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WYOMING VALLEY
SPORT SHOT! March 2017
Vol. 4 Issue 2
For the athlete in all of us
DISTRICT BASKETBALL Dallas moves ahead in D2 Class 4A play with win over Wyoming Area Pages 6-7
JH WRESTLING TOURNEY The Wyoming Valley Conference hosts its annual junior high duals Pages 12-13
VARSITY BASKETBALL The Meyers Mohawks and the WA Warriors match-up at end of season Pages 14-15
SOLID BETWEEN THE PIPES Senior Spotlight: Lance Blass, Crestwood page 3 Time Out with Wyoming Valley’s Connor McGovern, PSU, page 17
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Editor’s Note: Better Body Boot Camp About a month ago a friend texted me a picture of an ad for a Better Body Boot Camp at Leverage Fitness Studio in Forty Fort. My first thought was, “oh boy.” I had just gotten into a good routine and was regularly getting to the gym. Did I want to mix things up by signing up for a 6 AM boot camp? First, I’m not very familiar with a time of day prior to 6 AM, let alone up and ready to work out at that time. But, somehow this friend, along with two more, convinced me to sign up and said that they’d hold me accountable. That’s just what I needed. We’ve just finished week one and I have to say, the early wake up call really isn’t bad! I love that I get a 45 minute work out in before work and then have the rest of the evening for whatever I want. Now, for the workouts – they are tough, I know this because it was nearly impossible to walk these past few days. The workouts vary day by day and there is a different trainer
every morning. Most of the workouts I’ve completed already have focused on full body, which I like. (I feel like it spreads out the pain, HA.) Although I’m out of my running routine, I do like the feeling I get after finishing each of these boot camp classes. Plus, now with the first week behind me, I might be able to incorporate some running into my days off (boot camp is available three or five days a week). Some of the exercises are things I’ve never done before and I know I’m working muscles I didn’t even know I had. I’m happy I signed up and got out of my comfort zone. I hope this helps me to see better results, I know I’m already feeling them! This is the 23rd Leverage Fitness Studio Better Body Boot Camp, which runs for four weeks each session. There are two time slots, 5 AM and 6 AM and the staff is very accommodating – they want to help so they’ll make it hard to come up with a reason to not sign up!
March, 2017
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The Renal Race 5K Sunday, March 12 beginning on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre at 10 AM. Registration ends March 10. The Renal Race will make a donation to Kidney Cancer research and advocacy programs. For more information contact therenalracepa@ gmail.com.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
Don’t Miss the Shot With high school basketball playoffs in full swing, brush up on the most common types of shots in the game. Find the basketball shot terms hidden in the word search below.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Chair Yoga Workshop Monday, March 20 from 6-8 PM at Balance Yoga Studio in Forty Fort. $30 drop in or $25 if pre-registered. In this workshop, learn how to gently help improve your balance, help improve range of motion and function and reduce stress.
10th Annual Susquehanna Warrior Trail 5K Saturday, April 1 at 10:15 AM in Shickshinny (Oak Street). Registration open from 9-10 AM and ranges in price from $20-25. For more information contact Max Furek at 570-542-7946 or jungle@epix.net.
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. 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.
4th Annual “Don’t Tell Me To Slow Down” 5K Sunday, April 2 at 10 AM at Misericordia University. Registration fee ranges from $20-25 and opens at 8:45 AM at the Metz Field House. This event supports the National Stuttering Association For more information reach out to stutteringsupport@misericordia.edu or 570-674-6724.
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.
Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run Sunday, March 19 at 11 AM at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Event hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders. $15 registration fee or $20 day of race. Contact Don Grose at 570-239-5792 or dtgjr1@comcast.net.
Easter Egg Hunt 5K Saturday, March 25 at 11 AM hosted by the Langcliffe Presbyterian Church. Registration fee ranges from $20-25 and opens at 9:30 AM day of race at the Avoca Boro Building (950 Main Street). Contact Mark Hughes at 570470-4922, mark@fastfinishes.net for more information.
On the cover: Crestwood’s goalie Jaden Williams (3) focuses on a shot up the middle by Back Mountain’s Ryan Borton (7) in Wilkes-Barre. Photo by Frank Lauri
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers in this issue include Mary Bove, Ralph Francello, Frank Lauri.
Pittston’s St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Loop Saturday, March 4 starting at the Greater Pittston YMCA on Main Street. Registration opens at 9:30 AM and race begins at 11 AM. $10 registration fee for all participants. For more information contact info@ pittstonstpatricksparade.org.
BANK SHOT FADEAWAY FOUL SHOT
FREE THROW HOOK JUMP LAYUP
REVERSE SLAM DUNK TIP IN
Melt Hot Yoga New to yoga? $30 for 30 days of unlimited classes - valid for first time customers only. Call 570-287-3400 or email info@melthotyogastudio.com.
March, 2017
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Senior Spotlight: Lance Blass By Ellen Hoffman
Crestwood’s Lance Blass had a taste of victory early in his football career. As an eight-year-old in his second season of pee wee football, his team went undefeated and came out as conference champions. “That was probably the earliest exciting memory I have of football,” Blass said. That taste didn’t leave Blass’s drive. It’s something he felt again during his sophomore season when the Crestwood Comets went 12-0 and won a District 2 Class AAA title, defeating Berwick 35-19. “That’s something I’ll never forget,” he said. Coming off that successful sophomore performance, Blass and the other Comets were hoping for similar results in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Unfortunately, they didn’t end on the same page. “We struggled my junior and senior seasons,” he said. “That was tough because you’re coming off a season you go 12-0 and then the next two seasons you get a combined 6 or 7 wins.” Blass said the team always tried to keep their heads up, but overall it’s tough. “Keeping the guys positive and in good spirits in the locker room was hard, but we kind of always found a way to overcome it.” Although his high school career didn’t end on a note he would have liked, Blass does have a number of highlights – making first team all-conference and all-district during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Senior year he was also named all-region and all-state and broke the Crestwood record for the most rushing yards in a single game. Blass, a three-sport athlete in high school, said football has always been his favorite and something he didn’t want to end after his senior season. College programs noticed Blass during his sophomore season, which is when his recruiting process really got off the ground. “Pretty much ever since I was aware of the college scene, like freshman or sophomore year, I kind of knew that my goal was to be able to play at the highest level of play
possible after high school.” Schools within the Ivy League, Patriot League and Northeastern Conference contacted Blass. But, one school really stuck out to him: Cornell University. “I visited a lot of schools, but I’m actually familiar with the Finger Lakes region, which is where Cornell is,” he said. “I go on vacation there a lot so I kind of had prior experience with that area. I really enjoyed it more than any other campus I visited.” The location of the campus, along with the coaching staff and team, is what really sold him. “Even on my visits, building relationships with the coaches and players was really great. I really enjoyed it,” he said. Blass says Cornell is in a rebuilding session after coming off a couple inconsistent seasons – something Blass is familiar with. “I want to just be a part of that turnaround process to take a team that’s averaging a below .500 season to maybe winning a championship or just getting the program in the right direction.” He’s already been working out based on programs his coach wants him to focus on prior to coming to campus this summer. Blass, along with other incoming freshmen, will train together for the month of July and then regroup mid-August with the entire team. Blass, along with other members of the Crestwood team, have a routine of training with Team Diesel in Kingston during the off-season. These new workout routines are something Blass says will hopefully help him prepare for what’s to come this summer. While at Cornell he plans to study environmental engineering. Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of an upcoming 2017 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level.Wyoming Valley Sport Shot file photo.
Enjoy our 11 big screen TVs perfect for fans of every sport! Catch all the games while enjoying great food! ‘Like’ us on Facebook to check out our weekly dinner menu, which changes every Wednesday. Plus, live entertainment with Strawberry Jam Duo on Tuesdays and additional entertainment Friday & Saturday nights. Come over to 279 River Street, Plains today!
570-235-1037 www.279barandgrill.com
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March, 2017
Spartans Crush Crusaders in District Competition The Wyoming Valley West Spartans defeat the Coughlin Crusaders 52-6 in quarterfinals game - February 22
Left to right, Coughlin’s #32 passes the ball to teammate Kira Meager (34) during the District 2 Class 4A Quarterfinals Game against WVW. WVW’s Andi Blaski (4) takes shot over Coughlin’s Kira Meager (34). Coughlin’s Molly Poray (14) tries to block a shot from Wyoming Valley West’s Nicole Boutanos (14) during a District 2 match up.
Wyoming Valley West’s Toni Amato (21) dribbles down court during a District 2 Class 4A game against Coughlin.
Clockwise from above, Coughlin’s Emily Cicon (1) passes the ball away from Wyoming Valley West’s Natalie Gruver (10). Coughlin’s Le’ June Berry (5) makes a move against Wyoming Valley West’s Alima Tiktova (11) during a District 2 Class 4A Quarterfinals Game. Wyoming Valley West’s Erin Gibbons (3) keeps the ball away from Coughlin’s Molly Poray (14). Photos by Ralph Francello
Wyoming Valley West’s Erin Gibbons (3) looks to put a move on Coughlin’s Molly Poray (14).
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Page 5 Clockwise from far left, Wyoming Valley West’s Katie Johnson (24) looks for a shot while Coughlin’s Kira Meager (34) defends. Coughlin’s Le’ June Berry (5) keeps the ball away from Wyoming Valley West’s Natalie Gruver (10). Coughlin’s Emily Cicon (1) looks to make a move against Wyoming Valley West’s Alima Tiktova (11) during a District 2 Class 4A Quarterfinals Game.
Top to bottom, Wyoming Valley West’s Lindsey Gruver (25) looks to pass the ball while Coughlin’s Morgan Gayton (24) defends. Coughlin’s Le’ June Berry (5) takes the ball down court while WVW’s Katie Mackiewicz (20) defends.
pro staff training private pitching & hitting lessons available
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Full turf infield for team defenses, base running, pitching, fielding, catching and practices.
for more information call: ron 570-575-2116 rich 570-903-1336 www.prostaffbaseball.com 12 old boston road • pittston, pa 18640 (inside the revolution ice centre building)
Coughlin’s Morgan Gayton, (24) keeps the ball away from, Wyoming Valley West’s Lindsey Gruver (25).
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March, 2017
Dallas Advances in Districts Play Over Wyoming Area The Mountaineers defeat the Warriors 66-40 during the first round of Class 4A Districts - February 21 Left to right, Dallas’ Hanna Johnson (10) shoots the ball surrounded by Wyoming Area defenders during the District 2 Class 4A Quarterfinal Game. Wyoming Area’s Cassidy Orzel (22) is fouled by Dallas’ Maddie Kelly (00). Dallas’ Kendra Saba (22) moves the ball around Wyoming Area’s Sarah Holwig (14) during the District 2 - Class 4A Quarterfinal Game.
Dallas’ Maddie Kelly (00) shoots a foul shot during a District match.
Dallas’ Lauren Charlton (31) and Wyoming Area’s Addison Orzel (33) get in position.
Dallas’ Gianna Centrella (21) passes the ball after she is fouled by Wyoming Area’s Kari Melberger (12).
Wyoming Area’s Lydia Edwards (20) drives the ball past Dallas’ Hanna Johnson (10) during a District match-up.
Wyoming Area’s Sarah Holwig (14) looks to move the ball around Dallas’ Hanna Johnson (10).
Wyoming Area’s Jalen Rhodes (2) goes up for a shot past Dallas’ Olivia Johnson (13).
March, 2017
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Wyoming Area Cheerleaders Alyssa Shedlock (left) and Bella Concha pose for a shot before the game against Dallas.
Dallas’ Maddie Kelly pulls down a rebound during a district match up.
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Dallas’ Sara Lojewski (12) is called for a charge against WA’s Katie Wolfgang (31).
Above, Dallas’ Lauren Charlton (31) and Wyoming Area’s Addison Orzel (33) go up for the opening tip off. Far left to right, Wyoming Area’s Katie Wolfgang (31) shoots a three pointer against Dallas. A Wyoming Area player reacts by her team being down by 26 points in the fourth quarter during the District 2 Class 4A Quarterfinal Game against Dallas. Dallas’ Gianna Centrella (21) puts pressure on Wyoming Area’s Aleah Kranson (10) during the District 2 Class 4A Quarterfinal Game. Photos by Frank Lauri
Move from the Couch to a 5K Race!
Registration fee: $40 (includes all practices, race entry and membership to Wyoming Valley Striders)
The Lady Striders present a seven week training program to get you off the couch and running 3.1 miles at the Max Fine 5K Race on April 23! The group meets three times a week for 30-40 minutes. Meeting places vary throughout the Valley including Kingston, Wyoming and Kirby Park. Contact Karen at karmcl@hotmail.com or visit the Lady Striders Facebook page to register!
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March, 2017
Middle School Hockey Match-Up Ends in 7-7 Draw Junior high teams from the Mountain Top, Back Mountain battle on the ice - February 19
Crestwood’s #46 moves the puck down the ice against Back Mountain during a middle school match.
Above, a Crestwood player smiles on the bench. Right, Crestwood moves the puck past a Back Mountain defender during a game in Wilkes-Barre. Far right, Crestwood’s coach talks to his team. Right, Back Mountain’s coach talks to his team in between periods during a game against Crestwood. Far right, Crestwood’s Robert Jensen (55) battles for the puck with Back Mountain’s Jacinta Rose (27) during a game at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre. Photos by Frank Lauri
Crestwood’s Darren Cardone gets set for a face off against Back Mountain.
Back Mountain’s T. Schappert moves the puck toward the Crestwood defensive zone during a middle school game.
March, 2017
www.wyomingvalleysportshot.com Left, Crestwood’s Darren Cardone (10) tries to steal the puck from Back Mountain’s T. Schappert (99) during a middle school match up. Below left, Back Mountain’s #48 spends some time in the penalty box at the Toyota SportsPlex in a game against Crestwood.
Above, Crestwood’s Cole Kranson (16) moves the puck down the ice in Wilkes-Barre in a game against Back Mountain. Left, Back Mountain’s goalie #29 gets set to defend her goal against Crestwood at the Toyota SportsPlex.
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March, 2017
Toyota SportsPlex Offers Squirt Ice Hockey League
Youth ice hockey popular winter sports offering in Wilkes-Barre - February 18 - Photos by Ralph Francello
March, 2017
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Your Shots:
JH Mountaineers Win West Side League
The Dallas 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team won the Wyoming Valley 7th Grade West Side Boys League after finishing the regular season with a 15-1 record. The Mountaineers were also named the playoff champions mid-February. First row left to right: Zach Caulkins, Mike Murray, Sam Collins, Jake DelGaudio, Max Steinruck, Kyle Langan, Ben Bradley, Jackson Wydra, David Biscontini, Jesse Kosierowski. Second row: Asst. Coach Jason Killian, Gabe Allen, Ben Higgins, Liam Cook, Austin Finarelli, Mitch Burgess, Logan Paczewski, Chris Killian, Nick Nocito, James Lehane, Brad Strazdus, J.T. Wysocki, Jacob Seymour, Pat Doran, Angelo Zarola, E.J. Matushek, Coach Will Steinruck. Photo submitted by Jessica Matushek.
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March, 2017
WVC Junior High Wrestlers Compete in Annual Duals
Local junior high wrestling teams battle on the mat at Pittston Area High School - February 11 Top to bottom, Hanover Area’s Rashun Baucus (right) takes control over Hazleton’s Oscar Zamuido during their 105 pound match where Zamuido came out victorious.
Hanover’s Nate Ayala (front) tries to gain control over Dallas’ Devon Butwin during their 130 pound quarterfinal match.
Crestwood’s Andy Sodergren (front) reaches out as Hazleton’s Dante Matarella attempts to take control during the 138 pound match during the junior high wrestling duals in Pittston. Photos by Mary Bove
Lake-Lehman’s Kevin Burke winces while wrestling with Tunkhannock’s Matt Rosentel during their 85 pound quarterfinal match.
Clockwise from above left, Tunkhannock’s Brittnie Cahoon (top) takes control of Nanticoke’s Chris Horn. Dallas’ Sawyer Christman (front) attempts to take down Meyers’ Cam Yelland during their 105 pound match. Dallas’ Christman is the winner.
Wyoming Area’s Luis Lopez and Pittston Area’s Kevin Roby wrestle during the 75 pound quarterfinal match.
Wyoming Area’s Connor Wrobleski (bottom) attempts to break free of the grip of Hanover Area’s Elias Mercado.
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Wyoming Area’s Luis Lopez’s headgear falls off during his 75 pound quarterfinal match with Pittston Area’s Kevin Roby.
Clockwise from above left, Meyers’ TyMere Shields (left) grabs the leg of Wyoming Valley West’s Ethan Scott during their 138 pound match. Wyoming Area’s Vincenzo Scotto-Diluzi (left) takes down Coughlin’s William Andrews.
Wyoming Valley West’s Robert Napersky (top) pins Nanticoke’s Kaitlyn Pegarella.
Area wrestlers battle during the 2017 Wyoming Valley Conference Junior High Wrestling Tournament.
Celebrate Your Next Birthday at Stanton Lanes! Stanton Lanes in Wilkes-Barre offers three different party packages for kids birthday celebrations and lots of ways to make your party extra special. Packages start at $9.95 per child. Call the alley at 570-824-4661 to make a party reservation now!
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March, 2017
Meyers Mohawks Trump WA Warriors with 58-42 Win Top WVC teams, Meyers and Wyoming Area, battle in end-of-season match up - February 7 Left to right, Wyoming Area’s Sam Greenfield (23) battles Meyers’ Levaugn Soules (31) and Ryan Gilgallon (33) for a rebound. Wyoming Area’s Anthony Nardel (14) looks to move the ball past Meyers’ Jawane Buckner (13) during a regular season game. Below, Meyers cheerleader Aliyah Benjamin does backflips across the court as the Mohawks take the paint against Wyoming Area. Photos by Frank Lauri
Clockwise from above, Meyers’ Jawane Buckner (13) goes up for a shot over Wyoming Area’s defenders Matt Wright (44) and Sam Greenfield (23) during a game in Wilkes-Barre. Wyoming Area’s Tony Siatta (30) looks to pass the ball with Meyers’ Mat Dessoye (10) defending. Wyoming Area’s Mike Bonita (3) goes after a loose ball in a game against Meyers.
Meyers head coach Pat Toole talks to his team during a time out at a game against Wyoming Area.
March, 2017
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Clockwise from above, Meyers’ Levaugn Soules (31) gets the edge on the tip over Wyoming Area’s Sam Greenfield (23). Meyers’ Jawane Buckner eyes the basket on a break. Meyers’ Robbie Formola (5) tries to block a shot by Wyoming Area’s Anthony Nardell (14).
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Clockwise from upper left, Wyoming Area’s Sam Greenfield (23) tries to move the ball around Meyers’ Ryan Gilgallon (33). Meyers’ Matt Dessoye (10) is fouled Wyoming Area’s Mike Bonita (3). Wyoming Area’s Ryan Shuleski (11) goes up for a shot between Meyers’ Levaugn Soules (31) and Ryan Gilgallon (33).
Your Shots: WV Soccer Club Named Indoor Champs Crestwood Places 9th at National Championship
The Wyoming Valley Soccer Club 00Boys won the Championship Epysa Indoor State Cup on February 4 at In The Net.WVSC 00Boys won all their games advancing them to the finals where they won 3-2 over Montco Alliance Premier 2000. Kneeling from left to right: Joey Nardone, Johnny Torres, Kyle Greenwood and David Cortez. Standing from left to right: Coach Javier Rodriquez, Josh Bent, Lucene Knight, Justin Timonte, Thomas Roberts, Edge Miller, Ken Kinsel and Nate Naugle. Photo submitted by Kim Miller.
The Crestwood Comets Varsity Cheerleading Team competed at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Florida from February 9-14. The team placed 9th in the Medium Varsity Game Day Competition. This is an annual event that teams need to qualify for in order to compete. Pictured at left front row left to right: Victoria Smolenak, Noah Dean, Alexandria Smolenak, Megan Hudock. Second row: Hannah Hilp, Natalie Macdonald, Monica Schuler, Emilie Stanton, Madison Prosperi. Back row: Kayla Henkel, Krystin Thomas, Izzy Otero, Jules Geib, Madison Maguire, Sarah Hoeft, Olivia Grigas, Riley Dennis. Photo submitted by Alexa Cholewa.
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March, 2017
Crestwood Takes on Susquehanna at Toyota SportsPlex
High school ice hockey teams battle on the ice in Wilkes-Barre during a regular season game - February 6
Crestwood’s Ryan Harding (18) keeps the puck away from Susquehanna’s Carter Conmy (72) at the Toyota SportsPlex.
Crestwood’s John Van Fossen (52) keeps the puck away from Susquehanna’s Gabriel Darragh (92) at the Toyota SportsPlex.
Crestwood’s Ryan Harding looks to pass the puck during a game against Susquehanna in Wilkes-Barre.
Crestwood’s Tyler Haasis skates with the puck against Susquehanna during a game in Wilkes-Barre.
Crestwood’s John Van Fossen (52) shoots the puck against Susquehanna.
Clockwise from upper left, Crestwood’s Dominique Kline moves the puck down ice against Susquehanna. Crestwood players celebrate a goal against Susquehanna at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre. Crestwood’s Chase Govan goes for a shot on net. Photos by Ralph Francello
March, 2017
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TIME OUT with Connor McGovern By Ellen Hoffman
Connor McGovern, 2016 LakeLehman high school graduate, recently finished his freshman year as a starting lineman at Penn State University. The 2016 season was exciting for the Penn State community with the team winning the Big Ten Conference Championship and competing in the Rose Bowl. McGovern reflects on his first year as a Nittany Lion and what’s ahead for his coming seasons. Describe your first season as a Nittany Lion. I had many great moments from this past season that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It took a lot of time for these memories to finally sink in. I would have to say my favorite memory from this year was winning the BIG Freshman of the Week award.
What was it like competing in the Rose Bowl? The Rose Bowl was a very exciting experience. While we were out in California it just felt like another game because Coach Franklin had us on a normal game week schedule. Even though the game was on a Monday, it actually felt like it was Saturday in game day. I wish the outcome of the game was different, but I gained a lot of experience from the game. I did not realize until after the game, that I went from playing my last high school game in the Distract Final in Dunmore, to playing on live television in front of millions of people at the Rose Bowl in a little over a year. After thinking about the season, I found this to be mind blowing. We had a lot of fun events to
do out in California, but I would say going to Disneyland was my favorite event, although not as good as Disneyworld. We also had free time at night, this allowed me to go out and explore the city. Aspirations or hopes for the coming seasons - whether personal or team goals. Everyone on the team has the same goal and that is to win championships. We want to win the B1G again next year and go for the National Championship. What were you most surprised about the training regimen at PSU compared to the high school level? The biggest workout shock for me was having to go through winter workouts and I’m currently going
through them again now. Winter workouts are 5 AM workouts that push you past your limits and try to make you break. I remember enrolling early last year and thinking to myself, I could still be in bed and going to high school, as I walked in the cold and dark at 4:30 AM to the gym. Plans for the off season? For the offseason I got put on a diet; the coaches want me to gain weight and lose body fat. I also plan to keep pushing myself on and off the field to be as successful as I can possibly be. How has the Wyoming Valley supported your PSU journey? I cannot thank the Wyoming Valley enough for all of the support I
receive. Before every game I receive countless messages of encouragement. This lets me know I have people who will always have my back and this makes me play harder because I am playing for everyone back home. #WeAre!
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March, 2017
Patriots Dominate Crusaders in 67-33 Victory The Pittston Area Patriots score home win over the Coughlin Crusaders - February 6
Pittston Area’s Alexa Noone races down court during a fast break against Coughlin.
Pittston Area’s Ellie Bartoli takes some warm up shots before a game against Coughlin.
Coughlin’s Le’June Berry (5) moves the ball around Pittston Area’s Portia Weidlich (13).
Pittston Area’s Leah Hodick shoots a foul shot in a game against Coughlin.
Pittston Area head coach Kathy Healey talks to her team during a time out.
Coughlin’s Emily Cicon (1) fouls Pittston Area’s Leah Hodick (20) in action.
Clockwise from above, Pittston Area’s Ellie Bartoli leads the Lady Patriots on the court in action to face the Coughlin Crusaders. Pittston Area’s Andrea Ruby (30) gets the edge on Coughlin’s Le’June Berry (5) on the tip to start the game. Pittston Area’s Portia Weidlich (13) boxes out during a game against Coughlin.
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Coughlin’s Le’June Berry (5) pulls down a rebound between Pittston Area defenders during a regular season game.
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Coughlin’s Ajalaya Butts shoots a foul shot during a game against Pittston Area.
Top to bottom, Pittston Area’s Ellie Bartoli gets set to take a shot during a game against Coughlin. Coughlin’s Morgan Gayton (24) looks to pass the ball past Pittston Area’s Cherokee Musto (21). Pittston Area’s Andrea Ruby (30) sets to shoot in a home game against Coughlin. Photos by Frank Lauri
Clockwise from upper left, Coughlin’s Ajalaya Butts (3) drives the ball past Pittston Area’s Cherokee Musto (21). Coughlin’s Emily Cicon (1) brings the ball down the court in action against Pittston Area. Pittston Area’s Ellie Bartoli (35) gets a teams shot with all players and coaches after her game against Coughlin.
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March, 2017