We are approaching the end of the regular season for high school basketball. Teams a starting to turn green in the District 11 power rankings, signifying their playoff berth in their respective class for the district tournament.
Pocono Mountain East and West boys continue to stand atop the mountain, with West continuing to lead from the front after a 10-point victory over the Cardinals. The Panthers look like a top contender for the EPC title and the Class 6A title. While the Cardinals have a strong chance of making the EPC tournament, a Thursday night loss to Northampton doesn’t help their case. Additionally, Mark Dudley’s squad is 2-4 against potential playoff teams; that isn’t a confident stat as the postseason approaches.
Pleasant Valley has the next best record among the public schools, but the Bears still need a few more wins to guarantee a district playoff spot. Four of their remaining games are against teams with losing records, but they’ll need at least one win against a team with a winning record to get to 11. That said, it’s a nice turnaround of Bobby Hahn after a disappointing record last season. Zach Prator has played well for Pleasant Valley, as has sophomore forward Sebastian Sacci.
Notre Dame – East Stroudsburg is also in contention for a playoff spot in 1A. The reigning back-to-back district champs are currently fifth, and the top six teams qualify for the postseason. Their final few weeks are tough, arguably a tougher strength of schedule compared to some of the other teams on the mountain. Senior guard Preston Protheroe will need to continue his herculean effort to give his team the edge.
East Stroudsburg North is the only team in the are that hasn’t won a game in 2025, yet the Timberwolves are benefitting from an overall weak Class 5A that allows them to remain in playoff contention. Denzal McKenzie has pieces, but so far they continue to struggle and lose. Hopefully that turns around before February gets here.
Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg South are continuing their rebound. Nothing new to report besides the debut of a promising player for the Cavaliers – freshman guard Julian Acevedo. He’s missed most of the season due to an injury, but he looked OK in his debut against Liberty, dishing out four assists. Scott Moskovitz was right to speak highly of his skill.
On the girls side of the mountain, Stroudsburg is clearly the best team in the area. McKayla Strunk is only a couple of games away from 1,000-career points, and the Mounties are preparing for their ninth district tournament appearance in 11 seasons.
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