MAHANOY CITY — Thursday night’s basketball game between the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears and the Pine Grove Cardinals wasn’t just about the final score; it was a night for the history books.
Senior starters Jace Yedsena and Tanner Zawada both achieved the milestone of scoring 1,000 career points.
The anticipation leading up to the game, which was only the Golden Bears’ second of the season, created an atmosphere that rivaled playoff intensity. Yedsena entered the game needing just two points to reach the milestone, while Zawada was 13 points away.
It didn’t take long for the moment to arrive. In the first quarter, Yedsena seized the opportunity in trademark fashion, delivering a dunk to secure his 1,000th point. The game paused as cheers erupted and Yedsena was joined at center court by his brother, Matt Yedsena, a fellow member of the 1,000-point club.
Not long after, in the second quarter, Zawada reached his own milestone at the free-throw line. With the weight of history and excitement in the gym, he calmly sank a foul shot to bring his career total to 1,000 points. Zawada was immediately embraced at center court by his mother, Natalie Zawada.
The Golden Bears, buoyed by the energy of their stars’ achievements, went on to secure a 64-44 victory over the Cardinals.
The gymnasium was packed with fans, family, and friends who came to witness the historic night. Yedsena and Zawada now join the ranks of Mahanoy Area basketball legends who have reached the 1,000-point mark.
The Golden Bears, now 2-0 for the season, hope to carry the momentum from Thursday’s win into the rest of the season. With two 1,000-point scorers leading the way, the team’s prospects are looking bright.
For Yedsena and Zawada, Thursday’s game was more than just another victory; it was a celebration of years of hard work and a moment they will cherish forever.
The Golden Bears return to the court Saturday as they travel to Williams Valley.
