Basketball season in the Coal Region officially got a dynamic start on Sunday night as players, coaches, and media gathered for the first-ever Basketball Media Day.
Held ahead of the season opener in less than two weeks, the event celebrated the league's rich tradition and provided a platform to highlight high school basketball. The event was held at Schuylkill Haven's Sports Performance Center
A Celebration of Coal Region Hoops
Known for its intense rivalries and passionate fanbase, Coal Region basketball is a perennial powerhouse. Coaches and players at Media Day expressed a shared excitement to tip off the regular season, with aspirations ranging from Schuylkill League championships to District XI titles and state playoff runs.
“Our goal is always to grow as players and people while competing for championships,” said Damian Fritz, head coach of the Marian Catholic girls’ team. Marian looks forward to early non-league matchups against Wilkes-Barre and Lake Lehman to set the tone for their season.
For Shenandoah Valley boys’ coach Josh Dombrosky, rivalries are a key highlight. “We’re excited to play Mahanoy Area and North Schuylkill” he shared.
Williams Valley’s girls’ program is preparing for a marquee game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where they’ll face Northern Lebanon on January 10, 2025.
Building Players On and Off the Court
Beyond basketball, the coaches emphasized their role in developing well-rounded individuals. Scott Murphy, head coach of Marian Catholic boys’ basketball, reflected on his team’s core values. “We are really big on a family approach. We’re tight-knit and focus on helping our players grow both on and off the court,” Murphy said.
New leadership is also making waves. Pine Grove Area welcomes Allison Rizzo as their new girls’ head coach. With experience at North Schuylkill and Penn State Schuylkill, Rizzo brings an intense, passionate coaching style. “I want to bring back the traditional Pine Grove team from the past,” Rizzo said.
Exciting Changes for the 2024-25 Season
This season ushers in newly realigned divisions in the Schuylkill League, creating fresh matchups and intensifying competition.
Panther Valley boys’ coach Patrick Crampsie expressed enthusiasm for the revamped Division I. “With teams like Minersville and Mahanoy Area, it’s going to be a dogfight every night. That’s what makes for exciting basketball,” Crampsie noted.
The divisions are as follows:
Division I Girls:
- Blue Mountain
- Minersville Area
- North Schuylkill
- Panther Valley
- Pine Grove Area
- Pottsville Area
- Schuylkill Haven
- Tamaqua Area
- Lourdes Regional
- Mahanoy Area
- Marian Catholic
- Nativity BVM
- Shenandoah Valley
- Tri-Valley
- Weatherly
- Williams Valley
- Blue Mountain
- Mahanoy Area
- Minersville Area
- North Schuylkill
- Panther Valley
- Pine Grove Area
- Pottsville Area
- Tamaqua Area
- Lourdes Regional
- Marian Catholic
- Nativity BVM
- Schuylkill Haven
- Shenandoah Valley
- Tri-Valley
- Weatherly
- Williams Valley
A Community-Driven Event
The Media Day event was spearheaded by North Schuylkill boys’ head coach William Bracey. Inspired by the success of football’s media day, Bracey collaborated with Shenandoah Valley’s Dombrosky to organize the event, creating a new tradition for area basketball.
“We wanted to do something that showcased our teams and brought everyone together to start the season on a positive note,” Bracey said. “I’m really happy with the turnout; there are a lot of teams here.”
The event drew media outlets like Skook News, T-102 Sports Now, the Times News, and the Gilson Brothers, spotlighting the region’s dedication to the sport.
