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District 2 Boys Game Recap (Scranton 53, North Pocono 47)
 

District 2 Boys Game Recap (Scranton 53, North Pocono 47)

Written by: Jon K on January 21, 2023

 

 

January 20, 2023

 

Defense Keys Big Comeback Win for Knights

 

Scranton 53, North Pocono 47

 

SCRANTON – When Scranton found themselves trailing by a score of 36-23 midway through the third period and North Pocono seemingly having all the momentum, the Knights got defensive.  A flurry of turnovers keyed by Dohnavin Laybourn-Boddie helped close the gap to a single basket as the final period began.  The Scranton run continued as they used an 18-0 scoring streak to take a 41-36 advantage.  The Trojans rallied to close within a single point with a minute remaining, but some clutch free throw shooting in the closing moments from Jaheam Roberts and Tony Battaglia secured the 53-47 comeback victory.

 

Teams traded triples to get this Lackawanna League crossover matchup going, Chris Walsh for North Pocono and Matt Barrett for Scranton.  Keegan Litts got a layup off a nice feed for the Trojans before Oliver Almonte got a putback to tie the game, 5-5.  After trading turnovers, the Knights went out to a 9-5 edge midway through the first period via layups by Dillon Lazdowsky and Almonte.  NP responded with a 9-0 run getting layups by Litts and Walsh, basket by AJ Nemitz, and triple by Walsh to take a 14-9 lead.  A drive by Almonte sent Scranton into the second quarter trailing by three points, 14-11.

 

After Nemitz connected on a trey to start the second period, North Pocono held the lead using several fast break opportunities and getting balanced scoring.  The Knights got a pair of timely triples from Barrett preventing the Trojans from extending their lead beyond seven points.  Battaglia and Matt Seidita would trade a pair of scores each before Noah West scored on a fast break sending the Trojans into the locker room with a 27-21 lead.

 

North Pocono began the second half with a 9-2 run through the first four minutes.  With the Knights struggling to connect on any of their shots, NP got a three-point play from Litts plus scores by West and Seidita.  Following a baseline drive by Almonte and putback score by Walsh, the Trojans took a 36-23 lead, their largest in the game.  The Knights then went on a 10-0 run to end the period and getting four different players involved on the scoresheet – Lazdowsky with a turnaround in the lane, corner trey by PJ Murphy plus baskets by Rykeese Cenord and Roberts.  The crowd could sense that Scranton had regained their confidence and ad plenty of momentum on their side heading into the final stanza trailing by a single score, 36-33.

 

That energy continued into the fourth quarter as the Knights regained the lead (37-36) as Roberts and Murphy scored off consecutive turnovers.  A pair of free throws by Battaglia and layup by Almonte completed the 18-0 run with the Knights now holding a  41-36 advantage with 5:15 remaining in the game.  North Pocono got a critical momentum-stopping three-point play by Seidita, but Battaglia quickly responded with a clutch triple at the 4:00 mark.  The Knights maintained their five-point lead with a driving score by Almonte with 3:25 left for a 46-41 lead.  Scranton decided to be patient on their next possessions.  But, while the Trojans were able to then create several turnovers, they were unable to cash in on ensuing trips to the charity stripe.  Chris Walsh cut the deficit to a single point (46-45) following a terrific driving layup with 1:00 left on the clock.  In the closing minute of the game, Roberts would hit 3 of 4 free throws while Battaglia connected on all 4 of his opportunities as the Knights secure a hard-fought 53-47 victory.

 

Scranton was lead in scoring by Tony Battaglia with 13 points and Oliver Almonte with 12 points.  Matt Barrett and Jaheam Roberts combined to add 16 points.  The Knights hit 10 of their 15 free throw opportunities.

 

North Pocono was led by Chris Walsh who netted 16 points.  Both Matt Seidita and Keegan Litts scored 9 points each.  The Trojans hit 4 of their 8 free throw shots.  

 

Scranton travels to Wallenpaupack Tuesday night for another division crossover game.  North Pocono also hits the road to play at Delaware Valley.        

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