Symuleski triggers Valley View in battle of the undefeated – Scranton Times-Tribune

OLD FORGE — After weathering a tough first quarter, No. 2 Valley View reoriented its offense, found a rhythm and secured victory in a battle of unbeatens.

The Cougars, led by Noah Symuleski’s nine-point second quarter, defeated No. 6 Old Forge in a non-league boys basketball game 54-36 at Old Forge High School.

“We didn’t match their intensity from the jump, and I think they took that from us,” Valley View coach Mike Kurpis said. “Then defensively I thought we were outstanding for the next three quarters. Everyone really did a great job on that front.

In front of a raucous crowd, Old Forge (3-1) took a 12-7 lead late in the first quarter.

Then Symuleski came in. A few possessions later, he made his presence felt.

The Cougars (5-0) moved the ball around the top of the key, finding Symuleski outside the arc for a 3-pointer that tied the game and sparked the offense.

“They came out (and) took the first punch. Then I thought we finally settled in once Noah came off the bench,” Kurpis said. “That caused (Old Forge) to overplay. Now everyone is involved. That’s what started it.

After Symuleski’s jumper, Beyon McLean, who scored eight points, hit a free throw and secured Valley View’s first lead with 5:30 left in the first half.

Then, Symuleski hit another 3-pointer to give the Cougars a 16-14 lead, prompting an Old Forge timeout.

“Once I struck first, my confidence grew even more,” said Symuleski, a junior. “I feel like once we get to the first one, I’ll keep going, I’ll keep shooting.”

Almost immediately after Old Forge’s timeout, Symuleski made his third three-pointer and the Cougars took a 23-14 lead into halftime.

The second quarter energized Valley View and proved an encouraging sign for Symuleski, who scored all nine of his points in the game in the second quarter.

“I started the season quite slowly. I didn’t make as many shots as I should have,” Symuleski said. “But after all, I just want to keep shooting, keep shooting.

“I didn’t lose confidence, and it’s just a matter of confidence, making the shot.”

Noah Veno led the Cougars with 13 points and Aiden Smola added 12.

“We’re trying to find our place, find where we are,” Kurpis said. “We have three returning starters and two other guys who played a lot last year, so we knew we had a good returning core. But really, it’s just one match against another at this point.

Despite Cameron Parker’s 11 points, Old Forge was unable to capitalize on its good start.

“It was a great first quarter, but obviously as the game went on, I think it kind of hurt us,” Old Forge coach JJ Thomas said. “We just weren’t able to execute as well offensively.

“We really set a precedent playing defense, so I think giving up 23 points in the first half is exactly where we wanted to be.”

Logan Fanning’s return certainly helps.

The 6-foot-5 center from Old Forge struggled with injuries last season, but is fully healthy heading into his junior campaign. He finished with just three points Friday, but he was a brick wall defensively, recording three blocks.

“His size is definitely not a norm in Old Forge. We’re used to liking 5-10, 5-9 centers,” Thomas said. “He brings such a dynamic to our team.

“With him on the floor, I think he provides protection at the rim. Offensively, he’s someone we could get the ball to and he could affect the game.

Echoing his opponent’s sentiments, Thomas said Old Forge doesn’t place much stock in his early season record.

“It was a great test for us and I think we delivered,” Thomas said. “It definitely showed some positives. Obviously there are some things we need to work on, but I think we took – even with the defeat – a step in the right direction.

“It definitely prepares us for our league, which is going to be dog eat dog night after night. Our goals are always ahead of us.

Scranton 60, Mid Valley 57, OT: In Scranton, Tony Battaglia had 19 points, including four in overtime, to lead Scranton to a nonleague victory over Mid Valley on Friday.

Jaheam Roberts added 13 points, while Pedro Lugo had 10 and 14 rebounds for the Knights.

Kaleik Cook had 16 points to lead Mid Valley.

Records: MV 2-2, RCS 4-1.

Holy Cross 67, Preparation of the Holy Spirit 55: At Devon Prep, Michael Hughes had 18 points to lead Holy Cross to a non-league victory over Holy Ghost Prep on Friday.

Matt Lyons added 16 points, while Adam Badyrka finished with 15.

Robert Segarich and Adrien Varella each had 11 points for Holy Ghost Prep.

Records: HC 4-1, HGP 3-3.

Dunmore 73, Montrose 45: At Dunmore, Jimmy Clark scored 28 points, Nate Aviles added 22 and Dunmore beat Montrose in a nonleague game Friday.

Brayden Canavan added 16 points for Dunmore.

Connor Flynn scored 14 to pace Montrose, while Jack Russell scored 11.

Records: MON 3-2, DUN 5-0.

Mountain View 46, West Wayne 37: At Western Wayne, Jackson Gesford scored 18, Hudson Bain added 16 and Mountain View beat Western Wayne in nonleague action Friday.

Sean Owens paced Western Wayne with 15 points.

Records: MTV 2-3, World War 1-3.

Delaware Valley 41, Warwick 37: At Delaware Valley, Tyler Lombardo scored 12 points, Trey Newton added 10 and Delaware Valley picked up a non-league win over Warwick on Friday.

Jaedyn Rodriguez paced Warwick with a game-high 16 points.

Records: WAR 1-1, DV 4-0.

Wallenpaupack 55, Honesdale 45: At Honesdale, Justin Blanding led Wallenpaupack with 26 points, as the Buckhorns defeated Honesdale Friday in nonleague action.

Anthony Passaro led Honesdale with 12 points, while Luke Murray added 11.

Records: MARKET 3-1, HON 3-2.

Elk Lake 56, Tunkhannock 37: At Tunkhannock, the Warriors took a 10-point lead after one quarter to earn the non-league victory Friday.

John Heitsman had the hot hand, scoring 17 of his 25 points in the second half. Chase Pond added nine points in the win.

Jayden Ransom scored 13 points to pace Tunkhannock.

Records: ELK 3-2, TUN 1-6.

Lakeland 53, Carbondale Zone 13: David Naniewicz scored a game-high 14 points and the Chiefs took the win.

Dylan Kopa scored eight points and Chase Rosenkrans added six points for the Chiefs.

Cole Becchetti paced Carbondale Area with six points.

Records: LAK 2-2, CAR 0-5.

Originally published: December 13, 2024 at 11:49 p.m. EST