Below the headlines there are many efforts that contribute to team success. NEPA Sports Nation takes a weekly look at some of those contributions. Here are the Key Contributors from the week of Dec. 20-26:
SHANNON CORE, West Scranton wrestling
Core improved to 10-0 at that point when he defeated Javon James, 5-1, at 285 pounds during West Scranton’s 33-27 victory over Scranton in the Lackawanna League Division 1 match. Core’s victory by decision made it possible for the Invaders to clinch the victory three bouts later on a pin by Jason Williams at 120.
ETHAN GHANNAM, Pittston Area boys basketball
Ghannam has strengthened Pittston Area’s inside game during the team’s 5-1 start. Ghannam had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds to key a 40-25 advantage on the boards in 57-32 rout of Pittston Area in the Eugene R. DeMinico II Memorial Game.
JAYDEN PAHLER, Wilkes-Barre Area wrestling
Wilkes-Barre Area finished last in team scoring out of 17 teams in the high-powered field at the X-Calibur Tournament that the Wolfpack hosted in its new gym. Pahler, however, had the best finish among the two District 2 teams entered, taking second at 172 pounds where he lost, 1-0, in the final. Pahler had half his team’s wins for the day, getting to the final by making it through three decisions, including an overtime semifinal bout.
KATIE SLABODA, Riverside girls basketball
Slaboda has emerged as the clear number-two scorer, helping Riverside score at least 54 points in every win during its 6-1 start. She was the second-leading scorer in all three games during the week with at least 15 points each time. Slaboda had a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds against North Pocono. She then added big defensive contributions in the other two wins. Along with four 3-pointers and 15 points in a meeting of ranked teams with Montrose, she had 3 steals and 2 blocked shots. In the Taylor Lions Tournament opener against West Scranton, she had 18 points, 5 blocked shots and 3 steals.
PREVIOUS KEY CONTRIBUTORS
First week of winter season: https://nepasportsnation.com/key-contributors-15/.
Second week of winter season: https://nepasportsnation.com/key-contributors-16/.
