Hurricanes' season ends in PIAA 2A state playoff opener

Schuylkill Haven falls to Delone Catholic in 77-46 loss

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Hurricanes' season came to an end in the PIAA Class 2A state playoffs, as they fell to Delone Catholic 77-46. Schuylkill Haven struggled to convert shots around the basket and was outrebounded by the Crusaders. Delone Catholic's Luke Rebert led all scorers with 24 points.

Why it matters

This loss ends Schuylkill Haven's season after they won the District 11 2A Championship just last week. The Hurricanes were making their second state playoff appearance in the last three years, gaining valuable experience for the future.

The details

Schuylkill Haven (17-9) fell behind early and couldn't recover, shooting just 1-for-10 from inside the arc in the first half. Delone Catholic (24-1) dominated the paint, outrebounding the Hurricanes 26-12. Justin Watcher led Schuylkill Haven with 18 points, while Max Heim added 13.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Delone Catholic advances to the second round of the PIAA 2A state playoffs on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Justin Watcher

A player for the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes who led the team with 18 points in the loss.

Max Heim

A player for the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes who scored 13 points in the game.

Luke Rebert

The leading scorer for Delone Catholic with 24 points.

Delone Catholic

The opponent, a 24-1 team that advances to the second round of the PIAA 2A state playoffs.

Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes

The home team that saw its season end with the 77-46 loss.

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What they’re saying

“We have nothing to be ashamed of because we set out a goal to win the district championship and we accomplished that goal.”

— Justin Watcher

“When you look at the shot charts from the first half to the second half they had a lot more shots around the basket and completely dominated the lane.”

— Fran Murphy, Schuylkill Haven coach

“They play great team basketball and none of those guys are very selfish and they worked the ball to their best players.”

— Justin Watcher

What’s next

Delone Catholic will take on the winner of the Constitution vs. Church Farm School matchup in the second round of the PIAA 2A state playoffs on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This loss ends a successful season for the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes, who won their district championship but were overmatched by the talented Delone Catholic squad in the state playoffs. The experience will be valuable as the Hurricanes look to build on this season and make another run at the state tournament in the future.