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February 2015
Vol. 2 Issue 1
ICE HOCKEY Wilkes-Barre Miners upset on home ice against the Rochester Royals Pages 4-5
GIRLS BASKETBALL Wyoming Area, GAR face off in Wyoming Valley Conference play Page 10-11
BOYS BASKETBALL Crestwood, Pittston freshmen boys basketball teams battle Pages 18-19
SPLASHING BY COMPETITION Senior Spotlight: Alexis Lewis, Holy Redeemer, page 3 Lacrosse not just a spring sport, page 14
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Editor’s Note: For the Athlete in All of Us Throughout the 12 Sport Shot issues produced so far, we have covered a ton of athletic events. Some traditional games – basketball, soccer, football, baseball – others, not so common – gymnastics, wiffle ball, jiu jitsu. Some of the athletes featured in our photos were on the varsity squad, some were still in pee wee leagues. Some competed individually while others worked as teams. That’s what makes this publication so special and so unique. There is an athlete inside all of us and Sport Shot recognizes that. When I learned about Sport Shot in February 2014, I saw what potential it had. While it will never replace the sports content the daily papers provide, it offers something in addition. Something that was missing in an area so passionate for athletics. Although it is not my anniversary with Sport Shot (that comes in April), it is a huge milestone. Without the athletes, fans and parents in the Wyoming Valley this publication would not have made it to Volume 2. So, I want to thank all of our supporters. I remember on a delivery day
in the springtime, I walked in to a Cocoa Hut in Nanticoke and a man stopped me and pointed to my stack of newspapers asking, “Is that the sports newspaper with all the kids? Can I have one of those?” I wanted to hug him. I could not believe that after just a few months Sport Shot had a following. Numerous parents have reached out saying they wish this sort of paper was around when their kids were still in school. Thank you for seeing the same uniqueness in this paper as I do. The WVSS team is devoted to capturing the moments of all sorts of athletes across the Wyoming Valley. Thank you to my team of photographers who drive through snow storms and chase down coaches for information so we are able to provide the best content each month. Thank you to my friends and family members who agree to drive around the Valley with me at the beginning of each month to our 100+ drop off locations. And thank you Uncle Buck for choosing me and trusting me with your creation.
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Ready for the Face-Off Hockey, a popular winter sport, is available all year long at local rinks in Wilkes-Barre and Pittston. Brush up on your ice hockey terms with this word search below.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot
Advanced Aerial Yoga Four Week Immersion Expand your aerial yoga practice by learning smooth transitions, strong poses, deeper stretches, and reach a level of a seamless, fluid aerial yoga practice in this four week workshop at Balance Yoga in Forty Fort. Classes every Saturday in February 1:30-3:30 p.m. with Kayla Dyches. Shiver by the River Saturday, February 14 10 a.m. start time. Registration open 8:30-9:45 a.m. 5K, 10K and 2 mile walk available. Race begins at 3 West Olive Street in Scranton. 2015 Presidents Weekend Skate & Ski Tournament Saturday, February 14 - Monday, February 16 at Revolution Ice Centre. AA, A & B Divisions. For questions or concerns, contact Ed Von Lumm at 570-883-1100. Baseball at Wyoming Valley Sports Dome Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome. Game times available for U10 and U12 leagues. Pricing depends on the number of games each team plays.
Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335 Our mission: Photographs that capture the spirit of high school and recreational athletes in the Wyoming Valley. Check out all the photographs at wyomingvalleysportshot.com.
Aquatics at Wilkes-Barre YMCA - Winter Session II Classes held February 16 - April 11. Member classes meet once a week for eight weeks; except Friday/ Saturday classes meet seven times. Registration begins January 26. NonMember registration begins January 31. To register, call 570-823-2191 or email Tammy.Como@wbymca.org.
The schedule: The print edition of Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is published on the first Saturday of each month. Free copies are distributed at 100 locations in the Wyoming Valley. Wyomingvalleysportshot.com is updated throughout the month as well as Wyoming Valley Sport Shot on Facebook. Your stuff: Bring it on. We welcome your photos, news and ideas submitted for publication. Send submissions of photos and information to wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com. Submitted copy and printed photographs delivered to Wyoming Valley Sport Shot will not be returned. Photos reproduce best if saved in .jpg format at 300 dpi and submitted by email. Game time: Advertising deadline: 10 days prior to publication. Content submission deadline: Seven days prior to publication.
And...Any opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of this publication. We reserve the right to edit all content for clarity, relevance and length and the right to reject submissions. Submitted copy must include a contact name and phone number.
28th Annual February Freeze 5K Race Saturday, February 7 at Roslund Elementary School, Tunkhannock. Race begins at noon. $12 registration fee - no refunds. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Call 570-909-8994 or email longrunner11@mac.com for more information. The Fitness Place’s February 90 Minute Spin Class Sunday, February 8, 9:00-10:30 a.m. at The Fitness Place in Mountain Top. Spin with Dina in her Super Bowl themed class. Cost is $10, cash only.
On the cover: Pittston Area’s Brandon Winters wins the 100 breaststroke competition against Greater Nanticoke Area. Photo by Steve Shoemaker
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers this issue include Mary Bove, Frank Lauri, Steve Shoemaker.
February, 2015
ASSIST BOARDING CHECKING FACE OFF GOAL
HAT TRICK ICING PENALTY POWER PLAY SLAPSHOT
Flag Football League Session 3: February 18-April 22 at Riverfront Sports Complex in Scranton. Wednesday evenings from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Registration deadline February 11. $700 per team, additional $100 for paid referees. Players must be 18 years or older. Contact Carey Newman at 575-4119 or carey@riverfrontsports.com for more information.
February, 2015
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Senior Spotlight: Alexis Lewis By Ellen Hoffman
As winter athletic seasons hit the mid-season mark and teams start to look toward playoff births, Holy Redeemer senior Alexis Lewis and her Royals basketball teammates anticipate another strong run in District competition. “Right now we’re doing very well,” she said. “We’re hoping to keep the streak going.” Lewis has had an explosive career and isn’t looking to slow down. She has committed to Iona College for the 2015-2016 season. “It’s very exciting,” she said. “It’s just a great feeling and I’m happy I was able to accomplish it.” Lewis is grateful she wasn’t alone in her college decision process. She had help from family members who have been down this road before. Her brother Eugene plays football at Penn State University and her father Eugene played basketball at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of South Alabama before being the second-round NBA draft pick for the Utah Jazz. “They both helped me to make sure I picked the right college for the right reasons. That I was going somewhere where I knew I was going to be able to fit in and I wasn’t just going somewhere that pleased them or anyone else.” She said her brother gave her pointers and hints as to what to look out for during the recruiting process. “He said the coaches are going to be all over me so make sure to feel them out and make sure they’re serious about what they say. He wanted me to make sure I was paying attention to the team and everything.” During her recruiting process though, she never forgot about Iona, one of the first schools to reach out to her. Once she visited, she said the deal was sealed. She fell in love with it “instantly.” Lewis is the third from her family to make it to Division I and because of her family’s background she knows what to expect. “There is going to be more intensity, there is going to be more focus,” she said. Intensity and focus shouldn’t be a problem for the Royal’s standout who recorded her 2,000th point this season in a game
against Wyoming Seminary. For a girl who is arguably the top player in the Wyoming Valley Conference for the 2014-2015 season, she is possibly the most humble of them all. She constantly credits her teammates and coaches for her success and the success of the Holy Redeemer girls team. The hardest thing, she says, will be leaving the Royals team and girls she’s called teammates since grade school. “Some of these girls like my point guard Lydia Lawson, and Alana Wilson who is out with her ACL injury, I’ve been playing with both of them since fifth grade. We’ve been going all the way up to now. So, it’s going to be hard to leave these girls, it really is.” Lewis spent her whole life playing basketball. Not only did she say it taught her about friendships and building bonds but also life lessons she’ll never forget. “There are a lot of valuable lessons basketball teaches you. It teaches responsibility, discipline. It teaches you how to work well with people, how to see how others respond to different things.” Overall, Lewis said she is looking forward to her time at Iona and learning even more about the game she loves. “I want to do well. I want to be able to play,” she said. “In this Valley there are players of all different skill levels, but in college, everyone is there for the same reason so you have to step up your intensity and your energy and your heart and just play as hard as you can all the time.” Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of an upcoming 2015 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo submitted by Alexis Lewis.
Spring Field Hockey Practices at PA Elite Starting Soon! Join our U14 or U19 Age Groups Travel To Colleges to Compete in 7 vs. 7 Tournaments Practice Location: Wyoming Seminary’s Klassner Field 201 N. Maple Ave., Kingston Contact: info@paelitefhc.com Erin McGinley at 570-709-0874 Amy Daniel at 570-762-1439 www.PAEliteFHC.com Like us on Facebook for updates: PA Elite FHC, LLC
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February, 2015
Royals Shut Down WB Miners in OT, Shootout Rochester Royals pull off shootout win against the Wilkes-Barre Miners at the Toyota SportsPlex - January 23
Michael Tugo, of the WB Miners, handles the puck.
Miner Nick Vitanovec watches for the face off.
Jan Mendel, of the WB Miners, passes to an open teammate.
Guillaume St-Germain, of the WB Miners, gets out of the defensive zone. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Jan Mendel, of the WB Miners, gets the puck around a Royals defender.
Miner Francois Lacroix gets a shot off against the Rochester Royals goalie.
February, 2015
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Guillaume St-Germain, of the Miners, fends off the Royals defense.
Daniel Leisser scores during the second period against the Royals.
WB Miner Daniel Leisser scores during the shootout against the Rochester Royals.
Guillaume St-Germain (10) passes to Derek Bureau (48) in front of the Royals net.
WB Miner Jonathan Wisten watches for the face off at the Toyota SportsPlex.
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February, 2015
Winter Weather Won’t Stop Leverage Fitness Studio Members of Leverage Fitness Studio participate in annual Winter Challenge Competition - January 24
Participants of the Winter Challenge pose for a photo after the final times are announced.
Debbie Domanski (right) coaches teammate Lynn Hill through part of the Winter Challenge.
Brad Drago competes in the rowing portion of the challenge while Program Director Matt Green keeps time.
Paul Shiber successfully crashes through one of the obstacles at Leverage Fitness Studio.
Jenn Sliwinski rows through the last part of the Winter Challenge for her team.
Leverage Fitness Studio owner Tim Hiliva competes in the Winter Challenge while Matt Green serves as the referee.
February, 2015
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Your Shots
Waleski Achieves 1000 Point Mark
Teammates Samantha Weidner and Stephanie Matley move through the wheelbarrow race.
Maria Godfrey cools down after her 30-second hula hooping challenge at Leverage.
Michelle Mayerski works through the hula hoop race for her team in the Winter Challenge.
Pittston Area Lady Patriot Liz Waleski scored her 1000th point on a free throw against the Dallas Mountaineers. Liz led the Lady Patriots with 17 points and an impressive 9/9 from the free throw line in a 64-44 victory over Dallas. Pictured in top photo left to right is brother Leverage owner Tim Hiliva aims to make a playing John Patrick, sister Hannah, parents Stan and Janice and Coach Kathy Healey on the right with the Lady Patriots players and coaches. Photo submitted by Stan Waleski. card into a cap during the fifth challenge. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Pat and Deb’s Sports Memorabilia & Misc. 1325 N. River Street Plains Township, PA 18705 570-235-1840 Open Mon & Tues 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wed & Fri 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday time varies
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February, 2015
Pittston Area Cruises Past Greater Nanticoke Area
The Patriot girls record a victory in an away match against the Trojans - January 23
Pittston’s Joe Lombardo congratulates Nanticoke’s Shane Bloxham after the 100 backstroke.
Pittston Area’s Eric Fritz swims through the 500 free during an away meet at Nanticoke.
Pittston Area teammates Erica Colon and Adison Hazlet cheer on Arianna Boccardi during the 100 breaststroke against Greater Nanticoke Area.
Pittston Area’s Mackenzie Connors swims the 200 IM against Nanticoke.
Nanticoke’s Lizzie Colemire swims during a home meet against Pittston Area.
GNA swimmers Lizzie Colemire and Lily Young get ready for a race.
Pittston Area’s Kassity Roche takes a breath during the 100 butterfly competition.
February, 2015
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Pittston Area’s Erica Colon swims the butterfly during the 200 medley relay.
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Pittston Area’s Juan Martinez swims the 50 yard freestyle in a WVC match.
Upper left, Pittston Area’s Eric Fritz and Nanticoke’s Josh Escalante begin the 500 free competition. Left, Pittston Area’s Joe Lombardo swims the 100 backstroke against Greater Nanticoke Area. Above, Pittston Area’s Tara Johnson competes in the 500 freestyle. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Wyoming Valley Striders Hold Annual New Year’s Day Run
Wyoming Valley Striders and Lady Striders Running Clubs held the 30th Annual Informal New Year’s Day Training Run in Kirby Park January 1. Following are participants listed alphabetically: Keith Adams, Marjorie Adams, Nell Adams, Greg Bassham, Jeff Baran, Rich Chase, Laurie Chiumento, Lea Clark, Jim Cole, Ann Drazba, Bill Fiore, Joyce Foster, Shelby Foster, Pat Furek, Max Furek, Erin Griffin, Don Grose, Abigail Haines, Susanna Haines, Mark Hannon, Dave Houssock, Mike Kinney, Tony Korch, Chris Krall, Paul Manley, Peggy Manley, Deana Manzoni, John Manzoni, John Martino, Karen McLaughlin, Earnie Morgan, Nancy Needle, Nick Needle, Marinna Orrson, Tony Pszeniczny, Mike Rawls, Ron Rawls, Amy Rome, John Sobata, Bev Tomasak, Tom Walski, Bob-Rock Warnagiris, Fran Warnagiris, Julie Warnagiris, Linda Wojnar, Rose Yanko, and John Yenchak. Photo submitted by the Wyoming Valley Striders.
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February, 2015
Wyoming Area Late Rally Comes Up Short Against GAR
Wyoming Area’s 4th quarter come back not enough to beat GAR in WVC match up - January 22
Lindsay Quinn, of GAR, goes in for a lay up.
Wyoming Area’s Lydia Edwards makes a shot.
Wyoming Area’s Emily Wolfgang is blocked by GAR’s Marie Skrepnak.
GAR’s Gee Gee Healy is blocked by Wyoming Area’s Nicole Wright.
Brea Seabrook, of GAR, focuses on making her free throws against Wyoming Area.
February, 2015
Lindsay Quinn, of GAR, waits for the play to begin at Wyoming Area High School.
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Marie Skrepnak, of GAR, moves around Wyoming Area defender, Emily Wolfgang.
GAR’s Gee Gee Healy looks for an open teammate under the hoop.
Brea Seabrook, of GAR, makes her way past Wyoming Area’s Maracyssa Brown and to the basket.
Sarah Holmes, of Wyoming Area, looks to start a play in a WVC game against GAR.
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GAR’s Lindsay Quinn makes a shot past Wyoming Area’s Emily Wolfgang. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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February, 2015
Crusaders Toss Around Mountaineers in Victory
Coughlin beat Dallas 54-18 in a home Wyoming Valley Conference meet - January 14
Coughlin’s Joey Pahler tries to escape from Dallas’ Jonathan Ferris. Pahler pinned Ferris in 4.28.
Coughlin’s Josh Brown puts a headlock on Dallas’ Justin Phillips. Brown pinned Phillips in 30 seconds.
Coughlin cheerleader Julia Harrison watches the 182 pound bout. Photos by Frank Lauri
Dallas’ Ryan Monk gets in position to wrestle against Coughlin’s Nyeheem Kenzakoski in the 285 pound bout at Coughlin High School.
Referee John Hosage gets ready to start the bout between Coughlin’s Pat Clark and Dallas’ Kade Kravits. Clarke pinned Kravits in 2:38.
February, 2015
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Coughlin’s Mike Brown and Dallas’ Xavier Barber wrestle at Coughlin High School.
Coughlin’s Mike Brown and Dallas’ Xavier Barber compete in a Wyoming Valley Conference match.
Coughlin’s Chris Deeds tries an escape from Dallas’ Cole Dixon who pinned Deeds in 1:33.
Coughlin’s Jake Cole wrestles Dallas’ Ryan Trumm ending in Cole pinning Trumm in 1:31.
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Coughlin’s Bobby Hawkins shoots for the legs of Dallas’ Robert Wagner.
Coughlin’s Frankie Castano wrestles Dallas’ Moustafa Almeky. Castano pinned Almeky in 1:12.
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February, 2015
Blue, Black Knights Take on Friendly Lacrosse Game Wyoming Seminary, Lake-Lehman lacrosse players compete in league at WVSD - January 8
Wyoming Seminary goalie Kelley Gavin looks to stop a shot from Hallie Jenkins with help from Sem defender Isabella Cordaro at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome.
Lake-Lehman goalie Mackenzie Borum blocks a shot from Katie Strohl.
Cary-Ann Keiper, Lake-Lehman, goes after a loose ball. Photos by Mary Bove
Wyoming Seminary’s Louise Cornell, left, shoots on goal as Cary-Ann Keiper, of Lake-Lehman, defends.
Katie Strohl, of Lake-Lehman, looks to make a play in the Wyoming Seminary defensive zone.
Wyoming Seminary’s Haley Norweillo, left, fends off LakeLehman defender Kait Premus.
February, 2015
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U10 Girls Teams Compete in Winter Dome Playoffs Wyoming Valley Soccer League beat G Power United to move on to the finals - January 16
Wyoming Valley Soccer Club U10 girls team pictured left to right, first row: Avery Kozerski, Alexis Rodriguez, Izzy Definnis, Halle Kranson, Angelena Mendola, Jyanna Mendola. Second row: Sophia Sabatini, Haylee Seiwell, Katlin Aguilar, Jillian Lynn and Sophia Hynes.
G Power United team pictured front: Olivia Oresick. Second row, left to right: Maggie Kozich, Ellie Kozich, Ainsley Webby, Haily Morales, Allison Brown, Kylie Frieman. Third row, left to right: Sydney Magda, Morgan Koons, Annabel Bogdon, Emma Horsley, Brianna Dessoye, Reese Kaschak, Avery Chepolis, Emma Suhoski.
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February, 2015
Hanover Hawkeyes Upset Meyers Mohawks in Away Match Wyoming Valley Conference teams match up in Hanover’s 52-43 victory - January 13
Nick Minich, of Hanover, dribbles down the court.
Hanover’s Jake Barber looks past Omar Kelly, of Meyers.
Shahee Aurelus, of Meyers, misses a shot against Hanover.
Meyers fans get pumped up during the first half of the home game.
Matt Desooye, of Meyers, passes to an open teammate. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Tony Macincavage, of Hanover, scores as Ryan Wasley, of Meyers, tries to block.
February, 2015
Hanover’s David Torres is too quick for Shahee Aurelus, of Meyers.
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Hanover’s Brandon Chafin shoots over Ryan Wasley, of Meyers.
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Matt Desooye, of Meyers, looks around Hanover’s Jake Barber.
Hanover fans react during a huge second half comeback against Meyers.
Matt Dessoye shoots from the free throw line during a home game against Hanover.
Omar Kelly, of Meyers, faces up against Hanover’s Brandon Chafin.
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February, 2015
Pittston Bounces Past Crestwood in Freshman Face Off
Pittston Patriots secure 36-30 home win over Crestwood Comets - January 6
Crestwood’s Patrick Colo (35) passes the ball around Pittston’s Dorian Ryans (1) in a WVC game.
Pittston’s Dorian Ryans gets a shot off past the Crestwood line of defense.
Pittston’s Nick Harth goes in for a shot against Crestwood at Pittston Area High School.
Pittston’s Trevor Tigue (3) is fouled by Crestwood’s Patrick Colo (35).
Crestwood’s Brett Caladie focuses on his foul shot at Pittston Area High School.
Pittston’s Kolton Zaffuto drives past the Crestwood defense.
February, 2015
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Crestwood’s Patrick Colo (35) gets the advantage over Pittston’s Jon Winter (25) on the opening tip.
Pittston’s Kyle McAndrew goes in for a shot against Crestwood in a regular season WVC game.
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Crestwood’s Evan Knapp (21) tries to block a shot from Pittston’s Walter Coles (12) in a Wyoming Valley Conference game.
Clockwise from left, Pittston’s Jon Winter (25) takes a shot between Crestwood’s Colin Macko (11) and Patrick Colo (35). Pittston’s Walter Coles saves the ball from going out of bounds. Crestwood’s Brandon Brozena (41) gets fouled by Pittston’s Nick Harth (40) at Pittston Area High School. Crestwood’s Evan Knapp looks to pass the ball around Pittston’s line of defense. Pittston’s Matt McGlynn (35) moves the ball past Crestwood’s Colin Macko (11) at Pittston Area High School. Photos by Frank Lauri
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February 2015