Northampton’s Season Comes to an End In Opening Round of PIAA Tournament

NORTHAMPTON – The Northampton Boys’ Basketball team’s season has come to an end. Northampton (19-10) fell to Hazleton Area (13-12) out of District 2 Saturday afternoon 60-41.

“It was a great team effort,” said Hazleton Area’s Head Coach Pat Brogan. “Our defense played well today and our rebounding was outstanding.” There is a lot to be proud of this season. 

This year, the Northampton Boys’ Basketball team won the EPC conference title and the first league championship since 1973.“It’s been 52 years since Northampton has had a championship,” said Head Coach Matt Scholl. “We have a lot to be proud of and a lot to work on in the offseason.

The Konkrete Kids came out hot from the opening tip-off hitting three threes and leading 12-2. But the Cougars defense clamped down and the offense scored the next 13 points in the first quarter to lead 15-12 after one. Luis Guzman led with six points in the quarter. 

In the second quarter, it was back and forth. Hazleton’s lead at one point was 27 to 14. But, the Konkrete Kids hit three big baskets late in the first half to cut the Cougars lead to 27-23 at halftime. Northampton’s Leo Regec had four points and Dylan Stish led the Cougars with six points in the quarter. 

The Cougars’ rebounding and defense was key for the Cougars. On offense, they had runs of 8 and 7 to increase their lead after three quarters to 45-31. Guzman scored nine points and had several key rebounds. 

Anytime Northampton made a basket, the Cougars had an answer. Guzman finished the fourth quarter scoring six points and finished the game with a double-double and 23 points. 

With the win, Hazleton Area will face Conestoga who defeated Mechanicsburg 52-42. 

Northampton was led by Brady Simock with 11 points.