EDITOR’S NOTE: The Wyoming Valley Conference girls basketball regular season concluded Wednesday night. While NEPASportsNation.com compiles more complete reports, here is a quick recap of the night’s most important developments.
By Tom Robinson, NEPASportsNation.com
YATESVILLE – Pittston Area avenged its only loss of the regular season while Lake-Lehman and Holy Redeemer earned another shot at the teams that delivered their only conference loss – each other.
On the final night of the Wyoming Valley Conference regular season, Division 1 champion Pittston Area beat visiting Wyoming Valley West, 36-31, likely knocking the Lady Spartans out of a possible WVC Tournament berth.
Lake-Lehman cruised while Holy Redeemer needed a late comeback to finish 11-1 in Division 2 and set up Friday night’s playoff game at Nanticoke at 7 to determine the champion.
Daniella Ranieli scored 13 of her game-high 16 points in the second half as Pittston Area completed a 13-1 season in Division 1 and a 21-1 regular season, best in District 2.
Kallie Booth celebrated Senior Night with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Pittston Area outrebounded Wyoming Valley West, 39-21.
All three teams that entered the night with a chance to claim Division 1’s second spot in the WVC Tournament lost.
Hazleton Area fell at Dallas, 63-41, but Wilkes-Barre Area missed a chance to move into a three-way tie for second when it never led in a 55-49 loss at Crestwood.
Hazleton Area and Wyoming Valley West finished tied for second and split in the regular season. The second playoff spot goes to the team with the higher District 2 playoff rating and Hazleton Area had a significant lead in that category entering the night.
Lake-Lehman routed Hanover Area, 60-10, as Hailey Kline led a balanced attack with 13 points.
Holy Redeemer needed a fourth-quarter rally to defeat visiting Nanticoke, 53-49.
Jillian DelBalso had 8 of her game-high 18 points when the Lady Royals outscored the Trojanettes, 21-15, in the fourth quarter.
Wyoming Area defeated Wyoming Seminary, 50-35, in the other WVC Division 2 game.
Morgan Janeski, fresh off joining the 1,000-Point Club Monday night, scored 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Molly Walsh scored 19 points, Victoria Spaciano 18 and Elizabeth Viglone 15 in the Dallas win over Hazleton Area.
Keira Dougherty led Crestwood with 24 points.
Berwick edged Tunkhannock, 38-35, in the other WVC Division 1 game and MMI Prep fell at Sullivan County, 47-22, in non-league play.
Rachel Whitenight led Berwick with 13 points.
The WVC Tournament semifinals are Feb. 15 at Holy Redeemer. Pittston Area will play the loser of Friday’s division playoff between Holy Redeemer and Lake-Lehman. The winner of that game appears headed for a meeting with Hazleton Area although that has not yet been announced.
MORE
Wednesday’s scoreboard: Wednesday’s basketball scores – NEPA Sports Nation.
COMING UP
Return to Basketball – NEPA Sports Nation more-detailed reports on Wednesday’s action.
