The Nativity BVM Hilltoppers traveled to Mahanoy City to face the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears in an intense showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The atmosphere was electric as Nativity BVM, standing at 12-6, faced the undefeated Mahanoy Area, boasting a pristine 18-0 record.
Mahanoy Area's gym was standing room only with community and students coming out to cheer on both teams.
From the opening tip-off, both teams delivered a nail-biting performance, showcasing their skills in a back-and-forth battle for dominance. The Golden Bears took an early lead, scoring 5 points before Nativity BVM responded with a clutch 3-pointer, setting the stage for a close battle.
As the clock ticked down in the first quarter, the teams exchanged blows, with Mahanoy Area holding a slim 7-5 lead at 5:41. The scoreboard continued to reflect the closely contested nature of the game, with Mahanoy Area leading 12-10 at the 4:03 mark. The first quarter ended with a tie at 17, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating the subsequent quarters.
The second quarter intensified the drama as Nativity BVM surged ahead, leading 23-19 with 6:23 remaining. The Golden Bears fought back, narrowing the gap to 26-25 at the 3:35 mark.
From the opening tip-off, both teams delivered a nail-biting performance, showcasing their skills in a back-and-forth battle for dominance. The Golden Bears took an early lead, scoring 5 points before Nativity BVM responded with a clutch 3-pointer, setting the stage for a close battle.
As the clock ticked down in the first quarter, the teams exchanged blows, with Mahanoy Area holding a slim 7-5 lead at 5:41. The scoreboard continued to reflect the closely contested nature of the game, with Mahanoy Area leading 12-10 at the 4:03 mark. The first quarter ended with a tie at 17, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating the subsequent quarters.
The second quarter intensified the drama as Nativity BVM surged ahead, leading 23-19 with 6:23 remaining. The Golden Bears fought back, narrowing the gap to 26-25 at the 3:35 mark.
At the half, Mahanoy Area only led by 1 point, 32-31.
The see-saw battle continued into the third quarter, with Mahanoy Area holding a 40-36 advantage at 4:42 and extending it to 45-41 with 2:31 left.
Entering the final stretch, the teams were deadlocked at 49.
Entering the final stretch, the teams were deadlocked at 49.
However, Mahanoy Area unleashed a formidable offensive onslaught in the fourth quarter, outscoring Nativity BVM 21-6. The Golden Bears secured a decisive victory with a final score of 71-58, extending their undefeated streak to 19-0 for the season and maintaining a flawless 10-0 record in the Schuylkill League.
Trey Keating led the scoring for Nativity BVM with an impressive 18 points, followed by Blake Adams with 10, and Tyler Borden and Noah Dolbin contributing 9 points each. The team showcased their shooting prowess with 20 field goals and 8 three-pointers.
For Mahanoy Area, Tanner Zawada led the charge with 20 points, supported by Brady Alansky (16 points), Kadin Styka (14 points), and Jace Yedsena (13 points). The Golden Bears dominated from the foul line, making 25 of 32 attempts.
Despite a valiant effort, Nativity BVM faced challenges, turning the ball over 20 times. In contrast, Mahanoy Area, limiting their turnovers to 8, with none occurring in the second half.
With this win, the Golden Bears solidify their position at the top of the Schuylkill League and District XI 2A Class, while Nativity BVM, now standing at 12-7, ranks 5th in District XI 2A and 2nd in Schuylkill League Division 3.
Trey Keating led the scoring for Nativity BVM with an impressive 18 points, followed by Blake Adams with 10, and Tyler Borden and Noah Dolbin contributing 9 points each. The team showcased their shooting prowess with 20 field goals and 8 three-pointers.
For Mahanoy Area, Tanner Zawada led the charge with 20 points, supported by Brady Alansky (16 points), Kadin Styka (14 points), and Jace Yedsena (13 points). The Golden Bears dominated from the foul line, making 25 of 32 attempts.
Despite a valiant effort, Nativity BVM faced challenges, turning the ball over 20 times. In contrast, Mahanoy Area, limiting their turnovers to 8, with none occurring in the second half.
With this win, the Golden Bears solidify their position at the top of the Schuylkill League and District XI 2A Class, while Nativity BVM, now standing at 12-7, ranks 5th in District XI 2A and 2nd in Schuylkill League Division 3.
Mahanoy Area's next game is at home when they host Williams Valley on Thursday.
Nativity's next game is also Thursday when they host Schuylkill Haven.
Story / Photos / Video by J. Reed / Skook News
