Faced with a lack of height on the interior Scranton Prep has used their speed and press to put up 14 wins this year after losing three starters.

Larry Reagan, Scranton Prep Coach says, “It’s a tough group of kids. So, that’s been really fun to coach. They play with a chip on their shoulder. And while we’re not the biggest team, we’ve got a lot of fight in us. So, that’s something I’ve enjoyed coaching and seeing from them.

Brody Martin, Scranton Prep Senior added, “ We’ve been playing really hard, we’ve been stressing that every possession, finishing all of our possessions. Especially without a big guy like Pakcy said. Like with the gang rebounding, really pushing the tempo this year. So yeah, I like the way we are playing. “

Packy Doherty paces Prep averaging over 22 points per game and will play at Wesleyan next season. The Senior is a three year starters for the Cavaliers and a 1000 point scorer.

Packy Doherty, Scranton Prep Senior says, “I think throughout my time of year of improved on everything. Definitely size and speed since last year, getting my shooting better. So, yeah, definitely, gradually evolved through each year. “

Reagan added, “ I mean, his game, I think, speaks for itself. You’re seeing his ability to shoot the ball, which everybody’s known about, but, he’s being more of a playmaker for us this year. Getting the ball in the paint and doing a nice job setting up his teammates. “

Abington Heights returned 3 starters including Jordan Shaffer who has score 1000 career points and Andrew Kettel. The Comets are one of the tallest starting lineups in the Lackawanna League.

Jordan Shaffer, Abington Heights Senior says, “ I mean, we’re playing great. We’re playing as a team. We’ve really been pushed hard in practice recently, and it’s showing up on the court. The thing it’s been paying off for us, the most, is obviously we’re a big team. So using our size to advantage, pounding the paint, finishing at the rim, rebounding. It’s all been huge for us. “

JC Show, Abington Heights Coach added, “The things that we’ve got to get better at or we’ve got to continue to take care of the basketball. We’re starting to recognize that our size and strength is a strength of ours, and we got to play to that. And that those have been the recipes for us to have success. And we’re doing a better job of that which has led to the winning streak. “

The Comets have beaten the Cavaliers in early January by 23 points here at home. Last year it was Scranton Prep, who beat up Abington Heights. There’s a lot on the line, including a Division one title in the Lackawanna League and possible district two playoff points. “

Reagan says, “ Our biggest thing is, like I said, we’ve got to be more consistent. And we didn’t feel that we were consistent with, hitting our level of effort in that game. And, again, part of that was due to Abington, but, we’re looking forward to, another test against them coming up. “

Andrew Kettel, Abington Heights Senior,“ Definitely having a competitive mindset in practice. Pushing each other. Having the JV guys play hard defense on us. And us playing and competing against them in practice every day. Just pushing each other, keeping the energy up. Just, I don’t know, just want to win games. “

You can watch this Lackawanna League showdown between Abington Heights and Scranton Prep, Thursday night on MYTV, WQMY starting at 7pm.