By: Edward Kiesendahl
After a hard-fought loss this past Saturday, the Wallenpaupack boys’ basketball looked to get back in the winning column Monday night. It would be a game filled with high emotions with it being the Buckhorns senior night, celebrating the athletes who have dedicated so much time and effort into the sport they love. The class of 2026 includes Diego Adames, Jaymison Ostrowski, Alex Rosenberg, Arthur Schmidt, Landon Shanaberger, Nick VanBuskirk, and JP Yeo. Few teams other than their opponent North Pocono would have loved it more than ruining Paupack’s senior night. Recently, Paupack has owned the series against North Pocono from eliminating the Trojans from playoff contention both last two years and beating them earlier this season. The stage was set with both teams looking to make the night a special one.
With all seniors starting, it was a different look than their usual starting five. Still, the boys were getting things done. Arthur Schmidt scored the first two baskets of the night, both on put-back lay-ups. Seeing the seniors get off to a good start brought the energy way up in the gym, but in the second quarter North Pocono would bring some energy of their own flipping the momentum and the lead. The score stood at 19-15, North Pocono’s advantage, at the half.
To start the second half, things continued to go the Trojans’ way. However, a three-pointer from Eddie Kiesendahl sparked a 10-0 run for the Buckhorns, allowing them to take the lead 25-23 halfway through the third quarter. This would lead to Paupack finishing the third quarter with a 32-27 lead. Big finishes by Jaymison Ostrowski and Landon Shanaberger as well as a clutch free throw from Diego Adames helped the Buckhorns seal the win 43-42. It was a great night for Paupack to celebrate their seniors in the best way possible, with a win.
The Buckhorns’ next game will once again be against the North Pocono Trojans at home, but this third matchup will be win or go home for both teams. This will be the third year in a row that the Bucks will face the Trojans in the first round of the district II playoffs as Paupack looks to make it three years straight of sending the Trojans packing. It will be no easy task as beating a team three times in one year. The game will be next Tuesday night at home with a tip-off at 6:45.
