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Experienced backcourt returns for Invaders
Posted: Dec 05, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Cayden Merrifield, a dynamic scorer and playmaker who was the top sophomore in Lackawanna League Division 1 last season, returns to lead the West Scranton boys basketball team. The 11 players recognized when NEPABasketball.com named the Division 1 all-stars last season included seniors in the top six spots and nine total. Merrifield was one of two underclassmen and the only sophomore on the second team.
Shafer back for third year as DV starter
Posted: Dec 05, 2019 Delaware Valley will be trying to build upon an experienced frontcourt as it seeks to return to Lackawanna League Division 2 boys title contention. The Warriors slipped from a division title in 2017-18 to 3-10 in the league and 9-14 overall a year ago. Jackson Shafer started on that championship team and is back for his third year in the lineup. He was a second-team division all-star each of the last two seasons, according to NEPABasketball.com.
Division I men’s update
Binghamton University's George Tinsley (left). Posted: Dec 02, 2019 The America East Conference named Binghamton University's George Tinsley its Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week for the second time this season Monday. Tinsley broke loose for 19 second-half points Sunday night on the way to a new college scoring high of 24 points when Binghamton University lost to Loyola of Maryland, 77-65, in Baltimore.
Preseason Super Six revealed
Posted: Dec 02, 2019 The Scranton Prep girls begin the 2019-20 season in the same position where they ended the 2018-19 season – at the top of the Astra Wealth Advisors Super Six Power Rankings. There are new teams at the top of the other rankings, which are determined each week by NEPABasketball.com. The Nanticoke boys, Holy Cross boys and Riverside girls are on top of the other rankings going into Friday’s start of the season.
Scranton’s Mancuso receives multiple weekly honors
Posted: Nov 28, 2019 Senior forward Matthew Mancuso received a series of prestigious honors for his performances in a pair of University of Scranton men’s basketball games last week. Mancuso picked up four honors in three days after posting his career-highs in both points and rebounds Saturday in a 96-89 win at Cabrini. That came just three days after Mancuso had established a new high game for rebounds.
Remembering coach Bucci … in his own words
Posted: Nov 26, 2019 John Bucci, who died at home November 25 at the age of 57, served many roles during his life in basketball. The coach, businessman, sponsor, event coordinator and AAU program administrator also performed multiple media roles. Bucci served as radio show host, television and radio color commentator on game broadcasts, owner of NEPABasketball.com and, during last season, he took on a new venture, writing a dozen columns for the website.
Bucci had winning ‘19 with his JB Hoops National girls team
Posted: Nov 26, 2019 As owner of JB Hoops United, John Bucci took on many different duties. Bucci, who died at home November 25 at age 57, continued teaching basketball even while he had many business and management tasks for which he was responsible. Bucci could be found at Backcourt Hoops training players and training the many coaches who also worked with players at Riverfront Sports.
King’s turns Marywood inside-out
Mackenzie Yori from King's defends Aryah Aungst from Marywood. Posted: Nov 25, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com WILKES-BARRE – Rebecca Prociak took care of the inside game. Mackenzie York was unstoppable on the outside. Together, they made sure King’s College brought an emphatic conclusion to the eight-game winning streak Lackawanna County schools had over Luzerne County opponents, dating back to 2017 in the Cross County Challenge.
BULLETIN: Cross County Challenge
Posted: Nov 24, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com WILKES-BARRE – The University of Scranton and host King’s College matched 36-point victories Sunday as the fourth annual women’s Cross County Challenge came to a close. Scranton remained perfect in the event’s history by running away early in the opener to defeat Wilkes University, 78-42.
Marywood men in own tourney final
Posted: Nov 23, 2019 Jack DeGroot made sure the Marywood University men’s basketball team will play for the title of its first Holiday Inn Express Electric City Classic Saturday afternoon. DeGroot scored 27 points, including a turn-around 3-pointer with two seconds left in regulation to force overtime where his jumper with 10 seconds left lifted the Pacers over SUNY Old Westbury, 90-88, Friday night at the Insalaco Arena.
Cross County Challenge set at King’s
Posted: Nov 23, 2019 King’s College is hosting the women’s Cross County Challenge basketball doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday. Wilkes-Barre schools King’s and Wilkes University will each face two Scranton opponents, Marywood University and the nationally ranked University of Scranton. The event begins Saturday with Marywood (1-3) meeting Wilkes (3-1) at 4 p.m. Scranton (2-0) plays King’s (2-1) at 6 p.m. Sunday’s schedule has Scranton against Wilkes at 1 and Marywood against King’s at 3.
NCAA Division II women’s update
Posted: Nov 22, 2019 Five District 2 graduates will be part of four National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball teams around the state that hit the road for Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference openers Saturday at 1 p.m. West Scranton graduate Destiny Jefferson will take a streak of three straight double-figures scoring games with her when Shippensburg University (2-2) plays at Slippery Rock (2-2).
Royals pound previously unbeaten Colonels
Posted: Nov 20, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com WILKES-BARRE – Matthew Mancuso scored 19 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and led a charge midway through the first half that put the University of Scranton in control on the way to handing host Wilkes University its first men’s basketball defeat, 91-62, Wednesday night. Abington Heights graduate Jackson Danzig, who had a game-high five assists, and Scranton Prep graduate Logan Bailey shared team scoring honors, matching Mancuso’s 19 points.
Martin increasing scoring production
NJIT point guard Maddie Martin. Photo by Charlie Berch -- CBERCHPHOTO.com Posted: Nov 19, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com ITHACA, N.Y. – By any available measurement, Maddie Martin’s game is growing quickly while the New Jersey Institute of Technology women’s basketball team continues to struggle early in an injury-plagued season. Martin is handling her primary offensive task of running the Highlanders offense with less errors.
Maxwell picks up first win as a pro
Posted: Nov 18, 2019 Evan Maxwell was a winner for the time as a professional Saturday. Maxwell scored 19 points, grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds and dished out 5 assists when Spisska Nova Ves defeated Zilina, 94-82, in a Slovakia Extraliga game. The Abington Heights and Indiana Wesleyan graduate made 9 of 16 shots to help Spisska Nova Ves break a season-opening, eight-game losing streak in Slovakia’s highest level of professional basketball. Maxwell was the team’s second-leading scorer in the win.
Official high school practices open
Posted: Nov 18, 2019 Today marks a major step toward the beginning of high school basketball season in Pennsylvania. Although many players have continued to work on their games through the offseason and teams have held less-formal workouts, today represents the first official day that mandatory practices are allowed for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association winter athletic teams. Teams can conduct scrimmages for the first time Saturday. Non-league openers are allowed beginning Dec.
Conference Challenge scheduled for Dec. 14
Posted: Nov 17, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com The second annual Conference Challenge boys basketball tripleheader, scheduled for Dec. 14 at the Lackawanna College Student Union, will feature three rematches. Each game of the Conference Challenge features a Wyoming Valley Conference team against a Lackawanna League team. Two of the games are repeat matchups from the event’s debut. The other is a rematch of a District 2 semifinal, with a state tournament berth on the line, last season.
Shurina’s shooting paces Lady Royals
Posted: Nov 17, 2019 Emily Shurina provided instant offense for the University of Scranton, earning Gwynedd Mercy Tip-Off Tournament Most Valuable Player honors Saturday by leading the Lady Royals to a 91-74 victory over the hosts in the championship game. Shurina scored 22 points in eight minutes in the first half when Scranton scored 60 points by piling up 30 in each quarter. She added one more point and finished 6-for-10 from 3-point range with a career-high 23 points.
BULLETIN: NCAA Division I quick hits
NJIT point guard Maddie Martin. Photo by Charlie Berch -- CBERCHPHOTO.com Posted: Nov 16, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com ITHACA, N.Y. – Maddie Martin posted new personal highs for points, 3-pointers and steals Saturday afternoon with New Jersey Institute of Technology, continuing to play shorthanded because of injuries, remained winless when it dropped a 68-44 decision at Cornell. Theresa Grace Mbanefo came off the Cornell bench to score a game-high 12 points.
Sheehan entering final season with Lady Royals
Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year Emily Sheehan Posted: Nov 15, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Emily Sheehan entered the Small Fry portion of Dunmore Biddy Basketball when she was in kindergarten.
Royals hosting tournament
Matthew Mancuso, 2018 Hilton Invitational MVP. Posted: Nov 15, 2019 The University of Scranton men’s basketball team will be looking to defend its title in the Hilton Scranton Invitational this weekend. Matthew Mancuso, a 6-foot-7 senior who serves as one of the team’s captains, was tournament Most Valuable Player last season when Scranton defeated Hartwick, 82-67, and St. Lawrence, 82-68. If the Royals are going to repeat, it will require beating two new opponents.
NCAA Division II men's update
Posted: Nov 13, 2019 Paddy Casey made the 100th basket from 3-point range in his college career when he connected three times from long range Sunday while the University of the Sciences was falling, 65-64, to District of Columbia. The 6-foot-1 junior guard from Scranton Prep boosted his 3-point total to 101 by going 3-for-6 and scoring 16 points in the game. The University of the Sciences is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II school in Philadelphia.
Tip-Off Breakfast launches Coaches vs. Cancer efforts
Andrew Kettel; Kettel's children Andrew, Katie and Patrick; and Jack Henzes. Posted: Nov 12, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com SCRANTON – Coaches vs. Cancer of NEPA held its Tip-Off Breakfast Sunday morning at Scranton High School, moving full speed into a 12th season that the organization hopes will push it beyond the $2 million mark in total funds raised.
NCAA Division I women’s update
Posted: Nov 10, 2019 Stella Johnson scored 25 points and Dunmore graduate Victoria Toomey helped Rider University hold off host Penn State down the stretch for a 78-70 women’s basketball victory Sunday afternoon. Rider closed the first quarter with a 17-3 run and had a 19-point, third-quarter lead before fighting off a late surge by the Lady Lions with the help of key contributions by Toomey, a freshman center. Toomey, playing in her second game, scored her first two college baskets.
Michigan State rips Binghamton, 100-47
Posted: Nov 10, 2019 Abington Heights graduate George Tinsley hit a 3-pointer on his first shot and led Binghamton University in both assists and offensive rebounds Sunday night, but like the rest of the Bearcats, was overpowered at times during a 100-47 loss at Michigan State. The game was the first time in Binghamton history that it played a team ranked first in the nation.
NCAA Division I men’s update
Binghamton University's George Tinsley and coach Tommy Dempsey. Posted: Nov 10, 2019 District 2’s three healthy and active National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I players were each scheduled for one of the weekend days. Hazleton Area’s Bobby Planutis, at St. Bonaventure University, and Scranton Prep’s Leo O’Boyle, at Lafayette College, have already played in Friday and Saturday games.
Ksiazek fuels fast start
Posted: Nov 08, 2019 Cassie Ksiazek helped make sure East Stroudsburg University got off to a fast start in Stephanie Del Preore’s debut as head coach Friday, helping the Warriors to a 55-48 victory over Frostburg State in the Shippensburg University Conference Challenge. Ksiazek made her college debut just 1:19 into the game and was the team’s leading scorer in the first quarter, finishing it with five points, including a three-point play for a 19-14 lead.
Ksiazek, ESU open Friday afternoon
Posted: Nov 07, 2019 Abington Heights graduate Cassie Ksiazek is preparing to make her college debut Friday afternoon when East Stroudsburg University opens its women’s basketball season against Frostburg State at 1 p.m. in the Shippensburg Tournament. Ksiazek sat out all of last season following her second reconstructive surgery on her left knee. The first injury forced her to miss her junior season at Abington Heights.
Martin makes long-awaited debut
Posted: Nov 06, 2019 Maddie Martin made her college basketball debut Tuesday night, leading the New Jersey Institute of Technology in minutes played and assists during an opening, 79-52 loss to visiting Colgate University. After two straight redshirt seasons while recovering from torn anterior cruciate ligaments and reconstructive knee surgeries, the Dunmore graduate ran the Highlanders offense and brought the ball up court most of the game.
U of Scranton lands Susquehanna’s Steele
Posted: Nov 06, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Susquehanna senior center Mackenzie Steele, a two-time, NEPABasketball.com first-team Lackawanna League Division 4 all-star selection, has decided to continue her academic and athletic careers with the University of Scranton women’s basketball team. Steele informed coach Nick DiPillo of her decision Wednesday. “The main reason was because I want to study occupational therapy and they have a great program there,” she said.
Lafayette wins in O’Boyle debut
Posted: Nov 06, 2019 Leo O’Boyle was part of Lafayette College’s 65-63 men’s basketball victory over Columbia in Tuesday’s season opener. The Scranton Prep graduate was one of five former District 2 high school and JB Hoops AAU players who all debuted with their NCAA Division I college teams Tuesday night. O’Boyle was the only to enjoy a winning night in the opener.
Planutis started St. Bonaventure opener
Posted: Nov 06, 2019 Bobby Planutis was in the starting lineup and was the game’s leading rebounder Tuesday night when St. Bonaventure University opened its 100th men’s basketball season with a 65-53, home-court loss to Ohio University. Planutis had 10 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, which was also a game-high total. The Hazleton Area graduate scored eight points before fouling out.
Boeheim leads Cornell to opening win
Posted: Nov 06, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com ITHACA, N.Y. – Jimmy Boeheim scored 16 of his 24 points in the first half Tuesday night, getting Cornell University started toward an 84-64 victory over visiting Binghamton University in a men’s basketball season opener. The game marked the debut of George Tinsley, an all-state player from Abington Heights, at Binghamton University where Dunmore graduate Tommy Dempsey is beginning his eighth season as head coach.
Lewis back in action at Seton Hall
Posted: Nov 06, 2019 Alexis Lewis returned to college basketball Wednesday night when she was in the starting backcourt for Seton Hall in a season-opening, 95-69 women’s basketball rout of visiting Sacred Heart. Lewis played 32 minutes and scored nine points on three made 3-pointers. The Holy Redeemer graduate had played her first three seasons at Iona College where she was one of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s top players. Lewis sat out the 2018-19 season after transferring.
BULLETIN: Quick hits from college opening night
Posted: Nov 05, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com ITHACA, N.Y. – George Tinsley and Maddie Martin handled big workloads in their regular-season collegiate debuts Tuesday night. Tinsley started at forward and played a team-high 36 minutes for Binghamton University when it lost at Cornell, 84-64. The Abington Heights graduate played the first 13:54 and the entire second half. He finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots.
Tinsley to start in season opener
Posted: Nov 04, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Abington Heights graduate George Tinsley has earned a starting forward spot at Binghamton University going into Tuesday’s season opener at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Tinsley is one of three all-state players from District 2 high schools and alumni of the JB Hoops AAU program who are all expected to make their National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I debuts on Opening Night Tuesday.
West’s Johnson commits to Bloomsburg
Posted: Nov 04, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com West Scranton senior Nya Johnson committed to a partial basketball scholarship from Bloomsburg University today. Johnson, a two-time NEPABasketball.com selection as a first-team Lackawanna League Division 1 all-star, led the Lady Invaders in scoring last season. Johnson said she first heard from Bloomsburg University while playing for the JB Hoops National AAU team coached by John Bucci.
Maxwell leading pro team
Posted: Nov 04, 2019 While the Spisska Nova Ves team struggles, Evan Maxwell continues to thrive in his first professional season. Maxwell was the game’s leading scorer and the team’s leading rebounder Saturday when he had 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 96-77 loss to BC Prievidza in a Slovakia Extraliga game. He was 8-for-11 from the floor, making his only 3-point attempt, while hitting all five free throw attempts.
Charlton makes commitment to Penn
Dallas senior Lauren Charlton Posted: Nov 03, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Dallas senior Lauren Charlton made a verbal commitment this evening to continue her academic and athletic careers at the University of Pennsylvania. Charlton, a 6-foot wing player who recently completed her JB Hoops AAU basketball career, chose the Ivy League school in Philadelphia. “I feel like Philly is the perfect distance for me,” Charlton said.
Marywood women’s team getting to know each other
Oct 21, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com The coach is not all that is new with the Marywood University women’s basketball team. When Jen Carleton began practices Oct. 15, the new Pacers coach did so with 10 freshmen and two others who are new to college basketball among the 17 candidates for the team. “Being able to watch them grow together is really going to be fun to watch,” Carleton said in a telephone interview as she prepared to begin the second week of practice.
Scranton women adjusting to new pace
Oct 16, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com A new era of women’s basketball is off and running at the University of Scranton. Nick DiPillo inherited one of the nation’s most successful National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III programs, featuring an experienced lineup that has built a reputation on its ability to slow down and shut down opposing offenses.
Maxwell scores 19 in professional debut
Oct 06, 2019 By Tom Robinson Evan Maxwell had a strong game personally, but came out on the losing side Saturday while making his regular-season professional debut in the Slovakia Basketball League. The Abington Heights High School and JB Hoops alum was the game’s second-leading scorer when Spisska Nova Ves fell on the road, 95-87, to Zilina. Maxwell shot 9-for-12, making his only 3-point attempt, while scoring 19 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
JB Hoops teams close successful season
Jul 31, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com OXON HILL, Md. – Two JB Hoops National Girls teams, made up exclusively of players from District 2 high schools, wrapped up their AAU basketball season with titles at the USJN 17U Girls Nationals July 20-23. JB Hoops Bucci finished a 27-2 season by going 6-1 at the tournament and winning the program’s first bracket title at USJN Nationals, taking the Platinum Consolation bracket after finishing second in Pool G.
Birmelin takes coaching position at King's
Former Honesdale and DeSales guard Morgan Birmelin Jul 29, 2019 Morgan Birmelin assisted more baskets than any player in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III women’s basketball during the 2018-19 season. Now, the team “assist” will take on a different meaning for Birmelin.
Lewis joins Scranton women’s staff
Jul 10, 2019 North Pocono and American University graduate Kaitlyn Lewis is making an immediate transition from her playing to coaching careers. Lewis, who served as captain of the Eagles the past two seasons, will join the University of Scranton women’s basketball coaching staff Monday, according to a story posted on the school website today. Nick DiPillo, who recently took over the program from new Bucknell University coach Trevor Woodruff, announced the addition to his coaching staff.
Susquehanna University appoints Holko
Gabby Holko, new Susquehanna University women's coach. Jul 09, 2019 Gabby Holko has been selected to take over as head women’s basketball coach at Susquehanna University, according to an announcement made Tuesday by interim director of athletics Crystal Gibson. Holko had recently completed her first season as a head coach by guiding Marywood University through a 13-14 season. The Pacers were 7-5 for third place in the Atlantic East Conference.
WVC switches to two divisions
Jun 13, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Wyoming Valley Conference basketball will switch from three to two divisions next season, but will retain the four-team overall conference playoff that debuted in the 2018-19 season.
U of Scranton names women’s coach
Jun 12, 2019 Nick DiPillo is the new head coach of the University of Scranton women’s basketball team, according to a story posted Wednesday on the school’s website. According to the story, Scranton director of athletics Dave Martin made the announcement Wednesday. DiPillo becomes the seventh head coach in the 45-year history of one of the nation’s most successful Division III programs.
Woodruff knew early he wanted to coach
May 03, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Mike Fox saw the media reports and reached out. It was as a student in Fox’s fourth-grade class at New Albany Elementary School in the Wyalusing Valley School District that Trevor Woodruff first revealed his future plans – to become a college basketball coach. So, when Fox saw the news last week that Woodruff had been named as the latest women’s basketball coach at Division I Bucknell University in Lewisburg, he tracked down his former student.
Susquehanna's Baldwin headed to Marywood
Apr 12, 2019 By Tom Robinson, NEPABasketball.com Susquehanna’s Bryce Baldwin, a 6-foot-5 center who was a first-team NEPABasketball.com Lackawanna League Division 4 all-star each of the past two seasons, is part of the next Marywood University men’s basketball recruiting class. Baldwin was prominent in Susquehanna winning back-to-back Lackawanna Division 4 titles.
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