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Hazleton Today
By the People, for the People
Hazleton Area Cougars defeat Scranton Knights in boys’ basketball playoffs
Cougars end long playoff losing streak against rival Scranton Knights to advance to semifinals
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Hazleton Area Cougars boys’ basketball team defeated the Scranton Knights in a playoff matchup, ending a long losing streak against their District 2 rival. Key Cougars players Dylan Stish, Kendrick Ortiz, and Yo-Yo Moran led the team to victory, advancing them to the semifinals.
Why it matters
The Cougars’ win over the Knights ends a frustrating playoff losing streak that had lasted for several years. Hazleton Area and Scranton are longtime rivals in District 2 high school basketball, making this an important victory for the Cougars program.
The details
In previous playoff matchups, the Hazleton Area Cougars had lost to the Scranton Knights five times in a row. However, this game was different, with the Cougars’ trio of Dylan Stish, Kendrick Ortiz, and Yo-Yo Moran leading the team to victory and advancing them to the semifinals.
- The game was played on February 19, 2026.
The players
Dylan Stish
A key player for the Hazleton Area Cougars boys’ basketball team.
Kendrick Ortiz
A key player for the Hazleton Area Cougars boys’ basketball team.
Yo-Yo Moran
A key player for the Hazleton Area Cougars boys’ basketball team.
Hazleton Area Cougars
The high school boys’ basketball team that defeated the Scranton Knights in the playoffs.
Scranton Knights
The high school boys’ basketball team that lost to the Hazleton Area Cougars in the playoffs.
The takeaway
The Hazleton Area Cougars’ victory over their longtime rival Scranton Knights in the playoffs represents an important milestone for the program, ending a frustrating losing streak and advancing them to the semifinals.
