Marking the beginning of the PIAA playoffs, the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears, representing District 11, faced off against the Northwest Rangers from District 4.
The game was held at the Mickey Holland Gymnasium, the home court of the Golden Bears.
From the tip-off, Mahanoy Area seized control of the ball, with Chris Cuff hitting a 3-pointer to put numbers on the scoreboard first. Northwest followed it up with 2-points, but from here on out Mahanoy Area hit their stride.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, Mahanoy Area extended their lead to 44-34 by the quarter's end.
On the opposing side, the Northwest Rangers top scorers included Josh Miner and Ryan Miner leading the offensive charge with 16 and 13 points respectively.
With this win, Mahanoy Area extends their undefeated streak and advances to the second round of the PIAA tournament. Their next challenge awaits against Constitution, with the matchup likely to take place in the Allentown Area on Wednesday.
From the tip-off, Mahanoy Area seized control of the ball, with Chris Cuff hitting a 3-pointer to put numbers on the scoreboard first. Northwest followed it up with 2-points, but from here on out Mahanoy Area hit their stride.
The Golden Bears would embark on a 15-point run within the first few minutes and as the first quarter came to a close, Mahanoy Area held a commanding lead of 19-6.
Despite the Rangers finding their footing in the second quarter and narrowing the point differential, Mahanoy Area maintained their composure, heading into halftime with a solid advantage, leading 28-17.
Despite the Rangers finding their footing in the second quarter and narrowing the point differential, Mahanoy Area maintained their composure, heading into halftime with a solid advantage, leading 28-17.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, Mahanoy Area extended their lead to 44-34 by the quarter's end.
Northwest would fight hard, but it was Mahanoy Area who emerged the winner, clinching the game with a final score of 58-44.
Leading the charge for Mahanoy Area were Tanner Zawada, Jace Yedsena, Brady Alansky, Chris Cuff, and Kadin Styka. Zawada led the scoring with 16 points, including three 3-pointers, followed closely by Yedsena with 15 points, and Alansky contributing 12 points to the team's total.
Leading the charge for Mahanoy Area were Tanner Zawada, Jace Yedsena, Brady Alansky, Chris Cuff, and Kadin Styka. Zawada led the scoring with 16 points, including three 3-pointers, followed closely by Yedsena with 15 points, and Alansky contributing 12 points to the team's total.
On the opposing side, the Northwest Rangers top scorers included Josh Miner and Ryan Miner leading the offensive charge with 16 and 13 points respectively.
With this win, Mahanoy Area extends their undefeated streak and advances to the second round of the PIAA tournament. Their next challenge awaits against Constitution, with the matchup likely to take place in the Allentown Area on Wednesday.
