Valley View’s Noah Symuleski and Abington Heights’ Gavin Corwin reach for the rebound during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ bench celebrates after their team scores during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ Andrew Kettle moves the ball during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ Andrew Kettle defends Valley View’s Noah Symuleski during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Michael Muto shoots during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ Jordan Shaffer takes a shot during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights players defend Valley View’s Brady Cunningham during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ Jordan Shaffer takes a shot during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Aiden Plotkin holds the ball during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Michael Muto moves the ball during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Jaager Roe lines up for a free throw during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ Jordan Shaffer makes a free throw during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Abington Heights’ head coach JC Show talks to his players during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View fans cheer on their team during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Valley View’s Noah Symuleski and Abington Heights’ Gavin Corwin reach for the rebound during the basketball game at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
S. ABINGTON TWP. — Chris Begley knows his role and plays with relentless effort each time he steps on the court.
His ferocity at the defensive end catapulted No. 6 Abington Heights to a 60-56, come-from-behind win over No. 4 Valley View on Friday night. It was the second important win for the Comets this week, as they seized first place in the Lackawanna Division I boys basketball standings.
In the final 35 seconds, Begley made two steals and connected on three of four free throws to secure the Comets’ fifth straight win as they improved to 9-5 overall and 6-0 in the division.
“It was a tight game, and we knew that we had to make a couple of stops,” Begley said. “On the second steal, we saw the play, and I was able to get the steal.
“We knew that Valley View was going to be very physical. This is huge. This win will help us build even more momentum heading into next week.”
Abington Heights, which had an 84-61 victory over No. 1 Scranton Prep on Tuesday night, got valuable contributions throughout the game. Despite falling behind by double-digits in the first half, the Comets conjured up enough intensity to push past the inspired Cougars.
Jordan Shaffer shook off some early shooting struggles to score 20 points. He had 55 points in the week and has 989 in his career. In addition, the 6-foot-4 senior collected 11 rebounds for Abington Heights.
“We had a great game on Tuesday against Scranton Prep, and we came out a little flat,” Shaffer said. “In the second half, we really emphasized going at the boards. We relied on our depth tonight. We had 10 guys come in, and everyone contributed. Guys down the stretch made big shots, and that was the difference.
Finn Goldberg also came through with some clutch shooting for the Comets. He finished with 13 points, which included three 3-pointers. His first helped Abington Heights close to within 26-21 in the second quarter, the second pulled the Comets to within 39-34 with 4:18 left in the third quarter and his third gave Abington Heights a 41-40 lead with 1:45 left in the third and came as part of a 9-0 run.
“My teammates have full confidence in me, and my coaches are always preaching to me to take the good shots,” Goldberg said. “My teammates found me in the right spots, and I was able to make the shots.
“Our goal was to be laser-focused throughout the game. We wanted to maintain a steady mindset, especially coming off the big win over Scranton Prep earlier in the week.”
Gavin Corwin came off the bench and gave Abington Heights a spark with eight points, with two coming in the third quarter. The Comets outscored the Cougars 18-11 and took a 46-44 lead into the fourth quarter.
Valley View (12-2, 4-2), which had a big lead in the first half that was fueled by Noah Symuleski’s four 3-pointers, stayed within striking distance. Cash Roe, who scored a team-high 19 points, and Aiden Plotkin helped the Cougars close to within 57-56 with 1:28 remaining.
Valley View had possession, but Begley made his first steal, which led to him making one of two free throws to extend the lead to 58-56.
On the Cougars’ next possession, Begley’s quick hands poked the ball away, and he scooped it up and headed for the basket. He was fouled, and with a chance to lock down the win, he calmly made both free throws.
“I have practiced that so many times, but you never have an environment like that,” Begley said. “The noise in the gym was loud. I was glad that I was able to make three out of four. I knew that my practice would pull me through.”