YATESVILLE — Atlas Realty won three marches this week while playing shorthanded in the Yatesville Bocce League. Only Bob Barbacci and Charlie Adonizio were available for duty and did well, moving into playoff contention.

With only one week left in the first half, the last playoff spot is still up for grabs. The points accumulated are the tie-breaker in case of a tie for the playoff spots. The only exception is for first place — should a tie occur then a one game playoff is necessary to determine first place.

Standings

Lombardo’s Market, 14 wins-8 losses, 221 points

JetSurge Power Cleaning, 13-8, 210

Dyller Law Firm, 12-9, 201

Atlas Realty, 11-11, 211

Roberts’ Repairs, 11-11, 199

Colarusso’s Restaurant, 10-11, 193

Blandina Apartments, 10-11, 180

Old Forge Chiropractic, 8-13, 188

Bassler Equipment, 8-13, 154

Bocci is a game of inches as Guy DePascale Sr. explains, demonstrating how a ruler is used to determine a point.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_bocci-4.jpgBocci is a game of inches as Guy DePascale Sr. explains, demonstrating how a ruler is used to determine a point. Tony Callaio File Photo | For Sunday Dispatch

RICE TWP. – The West had already scored the game’s first three runs when Tyler Dougherty stepped to the plate with two on and two out with the bottom of the second inning Thursday night.

The Wyoming Area second baseman made sure the inning did not end there.

Dougherty, a left-handed hitter, lofted a ball down the left-field line, dropping it in for a two-run double that put the team in command on the way to a 10-5 victory over the East in the Wyoming Valley Conference Baseball Senior All-Star Game at the Mountain Post American Legion Field.

“The pitch was a little high, right at my chest, and a bit outside,” Dougherty said. “I took it that way.”

Dougherty was not finished. He led off the seventh inning with a single and scored the run that gave the West an 8-2 lead.

“I just came down here to have some fun with my teammates,” Dougherty said after receiving the game’s Most Valuable Player award.

Dougherty was one of two Wyoming Area players on the West team. Two Pittston Area players were on the East team.

Cory Lescavage played shortstop and pitched for the West.

Lescavage was 0-for-2 as a walk as the second hitter in the West lineup in the game where every player batted in succession rather than a nine-man batting order with substitutions.

As the West’s starting shortstop, Lescavage erased the game’s first base runner. He caught a low liner to start the first of the game’s four double plays and end the first inning.

Lescavage pitched the seventh inning, taking the mound with a 7-1 lead and allowing only an unearned run. He struck out two while giving up a hit and a walk and throwing one wild pitch.

The two Warriors were joined by players from Northwest, Tunkhannock, Dallas, Wyoming Valley West and Wyoming Seminary on the winning team.

Jeff Donnora and Kyle Turonis from Pittston Area played for the East, which also included Hazleton Area, Hanover Area, Nanticoke, Crestwood, MMI Prep, GAR and Coughlin.

Donnora went 1-for-2. The left fielder singled and scored in the eighth inning.

Turonis played third base and pitched. He was hit by a pitch in the first inning, but doubled off when Lescavage caught the line. He then finished 0-for-2.

As a pitcher, Turonis worked the seventh inning, giving up four singles, but just one run by working out of a bases-loaded situation.

Dougherty

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TylerDougherty.jpgDougherty

WEST WYOMING — With a pair of heartbreaking losses in the Section 5 Senior Baseball Championships, Pittston Area was eliminated.

In the opener on Wednesday, the locals allowed five runs in the bottom of the seventh. Contributing for Pittston Area in the loss were Matthew Starinsky (double, triple), Kolton Zafuto (two singles) and Jonathan Winters (triple). Jonathan Bone had a double, while Phil Cocco and Kyle Ralston each had singles.

Following the loss, the locals were challenged by Greenridge, out of District 32. After holding a three-run lead in the final innings, Pittston Area eventually fell in extras. Dominic Stella and Winters each had two hits. Bone had a double, while Starinsky, Cocco and Zafuto each had singles.

Pittston Area’s Kyle Ralston pitches in the Section 5 Senior Baseball played in West Wyoming on Wednesday, July 6.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_seniorbaseball03.jpgPittston Area’s Kyle Ralston pitches in the Section 5 Senior Baseball played in West Wyoming on Wednesday, July 6. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Dominic Stella, left, escapes the tag and races for home in the Section 5 Senior Baseball played in West Wyoming on Wednesday, July 6.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_seniorbaseball01.jpgPittston Area’s Dominic Stella, left, escapes the tag and races for home in the Section 5 Senior Baseball played in West Wyoming on Wednesday, July 6. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s John Winters throws the ball over to first base in the Section 5 Senior Baseball played in West Wyoming on Wednesday, July 6.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_seniorbaseball02.jpgPittston Area’s John Winters throws the ball over to first base in the Section 5 Senior Baseball played in West Wyoming on Wednesday, July 6. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

It was a total team effort as every Pittston Area starter had at least one hit in the team’s 12-9 District 16 10-11 Championship win over Mountain Top on Friday. It was the team’s second win over Mountain Top in three days to secure the title.

Callie Booth had two hits and two runs scored. Skylar Borthwick finished with two hits and Sophia Vanesko recorded two hits and two runs. Ava Serino was the winning pitcher with eight strikeouts.

In the first championship game, Pittston Area’s Serino struck out 14 to get the 2-1 win. Sofia Quaglia had two hits and scored a run for Pittston Area while Taylor Baiera and Serino both singled in the win.

Pittston Area will play Old Forge at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21 in the Section 5 championships.

9-10 SOFTBALL

Pittston Area 26,

Mountain Top 0

Gianna Adams and Kate Wywoda combined on a four-inning no-hitter to push Greater Pittston into the District 16 championship round.

Every player in the Greater Pittston lineup recorded at least one hit. Pittston Area, who is unbeaten in the double elimination tournament, will play on Tuesday, July 12 against either Mountain Top or Nanticoke for a chance at the title.

Pittston Area 2,

Nanticoke 0

Gianna Adams struck out 16 as Pittston Area blanked Nanticoke in District 16 9-10 softball action. Maura Mihalka tripled while Ava Callahan had two hits and Isabella Giardina added one.

Shaylee Heffron struck out eight for Nanticoke.

Greater Wyo. Area 18,

Harveys Lake 2

Gillian Graham struck out nine to lead GWA in a four-inning win in District 31 play. Morgan Janeski topped the team at the plate, going 3 for 3. Ava Vacula and Kayla Leo both added two hits.

Kaylie Meader and Hope Hummel each had a hit for Harveys Lake.

Back Mountain 11,

Greater Wyoming Area 1

Victoria Spaciano threw a one-hitter, striking out 11 batters to lead Back Mountain past Greater Wyoming Area.

GWA’s Jilliam Graham had four strikeouts, while Kayla Leo finished with a singe single and RBI.

JUNIOR SOFTBALL

PA eliminated from title chances

Shayla Williams had a triple and a double for Pittston Area as the locals fell to Northwest, 10-6, in the championship game of the Section 5 Senior Softball Championships on Thursday.

Brianna Pizinno added a double and a single and Madisyn Antal singled in the loss. Northwest advanced to the Pennsylvania State Tournament, which begins July 13.

In the first game of the championship series, Northwest got a two-hitter from Aleigha Parnell in an 8-1 win over Pittston Area. Pizzano and Antal each had a hit for the locals.

Nanticoke’s Haylee Shotwell misses the ball as Pittston Area’s Isabella Giardina makes it to second.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL070716LittleLeague1.jpgNanticoke’s Haylee Shotwell misses the ball as Pittston Area’s Isabella Giardina makes it to second. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Gianna Adams led the locals past Nanticoke in District 16 9-10 softball action.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL070716LittleLeague3.jpgPittston Area’s Gianna Adams led the locals past Nanticoke in District 16 9-10 softball action. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch

Exeter’s chances of earning a District 31 9-10 baseball title were diminished by Back Mountain American on Friday in extra innings.

Sam Barrouk drove in Jude Nocito in the top of the seventh to give American the lead in extras. Barrouk picked up the win on the mound, striking out six in four innings.

Allan Lisman tied things up with a hit in the top of the sixth. Zach Paczewski led American with two hits. Exeter’s Dane Schutter had two hits of his own and pitched five strong innings. American advanced to the title game of District 31.

10-11 BASEBALL

Plains 11,

Avoca-Dupont 1

Noah Calloway had Avoca-Dupont’s only hit in an 11-1 loss at the hands of Plains in District 16 play. Ryan Novakowski had two hits and drove in four runs for an explosive Plains offense.

Braeden Cook, Drew Menendez, Evan Corcoran and Phil Altinski all joined Novakowski with two hits. Novakowski also allowed one hit through his four innings to pick up the victory on the mound.

South Wilkes-Barre 14,

Pittston Twp. 3

In a District 16 loss to South Wilkes-Barre, Pittston Township’s Adam Williams had a double and Pat Bohan had a single.

Winning pitcher Cael Ropietski rapped out three singles in a 3-for-4 night for South Wilkes-Barre.

Plains 10,

Pittston Twp. 0

Jeffrey Kozerski and Ryan Novakowski combined on a one-hitter with nine strikeouts for Plains in its four-inning, District 16 win.

Ethan Clarke had Pittston Township’s only hit.

Hanover 12,

Avoca/Dupont 0

Trent Winters and Nicky Franchetti each singled for Avoca/Dupont in the District 16 loss.

Northwest 16,

West Pittston 7

West Pittston fell to Northwest in a District 31 game.

Exeter’s Dane Schutter hits a single in front of Back Mountain American catcher Joey Peters in District 31 9-10 Little League action Friday night in Dallas.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD071016LLminors_spt_1.jpgExeter’s Dane Schutter hits a single in front of Back Mountain American catcher Joey Peters in District 31 9-10 Little League action Friday night in Dallas. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Exeter’s Joseph Marranca gets up after advancing to second base against Back Mountain American in a District 31 9-10 Little League semifinal Friday night in Dallas.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD071016LLminors_spt_2.jpgExeter’s Joseph Marranca gets up after advancing to second base against Back Mountain American in a District 31 9-10 Little League semifinal Friday night in Dallas. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Exeter second baseman Brady Noone throws to first after fielding a grounder against Back Mountain American in a District 31 9-10 Little League semifinal Friday night in Dallas.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD071016LLminors_spt_3.jpgExeter second baseman Brady Noone throws to first after fielding a grounder against Back Mountain American in a District 31 9-10 Little League semifinal Friday night in Dallas. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Exeter lead-off hitter Anthony DeLucca singles to left field against Back Mountain American in a District 31 9-10 Little League semifinal Friday night in Dallas.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD071016LLminors_spt_4.jpgExeter lead-off hitter Anthony DeLucca singles to left field against Back Mountain American in a District 31 9-10 Little League semifinal Friday night in Dallas. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

PITTSTON TWP. – In terms of pressure-packed situations, you won’t find one much bigger at any level.

A district title hanging in the balance. Tied ballgame in the bottom of the fifth. Runners on the corners.

The nerves never got to Jake Kelleher. Instead, the big first baseman stood in, and etched his name in West Pittston Little League history.

Kelleher drove a ball down the right-field line for a two-run double, and relief pitcher Ethan Elmes held Back Mountain National at bay in the sixth as West Pittston won the District 31 Major championship with a 7-5 victory Monday in Pittston Township.

The victory marked the first time since 1996 that West Pittston won a district title, and it also avenged a 15-2 loss to National in pool play. The team will now host the Section 5 Major tournament, which begins Saturday.

“This was a fantastic effort all around. The boys showed such resiliency,” West Pittston manager Jim Manganiello said. “Every time you play Back Mountain, that little bit of fear creeps in your head when they start coming back. But credit to the boys. They really did a good job. I’m so happy for everyone in West Pittston. It’s huge. I played Little League there. We are a small community, and we are playing these teams that some of them combine two school districts. I’m just proud of our kids.”

Kelleher didn’t waste much time at the plate in his fifth-inning at-bat.

With Elmes standing on third via a Back Mountain National error and JJ Hood on first after a five-pitch walk, Kelleher drove the first pitch he saw from Chris Killian down the right-field line. The ball rolled all the way to the fence, allowing Elmes to easily score and Hood to come all the way around the bases to break up a 4-4 tie.

“It felt so great to get the winning runs because we haven’t won a district championship in a while,” Kelleher said. “It was nice to get the winning hit. I was nervous, but it wasn’t too bad. I knew that we had the heart of our order up, so we had to get the job done. I just wanted to do my best.”

Even a three-run lead entering the top of the sixth didn’t feel comfortable – especially without its ace pitcher as Hood reached his pitch limit in the fifth after striking out 10 batters.

Elmes did what he needed to do.

He allowed an inning-opening double by Jared Adamski, who later scored on Graedon Finarelli’s grounder to short. But that’s the only run BMN plated in the frame.

“JJ pitched well for them, and he had our guys off-balance,” National manager Chuck Youngman said. “We had some home runs off of him, but they just did a better job of getting those timely hits. I knew that our team would battle because our kids love to compete. We’ve played together for a long time. Tonight was just their night with the big hits.”

What was expected to be a pitcher’s duel between two hard-throwers, Hood and National’s Ty Federici, quickly turned into a hit fest with balls flying out of the park.

Hood absolutely demolished a ball well beyond the fence in center field to give West Pittston a 2-1 lead after one inning.

After Will Youngman hit the first of his two homers to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the third, West Pittston quickly responded.

A two-out, full-count walk to Kelleher set the table for Jason Wiedl, who smacked the Pittston Township Little League wooden sign in center for a two-run dinger.

National got the runs back in Hood’s final inning of work as Youngman and Federici drove back-to-back home runs to right field, knotting the score once again.

Hood, who threw a one-hitter against Kingston/Forty Fort in the semifinals, was sensational again – walking just two batters, striking out 10 and allowing four runs.

“We knew we were going up against a good opponent,” Hood said. “I was confident that we could pull it out, but it was still nerve-racking. I think I really started to settle down after we got the first two runs. This feel awesome.”

National’s pitchers weren’t bad, either. The trio of Federici, Killian and Will Youngman combined on a four-hitter with eight strikeouts, but also issued with eight free passes.

“Most recently, we have been coming alive with the bats. And hopefully, we can carry that momentum to sectionals,” Manganiello said. “We have the guys that can do it. We just have to get the at-bats and work on it in practice.”

West Pittston 7, Back Mountain National 5

Back Mtn. National `AB`R`H`BI

Zawadzki cf `3`0`0`0

Youngman ss `3`2`2`2

Federici p `2`2`2`1

Killian c `2`0`1`1

N. Finarelli lf `3`0`1`0

Adamski 1b `2`1`1`0

Shiskowski ph-ss `1`0`0`0

Sholtis 2b `2`0`0`0

Shultz ph `1`0`0`0

Murray 3b `1`0`0`0

G. Finarelli ph `2`0`0`1

Hromisin rf `1`0`0`0

Healey ph`2`0`0`0

Totals `25`5`7`5

West Pittston `AB`R`H`BI

Melberger 2b `3`1`0`0

Elmes ss `3`1`0`0

Hood p `2`2`1`2

Kelleher 3b `1`2`1`2

Wiedl c `2`1`1`2

Sokach-Minnick cf `2`0`0`0

Janosky ph `0`0`0`0

Ross 3b `1`0`0`0

Wrobleski ph `1`0`0`0

Kashuba lf `1`0`0`1

H. Rosen ph `1`0`0`0

M. Rosen rf `2`0`1`0

Pitcavage ph `0`0`0`0

Totals `19`7`4`7

2B — Adamski; Kelleher. HR — Youngman 2, Federici; Hood, Wiedl.

Back Mt. National `101 `021` –` 5

West Pittston `202 `03x` –` 7

Back Mt. National `IP `H`R`ER`BB`SO

Federici `2`1`2`2`3`3

Killian, L `2`3`5`4`2`3

Youngman `1`0`0`0`3`2

West Pittston `IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Hood, W `5`6`4`4`2`10

Elmes `1`1`1`1`0`1

West Pittston wins the District 31 Little League Championship for the first time in 20 years on Monday by defeating Back Mountain 7-5.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_win-1-1.jpgWest Pittston wins the District 31 Little League Championship for the first time in 20 years on Monday by defeating Back Mountain 7-5. Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

West Pittston third baseman Nick Ross celebrates his team winning the District 31 Little League Championship on Monday after defeating Back Mountain 7-5.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_win-2-1.jpgWest Pittston third baseman Nick Ross celebrates his team winning the District 31 Little League Championship on Monday after defeating Back Mountain 7-5. Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

West Pittston third baseman Nick Ross fields a grounder in the District 31 Little League Championship game on Monday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_win-3-1.jpgWest Pittston third baseman Nick Ross fields a grounder in the District 31 Little League Championship game on Monday. Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

Back Mountain’s Will Youngman gets the force out at second base on West Pittston’s Jake Kelleher (44) in the first inning during Monday’s District 31 Little League Championship game in Pittston Township.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_win-4-1.jpgBack Mountain’s Will Youngman gets the force out at second base on West Pittston’s Jake Kelleher (44) in the first inning during Monday’s District 31 Little League Championship game in Pittston Township. Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

EXETER — Pulling up to Four Seasons Golf Club, one would think it’s Sunday morning at a prominent golf course in the Florida panhandle. Yet, it’s a Tuesday — in Exeter.

There are golf carts everywhere, as is that definitive “ping” sound of a driver screeching throughout the property.

Each Tuesday, nearly 80 women from all over the Wyoming Valley gather at the club for the “Diamonds in the Rough” golf league.

The league was founded nearly 30 years ago at the former Jean’s Run Golf Course in Muhlenburg — that course is now called Morgan Hills Golf Course. When Jean’s Run closed, the league shifted to Applewood Golf Course between Harding and Dallas. When Applewood closed in 2011, the league moved to Four Seasons for the first time.

According to league president Noreen Jones, who is in her first term and has been playing in the league for nearly its entire existence, the course in Exeter started to take a turn for the worse three years ago. Once again, a move to another course was voted on. For the last two years, the league called Wilkes-Barre Golf Club in Bear Creek its home.

The Wilkes-Barre Golf Club wasn’t the right fit. The club wanted a set amount of golfers to show up each week or the league would be financially responsible to pick up the rest. With approximately 70 paid members, the league would average about 40 players at Wilkes-Barre Golf Club.

Back at Four Seasons, which is under new management, the league has a bit more freedom. Jones said the league is now getting more players each week.

A different style

Diamonds in the Rough is not a typical golf league. Most leagues in the area feature two- or four-person teams competing against each other every week. This league is competitive, but there are no teams.

Each player hits the course and plays for their own score each week. At the end of the season, a banquet is held and prizes are awarded for the best scores, which also includes handicapped net scores. This allows all players to have a shot at earning a prize.

“It’s very fun and I can’t stress that enough,” Jones said. “The women are very enjoyable. You have the women that are competitive, too, and they want to go out. We’re all there to improve the game, but the bottom line is that it is fun.”

Although the league is designed to have fun on the golf course, it’s also helping the community.

Each year, the league votes on a local non-profit, or a family in need of assistance, to make a charitable donation. This past June, the league raised $3,000 for a local resident who was battling cancer.

Course on par

As far as making the decision to come back to Four Seasons, Jones said, “So far, so good.”

David Fosko purchased the 18-hole course about a year ago and has been improving the grounds ever since. Fosko, of Dallas, specialized in golf management at Penn State University. While making improvements to the play of the course, Fosko also concentrated on getting the bar/restaurant and patio are up to par.

“He did a lot of improvements to the course,” Jones said. “Dave is very good and manages the course well and works with us.”

Once a month, the league hosts a “fun night.” This year, Fosko closed the course down so the dozens of golfers could take over the 18 holes for their night.

“The golf course is in better shape than it was,” Jones said.

The most recent fun night was held Tuesday, July 12. The theme of this fun night was Christmas in July. Yes, members were dressed in the holiday attire, and hit the golf course running.

All-women golf league Diamonds in the Rough start a round of golf at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter with a shotgun start.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf1_faa.jpgAll-women golf league Diamonds in the Rough start a round of golf at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter with a shotgun start. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Drena Gorgone tees of on the 17th hole at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter during a women’s golf league.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf2_faa.jpgDrena Gorgone tees of on the 17th hole at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter during a women’s golf league. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Noreen Jones reacts to a putt on the 16th green at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter as part of the Diamonds in the Rough golf league.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf3_faa.jpgNoreen Jones reacts to a putt on the 16th green at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter as part of the Diamonds in the Rough golf league. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Watching Michelle Belcastro putt with a ice hockey stick on the Happy Gilmore 18th hole are, from left, Drena Gorgone and Mary McGuire.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf4_faa.jpgWatching Michelle Belcastro putt with a ice hockey stick on the Happy Gilmore 18th hole are, from left, Drena Gorgone and Mary McGuire. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Michelle Belcastro is congratulated by Mary McGuire for sinking a putt on the Happy Gilmore 18th with a ice hockey stick at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf5_faa.jpgMichelle Belcastro is congratulated by Mary McGuire for sinking a putt on the Happy Gilmore 18th with a ice hockey stick at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Pam Putprush chips onto the 18th green at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter during league play.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf6_faa.jpgPam Putprush chips onto the 18th green at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter during league play. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Renee Chamberlain sinks a putt on the 18th hole, the Happy Gilmore Hole, with an ice hockey stick during league play at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf7_faa.jpgRenee Chamberlain sinks a putt on the 18th hole, the Happy Gilmore Hole, with an ice hockey stick during league play at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Noreen Jones marks her ball on the 16th green at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter. Christmas in July was the theme for the Diamonds in the Rough all-women golf league play.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf8_faa.jpgNoreen Jones marks her ball on the 16th green at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter. Christmas in July was the theme for the Diamonds in the Rough all-women golf league play. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Mary McGuire tees of on the 17th hole at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_womans_golf9_faa.jpgMary McGuire tees of on the 17th hole at the Four Seasons Golf Course in Exeter. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

PECKVILLE — Mando Sallavanti and Cooper Califano lead a highly decorated group of five Old Forge players that will take the field together one more time Wednesday night as members of the County team that will take on the City in the 82nd annual Dream Game at John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Scranton Lions Club sponsors the game for recent graduates of the Lackawanna Football Conference.

Mike Cantarella, Jaret Horn and Christian Mitchell join Sallavanti and Califano. They were part of a talented class that led Old Forge to the most successful three-year stretch in school history.

The Blue Devils won three LFC Division 3 and District 2 Class A titles on the way to the state playoffs in their sophomore through senior seasons. They went to overtime of the state Class A final before falling in 2013 and made it back to the state semifinals last season.

Sallavanti, at linebacker, and Califano, at tailback, were named first-team Class A all-state by the Pennsylvania Football News while also making major contributions on the other side of the ball.

The team’s leader with 10 sacks, 41 total tackles for losses and nearly 12 tackles per game, Sallavanti was named LFC Division 3 Defensive Player of the Year and all-District 2 linebacker by NPFSports.com. He was also a first-team division all-star tight end.

Califano ran for more than 1,545 yards and 28 touchdowns, including 261 yards and six touchdowns in the 51-7 state quarterfinal rout of Wyncote Bishop McDevitt. He was first-team Division 3 at tailback and second-team at linebacker.

Cantarella, a 270-pounder, was an all-District 2 offensive lineman and the LFC Division 3 Lineman of the Year, according to NPFSports.com. He was a two-way, first-team division choice in the line.

Horn was a first-team division all-star at wide receiver and kicker. He led the team in receiving and also started at defensive back.

Mitchell, a second-team division all-star defensive lineman, also played center.

Old Forge has the most players in the game out of any of the 10 schools that make up the County roster.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_OldForgeJPEG.jpg

PA tennis camp this July

HUGHESTOWN — The Pittston Area girls tennis team will host a camp for children in kindergarten through fourth grade from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 18 to Thursday, July 21 at the courts at the Martin Mattei Middle School.

Cost is $40 per player which includes practice, T-shirt, team match, healthy peanut-free snack and all equipment. All instructors are USTA certified 10 and under coaches. The camp is part of the Middle States Rally Stars. For more information contact Susan Connors at sconnors76@gmail.com.

PA cross country meeting July 21

PITTSTON — The Pittston Area Cross Country Parents Organization will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21 in the backroom at Savo’s Restaurant. All parents of the cross country team are asked to attend. For more information contact Jill Tighe at 570-457-5446.

WA lacrosse meeting July 27

WEST PITTSTON — The Wyoming Area Boys and Girls Lacrosse Parents Organization will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday July 27 at the Moose Lodge, 425 Exeter Ave.

Election of officers on both boards will be held at this meeting.

Anyone wishing to run for positions on the board can attend the meeting.

Miles for Michael tourney is July 29

PITTSTON — The Miles for Michael Golf Tournament will be held Friday, July 29 at Blue Ridge Golf Club in Mountain Top.

Registrations and lunch will be held at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start will take place at 1 p.m. Following the event, participants can attend an awards ceremony and dinner. Prizes will be awarded for flights, closest to pin, and longest drive.

For more information, or to register, sponsor, or donate, contact Kristy Rosiak or Mary Rossi at 570-654-5505.

WA football to host tourney

EXETER — The Wyoming Area Football Alumni Open golf tournament will be held Saturday, July 30 at Four Seasons Golf Club.

The event is captain and crew and is scheduled for a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $85 per golfer, which includes food, refreshments, entertainment and prizes. The tournament is limited to the first 92 entries. Proceeds from the event benefit the Wyoming Area Football Alumni Association.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information contact Lou Ciampi Jr. at 570-654-4040 for more information.

DePrimo tourney is Aug. 6

WEST PITTSTON — The 1st Lt. Jeffrey DePrimo Memorial Fund of the Luzerne Foundation will host its eighth annual golf tournament Aug. 6 at the Wilkes Barre Golf Club. Registration is at 7 a.m. with captain and crew tee-off at 8 a.m.

Cost is $75 per golfer, which includes cart and 18 holes of golf, followed by dinner and awards.

Sponsors are being accepted for $500 up to $1,000, which includes recognition at the event through prominently displayed signage on all golf carts, recognition at luncheon, as well as on the tournament website. Sargent Level Sponsor is $100, which receives recognition at the event through prominently displayed signage at one hole at the tournament as well as on the website.

The tournament proceeds support the DePrimo scholarship, music grants and events for local veterans.

Dance school hosting golf tourney

WILKES-BARRE — The David Blight School of Dance will host a golf tournament at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 at Wilkes-Barre Golf Club.

Cost for the captain and crew event is $90 per person. There will be a dinner, drinks, raffles, auctions, games, mulligans and on course competitions. Participants are asked to register by July 1. Send payment with names of foursome to David Blight School of Dance, Attn. Dina Jaslar, 91 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

For more information call 570-362-1981 or email djaslar@gmail.com.

Duryea LL holding purse bingo

OLD FORGE — Duryea Little League Designer Purse Bingo will be held Sunday, Aug. 14 at the Eagle McLure Hose Company, 375 Milwaukee Ave., Old Forge.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and bingo starts at 1 p.m. The event will feature 20 regular games for $20 and there will be special games, a basket raffle, a bake sale, food and refreshments available.

Tickets can be purchased during regular business hours at Town Tavern in Duryea, Bronzed Bunz in Duryea, Joyce Insurance Group in Pittston or Polish’d Hair & Nail Salon in West Pittston.

Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Kristy Rosiak at 570-479-0031 or Kim Mauriello at 570-814-3502.

Miles for Michael run will be Aug. 20

PITTSTON — The 2016 Miles for Michael/Tomato Festival 5K Run and Fun Walk will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20.

Registration will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Greater Pittston YMCA. Online registration at can be found at RUNSIGNUP.com/Pittstontomatofest.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_golf-1073465__180.jpg

July 2006

The Avoca/Dupont 9-10 baseball team defeated Wyoming/West Wyoming, 7-1, to garner the championship of the annual Savo’s 9-10 All-Star Tournament. Avoca/Dupont came out of the losers’ bracket and had to beat WWW twice.

AD won the first game, 5-0. Josh Razvillas was the winning pitcher. Joe Champi was 3-for-4, while Zach Hoffman was 3-for-3 with a triple. Joe Starinsky and Nick Preston each had RBI. Erik Walkowiak had two hits for WWW.

In the final game, Champi was the winning pitcher with 13 strikeouts. Timmy Allen had two hits and two RBI. Starinsky had two hits, including a triple. Nick Yurek had three hits, including two doubles for WWW.

July 1996

Len Coleman won hits seventh Emanon Country Club Championship by firing rounds of 71 and 72 in the two-day event. His total score of 143 trumped runner-up John Petrosky by one stroke.

July 1986

A 6-5, upset win over Plains put Jenkins Township into the semifinals of the District 16 Little League tournament.

Mike Sebia drove in the tying run and Steve Barnac drove in the winning run for Jenkins. Trailing 5-4, Lou Lussi drew a leadoff walk and move to third on Ken Stanislaw’s single. Lussi scored on Sebia’s single to center. Barnec then chased home Stanislaw with a single to left.

John Drause was the winning pitcher.

July 1976

Labarre’s Printing was named the first-half champions of the West Pittston Little League with a record of 8-2. The team was coached by Tony Gadomski and Bernie Kosek.

In a game earlier in the season, Kenny Yakabitis hit a grand slam against West Pittston Moose in a 21-10 win. Members of the team were: Lee Forlenza, Pat Volpe, Jeff Dovin, Brian Tohar, Jim Kosek, Joe Prula, Dean LaTorre, Frank Colella, Ron Musto, Mark Kosek, Lou Forlenza, John Ford, Guy Selenski, Kenny Yakabitis, Jeff Hayden and Chris Vaxmonsky.

Avoca/Dupont’s 9-10 baseball team won the Savo’s Tournament in 2006. From left, first row, Nicky Preston, Timmy Allen, Tyler Mooney and Justin Paglianite. Second row, John Kielbasa, Jose Razvillas, Joe Starinski, Joey Champi, Zach McKitish, Tyler Mullen, Zach Hoffman. Third row, Manager Joe Fritz, coach Bob Razvillas, President Tom Coolbaugh and coach Joe Champi.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Champi.jpgAvoca/Dupont’s 9-10 baseball team won the Savo’s Tournament in 2006. From left, first row, Nicky Preston, Timmy Allen, Tyler Mooney and Justin Paglianite. Second row, John Kielbasa, Jose Razvillas, Joe Starinski, Joey Champi, Zach McKitish, Tyler Mullen, Zach Hoffman. Third row, Manager Joe Fritz, coach Bob Razvillas, President Tom Coolbaugh and coach Joe Champi. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

LaBarre’s Printing were the first-half champions of the West Pittston Little League in 1976. Members of the team were, from left, first row, Lee Forlenza, Pat Volpe, Jeff Dovin and Brian Tohar. Second row, Jim Kosek, Joe Prula, Dean LaTorre, Frank Colella and Ron Musto. Third row, scorekeeper Mark Kosek, Lou Forlenza, John Ford, Guy Selenski, Kenny Yakabitis and Jeff Hayden. Fourth row, coaches Tony Gadomski and Bernie Kosek. Absent from photo: Chris Vaxmonsky.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_LaBarre-s.jpgLaBarre’s Printing were the first-half champions of the West Pittston Little League in 1976. Members of the team were, from left, first row, Lee Forlenza, Pat Volpe, Jeff Dovin and Brian Tohar. Second row, Jim Kosek, Joe Prula, Dean LaTorre, Frank Colella and Ron Musto. Third row, scorekeeper Mark Kosek, Lou Forlenza, John Ford, Guy Selenski, Kenny Yakabitis and Jeff Hayden. Fourth row, coaches Tony Gadomski and Bernie Kosek. Absent from photo: Chris Vaxmonsky. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Jenkins Township’s John Drause stretches to make a play at first base against Plains in 1986.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Drause.jpgJenkins Township’s John Drause stretches to make a play at first base against Plains in 1986. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

HUGHESTOWN — Heading into Friday night’s game with Hanover, not a single player from Pittston Area’s Junior Baseball team has ever won a district championship.

That all changed at about 7 p.m.

Tyler Granahan threw five innings and allowed two runs, while Gino Marriggi’s two-run double in the first inning sparked Pittston Area to a 13-2, five-inning win over Hanover in the District 16 Junior Baseball championship game. The win puts Pittston Area in the Section 5 tournament, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 20.

“They’ve never been able to experience holding this banner,” coach Tom Granahan said. “It took them 14 years to be able to do this. It’s just fantastic.”

Tyler Granahan finished with eight strikeouts and allowed just six hits against Hanover. He got into two separate jams, including the seventh inning, but was able to work around them.

“This banner means everything,” Tyler said. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Pittston Area got the scoring started in the bottom of the first. Mike Nocito and Matt Rinaldi each walked to set the stage for Marriggi. Marriggi’s two-run double over the center fielder’s head plated the game’s first runs.

After the second inning, Pittston Area led 5-0. Ian Kochanowski started the rally with a single up the middle. After a passed ball, Jake Morreale brought home Kochanowski. Two walks and two Hanover errors produced two more Pittston Area runs.

Matt Cardinale and Joe Silinski each produced an RBI in the five-run third. To get to the 10-run rule, Pittston Area’s PJ Pisano and Kochanowski each drove in runs in the fourth.

Tyler Granahan didn’t allow a baserunner past first until the fourth inning when Hanover’s Hunter Thompson, who was injured earlier in the game, blasted a triple to left field with one out. He would score on Tony Metric’s single. Following a Jamie Cunard single, Aiden Geisinger hit into a fielder’s choice that scored Metric.

In the fifth, when Pittston Area needed just three outs to close the ball game, a walk and a single by Evan Materna put two runners on with no out. Granahan got out of it by striking out the next three batters.

“The biggest thing with Tyler is his composure,” Tom Granahan said. “He never lets it get to him. He knew he had to come back and pitch his game.”

The win pits Pittston Area against the District 17 champions on Wednesday at a site and time to be determined.

Pittston Area 13, Hanover 2

Hanover`AB`R`H`BI

Rowley cf`2`0`0`0

Materna p`3`0`1`0

Stefanowicz 2b`3`0`1`0

Thompson`3`1`1`0

Metric 1b`3`1`2`1

Cunard 3b`2`0`1`0

Stefanski rf`1`0`0`0

Geisinger rf`1`0`0`1

George 2b`1`0`0`0

Jasler`2`0`0`0

Totals `21`2`6`2

Pittston Area`AB`R`H`BI

Krawczyk cf`1`0`0`0

Pisano cf`3`1`0`1

Nocito ss`2`2`0`0

Granahan p`3`0`1`0

Rinaldi 2b`3`1`0`0

Marriggi 3b`2`0`1`2

Murtha ph`1`1`0`0

Cardinale c`3`1`1`1

Kochanowski 1b`2`1`1`1

Morreale rf`2`1`2`1

McGlynn ph`0`1`0`0

Cebula rf`0`1`0`0

Silinskie lf`1`3`1`1

Totals `23`13`7`7

Visitor`000`40 —`2

Pittston Area`235`3x —`13

2B — Marriggi, Cardinale. 3B — Thompson. SAC — Kochanowski.

Hanover`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Materna, L`2`1`3`2`3`2

Jasler`0.1`1`4`1`2`0

Stefanowicz`1.2`3`4`2`1`0

Pittston Area`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Granahan, W`5`6`2`2`1`8

Pittston Area winning pitcher Tyler Granahan delivers the ball to a Hanover Area batter in the District 16 Junior Little League championship game Friday evening in Hughestown.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL071616JrLittleLeague_1-1-1-1.jpgPittston Area winning pitcher Tyler Granahan delivers the ball to a Hanover Area batter in the District 16 Junior Little League championship game Friday evening in Hughestown.

WEST PITTSTON — Ethan Elmes drove in the first run and got the last out Sunday night to give West Pittston just enough to get past visiting Wallenpaupack, 2-1, in a tight Section 5 Little League Baseball first-round tournament game that took two days to complete.

The teams played one scoreless inning Saturday night before the game was suspended because of lightning and rain.

An RBI single by Elmes was the highlight of a two-run bottom of the third and West Pittston held on after Wallenpaupack’s Mabret Levant sent the first pitch of the fourth inning well over the left-field fence – and in a hurry – on a line drive.

Elmes came in to get the last five batters in succession, striking out three, including the last batter, to complete a combined four-hitter with winning pitcher J.J. Hood.

“Ethan Elmes has been huge of late, closing out games,” West Pittston coach Mickey Melberger said. “He’s a different type pitcher. He relies more on his off-speed.

“Then, he can sneak a fastball by, but his bread-and-butter is a curveball.”

Pinch hitter Connor Wrobleski walked to start the bottom of the third.

Evan Melberger singled to left field and, when the ball got away from the outfielder, runners wound up on second and third.

Elmes singled to center field to open the scoring.

After Hood was intentionally walked, Jake Kelleher brought home what proved to be the winning run with a groundout.

Those were the only runs West Pittston managed off Levant and reliever Wyatt Peifer.

“That was a good pitcher,” coach Melberger said of Levant. “Good pitchers limit good offense.”

West Pittston had its own good pitching.

Hood held Wallenpaupack to one run for 4 1/3 innings, then Melberger removed him in time to keep him eligible for a possible Wednesday game. He cannot pitch for two days because of Little League rules on pitch limits.

Hood struck out seven, including the last batter of the first, second and third innings.

“I’ve coached him during the regular season the last three years,” Melberger said. “I’m very proud of him. This year, he’s been very consistent. He doesn’t give up very many walks. He pounds the outside of the strong zone.

“He did a really good job. I expect that performance out of him.”

West Pittston advances to meet Nanticoke, a 10-6 winner over West Scranton in Saturday’s opener, in Monday’s 5:30 winners’ bracket final. West Scranton plays Wallenpaupack in a 7:30 elimination game as the tournament continues at West Pittston.

Playing the bulk of Game One a day later than Nanticoke and West Scranton could put a strain on West Pittston’s pitching, but winning early in the tournament can help alleviate that by reducing games and possibly creating an off-day.

“Winning the first game is always important,” Melberger said.

West Pittston’s Ethan Elmes, right, hits an RBI single ahead of Wallenpaupack catcher Garrett Tonkin in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_WestPitt-PaupackLL_1.jpgWest Pittston’s Ethan Elmes, right, hits an RBI single ahead of Wallenpaupack catcher Garrett Tonkin in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

West Pittston starter J.J. Hood follows through on a pitch against Wallenpaupack in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_WestPitt-PaupackLL_2.jpgWest Pittston starter J.J. Hood follows through on a pitch against Wallenpaupack in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

West Pittston’s Evan Melberger tosses the ball back to the mound at the end of an inning against Wallenpaupack in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_WestPitt-PaupackLL_3.jpgWest Pittston’s Evan Melberger tosses the ball back to the mound at the end of an inning against Wallenpaupack in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

West Pittston catcher Jason Wiedl, left, relief pitcher Ethan Elmes, and infielder Jude Janosky celebrate their 2-1 victory against Wallenpaupack in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_WestPitt-PaupackLL_4.jpgWest Pittston catcher Jason Wiedl, left, relief pitcher Ethan Elmes, and infielder Jude Janosky celebrate their 2-1 victory against Wallenpaupack in a Section 5 Major Little League game Sunday evening in West Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

WEST PITTSTON — Nanticoke came into the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball playoffs with a plan and so far it’s worked to perfection.

Part B fell into place Monday as Nanticoke used the long ball and pitching of Nick Matson to defeat West Pittston 7-2 in the winners bracket final at the West Pittston Little League field.

The final piece comes 6 p.m. Wednesday when District 16 champ Nanticoke plays for the championship and a berth in the state tournament. Its opponent will be the winner of Tuesday’s elimination bracket final at 6 p.m. between D31 champion West Pittston and D32 Wallenpaupack. Wallenpaupack eliminated D17 champ West Scranton 8-2 in seven innings in Monday’s nightcap.

“They’re very resilient,” West Pittston assistant Mick Melberger said. “We were pretty much underdogs in the tournament before this probably against Kingston, definitely against Back Mountain National. Not sure about (Sunday), but Wallenpaupack is a powerhouse from up there. I expect nothing but the best tomorrow.”

Unbeaten Nanticoke would have to lose twice to miss a trip across the state to Rostraver Township Little League to play for the Pennsylvania crown. The team’s plan, though, was to have its ace Derek Cease on the mound Wednesday and that will happen.

“The first game I thought we would outscore West Scranton and we did, and we were able to set up our pitching for the whole run,” Nanticoke manager Al Brown said. “Nicholas (Matson) did a tremendous job today. Two outs from a complete game. Now we’re set up for Wednesday night. We have our No. 1 guy going to the mound and that’s exactly what we wanted to happen.”

Nanticoke proved that in the first inning. Cease led off and blasted the first pitch he saw over the left-center fence. Matson followed a batter later with and even more impressive shot. Matson launched the ball over the left field fence and onto the street. The ball took a big hop, landed atop a metal porch awning across the street and rolled into the yard.

West Pittston battled back to knot the score 2-2 in the second. Jason Wiedl singled to start the inning, moved to second on Jude Janosky’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Nick Ross’ single to right. Richie Kashuba later walked and scored when Evan Melberger sliced a single to left.

Nanticoke, though, wasn’t done hitting buildings. Cease made it 4-0 in the second with his second homer to left-center, this one bouncing off the lower roof of the indoor practice facility.

West Pittston wasn’t going to let Cease crack another over the fence in the fourth. Instead, after singles by Caleb Butczynski and Hayden Reakes, Cease was intentionally walked to load the bases. The strategy backfired when Justin Spencer grounded a two-run single up the middle. Cease made it to third on the hit and scored on a wild pitch for Nanticoke’s seventh run.

Matson was strong on the mound, except for running into some trouble in the second. He allowed three hits the rest of the way before exiting with one out in the sixth after reaching his pitch limit.

“They’re a good hitting team,” Brown said. “We were here (Sunday) and watched them play Wallenpaupack. Paupack had their one guy and they hit the ball off him. We knew they were going to hit. We told Nicholas they were going to hit the ball, they were going to score a couple runs. But I had complete faith he would come back strong and keep his head. And he did. he was two outs from finishing up by himself.”

Cease closed things out, getting in some needed work before Wednesday since he hadn’t pitched since July 11.

SECTION 5

9-10 BASEBALL

Back Mtn. American 3,

Green Ridge 0

Zach Paczewski pitched five scoreless innings while striking out five in the win.

Sam Barrouk threw a scoreless sixth inning with two strikeouts and Joey Peters had double and two RBI for Back Mountain American.

Roman Valvano had two hits for Green Ridge.

SECTION 5

9-10 SOFTBALL

Pittston Area 17,

Old Forge 2

Gianna Adams struck out 10 as Pittston Area advanced to the winners bracket final.

Pittston Area will play Back Mountain at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Old Forge Little League field.

Back Mountain 17,

Wallenpaupack 0

Victoria Spacino threw a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts as Back Mountain advanced to play Pittston Area in the winners bracket finals.

Spacino was 2 for 4 at the plate with a homer. Brenna Hunt was 3 for 4 with two triples. Ava Hudak was 2 for 4, while Allison Vitanovec, Sydney Bolesta and Madison Kerdesky all had hits.

Nanticoke 7, West Pittston 2

West Pittston`AB`R`H`BI

Melberger 2b`3`0`1`1

Elmes ss`3`0`2`0

Hood c`3`0`0`0

Kelleher 1b`2`0`0`0

Pitcavage ph`1`0`0`0

Wiedl p`3`1`2`0

Skch-Mnnck cf`1`0`0`0

Janosky ph`0`0`0`0

Ross 3b`3`0`2`1

Kashuba lf`0`1`0`0

HRosen ph`0`0`0`0

MRosen rf`1`0`0`0

Wroblewski ph`1`0`0`0

Totals`21`2`7`2

Nanticoke`AB`R`H`BI

Cease ss`3`3`2`3

Spencer 2b`3`0`1`2

Matson p`3`1`1`1

Piestrak 1b`2`0`1`0

Egenski c`2`0`0`0

Sura cf`3`0`0`0

Brown lf`1`0`0`0

Everett ph`1`0`0`0

Casey ph`1`0`0`0

Mackiewicz 3b`2`0`1`0

Butczynski ph`1`1`1`0

Keegan rf`1`2`0`0

Reakes ph`1`0`1`0

Totals`24`7`8`6

DP: Nanticoke 1. LOB: West Pittston 6, Nanticoke 4. HR: Cease 2, Matson. SAC: Janosky, HRosen.

West Pitt`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Wiedl (L)`4.0`8`7`7`3`3

Kelleher`1.0`0`0`0`0`0

Nanticoke`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Matson (W)`5.1`7`2`2`0`9

Cease`0.2`0`0`0`1`0

Nanticoke shortstop Derek Cease fields a grounder hit by West Pittston’s Ethan Elmes in the first inning Monday. Elmes reached on an infield single.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_wp_na1_faa.jpgNanticoke shortstop Derek Cease fields a grounder hit by West Pittston’s Ethan Elmes in the first inning Monday. Elmes reached on an infield single. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Nanticoke’s Derek Cease rounds third base after his second home run of the game against West Pittston.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_wp_na2_faa.jpgNanticoke’s Derek Cease rounds third base after his second home run of the game against West Pittston. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Nanticoke center fielder Devyn Sura catches a flyball in the fourth inning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_wp_na3_faa.jpgNanticoke center fielder Devyn Sura catches a flyball in the fourth inning. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

West Pittston’s Nick Ross dives back to first in the fourth inning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_wp_na4_faa.jpgWest Pittston’s Nick Ross dives back to first in the fourth inning. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

July 2006

Wyoming/West Wyoming picked up a 9-8 win over Duryea in the District 16/31 9-10 baseball tournament.

Brian Berti and Nick Yurek had three hits each and Rocky Rutkoski had two hits, including a home run to pace Wyoming/West Wyoming. Marty Michaels picked up the win.

For Duryea, Josh Kramer and Tyler Lutecki each had two hits.

July 1996

Brian Coleman hit the game-winning home run as West Pittston won its first District 16 Major Baseball Little League championship with an 8-7 win over Pittston Township. The win marked West Pittston’s first district Little League championship in the league’s 45-year existence.

West Pittston trailed 6-4 as it came up for its last at-bats. The team scored four runs, including Coleman’s two-run blast to take the lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Pittston Township’s Pat Cawley led off with a home run to make it 8-7. Coleman then came in to pitch and got the next three batters on strike outs.

West Pittston won the title after losing its first game in the 33-team tournament.

July 1986

Coming back from a 4-0 deficit, Jenkins Township Little League won its first District 16 Major Baseball championship with a 6-4 win over Mountain Top.

Mountain Top opened the scoring in the first, and added three more runs in the third to take a 4-0 lead. Jenkins went out and scored five, fourth-inning runs. Mike Sebia drew a walk for the first run, followed by Steve Barnic’s two-run single. Steve Kivak then hit a two-run double for the 5-4 lead. Barnic would plate the final Jenkins run.

July 1976

The Jenkins Township Little League all-stars picked up a 4-3 win over Wyoming/West Wyoming in the opener of District 16 action.

Winning pitcher Sandy Lafoca held Wyoming/West Wyoming scoreless through five innings, and struck out five. Al Michalec had two hits in the win. Joe Amato had a single and a home run for Wyoming/West Wyoming.

Wyoming/West Wyoming’s Rocky Rutkoski fires to first during a District 16/31 9-10 baseball game in July of 2006.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Rutkoski06.jpgWyoming/West Wyoming’s Rocky Rutkoski fires to first during a District 16/31 9-10 baseball game in July of 2006. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Members of the 1986 Jenkins Township Little League team that won the District 16 championship are, from left, first row, Bill Mudlock Jr., John Drouse, Mike Sebia, Steve Kivak, Ron Walsh Jr. and Karman McDonald. Second row, Vince Rovinski, Lou Lussi, Ken Pryor, Ian Jamieson, Steve Barnic, Dave Ruskey and Kelly Rowan. Back row, coach Ron Walsh, Ken Stanislow, and manager Bill Mudlock Sr.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Jenkins86.jpgMembers of the 1986 Jenkins Township Little League team that won the District 16 championship are, from left, first row, Bill Mudlock Jr., John Drouse, Mike Sebia, Steve Kivak, Ron Walsh Jr. and Karman McDonald. Second row, Vince Rovinski, Lou Lussi, Ken Pryor, Ian Jamieson, Steve Barnic, Dave Ruskey and Kelly Rowan. Back row, coach Ron Walsh, Ken Stanislow, and manager Bill Mudlock Sr. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

In July of 1996, West Pittston’s Brian Coleman hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to give his team its first District 16 championship in the league’s 45-year existence.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Coleman.jpgIn July of 1996, West Pittston’s Brian Coleman hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to give his team its first District 16 championship in the league’s 45-year existence. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Editor’s note: Every two weeks, the Sunday Dispatch will give you updates on the progress of the Wyoming Valley Lady Striders Couch to 5K program. Will they have what it takes to cross the finish line this September? Stay tuned.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to complete a 5K without stopping for a breath, or water, or at a local restaurant for a buffalo chicken cheese steak?

Well, a group of women have joined the Wyoming Valley Lady Striders to take their running to the next level. The group’s Couch to 5K Program started July 18 and will continue three times weekly for the next two months.

The program is designed for participants to work up to running a 5K over an eight-week period. Different paces and intervals are designated for each week, working up to a 3.1 mile race. The program culminates with participants taking on a 5K in Pittston.

The Lady Striders group meets three times a week throughout the Wyoming Valley, including the levee in Wyoming and Forty Fort. Lady Striders’ Karen Moskel, a co-founder of the organization and a native of Dallas, started the program two years ago. Initially, the group wanted to do a “Girls on the Run” program. However, that program cost about $6,000 to start.

“First we wanted to do something for the kids, but it was really expensive,” Moskel said. “We thought to do something for women to get together and to get healthy.”

This is the first time Moskel has offered the program in the summer months. She just finished a spring program with about 30 participants. That program ended with the Jewish Community Center 5K in Wilkes-Barre.

Runners young and old compete in the program, Moskel said. She enjoys seeing older women join to help their health and continue to exercise.

“Sometimes they can’t even walk a mile and months later they are doing a five-mile race or a 10K,” she said. “That’s the best part — finding out they are still running.”

This eight weeks of hard work culminates with the first Book It Through Pittston Literacy 5K Run/Fun Walk, which is scheduled for scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. The 5K will be run through the same course as the annual Tomato Festival 5K.

All runners who participate in the program will meet in Pittston and run their own pace to the finish line. Moskel has done several of these programs over the past two years, and crossing the finish line with her runners is the best part.

“It makes me so happy and the group is so supportive,” Moskel said. “We all wait for the last person and we jog in with the last person. At the end they are all friends and run together and support together.”

For more information on the Lady Striders, visit their Facebook page.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_LadyStriders.jpg

WEST PITTSTON — The West Pittston all-stars have been in this position before and battled back. Now they’ll try to climb even a steeper incline starting Wednesday.

West Pittston kept its season alive Tuesday, using the long ball to rally for a 5-4 victory over Wallenpaupack in an elimination game in the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball tournament.

Jake Kelleher hit two homers, winning pitcher Ethan Elmes added another and J.J. Hood snapped a 4-4 tie in the fourth with a sacrifice fly. The combination sent once-beaten West Pittston into a 6 p.m. matchup Wednesday against undefeated Nanticoke.

District 31 champ West Pittston would have to defeat District 16 champ Nanticoke on Wednesday and again Thursday to claim the Section 5 crown and spot in the state tournament. All Section 5 games are played at the West Pittston Little League field.

Nanticoke defeated West Pittston 7-2 on Monday, but West Pittston will have its ace Hood on the mound. Hood pitched Sunday, but stayed at the 50-pitch limit to keep him eligible for Wednesday. Nanticoke will counter with Derek Cease, making the game a duel between two of the top Little League pitchers in the area.

“It should be a heck of a game,” West Pittston assistant coach Mick Melberger said. “Our No. 1 versus their No. 1. Very similar pitchers. If you like baseball, this is the one to come to.”

District 32 champion Wallenpaupack was eliminated. Both of its losses were by one run to West Pittston.

“It’s tough,” Wallenpaupack manager Chris Strong said. “Pitching is a chess match in these games. Sometimes you don’t win the chess match. But I’m very proud of my kids. We compete, we battle and we never give up.”

Early in Tuesday’s game, it didn’t look like Wednesday’s projected pitching matchup would occur. T.J. Schmalzle opened Wallenpaupack’s first with a single, moved to third when Wyatt Peifer doubled and scored on a groundout. Paupack tacked on three more runs — one on an error and two on a single by Garrett Tonkin — for a 4-0 lead.

West Pittston, though, had faced adversity before. It won its first district title in 20 years by knocking off undefeated Kingston/Forty Fort and then unbeaten Back Mountain National, a team which defeated West Pittston 15-2 in pool play.

The comeback started in the bottom of the first. Elmes homered to left-center for one run and Kelleher bounced another one off the top of the indoor practiced facility to dead center.

Kelleher, who is the son of former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguin Chris Kelleher, tied the score 4-4 with a home run to left-center in the third. Hood, who had walked, also scored.

Hood’s bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the fifth scored Max Rosen with what ended up being the winning run.

“We were very resilient today,” Melberger said. “Down 4-0 in the first, 4-2 in the second and we battled back. We knew it would be one of those games. We had Ethan Elmes on the mound and early on he struggled a little bit with his curveball, but he kept us in the game. Jake Kelleher came up huge.”

Elmes settled in after the rough first inning. He allowed just one more hit before Rosen took over one out into the fifth. He retired Wallenpaupack in order in the sixth for the save.

Elmes got into some trouble in the fifth when Wallenpaupack loaded the bases with two outs, but third baseman Nick Ross bailed him out. Ross fielded a chopper about 20 feet from third base right on the foul line. His only play was for a force at home and he was able to loop the ball over the runner to catcher Jason Wiedl to end the inning.

The fifth inning was typical of Wallenpaupack all game as a timely hit never came.

“I was coaching first base and waiting for a couple hits in a row and it just didn’t happen,” Strong said. “Kudos to (Elmes). He kept us off our toes a little bit. He pitched really well. I thought we were going to barrel it up a little better. Obviously, that didn’t happen.”

SECTION 5

9-10 BASEBALL

Back Mtn. American 4,

Abington American 3

Zach Paczewski’s double drove home Jude Nocito to score the game-winning run in Back Mountain American’s win over Abington American.

Nocito’s double scored Ryan Cuba to tie the game.

Nocito and Aiden Burkhadt combined to pick up the win on the mound. Sam Barrouk pitched a scoreless sixth inning for the save and had two hits.

Connor Griffin had two hits and Lincoln Anderson pitched.

Abington American will play Green Ridge, which eliminated Hanover 14-1, at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Back Mountain Little League field. The winner will play Back Mountain American at 6 p.m. Thursday at Back Mountain.

SECTION 5

9-10 SOFTBALL

Back Mountain 4,

Pittston Area 2

Victoria Staciano threw a two-hitter, while striking out 12 in Back Mountain’s win.

At the plate, Staciano singled, tripled and had three RBI. Allison Vitanovec recorded an RBI and Brenna Hunt singled in the win.

Pittston Area’s Gianna Adams had 12 strikeouts. Ava Callahan and Daniella Ranielli each had hit.

Pittston Area plays Wallenpaupack at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Old Forge Little League in an elimination game.

TOMMY’S PIZZA CORNER

9-10 BASEBALL

Avoca/Dupont 9,

Kingston/Forty Fort 3

Tyra Winters, Ryan DiMatthia and Ciran Bilbow each had two hits in Avoca/Dupont’s win on Monday.

Nicky Franchetti and Noah Calloway combined for the win on the mound.

Kingston/Forty Fort’s Luke Kopec, Jacob Stevens and Trevor Clem had two hits apiece.

Back Mountain 9,

Mountain Top 2

Lucas Tirpak hit a two-run double as Back Mountain defeated Mountain Top.

Teammates Myles Tirpak, J.J. Rischawy each had singles, while Seth Berry and Lucas Tripak pitched the victory.

Mountain Top’s Matt Sklarosky, Trevor Miller, Heath Williams and Jayden Brown each singled.

West Pittston 5, Wallenpaupack 4

Paupack`AB`R`H`BI

Schmalzle 2b`4`1`1`0

Peifer ss`3`1`2`0

Levant 3b`2`0`0`1

Smith 1b`3`1`0`1

Falgie rf`3`0`1`0

Strong p`2`1`1`0

Kapschull ph`1`0`0`0

Tonkin c`2`0`1`2

Stella rf`1`0`0`0

Paolicelli lf`2`0`0`0

McCourt ph`1`0`0`0

Terrones cf`2`0`0`0

Lynch ph`0`0`0`0

Totals`26`4`6`4

W.Pittston`AB`R`H`BI

Melberger 2b`2`0`1`0

Elmes p`3`1`2`1

Hood ss`1`1`0`1

Kelleher 1b`2`2`2`3

Wiedl c`1`0`0`0

HRosen pr`0`0`0`0

Skch-Minnck cf`2`0`1`0

Ross 3b`3`0`0`0

Kashuba lf`2`0`0`0

Pitcavage ph`1`0`0`0

MRosen rf`1`1`0`0

Wrobleski ph`1`0`0`0

Janosky ph`1`0`0`0

Totals`20`5`6`5

Wallenpaupack`400`000`—`4

West Pittston`202`10x`—`5

E: West Pittstron 2. LOB: Wallenpaupack 7, West Pittston 7. 2B: Peifer, Melberger, Sokach-Minnick. HR: Elmes, Kelleher 2. SF: Hood. SB: Stella.

Paupack`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Strong`0.2`2`2`2`0`0

Schmalzle`1.2`2`2`2`1`1

Paolicelli (L)`1.0`2`1`0`3`0

Tonkin`1.2`0`0`0`0`4

W.Pittston`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Elmes (W)`4.1`5`4`3`3`3

MRosen (S)`1.2`1`0`0`0`0

West Pittston’s Jake Kelleher is congratulated by coach Mick Melberger as he rounds third base after hitting a solo home run in the first inning Tuesday against Wallenpaupack in the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball playoffs.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_West-Pittston-Paupack-LL-2.jpgWest Pittston’s Jake Kelleher is congratulated by coach Mick Melberger as he rounds third base after hitting a solo home run in the first inning Tuesday against Wallenpaupack in the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball playoffs. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

West Pittston’s Ethan Elmes lays down a bunt to advance runners against Wallenpaupack in the fourth inning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_West-Pittston-Paupack-LL-3.jpgWest Pittston’s Ethan Elmes lays down a bunt to advance runners against Wallenpaupack in the fourth inning. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

West Pittston’s Evan Melberger (34) stretches a single into a double in the second inning as Wallenpaupack’s Jack Smith reaches for the throw.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_West-Pittston-Paupack-LL-1.jpgWest Pittston’s Evan Melberger (34) stretches a single into a double in the second inning as Wallenpaupack’s Jack Smith reaches for the throw. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

West Pittston third baseman Nick Ross backhands an grounder before tossing to second for an out against Wallenpaupack.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_West-Pittston-Paupack-LL-4.jpgWest Pittston third baseman Nick Ross backhands an grounder before tossing to second for an out against Wallenpaupack. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

WEST PITTSTON — The expected pitching duel never materialized Wednesday evening.

But that was OK with West Pittston, which outslugged Nanticoke to force a decisive game Thursday.

Blaise Sokach-Minnick hit a first-inning grand slam and Jake Kelleher and Jason Wiedl smacked consecutive homers in a five-run second as West Pittston handed Nanticoke its first loss 9-6 to force a winner-take-all game for the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball championship.

The title game will be played at 6 p.m. at the West Pittston Little League field, with the winner advancing to the state tournament at Rostraver Township Little League. The Section 5 champ opens the state tournament at 10 a.m. Sunday.

“They’re already talking about tomorrow’s game,” said Nanticoke manager Al Brown, whose team lost for the first time in either district or sectional play. “They’re ready to go. Sometimes plans don’t work out. Derek (Cease) struggled today. It was the first time he struggled all year. That’s baseball. Baseball is a funny game.”

The thinking coming into Wednesday’s game was it would be a low-scoring, quick contest. Both teams had their aces on the mound — Cease for Nanticoke and J.J. Hood for West Pittston. Both had been tremendous throughout the playoffs. Yet, both pitchers labored through the first inning on a 84-degree day.

Hood got tagged for consecutive singles by Cease and Justin Spencer to start Nanticoke’s first, with Spencer’s hit scoring Cease. Nick Matson and Collin Piestrak followed with walks to load the bases. Spencer later scored on an 8-5 fielder’s choice where Devyn Sura hit the ball so hard off the center field fence that center fielder Sokach-Minnick was able to catch the carom and throw to second for a forceout.

Matson scored on an error a batter later, giving Nanticoke a 3-0 lead. West Pittston, though, took an optimistic approach to the early deficit.

“I told them we were one run better than we were yesterday,” said West Pittston coach Mick Melberger, referring to a 4-0 hole his team was in against Wallenpaupack on Tuesday. “Derek Cease is very tough to come back against, but fortunately we were on him today.”

Cease struggled with his control in the bottom of the first. He walked Evan Melberger, Ethan Elmes and Hood to start the inning. Nanticoke looked like it would get out of the inning unscathed as it recorded two outs, but Sokach-Minnick lined a pitch over the right-center fence for a grand slam and a 4-3 advantage.

Nanticoke tied the score 4-4 in the second when Cease walked, went first-to-third on a dropped third strike and scored on a wild pitch. Once again, West Pittston struck back.

Elmes reached on an error and Hood on a fielder’s choice as West Pittston put on two runners with two outs in the second. Kelleher then hit his third homer in two days, lining the ball so hard off the wall of the indoor practice field beyond the center field fence that it nearly ricocheted back to the infield. Wiedl, the next batter, continued the assault with a lined homer to right center for an 8-4 lead.

Nick Ross plated the fifth run of the second with a single to score Sokach-Minnick, who ripped a double down the left-field line.

“Fantastic,” Melberger said of the timely hitting. “We had batting practice the last two mornings. Just light batting practice. The boys were killing the ball. I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, but Jake Kelleher what can you say. Three home runs the last two days. Blaise Sokach hot today. Total team effort.”

Hood settled in after the rough first inning before reaching his pitch limit after four innings. He gave up just one hit after the first, an infield single to Cease in the fourth.

“I really don’t know,” Brown said of the bats going silent for the most part after the first inning. “He’s a really good pitcher. He struggled a little bit in the first, kind of like Derek did for us, and then he settled in and we had a tougher time from then on.”

Max Rosen came on in relief for West Pittston in the fifth and surrendered a lead-off home run to Collin Piestrak. He then retired three in a row and got two outs in the sixth before being pulled to keep him eligible to pitch Thursday. Melberger got the final out after surrendering an RBI double to Matson.

SECTION 5

9-10 SOFTBALL

Pittston Area 7, Old Forge 0

Gianna Adams threw a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts to lead Pittston Area past Old Forge.

At the plate, Adams had two singles, while Ava Callahan finished with a double and two singles. Cassie Hintze had two singles, and Jaylee Jenkins and Isabella Giardina each singled in the win.

Old Forge pitchers combined for eight strikeouts.

Pittston Area will play Back Mountain at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Old Forge Little League. Back Mountain can win the title with a victory.

SECTION 5

JUNIOR BASEBALL

Back Mountain 9,

Green Ridge 5

Alex Magdalinski had a key two-run single in the fifth as Back Mountain scored six times on the way to an opening-round victory.

Back Mountain will play Dunmore, a 14-5 winner over Pittston Area, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Dallas High School. The game is a rematch of the Section 5 Major Baseball title game from two years ago.

Frank Nockley had a three-run homer and four RBI for Back Mountain. Fred Lombardo added two hits and Sam Nocito had and RBI double. Andrew Martin picked up the win with Todd Phillips getting the save.

Tom Kennedy had two doubles for Green Ridge, which will play at Pittston Area on Thursday. Ian Coccia had two hits and two RBI. David Blake added a pair of singles.

TOMMY’S PIZZA

9-10 TOURNAMENT

Kingston/Forty Fort 6,

Back Mountain 1

Mason Matello pitched 4 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts and Jacob Stevens had a two-run triple in Kingston/Forty Fort’s win.

Davis Motyka, Luke Kopec and Antek Evan each had two hits in the victory.

Back Mountain’s Jacob Soderman doubled and Alex Aiello singled.

Avoca/Dupont 14,

Mountain Top 2

Tyra Winters doubled, singled and struck out five in two scoreless innings on the mound in Avoca/Dupont’s win.

Ciaran Bilbow and Nick Calloway each had two hits.

Mountain Top’s Jayden Brown tripled with a run scored and Matt Sklarosky singled and scored a run.

Avoca/Dupont finished 3-0 in pool play and earned the top seed in Monday’s semifinals.

12U BASEBALL

Swoyersville 18,

South Wilkes-Barre 6

Nick Bayo’s two-run home run and a pair of singles led Swoyersville to a win over South Wilkes-Barre.

Mike Koval and Tyler Casterline had two singles each and Anthony Bayo picked up the win on the mound.

Nick Dunleavy doubled and Josh Bottger and John Barker recorded two singles a piece for South Wilkes-Barre.

West Pittston 9, Nanticoke 6

Nanticoke`AB`R`H`BI

Cease p`3`2`2`0

Spencer ss`4`1`1`1

Matson cf`2`1`1`1

Piestrak 1b`3`1`1`1

Egenski 3b`3`0`0`0

Sura 2b`3`0`0`1

Brown lf`1`0`0`0

Butczynski cf`1`0`0`0

Casey c`1`0`0`0

Mackiewicz ph`1`0`0`0

Reakes ph`1`0`1`0

Keegan rf`2`1`0`0

Everett ph`1`0`0`0

Totals`26`6`6`4

West Pittston`AB`R`H`BI

Melberger 2b`1`1`0`0

Elmes ss`2`2`0`0

Hood p`1`2`0`0

Kelleher 1b`3`1`1`3

Wiedl c`3`1`1`1

Skch-Minnck cf`3`2`2`4

Kashuba lf`1`0`0`0

Pitcavage ph`1`0`0`0

Wrobleski ph`1`0`0`0

MRosen rf`1`0`0`0

HRosen ph`1`0`0`0

Janosky ph`1`0`0`0

Totals`21`9`4`9

Nanticoke`310`011`—`6

West Pittston`450`00x`—`9

E: Nanticoke 1, West Pittston 1. LOB: Nanticoke 7, West Pittston 3. 2B: Matson, Sokach-Minnick. HR: Piestrak, Kelleher, Wiedl, Sokach-Minnick.

Nanticoke`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Cease (L)`3.2`4`9`4`5`6

Sura`1.1`0`0`0`0`0

W.Pittston`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Hood (W)`4.0`3`4`4`4`6

MRosen (H)`1.2`2`2`1`0`2

Melberger (S)`0.1`1`0`0`0`0

JJ Hood pitches for West Pittston. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116little-league1.jpgJJ Hood pitches for West Pittston. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Nanticoke’s Collin Piestrak catches the ball for the out against Evan Melberger. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116little-league2.jpgNanticoke’s Collin Piestrak catches the ball for the out against Evan Melberger. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Jason Wiedl (center) is congratulated for hitting a home run. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116little-league3.jpgJason Wiedl (center) is congratulated for hitting a home run. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Nanticokes #52 is out under third baseman Nick Ross of West Pittston. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116little-league4.jpgNanticokes #52 is out under third baseman Nick Ross of West Pittston. 7/20/2016 Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

HUGHESTOWN — More than 30 youngsters came out to the first Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp sponsored by the Pittston Area girls tennis team held Monday through Thursday, July 18-21.

The camp, designed for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, was held at the Pittston Area tennis courts at the Martin L. Mattei Middle School. The participants were treated to four days of instruction from United States Tennis Association (USTA) certified instructors.

Money for the summer camp was issued via a grant from the USTA. The grant allowed the team to buy equipment, which included smaller rackets and nets, snacks and T-shirts. Each camper received a T-shirt.

Each counselor for the camp, which included members of the Pittston Area girls tennis team, took a course and became certified 10-and-under instructors. USTA Middle States Tennis Service Rep Renee Lentz was also on hand for the event.

“This program really focused on the fundamentals,” camp organizer Susan Connors said. “It’s meant to be fun and fast-paced, and keep the kids engaged.”

Pittston Area tennis coach Amanda Carmody was pleased her team was there to help the younger generations of tennis players in the Greater Pittston area.

“My girls were absolutely amazing this week,” she said. “I’m so proud of them for their hard work and their dedication to the camp. Using that in our season can bring more girls in. We’re trying to bring tennis back to life.”

The camp maxed out at 32 participants, and some had to be turned away, Connors said.

The group of participants were divided into eight teams: royal blue, cardinal, orange, cherry, lime, Irish, daisy and sapphire. Throughout the four-day camp, the participants learned fundamentals, and also played competitive matches.

“This was focused on the fact that it’s a sport you can play your entire life,” Connors said.

Monies raised from the camp will go to help with the tennis team’s end-of-year banquet, senior night and equipment. Connors and Carmody hope this is something the team can do every year, with approval of the school district.

“We’re trying to build it,” Carmody said. “Think of the future, if these kids have been playing since grade school, we’ll be a top competitor within the state.”

Gianna Depietropaolo, 10, of Pittston, left, loosens up with other girls at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_72016720221354296.jpgGianna Depietropaolo, 10, of Pittston, left, loosens up with other girls at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Carlena Lizza, 9, of Yatesville, front, loosens up with other girls at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_62016720221410394.jpgCarlena Lizza, 9, of Yatesville, front, loosens up with other girls at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Sarah Connors, 10, left, returns the ball ahead of Grace Petro, 11, both of Duryea, at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_52016720221418593.jpgSarah Connors, 10, left, returns the ball ahead of Grace Petro, 11, both of Duryea, at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Sadie Gregory, 10, of Pittston, right, returns a serve as Jacob Hull, 11, of Duryea, watches at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_42016720221428737.jpgSadie Gregory, 10, of Pittston, right, returns a serve as Jacob Hull, 11, of Duryea, watches at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Volunteer coach Kelly O’Malley of Jenkins Township, left, demonstrates a follow-through to her daughter Brenna, 7, during the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_32016720221450638.jpgVolunteer coach Kelly O’Malley of Jenkins Township, left, demonstrates a follow-through to her daughter Brenna, 7, during the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Alana Craig, 8, of Avoca, back, returns the ball to Bella Franchetti, 7, of Avoca, at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_22016720221459640.jpgAlana Craig, 8, of Avoca, back, returns the ball to Bella Franchetti, 7, of Avoca, at the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Seven-year-old Brennan Callahan of Pittston practices racquet control with a bean bag during the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_PSD072416TennisCamp_spt_12016720221511805.jpgSeven-year-old Brennan Callahan of Pittston practices racquet control with a bean bag during the Middle States Rally Stars Summer Tennis Camp in Hughestown on Wednesday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The 22nd annual St. Joseph Marello Parish golf tournament was held on June 12 at Wilkes-Barre Municipal Golf Course.

Winners of the tournament were Patrick J. Forlenza, Patrick W. Forlenza, Sal Shandra and Frank Wascalis.

The team of Patrick J. Forlenza, Patrick W. Forlenza, Sal Shandra and Frank Wascalis won the annual St. Joseph Marello golf tournament. From left, Fr. John Shearer, Frank Wascalis, Patrick J. Forlenza, Patrick, W. Forlenza and committee member Jack Casper.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_StJoeGolf1.jpgThe team of Patrick J. Forlenza, Patrick W. Forlenza, Sal Shandra and Frank Wascalis won the annual St. Joseph Marello golf tournament. From left, Fr. John Shearer, Frank Wascalis, Patrick J. Forlenza, Patrick, W. Forlenza and committee member Jack Casper. Submitted photo

The nardone group was ready to try for one of the two hole-in-one prizes, sponsored by Saporito, Falcone and Watt, at the annual St. Joseph Marello golf tournament.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_StJoeGolf2.jpgThe nardone group was ready to try for one of the two hole-in-one prizes, sponsored by Saporito, Falcone and Watt, at the annual St. Joseph Marello golf tournament. Submitted photo

From left, Ray Bernardi, Charlies Grimes, Frank Cassarella and Lee Monteforte are ready to tee it up at the 22nd annual St. Joseph Marello golf tournament.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_StJoeGolf3.jpgFrom left, Ray Bernardi, Charlies Grimes, Frank Cassarella and Lee Monteforte are ready to tee it up at the 22nd annual St. Joseph Marello golf tournament. Submitted photo

WEST PITTSTON — Derek Cease didn’t get the job done with his arm a day earlier, so he let his bat make up for it on Thursday.

Cease clobbered two home runs and drove in four as Nanticoke advanced to the Little League Major Baseball state tournament with an 8-6 victory over West Pittston in the Section 5 championship game.

The Nanticoke all-stars won’t have much time to celebrate their victory. They need to be at to Rostraver Little League, which is about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh, by Saturday afternoon. Nanticoke opens state play at 10 a.m. Sunday against Section 8 champion Morrisville.

District 16 champion Nanticoke set up the sectional tournament to have Cease, the team’s ace and one of the top youth pitchers in the area, to pitch Wednesday. Cease, though, struggled through 3 2/3 innings as West Pittston forced Thursday’s game by winning 9-6.

“I knew I had to drive my team and get some hits,” Cease said.

Even more so after West Pittston took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first on a three-run homer by Jason Wiedl that also scored Evan Melberger and Ethan Elmes. Melberger reached on an error and Elmes singled before Wiedl’s two-out shot.

Cease started the comeback with a homer to lead off the bottom of the first. Justin Spencer then reached on an error and Nick Matson tucked a single just inside the right-field foul line. Spencer scored on Collin Piestrak’s groundout and Matson did the same when Ethan Egenski grounded out.

Cease then snapped the tie and gave Nanticoke the lead for good in the second. Charlie Casey opened the inning with a single to left and pinch hitter Bryant Keegan bunted his way aboard. Cease then launched his second homer to the same general area as the first — left-center field — for a 6-3 advantage.

“They wouldn’t pitch to him (Wednesday),” Nanticoke manager Al Brown said of Cease. “I told him before the game if they’re not going to pitch to you we’re just going to play baseball. Let them do what they’re going to do and we’ll deal with it. You’re teammates will pick you up.”

One of them was Spencer, the starting pitcher pressed into action after Wednesday’s loss.

“I wasn’t nervous. I was really happy to get the start,” Spencer said. “My teammates backed me up with their hitting. My curve and change-up were working. So was my fastball.”

Spencer’s instructions were simple. He didn’t have to go in there and mow down batter after batter, although there wouldn’t have been any complaints if he did so. He just had to keep the damage to a minimum.

“We knew, just like going into West Scranton, he was going to give up some home runs, give up some runs,” Brown said. “We asked him to limit it, to keep it to four, five or six because we knew we would score enough if we kept it at six max we’d score enough to win the game.”

Spencer surrendered consecutive homers to J.J. Hood and Jake Kelleher in the third, moving West Pittston within 6-5. But he retired nine of the next 12 batters before leaving with one out in the sixth after reaching his pitch limit. By that time, Nanticoke had increased its lead to 8-5 as Nick Matson hit a two-run homer into a tree in left-center in the fourth. Matson’s homer scored Cease, who West Pittston intentionally walked a batter earlier.

Reliever Devyn Sura took over with one out in the sixth and after surrendering a homer to Jude Janosky fanned the last two West Pittston batters.

District 31 champion West Pittston saw its season end after winning its first district championship since 1996. It defeated two unbeaten teams to win the D31 crown and also handed Nanticoke its only loss in postseason play.

“I use the word resilient when I talk about them all the time, but that’s the best word to describe them,” said West Pittston coach Mick Melberger, who ran the team in the absence of manager Jim Manganiello. “I told the boys laterally two seconds ago, ‘You beat every good team in this area. You beat Kingston/Forty Fort. You beat Back Mountain. We beat Wallenpaupack twice. We beat the Section 5 champs. Hold your heads high.’”

Nanticoke 8, West Pittston 6

West Pittston`AB`R`H`BI

Melberger 2b`3`1`0`0

Elmes ss`3`1`1`0

Hood 1b`3`1`1`1

Kelleher p`3`1`1`1

Wiedl c`3`1`2`3

Sokch-Mnnick cf`3`0`1`0

Ross 3b`3`0`0`0

Kashuba lf`1`0`0`0

HRosen ph`1`0`0`0

Janosky ph`1`1`1`1

MRosen rf`1`0`0`0

Pitcavage ph`1`0`0`0

Wrobleski ph`1`0`0`0

Totals`27`6`7`6

Nanticoke`AB`R`H`BI

Cease ss`3`3`2`4

Spencer p`3`1`0`0

Matson cf`3`2`2`2

Piestrak 1b`3`0`0`0

Egenski rf`3`0`1`1

Sura rf`3`0`1`1

Reakes ph`1`0`0`0

Brown lf`3`0`0`0

Casey c`1`1`1`0

Butczynski ph`1`0`0`0

Everett ph`1`0`0`0

Mackiewicz 3b`1`0`0`0

Keegan ph`1`1`1`0

Totals`25`8`7`8

West Pittston`302`001`—`6

Nanticoke`330`200`x`—`8

E: West Pittston 3, Nanticoke 4. LOB: West Pittston 4, Nanticoke 3. HR: Hood, Kelleher, Wiedl, Janosky, Cease 2, Matson.

W.Pittston`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Kelleher (L)`2.0`5`6`5`1`1

MRosen`3.0`2`2`2`1`2

Nanticoke`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Spencer (W)`5.1`6`5`2`1`4

Sura`0.2`1`1`1`0`2

Nanticoke players celebrate their victory over West Pittston for the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball championship Thursday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116Little-League.jpgNanticoke players celebrate their victory over West Pittston for the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball championship Thursday.

Nanticoke’s Justin Spencer delivers a pitch against West Pittston. Spencer picked up the victory, sending Nanticoke to the state tournament.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116Little-League3.jpgNanticoke’s Justin Spencer delivers a pitch against West Pittston. Spencer picked up the victory, sending Nanticoke to the state tournament. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Nanticoke manager Al Brown talks to his team after Thursday’s victory.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116Little-League4.jpgNanticoke manager Al Brown talks to his team after Thursday’s victory. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Nanticoke’s Owen Brown slides back into second base.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116Little-League5.jpgNanticoke’s Owen Brown slides back into second base. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Nanticoke players celebrate their victory over West Pittston for the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball championship Thursday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL072116Little-League2.jpgNanticoke players celebrate their victory over West Pittston for the Section 5 Little League Major Baseball championship Thursday. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader