Last week, the Mahanoy Area School District held its Second Annual Mahanoy Community vs. FBLA Students Basketball Showcase, an event benefiting the Mahanoy Area Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) as they prepare to attend the state competition in April.
This year’s matchup carried extra intrigue as it pitted community members against high school students and athletes in a thrilling showdown. The student team was led by Jace Yedsena, a recent senior member of the Mahanoy Area Golden Bear Boys Basketball team, while the community team was captained by his aunt, Meggan Yedsena, a 1990 graduate of Mahanoy Area. Meggan Yedsena is a legend in Mahanoy basketball history, having led the Golden Bears to back-to-back PIAA State Championships in 1988 and 1989, earning 1st Team All-State honors in both 1989 and 1990. During her junior season, she wowed fans by scoring over 40 points in five different games and finished the year with over 1,000 points. By the end of her high school career, she had an astounding 2,751 points.
Rosters for the Game
Mahanoy Community Team:
- James Kane
- Natalie Zawada
- Shane Quick
- Matt Giannelli
- Darren Kline
- Tom Smith
- Eric Moucheron
- Teddy Styka
- Jansen McDonald
- Meggan Yedsena
Student Team:
- Mikey Oblas - Head Coach
- Jack Rhoades - Assistant Coach
- Haley Mroczka
- Ian Schock
- Aidan Bowman
- Emma Manley
- Caylin Blashock
- Lexie Chilinskas
- Brooke Hanrahan
- Felicia Bro
- Peyton Sendatch
- Carly Honus
- Tanner Zawada
- William Mayberry
- Jace Yedsena
The game proved to be an exhilarating contest, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout. As the clock ticked down in the final minute, Tom Smith tied the game for the Community team. Just when it seemed like the game was heading for overtime, Peyton Sendatch launched a last-second, half-court three-pointer that miraculously found the net as the buzzer sounded, sealing a dramatic victory for the students.
The showcase was a resounding success, bringing together generations of Mahanoy basketball talent while supporting the FBLA’s efforts to compete at the state level..
