District 2 Boys Game Recap (Scranton Prep at Abington Heights)

Written by: Jon K on January 26, 2024

January 25, 2024

Comets Top Rival in Whiteout Blowout

Abington Heights 89, Scranton Prep 64

CLARKS SUMMIT – The Comets were soaring Thursday evening as they came away with a resounding victory over Scranton Prep, 89-64, before a sold-out gymnasium with many fans in their seats prior to the JV tip. It erased all lingering memories of their nail-biting 75-70 overtime win over the Cavaliers earlier in the month. Abington Heights remained undefeated at 16-0 as they powered their way above the 80-point mark for the third game in a row. Player of the Game in this was one the entire starting lineup who showed their versatility in all phases of the game. Ball movement? Check. Outside shooting? Check. Strong post play? Check. Team chemistry? Check. And, most of all, they have a lot of fun playing basketball. This one was a close game through the first 12 minutes before the Comets outscored the Cavs 43-22 over the next 12 minutes to take full control, 69-46 heading into the final quarter.

The treys began raining right off the opening tip as AH connected on four in a row (one from Ryan Nealon and Jordan Shaffer plus two from Mason Fedor) to grab an early 12-5 lead. Brycen Martin got Prep on the board. Fedor then scored inside before Daniel Santaniello hit a pair of free throws and a triple to bring the Cavaliers within 14-10. Lincoln Anderson came into the game for AH getting to the charity stripe to make it 21-12 before Santaniello made a nifty reverse layup just before the buzzer to make it 21-14 after one period.

The Cavaliers would twice cut the deficit to two points in the second stanza but would not able to draw even. After Shaffer connected on another triple, Packy Doherty and Martin hit triples over the next half-minute (24-22). Fedor would then get a great feed as he was streaking down the lane for a layup before Martin’s free throws made it 26-24. The Comets then went on a quick 8-0 spurt as Robby Lucas got in on the long-range shooting as he hit a pair of triples sandwiched around a turnaround shot in close range by Nealon. Nealon and Martin traded baskets as Abington Heights went into the locker with a 41-31 advantage.

The Comets began the third quarter on a 10-2 run as Fedor would add 6 more points. Their lead jumped to 59-38 as Will Marion hit a triple followed by a reaching, off-balance layin by Fedor, and a score by Nealon. Chase Scanlan connected on a triple for Prep before Lucas made a drive to the basket for a 69-46 lead heading into the final period.

The final stanza opened with a triple from the right corner (Lucas) and a triple from the left corner (Shaffer) as AH grabbed a commanding 75-46 lead. Fouls began to add up for both teams and there were 11 trips to the charity stripe as this one began to lose much of its earlier pace. The Comets would close out the 89-64 victory.

Abington Heights was led by Mason Fedor with 28 points. All of the other starters reached double figures – Robby Lucas (16), Ryan Nealon (15), Jordan Shaffer (13), and Will Marion (11). Lincoln Anderson and Eugene Curtin combined for 6 points. The Comets were sizzling from 3-point land, hitting a dozen. They converted 7 of 15 free throw opportunities.

Scranton Prep was paced by Brycen Martin with 28 points. Daniel Santaniello scored 12 points and Packy Doherty added 11 points. Kellen Casey, Chase Scanlan, Roman Valvano, and Jordan Odom combined for 13 points. The Cavaliers netted 7 triples and made 15 of 23 free throws.

Both teams will have division crossover games on Monday. Abington Heights travels to North Pocono while Scranton Prep hosts Western Wayne.