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Articles by Sam Marcinek
Reading's bat struggle on Friday night in their first home loss
READING, Pa - Reading dropped its first game of the series with Portland on Friday night. The Sea Dogs bats waking up for the 11-0 win over the Fightin Phils. Both teams held each other in check through three innings of play before the Sea Dogs would get on the board. In the fourth inning the Sea Dogs would start the scoring with a sac-fly. They'd add on two more runs in the fifth. They would break it open with 3-runs in the seventh inning, and five more in the ninth.
Reading holds Portland's bats in check in a 5-1 win
READING, Pa - Reading has taken the first two games at home against Portland. The Fightin Phils allowed just 1-run in a Wednesday night win over the Sea Dogs, 5-1. The Sea Dogs would go on top early scoring their lone run of the night in the top of third with a solo home run. Lachlan Wells would continue to shut the Sea Dogs down from there. Wells earned the win tossing five innings of 1-run and 2-hit baseball. It would take until the bottom of the fifth for the Fightins rally to begin.
Carson Taylor powers Reading past Portland in the home opener
READING, Pa - A comeback complete for the Reading Fightin Phils in their home opener against Portland. The Fightins grabbing a late lead for the 9-8 win. This one would be all tied at 5-runs through three innings of play courtesy of a Robert Moore RBI single to drive in Kendall Simmons for the Fightins. The Sea Dogs would pull back ahead 8-5 heading down the stretch. In the sixth inning, Jose Rodriguez would launch a solo-shot to left field to cut the deficit down to two.
Reading welcomes Portland for its home opener Tuesday night
READING, Pa - The Reading Fightin Phils dropped 2-out-of-3 to open the season on the road in Bowie. Tuesday night they begin the home portion of their schedule, looking to shake off the rough start. The Fightins players happy to return home and take to the diamond in front of the Baseballtown fans for the first time this season. Fightins hitting coach Brock Stassi and the players alike hoping to put on a show for the hometown crowd.
Wilson West Lawn sweeps Twin Valley with home and road wins
A high powered showdown on the lacrosse field took place between Wilson West Lawn and Twin Valley Thursday night. The Bulldog boys and girls coming away with the sweep of the Raiders. In the boys contest at Wilson, the Bulldogs rolled to a 13-6 win over the Raiders. Cohen Renninger leading the way in the win with 7-goals on the night. Through one quarter the Raiders keeping it close, Collin Gallagher with the squads opening goal to tie things up 1-1.
Exeter remains unbeaten, Brandywine Heights opens Berks II play with a win
Boys volleyball taking center stage on rainy Tuesday night in Berks County. Exeter and Brandywine Heights improving upon their impressive early season records with solid wins. The Eagles went on the road and handled Governor Mifflin in three straight sets to remain unbeaten in the early going. In the first two sets the Eagles set a tone with back-to-back 25-12 wins. Aston Wilson and Chase Nugent each with kills to put the sets away early.
Al Perique eager to get more Fightins ready for the MLB in his second season
READING, Pa - Reading opens the 2024 campaign on Friday with a weekend series in Bowie. Returning for his second season to lead the Double-A franchise is Al Pedrique. The Fightins finished the 2023 season with a record of 59-77, but it's not all about the record at this level. Getting the players ready for the next level is the key thing at the minor league level. Pedrique proud of the work he performed with last years group in that regard.
Carlos De La Cruz to move around the outfield in 2024 for Reading
READING, Pa - The Reading Fightin Phils will enter the 2024 season with two big bats in the lineup. Gabriel Rincones Jr is one of the new additions joining Carlos De La Cruz. During the 2023 season, De La Cruz blasted 24 home runs for the Fightins. He did all that while learning how to play first base. There is a new plan in place for the slugger during the new campaign. De La Cruz will take a shot at playing all three outfield positions for the Fightins. All of this part of his learning curve still.
Al Pedrique eager to get more Fightins ready for the MLB in his second season
READING, Pa - Reading opens the 2024 campaign on Friday with a weekend series in Bowie. Returning for his second season to lead the Double-A franchise is Al Pedrique. The Fightins finished the 2023 season with a record of 59-77, but it's not all about the record at this level. Getting the players ready for the next level is the key thing at the minor league level. Pedrique proud of the work he performed with last years group in that regard.
Schuylkill Valley and Brandywine Heights sweep their way to wins
Boys volleyball taking to courts around Berks County on Tuesday night. Schuylkill Valley and Brandywine Heights each coming away with sweeps to improve on their early season marks. The Panthers went on the road to knock off Daniel Boone, not allowing more than 14 points in a set. In the first set the Panthers were in complete control earning the 25-11 win. The following two sets each finishing 25-14. In the second set Cooper Hohenadel with a spike to help set the tone for the Panthers.
Brandywine Height sweeps Linville Hill Christian School for its 2nd win
TOPTON, Pa - The volleyball season is just getting underway around Berks County, and Brandywine Heights is already rolling. Wednesday night the Bullets swept Linville Hill Christian School, 3-0. A close first set with the Bullets coming away 25-19 winners, Brayden Ambruster with a key kill in the match. The second set, not as close with the Bullets rolling 25-12. In the third an final set the Bullets Gavin Geiger would send one home on the kill to help put this one away.
Wyomissing unbeaten run comes to an end in the PIAA semifinals
ALTOONA, Pa - Wyomissing entered Tuesday night unbeaten on the season, but their first loss would come at the most inopportune time. Blackhawk High School would knock the Spartans out with a 47-31 win. This would be a back and forth affair for much of the night until midway through the fourth quarter. The Spartans trailing 29-27 at that point before the Cougars started to pull away for good. Amaya Stewart with a put back to get the Spartans within two at the point, part of her team-high 18 points.
Several girls and boys wrestlers from Berks County are still in title contention
HERSHEY, Pa - The PIAA individual wrestling tournament has taken over the Giant Center this weekend. Some of the top girls and boys wrestlers from Berks County taking to the mats. On the girls side of it in the quarterfinals, a pair of Hamburg wrestlers advanced. At 106 Isabelle Wilkes picks up the win by fall, in a later bout Shannon Govern comes back from 5-points down to make it into the semifinals as well.
Reading continues to roll at home cruising past Adirondack
READING, Pa - The Reading Royals have started the home stand on a strong note and that would carry over on Friday night. With division leading Adirondack in town the Royals rolled 6-1. The Thunder scoring their lone goal early in the contest. Still trailing 1-0 in the second period, Joseph Nardi ties things up late in the period. In the third period Devon Peliani would give the Royals the lead. From there the Royals would blow the game open en route to the win.
Lonnie Walker IV honored to be a part of the Reading Royals tribute night
READING, Pa - The Reading Royals paid tribute to the Reading Area School District on Friday night in a home contest against Adirondack. Lonnie Walker IV making the trip back home as the guest of honor. The current Brooklyn Net met with fans and signed autographs at Santander Arena. Walker always enjoys coming back home and reminiscing on the days in a Red Knights uniform. The former Reading standout is thankful and honored to be a part of the Royals tribute night.
Wyomissing goes back-to-back for the programs 2nd District title
HERSHEY, Pa - The Giant Center playing host to a number of District title games, Thursday afternoon the District III-4A title was on the line. A year removed from capturing their first title in program history the Wyomissing girls went back-to-back. In a rematch from last years title game, the Spartans got the better of Delone Catholic once again 45-32.
East Stroudsburg sweeps Kutztown on the road
KUTZTOWN, Pa - The Kutztown men's and women's basketball teams hosting East Stroudsburg in a doubleheader on Wednesday night. It would be the visiting Warriors going home with a sweep. In the women's contest the Warriors locked up a spot in the PSAC playoffs with a 51-42 win. The Golden Bears already securing their spot in the upcoming conference playoffs. Through three quarters of play the Golden Bears found themselves only trailing by two.
Reading, Berks Catholic and Fleetwood all fall in the District semifinals
The District III boys basketball tournament is inching closer to crowing champions. On Tuesday night Reading, Berks Catholic and Fleetwood all fell in the semifinals, putting an end to their title hopes. In the 6A field, the Red Knights were knocked off on the road by Cumberland Valley 66-47. The Red Knights still have the state tournament coming up, even with the loss. The Red Knights were able to tie things up at 33 early on in the third quarter, but the Eagles would take control from there.
Berks Catholic and Fleetwood each take one step closer to a District title game rematch
The District III-4A boys basketball tournament is getting closer to a rematch of last seasons final between Berks Catholic and Fleetwood. Both the Saints and Tigers advancing to the semifinals on Friday night. In Reading, the Saints held off Middletown for the 44-37 win. Much of the way the Saints maintained a slight lead, eventually putting things away down the stretch. The Saints were led by Josh McKoy and Parker Nein on the offensive side of the ball.
Muhlenberg falls in the District quarterfinals to York Suburban
YORK, Pa - On the road in the District III-5A quarterfinals, Muhlenberg with an upset minded approach once more. Unfortunately for the Muhls they wouldn't get that upset on Thursday night falling to York Suburban 53-39. At halftime both teams would be locked-in at 17 points apiece and once again tied at 31 heading into the fourth. That's where the Trojans would take control en route to the win. Kyle Archie finished with a team-high 12 points for the Muhls, teammate Shermar Killen would add 11 more.
Alvernia tries to comeback but falls short in the MAC Commonwealth semifinals
CHESTER, Pa - The MAC Commonwealth playoffs hitting the hardwood on Wednesday night. Alvernia hit the road to take on the top-seed Widener, and unfortunately their season would be cut short 80-70. The Golden Wolves trying to keep pace with the Pride for much of the night, finding themselves down by eight at the half. In the second half, the Golden Wolves would start to fall further behind the Pride. At one point the deficit swelling to 16 as the Pride inched closer to a title game berth.
Reading earns the home win, Wilson and Schuylkill Valley suffering opening round defeats
The District III boys basketball tournament tipped off for several other local programs on Tuesday night. Reading coming away with the home win while Wilson West Lawn and Schuylkiil Valley had their seasons come to an end. The newest Berks County champs, the Bulldogs hit the road in their 6A opening round matchup with Cedar Crest. Unfortunately, their season would be cut short following a 55-50 loss to the Falcons.
Wyomissing goes back-to-back in the county championship
READING, Pa - The top teams in the county all season long met for the Berks title on Friday night. Wyomissing would defend their title from 2023 with a 56-45 win over Wilson West Lawn. The Spartans perfect season continues with the win on Friday night, while the Bulldogs suffered its second loss. Going into halftime the Bulldogs held the lead before the Spartans started to take control in the second half. Annie McCaffrey and Amaya Stewart helping to lead the way in the Spartans comeback win.
Wilson grabs a late lead to knock off Reading for the BCIAA title
READING, Pa - The Berks County championship came down to a pair of foes familiar with each other, Reading and Wilson West Lawn. By nights end it would be the Bulldogs knocking off the Berks I champs 54-53 for the BCIAA title. At halftime the Red Knights held an 11-point advantage before the Bulldogs stormed back in the second half. Coming down the stretch each team was trading blows.
Wilson West Lawn and Wyomissing punch their tickets to the county final
READING, Pa - On the girls side of the BCIAA girls basketball semifinals, Wilson West Lawn and Wyomissing each advanced to the title game. The top two teams left in the field. The Lady Bulldogs rolled past Berks Catholic in their semifinal contest 41-24 to secure their spot in the final. Locking things down defensively, the Bulldogs allowed just 7-points in the first half to the Saints. On the offensive side of the ball, Laila Jones led the way with 12-points.
Reading rolls to another title game, Wilson pulls off the upset
READING, Pa - Santander Arena the backdrop for the BCIAA semifinals featuring the top-4 teams left in the field. Reading and Wilson West Lawn each punching their tickets into the final. The night cap featured a rematch from just last week between the Red Knights and Muhlenberg. Once more the Red Knights coming out on top 69-47. This one pretty much in the Red Knights control from the first quarter on, they'd open up a double-digit lead by halftime and never look back.
Sping-Ford and Phoenixville advance to the PAC title game
COLLEGEVIILE, Pa - The PAC boy's basketball semifinals took to the court on Friday night at Perk Valley High School. Setting up the title match, Spring-Ford and Phoenixville coming away wins. In the night cap, the Rams and host Vikings played a thrilling semifinal that came down to the wire. The Rams coming away with the 57-50 win to advance to the final. Jacob Nguyen would lead the way with 23-points on the night.
Wilson West Lawn falls into the consolation bracket after a loss to Pennridge
HERSHEY, Pa - Berks programs in action on Friday out at the Giant Center. Wilson continues their march toward a PIAA title while Berks Catholic saw their title hopes cut short. The Bulldogs fell to Pennridge in the 3A field 30-24, but remains alive in the consolation bracket. Early on the Rams with a lead over the Bulldogs, before they'd come back to get within one. McKaden Speece getting the major decision at 127 to bring the Bulldogs within one.
Wilson holds off Connellsville to advance in the 3A winners bracket
HERSHEY, Pa - Wilson West Lawn representing Berks County in the 3A field. The Bulldogs knocking off Connellsville to advance in the winners bracket, 30-29. The Bulldogs started things off with a tech fall to to grab hold of a 5-0 lead, McKaden Speece getting the job done at 127. Connellsville would take the lead at 9-8 after a few more early bouts. At 152, Matteo Garcia would secure the fall in the third period to put the Bulldogs up 14-9.
Notre Dame, Faith Christian set up a local dual in the PIAA quarterfinal round
HERSHEY, Pa - The Giant Center is the focus of the high school wrestling world in Pennsylvania for the next few days. Notre Dame and Faith Christian each taking steps toward the 2A title dual on Thursday. The Crusaders taking on Bald Eagle Area in their opening dual, facing very little resistance in a 41-16 win. Early on, Ayden Smith gets a pin at 114 to help put the Crusaders up 9-4. A few bouts later at 133, Gavyn Kelton gets the decision to push the lead ahead to 15-7.
Berks Catholic drops its Round of 16 dual against Chestnut Ridge
HERSHEY, Pa - The PIAA team wrestling championships began Thursday at the Giant Center. One of the teams representing District III, Berks Catholic started things off against Chestnut Ridge. The Saints unfortunately not faring well in their round of 16 dual 39-22 falling into the consolation bracket. Early on in the dual the Saints taking control and jumping out to a 10-0 lead. Owen Reber starting things off with a 10-2 major decision to give his squad the 4-0 lead.
Wilson falls to Gettysburg ending their District title hopes, they still qualified for the PIAA tournament with a consolation win
Wilson West Lawn wrestling ran through the county en route to the BCIAA title, on Thursday night they looked to take a step toward a District title. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs go into Saturday looking to wrap up third place. Gettysburg knocked off the Bulldogs in their opening dual on Thursday night 31-30, sending them to the consolation bracket. The Bulldogs opened things up with a fall at 172, Blaise Eidle getting the job done in the first half for the 6-0 lead.
Reading gets a huge win on the road over Wilson WL to setup a title clinching chance
READING, Pa - The Berks I race is going to come down to the final regular season games. Thursday night Reading adding to the madness with a road win over Wilson West Lawn, 50-44. Both teams going back and forth all night, trading blows and runs with the Red Knights able to put things away in the final minutes. Jeremiah Camara and Nick Chapman helping to lead the way in the win, Camara with a team-high 16 points and Chapman with 11 points. Chapman put up 9-points in the fourth quarter.
Alvernia maintains its top-3 spot in the standings, Albright's can't snap its skid
READING, Pa - Alvernia and Albright both taking to their home courts on Wednesday night. The Golden Wolves coming away with the win, but the Lions not as fortunate. Taking care of business, the Golden Wolves knocked off Messiah 79-69. Nigel Cooke would lead the way in the win with a game-high 15 points, Jalil Schneck finishing close behind with 14 of his own. Alvernia improves to 14-6, 6-3 on the season. Elsewhere in Reading, the Lions were unable to snap their losing skid falling to Hood 85-70.
Berks Catholic drops the battle of the unbeaten's with Abington Heights
READING, Pa - Berks Catholic with a late non-conference showdown on a Tuesday night at against Abington Heights. A battle of the unbeaten's and one in which the Comets would leave the night staying that way, 74-47. The Comets dominating this one from the opening tip for the most part. They held an 11-2 advantage after the first quarter and a 50-21 edge at halftime. Struggling to keep pace for the entire game it seemed for the Saints.
Exeter erases a huge deficit but Wilson hangs on for the win
READING, Pa - Exeter playing host to Wilson on Friday night, and the Eagles had upset on their minds. The Bulldogs not allowing that to happen as they hold on for the 64-63 win. This one looked like it could get out of hand early as the Bulldogs opened a 24-5 lead through the first quarter. That lead would just be chipped away by the Eagles until the final seconds. Reece Garvin would hit a three, part of this 21 points to get the Eagles within one in the final seconds.
Wilson avenges last years title loss, capturing their 3rd in 4 years
WYOMISSING, Pa - The BCIAA team wrestling tournament wrapped up with a rematch of last years final between Wilson West Lawn and Berks Catholic. This time around the Bulldogs coming out on top, 44-19. The Bulldogs jumped out to a commanding lead, Blaise Eidle at 172 gets the pin to help push it further 19-0. Later at 215, Ryan McMillan gets the pin just 22 seconds into the match to put the Bulldogs up 25-4.
BCIAA quarterfinal duals saw Berks Catholic and Wyomissing move on to the semis
WYOMISSING, Pa - The BCIAA team wrestling tournament has taken over the gym at Wyomissing Friday night. Opening duals taking part in the afternoon and early evening. Among those semifinals, the reigning champs Berks Catholic moving on to take on Exeter in the semifinals after a 45-22 win over Conrad Weiser. Gabriel Iswalt gets the fall at 145, that would help the Saints to open their dual with an 18-0 advantage. At 172, Carmine Lenzi gets the fall in 30 seconds to keep the Saints moving forward.
Boyertown handles Upper Perk in the open round of District I-3A duals
BOYERTOWN, Pa - The District I-3A wrestling duals opened up on Thursday night. The 3-seed Boyertown taking care of business at home over the 14-seed Upper Perk, 44-15. Early on in this one both teams trading wins through the three bouts. The Indians would grab a 12-6 lead after Sean Murray gets the fall at 127. That lead would be short lived. Next bout at 133 Gavin Sheridan gets a quick fall to tie things back up at 12.
Albright continues its winning ways in conference play
READING, Pa -Albright kept their winning ways going on Wednesday night with a 56-46 win over Eastern. The Lions now having won 4 out of their last 5 games. A close contest throughout, Mackenzie Dover with 24 points to help pace the Lions offense en route to the win. Gigi Serrano would add 10, and CJ Apistar with 9-points to help put the Lions over. Albright improves to 4-3 in MAC Commonwealth play, 7-11 overall.
Oley Valley starts off a tough stretch with a big win over Schuylkill Valley
OLEY, Pa - Oley Valley beginning a tough stretch of games at home against Schuylkill Valley on Wednesday night. The Lynx getting an impressive win to start the stretch 60-47. This one would go back and forth to start the night, the Lynx and Panthers tied up at 24 going into halftime. In the second half the Lynx would begin to separate themselves en route to the win. Morgan Snyder taking over offensively for the Lynx leading all scorers with 24 points.
Wilson West Lawn remains unbeaten in county play, Governor Mifflin continues to push toward the playoffs
Berks County girls hoops taking center stage on Monday night, Wilson West Lawn and Governor Mifflin each coming away with wins. Each program continuing to march toward solidifying playoff spots. The Lady Bulldogs went on the road and knocked off Berks Catholic 39-26 to remain unbeaten in county play. After leading by just two at halftime, the Bulldogs opened the second half on a 10-0 run to pull away for good. Laila Jones leading the way for the Bulldogs in the win with 13 points.
62nd annual Reading Hot Stovers Banquet gets underway
READING, Pa - The Reading Hot Stovers annual banquet is underway in Center City for the 62nd time. Headlining the event as a guest in 2024, potential Hall of Fame closer Billy Wagner. The annual event supporting local high school baseball and softball players with the money that is raised. Honoring those student-athletes always a great part of it, the guests of honor another.
West Chester earns the road sweep over Kutztown
KUTZTOWN, Pa - Kutztown played host to West Chester in a double header on Wednesday night. The visiting Golden Rams came away with the road sweep. In the men's contest the Golden Rams pulled away down the stretch for the 87-76 win. The Golden Bears held a 1-point lead at halftime, and pulled within two scores in the final two minutes. Yahmir Satterfield led all scorers with 25 points for the Golden Bears in the effort.
Alvernia's shooting struggles bury them, Albright snaps a 7-game skid
READING, Pa - A paid of women's basketball games taking place in Reading on Wednesday night. Albright snapping their recent skid while Alvernia struggled in a title game rematch. The Golden Wolves suffering a setback at home against Messiah 79-57, a tough night from beyond the arc for the home squad. In the loss the Golden Wolves were just 1-for-14 from three. Kayla Williams led all scorers with 21 points for the Golden Wolves, on the other side Reese Harden finished with 19 points to led Messiah.
Muhlenberg overcomes Reading in double OT to secure a big Berks I win
READING, Pa - Several of the top teams in Berks I took to the court on Tuesday night. At Muhlenberg, the Muhls and Reading needed two overtimes to determine a winner. in the end it would be the host Muhls coming out on top with a big divisional win over the Red Knights 87-74. Both teams going shot for shot through the end of regulation and in the first overtime. Both teams leading scorers putting up nearly 30 points, Shermar Killen with 29 for the Muhls a game-high.
Esterly records win #800 with Berks Catholics road win over Daniel Boone
BIRDSBORO, Pa - A historic night for Berks Catholic took place on the road Thursday night. The Saints with a 69-49 win over Daniel Boone to give head coach Snip Esterly his 800th career win. After holding a seven point lead at the half the Saints would open things up in the second half for the resounding win. Leading the way in the win were Parker Nein and Josh McKoy who each finished with 22 points for the Saints.
Albright splits it MAC Commonwealth doubleheader with Albright
READING, Pa - Albright men's and women's playing host to Messiah in their MAC Commonwealth opener. The Lions splitting the doubleheader to open conference play. In the women's contest, the Lions trailed by 10 after three quarters before Messiah opened things up down the stretch for the 73-56 win. Leading the way for the Lions on the night was Orianna Edmond who finished with 14 points. The Falcons were led by Morgan Adams who had a game-high 22 points in the win.
Governor Mifflin shuts down Daniel Boone in a resounding win
BIRDSBORO, Pa - Two programs hovering around the .500 mark in Berks County met on the court Thursday night. Governor Mifflin improving to one game above with a 53-15 win over Daniel Boone. The Mustangs opened the game on an 11-2 run and never looked back. Later in the first quarter the Blazers would try and fight back, but that's all they could muster. Mia Vazquez and Taylor Koenig would lead the way for the Mustangs with 12 and 11 points respectively.
Berks Catholic overcomes Wyomissing in the final bouts to earn the win
READING, Pa - A big test at home for the reigning Berks and District III champs, Berks Catholic taking on Wyomissing. The Saints edging past the Spartans 44-24, taking the lead in the final bouts. The Saints held an early advantage, but at 172 Jeremiah Diaz gets the fall for the Spartans to cut into the deficit at 20-15. It would go back and forth for a bit from there. Brody Cline would come away with the win for the Saints at 215 to put them ahead by eight.
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