22/25 7:15 PM @ Clear eld Area HS
01/23/25 3:30 PM Practice
01/24/25 7:15 PM @ Central HS - Martinsburg
01/27/25 7:15 PM @ Mount Union Area Jr/Sr HS
01/29/25 7:15 PM vs Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
01/31/25 6:00 PM vs Chestnut Ridge Senior HS
02/05/25 7:15 PM @ Tyrone Area HS
02/07/25 7:15 PM vs Hollidaysburg Area HS
02/10/25 7:15 PM @ Huntingdon Area HS
Girls Basketball
12/04/24 7:15 PM vs Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
12/06/24 7:15 PM @ Bedford HS
12/11/24 7:15 PM @ Tyrone Area HS
12/13/24 7:15 PM vs Hollidaysburg Area HS
12/18/24 7:15 PM @ Huntingdon Area HS
12/20/24 7:15 PM vs Philipsburg-Osceola HS
12/23/24 7:30 PM vs East Juniata Jr/Sr HS
12/27/24 5:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents West Branch Tournament
12/28/24 TBA @ Multiple Opponents West Branch Tournament
01/03/25 7:15 PM vs Richland Senior HS
01/06/25 7:15 PM @ Bellwood-Antis HS
01/08/25 7:15 PM @ Penns Valley HS
01/17/25 7:15 PM @ Somerset HS
01/20/25 7:15 PM vs Clear eld Area HS
01/23/25 7:15 PM vs Central HS - Martinsburg
01/24/25 7:15 PM @ Glendale Junior/Senior HS
01/27/25 7:15 PM @ Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
01/31/25 7:15 PM vs Chestnut Ridge Senior HS
02/03/25 7:15 PM vs Tyrone Area HS
02/06/25 7:15 PM @ Hollidaysburg Area HS
02/10/25 7:15 PM vs Huntingdon Area HS
(From Page 22)
comes into the season as one of the hottest Class AA wrestling programs in Pennsylvania. After a historic 2022-23 season, it managed to top that success in 2023-24, going 23-2 in dual competition and producing another expansive list of accomplishments, both as a team and individually.
As a team, the Defenders took first at Gettysburg Duals for the second straight time, with that tournament’s most recent rendition featuring a state-ranked team from both Class AA (West Perry) and AAA (Gettysburg). They earned their second straight District 4 Class AA Duals title, took fourth at huge tournaments in King of the Mountain and Powerade and closed out their dual season by making it to Saturday at PIAA Class AA Duals.
Individually, Reagan Milheim took home his first state title, coming into his junior season needing just three careers win to eclipse 100. Cameron Milheim earned his third state medal and eight Defenders won at least 28 matches through the season – six of which could look to return. Though departures such as Cole Shupp and Connor Parker’s diminish Warrior Run’s depth, it maintains an excellent core and appears primed for more overall success.
Juniors Max Wirnsberger and Tyler Ulrich can also be expected to make noise.
Wirnsberger is a twotime state qualifier, one-time medalist and has kicked off his high school career with back-to-back 40-win seasons. And though his promising postseason run ended in heartbreaking fashion last season (due to sickness ahead of regionals), Ulrich qualified for states as a freshman and made considerable improvements as a sophomore. Both appear primed for another deep postseason run in 2025.
CLASS AAA
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN
Coach: Biff Walizer (15th season, tenth with Central
Mountain)
Returning state qualifiers: Gavin Heverly, 107; Aiden Kunes, 121; Dalton Perry, 139.
Returning regional qualifiers: Patrick Tarantella, 127; Bryce Brungard, 189; Jake Weaver, 172; Gavin Heverly, 107; Aiden Kunes, 121; Dalton Perry, 139.
Returning district qualifiers: Collin Bauman, 114; Jaggar Pardoe, 133; Patrick Tarantella, 127; Bryce Brungard, 189; Jake Weaver, 172; Gavin Heverly, 107; Aiden Kunes, 121; Dalton Perry, 139.
Roster: Seniors – Luke Ananea, 152; Bryce Brungard, 189; Dalton Perry, 145; Jacob Weaver, 172. Juniors – Collin Bauman, 121; Nick Lose, 215; Dalton McDermott, 172; Hayes Miller, 160; Jacob Nyman, 172; Jaggar Pardoe, 121/127. Sophomores – Cael Dorman, 107/114; Kai Fravel, 189/215; Luke Garman, 127/133; Gavin Heverly, 114/121; Brody Hockenberry, 189; Aiden Kunes, 127/133; Brennan Rice, 127; Patrick Tarantella, 139. Freshmen –Todd Caris, 189/215; Hayes Donley, 145; Hayes Henry, 285; Tanner McCall, 172; Dakoda Packer-Edwards, 152/160.
OUTLOOK: Following another storied season, which saw the Wildcats finish third at PIAA Class AAA Duals and take home District 6 and North West Regional titles, the program was forced to part ways with three key contributors.
Two-time state champion Luke Simcox, three-time state medalist Griffin Walizer and two-time state qualifier Rocco Serafini all graduated in the Spring, leaving Central Mountain with a number of considerable voids to fill. But head coach Biff Walizer feels the team should be able to overcome those departures, both in terms of leadership and talent.
“Our current senior group isn’t big in number, but Dalton Perry, Luke Ananea, Jacob Weaver, and Bryce Brungard all bring a good amount of experience into their senior seasons,” said
Walizer. “With their leadership and some talented underclassmen, our expectations are to once again be a competitive program both locally and within the state.”
Perry leads the charge for the Wildcats, coming off his second state finals appearance having previously won it all as a freshman.
“Dalton has continued to train and compete all through the summer and fall,” said Walizer on the phenom. “He competed in Fargo, ND at freestyle nationals. This fall, he placed second at the Super 32, which is the toughest high school age folkstyle tournament in the country.”
Outside of the state champion, seniors Jake Weaver and Bryce Brungard each put forth commendable postseason campaigns as well, earning regional medals last season and seeming primed to make a push for states come next March. And Central Mountain’s sophomore class features multiple standouts, including two regional champions in Aiden Kunes and Gavin Heverly, a regional qualifier in Patrick Tarantella and a promising newcomer in Kai Fravel, who missed last season with a knee injury.
“Patrick Tarantella had a good freshman year and a solid off-season where he qualified to represent team PA at freestyle nationals in Fargo, ND over the summer along with teammates Kunes, Heverly and Perry,” said Walizer when discussing potential standouts. “While we will be bringing up a handful of freshmen who have bright futures, we will have to wait to see if any of them crack the starting lineup for the Tom Best Memorial Top Hat in early December.”
JERSEY
Coach: Tony Owens
Returning state qualifiers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: Camden Baker, 133; Tobias Morgret, 145; Aiden Murphy, 160.
Returning district qualifiers: Mason Winter, 127; Jonathan Dincher, 152;
Camden Baker, 133; Tobias Morgret, 145; Aiden Murphy, 160.
Roster: Seniors – Jordan Saldivar; Slate Sechrist, 215/285; Kaden Walker. Juniors – Camden Baker; Jonathan Dincher; Riley Kanski; Mazden Lupton; Aiden Murphy; Mason Winter. Sophomores – Garrett Barner; Orion Hoy; Travis Merrill; Marshall Metzger; Tobias Morgret; Coltyn Rockwell; Zeke Sechrist; Gage Watkins. Freshmen – Damien Braim; Brennan Brown; Cayden Cummings; Bradley Derr, 107; Jacob Gee; Trey Hoover; Talin Kline; Blake Murphy; Aiden Patts; Louden Spotts; Kane Tibbens.
OUTLOOK: After over a decade away from the program, former Jersey Shore coach Tony Owens has returned to the coaching staff ahead of the 2024-25 season. Owens previously served as head coach from 2002 to 2007, helping lead the Bulldogs to two District 4 Class AAA titles, and stepped away from the program in the early 2010s after almost 20 years of involvement.
“I want to say 2012 or 2013 I stepped away, had daughters and took a different path. Now, God brought me back here,” said Owens. “With it being my first season back, my expectation is just to put a team on the mat that’s going to be competitive.”
Owens inherits a challenging scenario, with Shore phenom Brock Weiss graduating, the team coming off a 6-16 dual season that was marred by injuries and the roster featuring just three seniors. But he feels the team has a solid foundation to build around and looks forward to seeing what his guys can accomplish this season. After having a promising junior campaign shut down prematurely by injury, Slate Sechrist returns to the mat looking to build off his regional appearance from two seasons ago. Camden Baker, Tobias Morgret and Aiden Murphy qualified for regionals last season as underclassmen and Mason
Winter has placed fourth in both his district appearances, with one regional appearance to his name.
“(Slate’s) going to be a handful. Mason’s been doing really well in the room. And Tobias Morgret wrestled as a freshman last year and what he got from that experience, it’s definitely going to benefit him moving forward,” said Owens when highlighting potential standouts.
He’ll be looking to get a lot of freshmen involved as well, hoping that experience will benefit them and the program in the long run. Owens highlighted Louden Spotts, Bradley Derr and Blake Murphy as wrestlers he could see getting considerable varsity time.
Coach: Brian Nasdeo (11th season)
Returning state qualifiers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: Steven Bott, 121; Jahki Burget, 133; Collin Nasdeo, 114; Jackson Raker, 172; Lauger Waldman, 107.
Returning district qualifiers: Austin Dunlap, 152; Malon Lee, 160; Steven Bott, 121; Jahki Burget, 133; Collin Nasdeo, 114; Jackson Raker, 172; Lauger Waldman, 107.
Roster: Seniors – A’aison Graham; Colin Guilhen; Malon Lee. Juniors – Steven Bott; Caiden Delker; Austin Dunlap; Collin Nasdeo; Jackson Raker; Cameron Walter. Sophomores – Jahki Burget; Gavin Kline; Jordan Piselli; Lauger Waldman; Alexander Wright. Freshmen – Hunter Newherd; Camren Reynolds.
OUTLOOK: Williamsport enters the 2024-25 season in a similar spot to the previous, lacking in depth and experience but possessing multiple individuals primed to make deep postseason runs come February. Its senior class contains multiple newcomers, but its junior and sophomore classes feature multiple district champions and six combined regional qualifiers, some of which have qualified on multiple occasions.
Of those classes, junior
Collin Nasdeo and sophomore Lauger Waldman stand out the most, headlining a solid lightweight room for the Millionaires.
Nasdeo is a two-time District 4/9 Class AAA champion and regional medalist, falling one win short of punching his first ticket to Hershey as a sophomore. And Waldman saw near-identical success to Nasdeo’s freshman run, earning a district title and sixth-place finish at regionals while also closing out the season with a winning record.
“I think both Collin and Lauger are ready for break out seasons,” said Williamsport head coach Brian Nasdeo on the pair. “Both have worked hard in the offseason. Now, they just have to believe in themselves and compete.”
Rounding out that core of returning regional qualifiers is Steven Bott, Jahki Burget and Jackson Raker, with Nasdeo highlighting Burget and Raker as guys that have really impressed him at early practices. Though they struggled throughout the regular season, they showed up when it mattered the most, displaying the progress they made throughout the months of December and January.
“Jahki Burget and Jackson Raker are looking very good in practice,” said Nasdeo. “Both wrestled well at the end of last year. I’m very interested in seeing what they can accomplish this season.”
The road has been tough for the Millionaires since their three-season stretch of prosperity to kick off the 2020s. But Nasdeo believes in the process and believes in his guys, and he looks forwards to seeing them continue to make progress.
“We just need experience,” said Nasdeo. “We are very young. The talent is there. (Our) coaches just need time to develop it.”
Williamsport’s season begins in its home venue, as the Millionaires prepare to host their annual Tom Best Memorial Top Hat Tournament, set to kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.
Tuesday 03/29/16 Canton Area High School Home 4:30PM
Tuesday 03/29/16 Canton Area High School Home 4:30PM
Thursday 03/31/16 *Millville Area Jr/Sr High School Away 4:30PM
Thursday 03/31/16 *Millville Area Jr/Sr High School Away 4:30PM
Monday 04/04/16 *Bloomsburg High School Home 4:00PM
Tuesday 03/29/16 *Hughesville High School Away 4:00PM
(H) 11/25/24 05:00 PM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
Saturday 04/02/16 Columbia Montour Area Vo Away 11:00AM
Wednesday 04/13/16 Wellsboro Area High School Home 4:00 PM
Saturday 04/02/16 Columbia Montour Area Vo Away 11:00AM
(A) 01/25/25 TBA .............................................. vs Multiple Opponents (H) 01/28/25 07:00 PM ....................... vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
Tuesday 03/29/16 Canton Area High School Home 4:30PM
Tuesday 04/05/16 *Bucktail Area High School Away 4:30PM
Tuesday 04/05/16 *Bucktail Area High School Away 4:30PM
Thursday 03/31/16 *Loyalsock High School Home 4:00PM
(A) 11/29/24 11:00 AM vs Wellsboro Area School District
(A) 12/04/24 07:30 PM vs East Juniata Jr/Sr HS
Thursday 03/31/16 *Millville Area Jr/Sr High School Away 4:30PM
Thursday 04/14/16 *S. Williamsport HS Away 3:00PM
04/14/16 *S. Williamsport HS Away 3:00PM
Thursday 04/07/16 *Bloomsburg High School Away 4:30PM
Thursday 04/07/16 *Bloomsburg High School Away 4:30PM
(A) 11/23/24 10:00 AM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
Monday 04/04/16 *Bloomsburg High School Home 4:00PM
(A) 12/06/24 06:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Monday 04/18/16 *Lewisburg Area HS Away 4:00PM
(A) 12/07/24 TBA vs Multiple Opponents
Monday 04/18/16 *Lewisburg Area HS Away 4:00PM
(A) 11/26/24 05:00 PM vs Midd-West Jr/Sr HS
Saturday 04/02/16 Columbia Montour Area Vo Away 11:00AM
(A) 11/30/24 01:00 PM vs Troy Junior/Senior HS
Wednesday 04/13/16 *Montgomery Senior High School Home 4:30PM
Wednesday 04/13/16 *Montgomery Senior High School Home 4:30PM
(A) 11/12/2024 03:30 PM ............................................. vs Warrior Run HS (H) 12/18/24 03:30 PM ...................................... vs Selinsgrove Area HS (H) 01/15/25 03:30 PM ................................... vs Williamsport Area HS (A) 01/22/25 04:00 PM ...................................... vs Central Mountain… (H) 01/24/25 03:30 PM ....................................... vs Mifflinburg Area
Wednesday 04/13/16 Wellsboro Area High School Home 4:00 PM
(H) 12/11/24 07:30 PM vs Bucktail HS
Wednesday 04/20/16 *Central Columbia HS Home 4:00PM
(H) 12/13/24 07:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/03/24 07:30 PM vs North Penn-Mansfield Jr/Sr HS
Tuesday 04/05/16 *Bucktail Area High School Away 4:30PM
Wednesday 04/20/16 *Central Columbia HS Home 4:00PM
(H) 12/06/24 06:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
01/30/25 04:30 PM .......................................... vs Jersey
Thursday 04/14/16 *Benton Area MS/HS Home 4:30PM
Thursday 04/14/16 *Benton Area MS/HS Home 4:30PM
5/2/2025 03:30 PM ................................................vs Shikellamy HS
(H) 12/14/24 07:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Thursday 04/14/16 *S. Williamsport HS Away 3:00PM
(A) 12/18/24 07:30 PM vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy
Friday 04/22/16 *Lewisburg Area HS Home 4:00PM
(H) 12/06/24 07:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Thursday 04/07/16 *Bloomsburg High School Away 4:30PM
Friday 04/22/16 *Lewisburg Area HS Home 4:00PM
(H) 12/07/24 06:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Monday 04/18/16 *Lewisburg Area HS Away 4:00PM
(H) 12/21/24 07:30 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS
Monday 04/25/16 *Danville Area High School Away 4:00PM
(A) 12/27/24 05:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents 12/28/24 03:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Saturday 04/16/16 Warrior Run High School Away 11:00AM
Saturday 04/16/16 Warrior Run High School Away 11:00AM
(H) 12/07/24 07:30 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Wednesday 04/13/16 *Montgomery Senior High School Home 4:30PM
(H) 12/10/24 07:30 PM vs Bucktail HS
Wednesday 04/20/16 *Central Columbia HS Home 4:00PM
Monday 04/25/16 *Danville Area High School Away 4:00PM
(H) 01/06/25 07:30 PM vs Northwest Area HS
Wednesday 04/27/16 *Hughesville High School Home 4:00PM
(H) 12/12/24 06:00 PM vs Millersburg HS
Tuesday 04/19/16 *St. John Neumann R.A. Away 4:30PM
Thursday 04/14/16 *Benton Area MS/HS Home 4:30PM
Tuesday 04/19/16 *St. John Neumann R.A. Away 4:30PM
(A) 01/10/25 07:30 PM vs Benton Area MS/HS
Wednesday 04/27/16 *Hughesville High School Home 4:00PM
Friday 04/22/16 *Lewisburg Area HS Home 4:00PM
(H) 01/14/25 07:30 PM vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS
Friday 04/29/16 *S. Williamsport HS Home 4:00PM
Saturday 04/16/16 Warrior Run High School Away 11:00AM
(A) 01/17/25 07:30 PM vs Columbia-Montour AVTS
(A) 01/18/25 01:30 PM vs Susquenita HS
Friday 04/29/16 *S. Williamsport HS Home 4:00PM
Monday 04/25/16 *Danville Area High School Away 4:00PM
(H) 12/16/24 06:00 PM vs Bucktail HS (A) 12/17/24 06:00 PM vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy (H) 12/20/24 07:30 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS (A) 12/30/24 07:30 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
Thursday 04/21/16 *Sullivan County H.S. Home 4:30PM
Tuesday 04/19/16 *St. John Neumann R.A. Away 4:30PM
Thursday 04/21/16 *Sullivan County H.S. Home 4:30PM Friday 04/22/16 Columbia Montour Area Vo Home 4:30PM
Friday 04/22/16 Columbia Montour Area Vo Home 4:30PM
(H) 01/08/25 07:30 PM vs Northwest Area HS
(H) 01/22/25 07:30 PM vs Millville Area Jr/Sr HS
Monday 05/02/16 *Loyalsock High School Away 4:00PM
Wednesday 04/27/16 *Hughesville High School Home 4:00PM
(A) 01/25/25 07:30 PM vs Bucktail HS
Monday 05/02/16 *Loyalsock High School Away 4:00PM
(A) 01/28/25 06:00 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS
Friday 04/29/16 *S. Williamsport HS Home 4:00PM
Wednesday 05/04/16 *Bloomsburg High School Away 4:00PM
(H) 02/01/25 07:30 PM vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy
(A) 01/11/25 02:30 PM vs Benton Area MS/HS
Thursday 04/21/16 *Sullivan County H.S. Home 4:30PM
(H) 01/13/25 07:30 PM vs Northeast Bradford Jr/Sr HS
Monday 04/25/16 S. Williamsport HS Home 4:30PM
Monday 04/25/16 S. Williamsport HS Home 4:30PM
(A) 01/15/25 07:30 PM vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS
Friday 04/22/16 Columbia Montour Area Vo Home 4:30PM
Wednesday 05/04/16 *Bloomsburg High School Away 4:00PM
(A) 01/18/25 12:00 PM vs Columbia-Montour AVTS
(A) 02/05/25 07:30 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS
(H) 02/10/25 07:30 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS
Monday 05/02/16 *Loyalsock High School Away 4:00PM
(A) 02/12/25 07:30 PM ............................................. vs Warrior Run HS
Wednesday 05/04/16 *Bloomsburg High School Away 4:00PM
(A) 12/06/24 05:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/07/24 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/10/24 07:00 PM vs Benton Area MS/HS
(H) 12/17/24 07:00 PM vs Jersey Shore Area
(A) 12/27/24 8:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/28/24 9:30 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 01/04/25 11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(H) 01/07/25 07:00 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
(A) 01/08/25 TBA vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 01/11/25 9:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 01/14/25 07:00 PM vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS
(A) 01/16/25 07:00 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(H) 01/20/25 07:00 PM vs Wellsboro Area School District
(A) 01/24/25 TBA vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 01/20/25 07:30 PM vs Warrior Run HS
Monday 04/25/16 S. Williamsport HS Home 4:30PM
(H) 01/21/25 07:30 PM vs Millville Area Jr/Sr HS
Tuesday 04/26/16 *Millville Area Jr/Sr High School Home 4:30PM
Thursday 04/28/16 *Bucktail Area High School Home 4:30PM
(A) 01/23/25 07:30 PM vs Lewisburg HS
Tuesday 04/26/16 *Millville Area Jr/Sr High School Home 4:30PM
(A) 01/24/25 06:00 PM vs Bucktail HS
(A) 01/28/25 07:30 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS
Thursday 04/28/16 *Bucktail Area High School Home 4:30PM
(H) 01/31/25 06:00 PM vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy
(A) 02/04/25 07:30 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS
Monday 05/02/16 Hughesville High School Away 4:30PM
(H) 02/07/25 07:30 PM vs Line Mountain Jr/Sr HS
(H) 02/10/25 06:00 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS
Tuesday 04/26/16 *Millville Area Jr/Sr High School Home 4:30PM Thursday 04/28/16 *Bucktail Area High School Home 4:30PM Monday 05/02/16 Hughesville High School Away 4:30PM Tuesday 05/03/16 *Bloomsburg High School Home 4:30PM Thursday 05/05/16 *Montgomery Senior High School Away 4:30PM
Monday 05/02/16 Hughesville High School Away 4:30PM
Tuesday 05/03/16 *Bloomsburg High School Home 4:30PM
Tuesday 05/03/16 *Bloomsburg High School Home 4:30PM Thursday 05/05/16 *Montgomery Senior High School Away 4:30PM
05/10/16 *Benton
05/10/16
Thursday 05/05/16 *Montgomery Senior High School Away 4:30PM
MS/HS Away 4:30PM
(A) 12/07/24 10:00 AM ...................................... vs Multiple Opponents (A) 12/14/24 10:00 AM ...................................... vs Multiple Opponents
Tuesday 05/10/16 *Benton Area MS/HS Away 4:30PM
(A) 12/21/24 9:30 AM ........................................ vs Multiple Opponents (A) 01/04/25 TBA .............................................. vs Multiple Opponents (A) 01/19/25 9:00 AM ........................................ vs Multiple Opponents (A) 01/25/25 9:00 AM ............................................... vs Bald Eagle Area (A) 02/01/25 9:30 AM ........................................ vs Multiple Opponents
Thursday 05/12/16 *St. John Neumann R.A. Home 4:30PM
05/12/16 *St. John Neumann R.A. Home 4:30PM Tuesday 05/17/16 *Sullivan County H.S. Away 4:30PM
Tuesday 05/17/16 *Sullivan County H.S. Away 4:30PM
By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com
Numerous area teams have plenty of talent on their girls wrestling rosters. Last year was the first year of girls wrestling being a PIAA sanctioned sport in the Commonwealth. Many from the area saw success at districts, regionals and states.
If last year was any indication, that success will be the norm in the area.
Coach: Ed Hockenberry Assistants: (not available)
Returning state qualifiers: Eden Eveleth (106), Grace Crestani (190)
Returning regional qualifiers: None.
Returning district qualifiers: None.
Roster: Cameron Corl-Alton, senior; Rebekah Guenot, senior; Harley Spayd, junior; Lily Spicer, junior; Shaylin Harter, sophomore; Addison Tice, freshman.
OUTLOOK: Bald Eagle Area may not have had the best season last year in terms of record as the Eagles finished winless, but individually the team had a ton of success and brings back a pair of wrestlers who had state experience.
Eden Eveleth and Grace Crestani both reached the state tournament last year at 106 and 190 pounds, respectively. Bald Eagle Area also has a lot of wrestlers coming out, something coach Ed Hockenberry, now in his second season, is excited about.
“This year, we have a lot more girls than we did last year. I think last year, the most we had at one time was five but could get all 5 clear to dress out at one time. I think four might have been the most we ever had cleared. Last year was kind of like a building type, steppingstone year,” Hock-
enberry said. “We went 0-9 but I think in nine dual meets, we only lost three contested bouts. So, it wasn’t a terrible season looking at that. I took three girls to states and I think three was the most from a high school in the state, pretty happy with that.”
The rest of Bald Eagle Area’s roster includes Cameron Corl-Alton, Rebekah Guenot, Harley Spayd, Lily Spicer, Shaylin Harter and Addison Tice.
Coach: Dylan Caprio
Assistants: (not available)
Returning state qualifiers: Kendall Wagner (170).
Returning regional qualifiers: Kennedy Metzger (130), Austynn Falls (136), Sophia Hoy (142), Callie Cella (190), Ashlyn Miller (235).
Returning district qualifiers: Emma Scarborough-Perez (112), Roster: Adrian Samaniego, sr.; Jacey Tripp, sr.; Kaitlyn Scarborough-Perez, so.; Haidyn Johnson, fr.; Mallory Wunder, fr.
OUTLOOK: Dylan Caprio is in his first season as coach of Central Mountain’s girls wrestling program and inherits a program that saw a lot of success last year.
In addition to going 5-9 as a team, the Wildcats saw the program’s first-ever state qualifier last year in Kendall Wagner, who reached states at 170 pounds. Perhaps even more impressive given she played girls basketball for Bucktail as well, having to balance wrestling and basketball at the same time.
But Wagner isn’t the only Wildcat back this year who had postseason experience.
Central Mountain returns Kennedy Metzger (130), Austynn Falls (136), Sophia Hoy (142), Callie Cella (190) and Ashlyn Miller (235) who all had experience in the regional tournament.
Central Mountain also has Emma Scarborough-Perez on the roster, a wrestler who qualified for districts last year at 112.
“This season we have
10 girls on the roster. Dual wins for this season will be a little like last season, it will depend on which teams are able to fill all 13 weight classes,” Caprio said. “With the 10 athletes we have on the team, we should be able to fill 7 to 8 of the 13 weight classes. As I’ve told the girls, the goal is to improve every day and win as many matches, individual matches, as possible.”
Coach: Royce Eyer
Assistants: Rylan Hicks
Returning state qualifiers: Lexi Kurzawa (136, eighth), Ariahna Moore (100), Julia Ritter (106).
Returning regional qualifiers: Abbigale Bowman (130), Alaina Hicks (142), Avery Puderbach (118).
Returning district qualifiers: Hailey Hall (124), Deja Roark (130).
Roster: Michayla Applegate, so.; Avery Earnest, fr.; Caroline Hicks, fr.; Malia Knott, sr.; Madison Lee, sr.; Leah Lehman, fr.; Aria Myers, so.; Shelby Myers, fr.; Isabella Olshefskie, fr.; Jatiah Peterkin, fr.; McKenna Sones, sr.; Emma Statts, so.; Ava Swisher, sr.; Bella Young, fr.
OUTLOOK: With three returning state qualifiers, including one medalist, and an additional three wrestlers who have experience at the regional tournament, Hughesville has a ton of talent on its roster.
Lexi Kurzawa reached states last year at 136 pounds and reached the podium by placing eighth, becoming the Spartans’ first-ever medalist in girls wrestling. Ariahnna Moore and Julia Ritter each reached the state tournament as well at 100 and 106, respectively, both doing so as freshmen.
“Both Ariahna Moore and Julia Ritter reached states as freshmen last year which was a great accomplishment. I think it all comes down to confidence with both of them. Having that experience last
(See SPARTANS, Page 28)
Montgomery Boys Basketball
(H) 11/15 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 11/16 09:00 AM Practice (H) 11/18 06:30 PM Practice (H) 11/19 06:30 PM Practice
(H) 11/20 06:30 PM Practice (H) 11/21 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/22 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(A) 11/23 01:00 PM..................................vs Northumberland … (H) 11/25 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice (A) 11/26 05:00 PM............................ vs Southern Columbia HS (H) 11/27 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 11/29 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 12/02 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 12/03 06:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 12/04 06:00 PM....................... vs Columbia-Montour AVTS (H) 12/06 04:00 PM vs OPEN (H) 12/07 11:00 AM vs OPEN (H) 12/11 06:00 PM vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy (H) 12/14 12:00 PM vs Galeton Area Sc…
(A) 12/18 06:00 PM................... vs South Williamsport Area HS (A) 12/23 06:00 PM................................. vs Benton Area MS/HS (A) 12/28 12:00 PM.................................... vs Galeton Area Sc… (A) 01/04 01:00 PM.............................................. vs Bucktail HS (H) 01/07 06:00 PM............................. vs Millville Area Jr/Sr HS (H) 01/10 06:00 PM......................... vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS (A) 01/14 06:00 PM.................................. vs Northwest Area HS (H) 01/17 06:00 PM................................. vs Benton Area MS/HS (A) 01/22 06:00 PM....................... vs Columbia-Montour AVTS (A) 01/24 06:00 PM.... vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy (H) 01/28 06:00 PM vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS (H) 02/01 01:00 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS (H) 02/03 06:00 PM vs Canton Junior/Senior HS (A) 02/06 06:00 PM vs Millville Area Jr/Sr HS (H) 02/08 12:00 PM........................... vs Line Mountain Jr/Sr HS (A) 02/10 07:30 PM.......................... vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS (H) 02/13 06:00 PM.............................................. vs Bucktail HS
Montgomery Boys Wrestling
(H) 11/18 03:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/19 03:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/20 03:30 PM Practice
(H) 11/21 03:30 PM Practice
(H) 11/22 03:30 PM Practice
(H) 11/25 03:30 PM Practice (H) 11/26 03:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 11/27 03:30 PM......................................................... Practice (H) 11/29 09:00 AM ........................................................ Practice
(H) 12/03 07:00 PM............................... vs Wyalusing Valley HS (A) 12/06 01:00 PM..........................................vs Shikellamy HS
(A) 12/11 07:00 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS (A) 12/14 11:00 AM vs Towanda Area Senior HS
(H) 12/18 07:00 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(A) 12/27 05:00 PM vs OPEN (A) 12/28 09:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN
(A) 01/04 09:00 AM ....................................vs Juniata Senior HS
(A) 01/07 07:00 PM....................................... vs Warrior Run HS
(H) 01/08 05:00 PM........................................................vs OPEN (A) 01/10 05:00 PM........................................................vs OPEN (A) 01/11 09:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN (A) 01/14 07:00 PM.......................... vs Danville Area Senior HS
(H) 01/21 07:00 PM.................vs Montoursville Area Senior HS (A) 01/24 05:00 PM........................................................vs OPEN
(A) 01/25 09:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN (A) 02/15 09:00 AM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS (A) 02/21 05:00 PM vs Williamsport Area HS (A) 02/22 09:00 AM vs Williamsport Area HS (A) 02/28 05:00 PM vs Williamsport Area HS (A) 03/01 09:00 AM ............................ vs Williamsport Area HS (A) 03/06 09:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN (A) 03/07 09:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN (A) 03/08 09:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN
Montgomery Girls Basketball
(H) 11/15 04:30 PM.........................................................
Practice
(H) 11/16 12:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/18 04:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/19 04:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/20 04:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/21 04:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/22 04:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(A) 11/23 11:00 AM .................................vs Northumberland …
(H) 11/25 04:30 PM......................................................... Practice
(H) 11/26 06:00 PM...................vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(H) 11/27 04:30 PM Practice
(H) 11/29 04:30 PM Practice
(H) 12/02 04:30 PM Practice
(H) 12/04 07:30 PM vs Columbia-Montour AVTS
(H) 12/10 06:00 PM.... vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy
(A) 12/17 06:00 PM................... vs South Williamsport Area HS
(A) 12/19 06:00 PM.................vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
(H) 12/23 06:00 PM............................. vs Williamson Senior HS
(H) 12/27 04:00 PM........................................................vs OPEN
(H) 12/28 11:00 AM .......................................................vs OPEN
(A) 01/03 06:00 PM.............................................. vs Bucktail HS
(H) 01/11 06:00 PM......................... vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS
(A) 01/13 06:00 PM......................... vs Canton Junior/Senior HS
(A) 01/15 06:00 PM.................................. vs Northwest Area HS
(H) 01/18 12:00 PM vs Benton Area MS/HS
(H) 01/20 06:00 PM vs Northumberland …
(A) 01/21 06:00 PM vs Columbia-Montour AVTS
(A) 01/23 06:00 PM vs St. John Neumann Regional Academy (H) 01/28 07:30 PM.......................... vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
(H) 01/31 06:00 PM................... vs South Williamsport Area HS
(A) 02/06 06:00 PM........................... vs Line Mountain Jr/Sr HS (H) 02/07 06:00 PM.............................................. vs Bucktail HS (A) 02/10 06:00 PM.......................... vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS (H) 02/12 06:00 PM............................. vs Millville Area Jr/Sr HS (A) 02/13 06:00 PM............................. vs Williamson Senior HS
((H) 11/18 05:30 PM.........................................................
(H) 11/19 05:30 PM.........................................................
11/20 05:30 PM.........................................................
(H) 11/21 05:30 PM.........................................................
11/22 05:30 PM.........................................................
11/25 05:30 PM.........................................................
(H) 11/26 05:00 PM.........................................................
(H) 11/27 05:30 PM
(H) 11/29 05:00 PM
(H) 12/02 05:00 PM
(A) 12/07 09:00 AM
12/10 05:00 PM.................................vs
12/17 07:00 PM..................vs
02/05 07:00 PM
(From Page 26)
year and making it through the gauntlet to qualify for states is only going to give them more confidence in themselves going into this season,” Hughesville coach Royce Eyer said. “When you are confident, you wrestle better so that is what I expect to see from both of them. They have only scratched the surface of their potential.”
Returning with experience from the regional tournament include Abbigale Bowman (130), Alaina Hicks (142) and Avery Puderbach. Also back is Hailey Hall at 124, who reached the District 4 tournament last winter.
Coach: Tony Owens
Assistants: (not available)
Returning state qualifiers: Isabella Gotschall (190). Returning regional qualifiers: Addison Dangle (148).
Returning district qualifiers: Olivia Spotts (136), Taylor Ross (142)
Roster: Emily Chapman, senior; Carsyn Sobiech, sophomore.
OUTLOOK: Jersey Shore doesn’t have a huge roster, but when four of your six wrestlers have postseason experience, that’s a huge bonus.
The Bulldogs bring back Isabella Gotschall, the program’s first-ever state qualifier as she reached the state tournament last winter at 190 pounds. Not only is Gotschall a wrestler back with experience, but so is Addison Dangle (148), Olivia Spotts (136) and Taylor Ross (142). Dangle was a regional qualifier last year while both Spotts and Ross reached the District 4 tournament.
For coach Tony Owens, in his first year this season, he’s glad to have wrestlers like Gotschall, Dangle, Spotts and Ross on the team with valuable experience.
“We have a little more girls this year than we had last year. So, we’re trying to increase our numbers. We’re looking forward to seeing Isabella Gotschall, who was
a state qualifier last year. She has put in a tremendous amount of time in the offseason,” Owens said. “She’s very committed to the sport. So, we’re looking forward to seeing her progress, which may allow some of the younger girls to better appreciate what it takes to progress, hard work outside of the season, those type of things that Isabella did on her own.”
“Hopefully that will be the foundation that many of our upcoming girls will be able to use as a marker, as a standard, to try to simulate what she has been able to do and the time she’s put in,” Owens added.
Coach: Chip Rearick
Assistants: (not available)
Returning state qualifiers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: None.
Returning district qualifiers: Cage Farr (124), Abigail Moser (118)
Roster: Shuhyra Ali, Adelyn Bush, Erika Cabrera, Louise eCromley, Kyleigh Ficks, Brenda Garcia, Alayna Graham, Sydney Kime, Kaydence O’Grady.
OUTLOOK: The cupboard isn’t bare for the Black Panthers this year. While Milton wasn’t able to have a state or regional qualifier last year, the team does have a district qualifier returning this season. Milton will have
Cage Farr returning at 124, who reached districts.
Farr went 7-10 last year en route to making it to districts as a freshman. That experience will only prove valuable this year as she looks to get better on the mat.
Last year, Milton also saw Abigail Moser reach the district tournament at 118 as she went 11-7. It was Moser’s third year wrestling as she competed as a freshman and sophomore in non-PIAA competition before girls wrestling became a PIAA sanctioned sport last winter.
Coach: Jodi Furman
Assistants: (not available)
area’s only state medalists last winter and saw a ton of success in the first year of girls wrestling being a PIAA sanctioned sport. Murphy enters her senior season this year and is already committed to wrestle at the next level at Lock Haven University. The Red Raider went 37-3 last year with an outstanding .925 winning percentage. Of her 37 wins, 29 came via fall. She took gold at 130 at districts and regionals en route to taking bronze at the state meet.
Murphy is already past the 50-win threshold as she sits at 60 and will look to increase it even more when she’s all said and done with wrestling this year for Montgomery.
Wagner went 20-11 last year and won district gold before taking sixth at regionals. Her season was cut unfortunately short due to an injury in regionals, forcing her to have to forfeit her fifth-place match. That injury also prevented Wagner from reaching the state tournament, giving her extra motivation her sophomore season to get back.
Hakes was also a freshman last year and went 1018. Her freshman year saw Hakes make it to the district tournament. Expect Hakes to build off that experience this winter.
Returning state qualifiers: Emily Murphy (130, third).
Returning regional qualifiers: Sadie Wagner (106).
Returning district qualifiers: McKenna Hakes (118).
Roster: Malayna Beattie, Hailey Bitler, Gabriella Butcher, Mackenzie Eveland, Alexia Farrar, Zoe Furman, Chloe Gordner, Aleaha Grimm, Jenna Houseknecht, Georginia Leet, Adelyn Rine, Briella Walk.
OUTLOOK: After placing third last winter at the PIAA girls wrestling championships, Emily Murphy is among those back for Montgomery who not only want to advance, but look to make a deep run as well once more. Murphy was one of the
Coach: Garrett Lee
Assistants: Chris Wig, Sterling Kepner, Kayla Sparks.
Returning state qualifiers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: None.
Returning district qualifiers: Piper Diehl (170), Lily Kramerer (124)
Roster: Hailey Younkin, Eva Nagel, Zoe Kunkle, Sadie Odell, Ella Nagel, Caydence Ohl.
Junior high roster: Aubrie Harman, Quinn Ryder, Arizona Wertman, Laurel Bauman, Paige Dunham-Lester, Willow Miller, Isabella Calisti, Kaitlyn Powers, Adelynn Holmes, Raegen Charles.
(See MUNCY, Page 30)
Sat 04/09 11:00am Away @ Central Columbia HS
(H) 11/25/24 05:00 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
Wed 03/30 4:30pm Home vs Bucktail High School
(A) 11/27/24 05:00 PM vs St. John Neuman…
Fri 04/01 4:30pm Home vs Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS
Sat 04/02 11:00am Home vs Milton High School
(A) 12/06/24 04:00 PM vs Northwest Area HS
Mon 04/04 4:30pm Away @ Benton High School
(A) 12/07/24 TBA vs OPEN
Mon 04/04 4:30pm Away @ Benton Jr. High School
Wed 04/06 4:30pm Home vs South Williamsport HS
Mon 04/11 4:30pm Home vs Juniata Senior High School
Tue 04/12 4:30pm Home vs Lewisburg High School
(A) 11/25/24 06:00 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS
Thu 04/14 4:30pm Home vs Southern Columbia HS
Tue 05/10 4:00pm Away @ Hughesville High School
Sat 05/14 TBA Away PHAC League Meet
(H) 11/23/24 11:00 AM vs State College Are…
Sat 05/21 TBA Away District 4 Track & Field Meet
(A) 12/06/24 02:00 PM vs Multiple Opponents
Sat 04/16 11:00am Home vs Muncy High School
(H) 11/27/24 05:00 PM vs St. John Neuman…
Mon 04/18 4:30pm Home vs Benton High School
(A) 11/29/24 06:00 PM vs Mifflinburg Area …
Mon 04/18 4:30pm Home vs Benton Jr. High School
Fri 05/27 TBA Away State Track Meet at Shippensburg University
(A) 12/07/24 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/10/24 07:00 PM vs Shikellamy HS
Sat 05/28 TBA Away State Track Meet at Shippensburg University
(A) 12/11/24 06:00 PM vs Jersey Shore Area
Mon 04/11 4:30pm Home vs Millville High School
Wed 04/13 4:30pm Home vs Montgomery
(A) 12/13/24 06:00 PM vs Shikellamy HS
Fri 04/15 4:30pm Away @ Muncy High School
Sat 04/16 11:00am Home vs Lewisburg High School
(H) 12/16/24 06:00 PM vs South Williamsport Area HS
(A) 12/18/24 06:00 PM vs Lewisburg HS
Wed 04/20 4:30pm Away @ Bucktail High School
Fri 04/22 4:30pm Away @ Sullivan County Jr/Sr HS
(A) 12/27/24 TBA vs Shamokin Area
Mon 04/25 4:30pm Home vs Benton High School
Mon 04/25 4:30pm Home vs Benton Jr. High School
(A) 12/28/24 TBA vs Shamokin Area
Wed 04/27 4:30pm Away @ South Williamsport HS
Fri 04/29 4:30pm Home vs St. John Neumann HS
(H) 12/30/24 06:00 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
Mon 05/02 4:30pm Away @ Millville High School
(A) 01/04/25 12:00 PM vs Bloomsburg HS
Wed 05/04 4:30pm Away @ Montgomery
(H) 01/08/25 06:00 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
Wed 05/11 4:30pm Home vs Shikellamy High School
Fri 05/13 4:30pm Away @ Hughesville High School
Mon 05/16 4:30pm Home vs Muncy High School
(H) 01/11/25 06:00 PM vs Mifflinburg Area …
(A) 01/15/25 06:00 PM vs Hughesville Juni…
(H) 01/17/25 06:00 PM vs Southern Columbia HS
(H) 01/21/25 06:00 PM vs Bloomsburg HS
Thu 03/31 4:30pm Away @ Hughesville High School
(A) 01/24/25 06:00 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
Sat 04/02 11:00am Away @ Montgomery
(A) 01/28/25 06:00 PM vs Mifflinburg Area …
Tue 04/05 4:30pm Away @ Montoursville High School
Thu 04/07 4:30pm Home vs Loyalsock High School
(H) 01/31/25 06:00 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(A) 02/03/25 06:00 PM vs Southern Columbia HS
(A) 02/07/25 06:00 PM vs Central Columbia…
(A) 02/10/25 06:00 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS
(H) 02/12/25 06:00 PM vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
(A) 12/03/24 06:00 PM vs Jersey Shore Area
Tue 04/19 4:30pm Away @ Milton High School
Thu 04/21 4:30pm Away @ South Williamsport HS
Tue 04/26 4:30pm Home vs Hughesville High School
(H) 12/06/24 06:00 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
Thu 04/28 4:30pm Home vs Montoursville High School
(A) 12/12/24 06:00 PM vs Milton HS
Sat 04/30 11:00am Away @ Loyalsock High School
(A) 12/16/24 06:00 PM vs Shamokin Area
Tue 05/03 4:30pm Home vs Central Columbia HS
Thu 05/05 4:30pm Away @ Lewisburg High School
(H) 12/18/24 06:00 PM vs Central Columbia…
Tue 05/10 4:30pm Away @ Southern Columbia HS
(A) 12/20/24 06:00 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
Sat 05/14 4:30 pm Home vs Milton High School
Tue 05/17 4:30pm Home vs South Williamsport HS
(H) 12/27/24 07:30 PM vs Multiple Oppone…
(H) 12/28/24 TBA vs Multiple Oppone…
(H) 01/03/25 06:00 PM vs Bloomsburg HS
Tue 03/29 4:00pm Home vs Loyalsock High School
(A) 01/07/25 06:00 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
Sat 04/02 TBA Away Meet: Selinsgrove Classic
Tue 04/05 4:00pm Home vs Montgomery
(A) 01/10/25 06:00 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(A) 01/13/25 06:00 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
Sat 04/09 TBA Away Meet: Susquehanna Invitational
Wed 04/13 4:00pm Away @ Southern Columbia HS
(A) 01/17/25 06:00 PM vs Southern Columbia HS
Wed 04/13 4:00 pm Away @ Southern Columbia HS
Fri 04/22 TBA Away Meet: Lock Haven Invitational
(H) 01/20/25 06:00 PM vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
Tue 04/26 4:00pm Home vs Bloomsburg High School
(A) 01/22/25 06:00 PM vs Bloomsburg HS
Sat 04/30 TBA Away Meet: Lock Haven Invitational
Tue 05/03 4:00pm Home vs South Williamsport HS
(H) 01/25/25 06:00 PM vs Loyalsock Township HS
Sat 05/07 TBA Away Freshman & Sophomore League Meet
(H) 01/28/25 06:00 PM vs Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr HS
(H) 02/01/25 06:00 PM vs Hughesville Junior/Senior HS
(H) 02/04/25 06:00 PM vs Southern Columbia HS
(A) 02/08/25 12:00 PM vs Shikellamy HS
(H) 02/10/25 06:00 PM vs Danville Area Senior HS
(H) 12/17/24 07:00 PM vs Benton Area MS/…
(A) 12/20/24 11:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/21/24 10:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
(A) 12/28/24 TBA vs OPEN
Tue 03/29 4:00pm Home vs Loyalsock High School
Sat 04/02 TBA Away Meet: Selinsgrove Classic
(A) 12/29/24 TBA vs OPEN
Tue 04/05 4:00pm Home vs Montgomery
Sat 04/09 TBA Away Meet: Susquehanna Invitational
(H) 01/07/25 07:00 PM vs Montgomery Senior HS
Wed 04/13 4:00pm Away @ Southern Columbia HS
(A) 01/11/25 9:00 AM vs Multiple Opponents
Wed 04/13 4:00pm Away @ Southern Columbia HS
(H) 01/14/25 07:00 PM vs Towanda Area Senior HS
Fri 04/22 TBA Away Meet: Lock Haven Invitational
(H) 01/15/25 07:00 PM vs Milton HS
Tue 04/26 4:00pm Home vs Bloomsburg High School
(A) 01/18/25 TBA vs Multiple Opponents
Sat 04/30 TBA Away Meet: Lock Haven Invitational
Tue 05/03 4:00pm Home vs South Williamsport HS
(A) 01/23/25 07:00 PM vs Montoursville Area Senior HS
Sat 05/07 TBA Away Meet: Freshman & Sophomore League Meet
Tue 05/10 4:00pm Away @ Hughesville High School
Sat 05/14 TBA Away PHAC League Meet
(H) 12/11/24 03:30 PM vs Muncy Junior/Senior HS
(A) 12/16/24 03:30 PM vs Central Mountain…
(A) 01/08/25 03:30 PM vs Williamsport Area HS
Sat 05/21 TBA Away District 4 Track and Field Meet Fri 05/27 TBA Away State Track Meet at Shippensburg University
(H) 01/13/25 03:30 PM vs Shikellamy HS
Sat 05/28 TBA Away State Track Meet at Shippensburg University
(H) 01/22/25 03:30 PM vs Jersey Shore Area
(H) 01/28/25 03:30 PM vs Selinsgrove Area HS (A) 02/04/25 03:30 PM vs Mifflinburg Area …
(From Page 28)
OUTLOOK: Muncy didn’t have any wrestlers reach the regional tournament last season in girls wrestling, but Muncy saw plenty of individual success. And that helps translate to team success.
For coach Garrett Lee, that will be one of the team’s biggest strengths this year.
“Our biggest strength this season is our returning wrestlers with more experience and leadership skills,” Lee noted. “We also have a good number of girls out for the team this year, which will help us build the camaraderie in practice and help us to place higher in tournaments.”
Muncy has a roster featuring eight wrestlers and a junior high group of 10 wrestlers, showing the interest and talent at Muncy to grow the sport.
One wrestler who returns this year is Piper Diehl. The Indian reached the District 4 tournament last year at 170 pounds. She was one of three Muncy wrestlers who were in last year’s District 4 tournament alongside Lillian Kramerer (124) and Deja Roark (130). Diehl was a freshman last year, and while she didn’t place at districts, she did get the experience of being there and now knows what it takes to get to the next level.
“Now that we have experienced girls on the team, we can have girls who will lead each other and hold each other accountable in the practice room,” Lee said. “This will translate to better wrestling in tournaments and a more disciplined team.”
Lee noted that his expectations for the year were to have a few of the girls place at districts, qualify for regionals and hopefully have the team’s first-ever girls wrestling state qualifiers.
Muncy’s roster features four sophomores and three freshmen.
Kramerer also was a district qualifier last year, finishing the season 12-13 and reaching districts at 124.
Zoe Kunkle and Ella Nagel, both sophomores, didn’t wrestle last season.
MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Williamsport’s Lillian Rumsey took third at the PIAA girls wrestling tournament last year at 112 pounds and finished last season an impressive 37-1.
Coach: Bryce Bitner
Assistants: Andy Rendos, Mike Buckwalter, Todd Webster
Returning state qualifiers: None.
Returning regional qualifiers: None.
Returning district qualifiers: Alyssa Chilson (130), Megan Robbins (124).
Roster: Kodi Passmore, Kaelyn Peterson, Jordan Rumsey, Isla Twoey, Katherine Whitney, Rosa Sguera.
OUTLOOK: Wellsboro has eight wrestlers on its girl wrestling team this season, and coach Bryce Bitner is eager to get the season started.
The Green Hornets have two wrestlers who bring experience is Alyssa Chilson, a two-year wrestler, and Megan Robbins, who wrestled last year.
“So they’ll lead the way,” Bitner said.
Chilson and Robbins both reached the district tournament last winter. Chilson did
so at 130 pounds, but didn’t reach the podium, while Robbins qualified at 124, but didn’t place.
Wellsboro saw three wrestlers qualify last year for the district tournament, as Olivia Chilson also reached the tournament. Olivia Chilson graduated, however, after taking gold at districts and reaching the regional tournament last winter at 142.
“I expect Megan Robbins and Alyssa Chilson to take charge and show the new girls the way and help them improve as well,” BItner said. “All the girls have been super supportive of each other and have worked extremely hard. Megan and Alyssa will look to compete and improve as well, hoping to achieve their goal of making it to the state tournament.”
Wellsboro’s remaining roster features Kodi PAssmore, Kaelyn Peterson, Jordan Rumsey, Isla Twoey, Katherine Whitney and Rosa Sguera.
“All of our other girls are great athletes who love to compete and will look to make improvements in the sport being their first year,” Bitner said. “They’ll make mistakes early, but they’ll grow as the season goes on and they’ll be quick learners. It’ll be awesome to have a group of girls who want to work hard and improve themselves as young ladies and wrestlers.”
Coach: Kevin Werner
Assistants: Patricia Miller, Kenneth Williams, Kyle Weaver, Kaylee Hillman (volunteer), Dale Vollman (volunteer), Lewis Rumsey (volunteer)
Returning state qualifiers: Lillian Rumsey (112, third), Danica Bacorn (100) Returning regional qualifiers: McKylee Vollman (170), Mykia Petruskevich (130), Journi Barbour (190). Returning district qualifiers: Clara Mckenzie (118). Roster: Lea Borchardt,
son events and have been excited to share the techniques they’ve learned at local club practices,” Williamsport coach Kevin Werner said.
The Millionaires will have to replace Marissa Rumsey at 148, a standout wrestler who took third last year in states after winning gold at districts and regionals. She went 34-2 as a senior. Marissa’s previous two seasons were in nonPIAA sanctioned tournaments where she took gold at states as a sophomore and silver as a junior.
In addition to Lillian Rumsey, Williamsport brings back Mykia Petruskevich (130) and Journi Barbour (190) who were regional qualifiers last year and state qualifier Danica Bacorn at 100.
“I am pleased to have a group of core athletes that the team can lean on who have demonstrated success in the postseason,” Werner said. “Last season, we qualified seven for regionals and we were regional champions (as a team). That was an incredible achievement and will be tough to top.”
Jhoanya Cruz Gonzalez, Mia Davis, Madilyn Heller, Nevaeh James, Brooke Lowe, Payton Pepperman, Emma Schell, Rosalie Trimble, Arianna Vincenzes, Samiyah Wheeler
OUTLOOK: The Millionaires have a lot of talented wrestlers back on the mat this year, including two returning state qualifiers and three regional qualifiers. Among those back is standout Lillian Rumsey, who had one of the best sophomore seasons you could ask for in the state.
Rumsey finished the year 37-1 — her lone loss coming at the state meet — as she took gold at districts and regionals at 112 pounds before finishing with a bronze medal at the state meet. Rumsey has continued to grind in the offseason and may be even better than she already was last winter.
“I have seen some technical improvements in Lillian Rumsey this summer. Lillian and several girls on the team competed in various offsea-
Overall, Werner sees the team doing well this season like last year.
“My expectations are high this year for this group of girls. I have already seen growth in tenacity and effort in the practice room,” Werner said. “The girls have bought into our program and are becoming great student athletes. I think we should present well over the upcoming season.”
Williamsport has a large roster featuring 16 wrestlers. With that, Werner noted he only sees the team forfeiting one lower-weight during duals or tournaments. He also noted that he expected to see improvements in returning starters Bacorn, Petruskevich, Rumsey, McKylee Vollman, Madilyn Heller and Barbour. Williamsport also has newcomers that Werner is excited to see compete.
“I’m excited to see our new wrestlers in action. Although they are green, they are fast learners and extremely aggressive,” Werner noted.
11/26 H 6:00 pm Scrimmage
11/30 H 5:30 pm Canton Jr/Sr
12/5 A 7:30 pm Benton Area
12/6 A 7:30 pm St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy HS
12/9 H 7:30 pm Austin Area Senior HS
12/11 A 7:30 pm Muncy Jr/Sr HS
12/14 A 1:00 pm South Williamsport Area HS
12/21 H 7:30 pm St. John Neumann
Regional Academy
12/27 A 1:00 pm Northern Potter Jr/Sr
12/28 H 2:30 pm Millville
1/4 H 7:30 pm Montgomery Area HS
1/7 A 7:30 pm Columbia-Montour Area Vo Tech HS
1/10 H 7:30 pm Northwest Area HS
1/14 A 7:30 pm Millville
1/17 A 7:30 pm Sullivan County HS
1/20 A 7:30 pm Austin Area Senior HS
1/22 H 7:30 pm Benton Area
1/23 A 6:00 pm Juniata Christian
1/25 H 7:30 pm Muncy Jr/Sr HS
1/29 H 7:30 pm South Williamsport Area HS
1/31 A 7:30 pm Meadowbrook Christian
2/5 A 7:30 pm St. John Neumann
Regional Academy
2/13 A 7:30 pm Montgomery Area HS
12/4 A 6:00 pm Cameron County High School
12/6 A 7:30 pm TBA Tournament
12/7 A 7:30 pm TBA Tournament
12/11 H 6:00 pm Northern Potter Jr/Sr
12/13 A 7:30 pm South Williamsport Area HS
12/16 A 6:00 pm Muncy Jr/Sr High School
12/20 H 6:00 pm St. John Neumann
Regional Academy
12/27 A 6:30 pm West Branch Area HS
12/28 A 7:30 pm TBA Tournament
1/3 H 6:00 pm Montgomery Area HS
1/8 A 6:00 pm Columbia-Montour Area Vo Tach HS
1/10 H 6:00 pm Northwest Area HS
1/15 A 7:30 pm Millville
1/16 H 6:00 pm Curwensville Area Senior HS
1/18 A 1:00 pm Sullivan County HS
1/21 H 6:00 pm Benton Area
1/24 H 6:00 pm Muncy Jr/ Sr HS
1/27 A 7:30 pm Meadowbrook Christian
1/28 H 6:00 pm South Williamsport Area HS
2/4 A 7:30 pm St. John Neumann
Regional Academy
2/5 H 6:00 pm West Branch Area HS
2/7 A 7:30 pm Montgomery Area HS
