0 @ 0 e ~The Dallas Post -SportsWeek By LEN KRYESKI Sports Writer HAZLETON - The five individual district titles won by Lake-Lehman wrestlers were out of this world, but in order to wrestle for the Knights, you must never forget rule number one. Wrestling is a team sport and the team comes first. “We really focused on the semi- finals this year,” said Lehman co- coach Phil Lipski. “The team pre- pared like this was a dual meet and they perfected it to a ‘t"." Lehman dominated the ever important semi-final round dur- ing this past weekend's district competition by winning eight of 10 matches. Of the eight Black Knights in the finals, Matt Raczkowski, Bill Breha, Eric Maciejczak, Brian Butler and Mike Pitcavage, managed to bring home a District 2, Class AA gold medal. The Black Knights also came home with the prize they coveted most - the district trophy. By outdistancing Meyers 252 - 215 1/2, Lehman won the AA team title for the third consecutive year. It's the school's 12th overall dis- trict trophy won by the wrestlers. Dallas followed up last year's strong third place finish in sixth with 100 points. After reaching the century mark the Mountain- eers had four chances to add to their team score with three wres- tlersin the consolation round and another shooting for a district championship. But the Mounts came up short every time, and finished the two-day event stuck on 100. Grapplers needed at least a top four finish to qualify for this weekend's pre-regional tourna- Rachel Kaufman looks back with fondness By LEN KRYESKI Sports Writer JACKSON TWP. - She may not have realized it until her high school basketball career at Lake- Lehman was over, but for Rachel Kaufman the end justified the means. “I'll never forget my last game as a senior,” said Kaufman. “Even though we lost, it didn't matter — we had a successful season. That whole last game experience is most memorable.” The experience to which Kaufman is referring goes way beyond the presentation of roses and the introduction of her par- ents prior to the last home game earlier this month. It's the recog- nition for four years of sweat and performance in a Lehman uni- form from both coaches and team- mates alike. It was the cheering and clapping from friends and fans. It was also the hugs of appreciation and friendship that made her realize her contribution to the program was worthwhile. The daughter of David and Barbara Kaufman of Jackson Township got her start on the hardwoods in the P.T.A. league back in elementary school. She's loved and played the game ever since. A four-year member of the varsity, Rachel has been in Dick Morgan's starting lineup each of the past two seasons. “I enjoy the team unity and the skill involved,” Kaufman said. “(Basketball) has given me the ability to use a leadership posi- tion with the team outlook in mind.” . Kaufman became a leader for the Lady Knights during the course of her senior season. She's ment. Mountaineers Mike Metz, John Crispell, Chris Kuderka and Matt Gingo will make the trip to the Western Wayne gymnasium this weekend. Eleven of Lehman's 13 wres- tlers advanced. In addition to the five champions Joe Halowich, Ned Walsh and Tony Tereska finished second. Nick Raczkowski and Pal Rogowski won their consolation bouts while Sam Saylor finished fourth. “It was a consummate perfor- mance up and down the line-up,” added Lipski. “The confidence level is outstanding. don't think we've peaked yet!” The team contributions went beyond those of 13 teammates battling at the district competi- tion, which started at Wyoming Valley West Friday and ended at Hazleton Saturday. Senior Mike Rogowski sacrificed his spot, al- lowing Tereska to move down to his natural weight of 189. After putting together a fine season, See WRESTLING, pg 10 RACHEL KAUFMAN developed a strong relationship with and earned the respect of the underclassman. Playing inside at both the center and power for- ward positions has helped Rachel overcome her biggest obstacle on the court; a lack of aggressive- ness. “My biggest improvement has been my aggressiveness,” Kaufman said. “Being more ag- gressive also helps in other areas, See KAUFMAN, pg 10 HB School news HB Classified BM Calendar ..Black Knights dominate district wrestling meet POST PHOTO/RON BARTIZEK Brian Butler worked on a very distressed Valley View wrestler on the way to a pin Friday night. Sixers go into playoffs undefeated Dallas Youth 7th and 8th grade basketball ended its regular sea- son Feb. 18. There were four games on tap, with a number of standing positions still to be de- cided. In the opening game, it was the Sixers all over the Warriors by a score of 63-42. At the end of the first quarter it was the Sixers 16- 9. In the second quarter, the Sixers exploded with a 23-10 run to give them a 39-19 half time lead. The Sixers continued their scoring onslaught in the third and fourth quarters, and coasted to an easy win. The Sixers were led by Matt Wycallis with 27 points including two three-point goals, followed by Matt Jackson with 24 points. The Warrior offense was led by Paul Dougal with 15 points, followed by Kevin Piekara with 12 points including two three-point goals. Justin Bicking chipped in with nir.e points. In the second game of the after- noon, the Hornets outlasted the Blazers 38-29. The Hornets and Blazers played pretty much even through most of the first three quarters, with the Hornets hold- ing a 28-27 lead at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter They're the top The Dallas 8th grade girls squeaked past Lake-Lehman 34- 30 Sunday to. claim ihe championship in the Wyoming Valley West 7th-8th grade tournament. It was a see-saw game all the way, with Dallas holding a two-point lead at the half, and Lehman battling to a 26- 26 tie at the end of three periods. Up by two with a few seconds to go, Jen Noon converted two free throws to ice the win. Leading the scoring for Dallas were Kendall Santarelli with 14 points and Stephanie Simonitis with 10. Melissa DeCesaris led Lehman with 14, followed by Janelle Perlis with 10. "ltwas ashame one team had to lose," said Dallas coach Joe Noon. The Dallas team, in top photo, from left; Joe Noon, Jen Noon, Kendall Santarelli, Stephanie Simonitis, Sarah Nichols, Denise Kovaleski, Jeannie Dreier, Stacey Amann, Melanie Sappe, Erica Turner. Above left, Sarah Lozo, with the ball, guarded by Jeannie Dreier, left, and Stephanie Simonitis. Behind is Janelle Perlis. Above right, the Lake-Lehman team, from left; Rob Williams, Melanie Borish, Jen Frank, Megan Harleman, Jen Walkoviak, Melissa DeCesaris, Janelle Perlis, Sarah Lozo, AprilNaugle, Melissa Bray, JenSmith. POST PHOTOS/JIM PHILLIPS a | —- FINAL STANDINGS Sixers 10-0 Celtics 7-3 Hornets 6-4 Magic 6-4 Heat 5-5 Warriors 2-8 Trailblazers 2-8 Bulls 2-8 proved to be the hot quarter for the Hornets as they outscored the Blazers 10-2 to seal the win. The Hornets scoring was evenly dis- tributed; Jeff Zaruta and Pat Velde each chipped in with 10 points, followed by Justin Jumper with six points. The Blazer offense was led by Chad Woolbert and Tom Byron, each with 10 points. In the third game, the Bulls defeated the Magic 51-36. The Magic led early in the game with a 14-9 first quarter score. How- ever, the Bulls outscored the Magic in the second quarter by 15-6, to take a 24-20 halftime lead. In the third quarter, the Bulls contin- ued their scoring dominance and outscored the Magic 27-16 in the last two quarters. The Bulls’ of- fense was led by Mike Regan with a game high 33 points, followed by Lloyd Droppers with 10 points. The Magic offense was led by Mike Domzalski with 22 points, fol- lowed by Ryan Sorber with 10 points. In the final game of the after- noon, it was the Celtics outlasting the Heat in overtime to come away with a hard fought 49-45 win. The Heat led 6-2 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Celtics and Heat both went on scoring runs, with the Heat hold- ing a 20-15 half time lead. The Heat had a three point lead with eight seconds to play in the fourth quarter, when Buddy Shah took a pass fromdJay Carroll, and drained a three-point basket with one sec- ond in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. The Celtics outscored the Heat in overtime 9-5 to seal the win. The Celtics offense was led by Jay Carroll with 16 points including two three-point goals, followed by Buddy Shah with 13 points in- cluding three three-point goals. The Heat offense was led by Joe Stupino with 16 points, followed by Danny Fetko with 11 points. St. John's on top of standings Miami defeated Syracuse 49- 27, as Blake Saba took game high ‘scoring honors with 17 points. Chris Hiester and Christian Coolbaugh chipped in with 12 and 11 respectively. Todd Kerestes, Chris Arnaud, Matt Carey and Tim Kerestes each added a basket, while Ryan Bolera led a strong Miami defense. For Syracuse, Bobby Gebhart paced the offense with 10 points and Bobby Zaruta added seven. Tom Dougal and Jeff Singer each added four points. Georgetown defeated Villanova 40-22, as John Simonitis was too much to handle on the inside, scoring a game-high 25 points. Donny Murray had five points while Angelo Reccia and Bobby Hadzor added four points each. Paul McCue also scored a basket. Greg Mascioli paced Villanova's offense with 10 points while Jeff Dickson chipped in with eight. Mike Smith and Dennis Ellis each STANDINGS THRU FEB. 17 St. John’s 11-2 Miami 10-3 Georgetown 9-4 Seton Hall 8-5 Pittsburgh 6-7 Boston College 5-8 Syracuse 3-9 Villanova 0-13 had a basket for Villanova. Seton Hall picked up a win, defeating Boston College 33-25. John Pambianco led Seton Hall's offense with a game-high 18 points. Brian Dempsey chipped in with 10 points, while Tony Van Horn and Ryan Kellagher each had a basket. For Boston College, Mike English led the way with 10 points and Jordy Spencer added seven points. Curt Kieper and Kevin Arnaud played strong de- fensive games. Honored at end of youth career The Back Mountain Wrestling Club recently honored three wrestlers who are completing their last year with the club. The boys were awarded senior jackets which designate the number of years of their participation. Pictured are, Aaron Kubasik, seven years; Doug Bedford, two years and Marc Shaw, six years.
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