IT WAS A WILD SPRING SEASON (June 19, 2022)BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports ReportTwo years removed from not having a season due to Covid-19, the area’s spring sports teams are starting to round back into form. Track and field saw even more state medalists and qualifiers, it was a tight softball season, and baseball saw Wyalusing return to the top.
Top 5 Female Contests
5. Towanda’s Bennett sets new district record, Troy’s Getola wins district title - Towanda’s Porschia Bennett hadn’t been jumping well most of the season, but that changed at districts, when she set a new district record in the high jump at 5-feet, 8-inches. Troy’s Anneliese Getola won the 100 meter finals after not making the finals a year ago. It was part of a day that saw four area girls earn a state berth - Bennett, Getola, Wyalusing’s Olivia Haley, and Towanda’s Anna Dunn - along with the Towanda 4x400 relay.
4. Canton tops NEB, Montgomery in the same week - It’s tough to decide between these two wins as Canton gave NEB their first NTL loss of the decade, but also beat the eventual state champs Montgomery. In the win over the Panthers Canton rallied from a 3-1 deficit, before tying the game up at 3-3 in the seventh. They scored four in the eighth to get the win. Then, against Montgomery, Keri Wesneski held the Red Raiders scoreless for eight innings while Emmi Ward manufactured the winning run on her own. It showed just how good the Warriors could play this season.
3. Wyalusing rallies from a 9-run deficit to beat Wellsboro, and clinch an NTL title - The Rams had a few games like this - they rallied in extra innings to beat Troy, too - but this one clinched the title. They were losing 9-0 late in the game, only to score 10 unanswered runs in a walk-off win over Wellsboro. They tied, and won the game, with two outs on the scoreboard in the seventh, during a game that was a microcosm of their season - crazy, stressful, but enshrining their place in the hearts of Wyalusing fans and coaches.
2. Emily Susanj’s walk-off home run against CV - It was going to be a fairytale ending for somebody. CV rallied from a 5-run deficit with six runs in the seventh to take a 6-5 lead. The Indians then got two outs to start the bottom of the seventh, but after a Thailey Franklin single Susanj took a 2-3 pitch and put it over the fence for a walk-off win. It was part of a lot of close games for the Panthers, and set the tone for a season in which they won another league title.
1. Porschia Bennett state title as part of a strong finish for area girls’ track and field stars - Towanda’s Porschia Bennett claimed her second straight state title, and did so just before the storm hit. She ends her career on top of the state for the second year in a row, and did so in dominant fashion. Bennett also helped her team’s 4x400 relay of Eliza Fowler, Anna Dunn, and Kelsea Allen-Smith take fourth in the state, while Troy’s Anneliese Getola finished off an impressive career with a fifth place medal in the 100 at states.
Honorable Mention: Troy softball’s walk off wins over Athens and Towanda…Towanda’s win over NP-Liberty to hand them their first league loss…Canton’s two close wins over Troy…NEB’s first win over Canton…Wyalusing’s win over Canton…NEB’s win over Wyalusing…Wyalusing’s victory over NPL to take the division lead…Wyalusing track and field taking second at NTLs…Towanda softball sweeping Athens
Top 5 Male Contests
5. NEB baseball holding on to beat Canton - Coming off a 15-run loss, NEB used a fast start to top Canton 4-2 in a highlight win for them. The Panthers scored three runs in the first, while Canton would cut it to 3-2. It was a pitcher’s duel after that, with NEB getting another run in the fourth. In the bottom of the seventh Stanton hit his pitch count limit, and had to leave. Canton took advantage, loading the bases with two outs, but a hard hit line drive was snagged by Clay Wiggins to secure the win.
4. Troy wins the Shamokin Tournament - Troy edged Line Mountain (4-3) and Shamokin (12-9) to win bring home the tournament title. Line Mountain was a 3-3 game in the seventh when Camryn Harwick scored the winning run. Against Shamokin they were down 6-3, but scored seven runs in the fifth to take, and hold, the lead. It was the type of performance from the young team their coaches were waiting for.
3. Canton’s walk-off win over Troy - It was a game that sent two teams in opposite directions. Troy came in 6-3, and led 10-3 at one point, while the Warriors were 5-6, clawing their way back to .500. The Warriors chipped away, cutting it to 10-6, before scoring five runs in the seventh to win 11-10 off a clutch Michael Beers hit. Canton would go on to finish 12-10 and make districts, while the Trojans would finish under .500 and just miss a district berth.
2. Troy’s Dustin Hagin brings home two medals from states - Hagin was a busy person Saturday morning, triple jumping and running the 110 hurdle finals. He would medal in both - leaving the triple jump to run the hurdles - taking fourth in the jumps and seventh in the hurdles. It was part of strong weekend for area boys at states, as Wyalusing’s Kashawn Cameron was fourth in the long jump, and NEB’s Dan Seeley took seventh in the discus.
1. Wyalusing’s win over Sayre - The Rams had clinched the league title by then, and it didn’t push them to first place in the district standings, but there’s probably not any win that signifies their season then this one. The Rams got gutsy outings from ace Blake Morningstar and freshman Hunter House, while good base running from Hugo in the first, and a sacrifice fly from C.J. Carr in the fourth gave them their two runs. In a season full of big wins, this one was the brightest.
Honorable Mention: Towanda’s walk-off win over Athens…Troy’s Hagin wins district title in triple jump…Troy takes second at NTLs…Wyalusing’s win at Wellsboro…Wyalusing’s title clinch victory over Troy…The Rams hold on to beat Athens at home…Canton tops Troy in extra innings at home
Top 5 Coaches
5. Lyle Wesneski, Canton, Softball - Canton won their final nine regular season games, including victories over NEB and Montgomery - two state powers. They only finished with five losses, all of them winnable games, including victories over NP-Liberty, Athens, Millville (twice), and Troy (twice). They did so with a new pitcher, too, as they continued their program’s ascent.
4. Matt Geer, Troy, Track and Field - The Trojans saw two athletes - Dustin Hagin and Anneliese Getola - bring home three state medals, two district titles, and capture two school records this year. They also took second at the NTL Championships as a team, coming up short to the distance powerhouse of Williamson. They also finished with a winning dual meet record, continuing the renaissance that the Trojans have enjoyed.
3. Tilden Franklin, NEB, Softball - Franklin had to remake his infield around the battery of Thailey Franklin and Emily Susanj, while incorporating several younger players into the line-up. It worked as they won their first 10 games and clinched another NTL Division-II title, while grabbing the top seed for the district playoffs. They won two close games against CV, one against Canton, and another over fellow NTL champion Wyalusing. They didn’t go as far as they wanted in the playoffs, but still had a successful season.
2. Nick Vanderpool, Wyalusing Baseball - Winning 15 straight games is not easy - especially not in the days of pitch counts - but the Rams pulled it off. They split with Wellsboro, swept everybody else, and ended their NTL season with a win over powerhouse Sayre. To top it off they got their first NTL title in a decade, giving them their first of the team’s two big goals. Vanderpool has coached many of these players since they were little, and he pulled all the right strings this season.
1. John Loomis, Wyalusing, Softball - After losing much of their starting line-up a year ago the Rams looked to in for a rebuild, but they were able to defend their NTL Division-I title. They did so by winning several close games - at NPL, vs Troy, at Canton - and getting a few big rallies - at Troy, vs Wellsboro. Their veterans stepped up, and their newcomers filled the holes, a testament to the coaching staff at Wyalusing.
Top 5 Female Newcomers
5. Aleah Johnson, Towanda, Softball - Johnson hit .340 as a freshman for the Knights, with two doubles, and six runs scored. She also some action in the circle, going 34 2/3-innings with 29 strikeouts and a 4.644 ERA. In a year of ups and downs for Towanda, she was a consistent performer.
4. Rachel Wilson, Wyalusing, Softball - Wilson hit .360 as a freshman, with two doubles, and a home run. Her production near the bottom of the order was a big reason Wyalusing was able to repeat as the defending NTL Champions.
3. Olivia Champluvier, Troy, Softball - Champluvier hit .389 with three doubles, and home run as part of a strong freshman class for the Trojans. She also struck out 29 during 40 2/3-innings of action in the circle. Her, much like her team, have a bright future.
2. Gracelyn Laudermilch, NEB, Track & Field - Laudermilch was a state qualifier in the 3200, taking second at districts, while also running the fastest 800 in the NTL. She could be a future state qualifier in all the distance events going forward.
1. Anna Dunn, Towanda, Track & Field - Dunn anchored the Towanda 4x400 state medaling relay, one that that not only took fourth in the state, but also set a new school record. She also qualified for states in the open 400 as a freshman, a good career start as any in the sport.
Honorable Mention: Troy’s Alyssa Parks, Track & Field…Canton’s Kendall Kitchen, Track & Field…Troy’s Kali Ayres, Softball…Troy’s Amber James, Softball…NEB’s Kelsea Moore, Softball…NEB’s Maisie Neuber, Track & Field
Top 5 Male Newcomers
5. Mason Imbt, Troy, Track & Field - Imbt led the shot put field throughout the season, finishing with the highest mark in the NTL. He also earned a district medal in the event.
4. Teagan Irish, Towanda, Baseball - Irish was part of Towanda’s strong contingent of newcomers, hitting .271 with three doubles, and 10 runs scored, while also manning the shortstop position.
3. Clayton Smith, Troy, Baseball - Smith hit .338 on the year for the Trojans, with 8-RBI, and five doubles. He also made some big plays in centerfield for the Trojans during the season.
2. Holden Ward, Canton, Baseball - Ward was second in the team at the plate with a .323 average, being out four doubles, and scoring 25 runs. He was also strong on the mound, striking out a team high 45.
1. Camden Allen, Troy, Baseball - Allen was a strong two-way player for the Trojans, hitting .418 with 16 runs scored, 10-RBI, and four doubles. He also pitched 33 innings, striking out 35, and a key reason for their bright future.
Honorable Mention: NEB’s Shakei Smith, Track & Field…NEB’s Ethan Finch, Track & Field…Towanda’s Dawson Butts, Baseball…NEB’s Jack Shumway, Baseball…Canton’s Gavin Morse, Baseball…Towanda’s Jack Wheaton, Baseball
Top 5 Female Athletes
5. Emily Susanj, NEB, Softball - Susanj was clutch for the Panthers all season, hitting .574 with 32-RBI, five home runs, and four doubles. Her walk-off game winning home run against CV was just one of several big hits that helped them to the NTL title.
4. Thailey Franklin, NEB, Softball - Franklin hit .556 with 27 runs scored, five triples, and three home runs to go with 22-RBI, while also striking out 132 from the circle with a 1.902 ERA. The battery of her and Susanj helped lead the Panthers to another league title.
3. Anneliese Getola, Troy, Track & Field - Getola was a state medalist in the 100, and also brought home a district title in the event. She set the school record in the 100, while also earning a district medal in the 200.
2. Emmi Ward, Canton, Softball - Ward led the Warriors to a 16-4 finish during the regular season, including big wins over NEB and Montgomery. She had one of the best gloves in the district at shortstop, and got on base better than half the time as a lead-off batter.
1. Porschia Bennett, Towanda, Track & Field - Bennett repeated as the state champion in the high jump, while also setting a new district record in the event. She also helped her 4x400 team to a state medal, and a new school record - putting her name on two records for Towanda track and field.
Honorable Mention: Wyalusing’s Laci Norton, Softball…Wyalusing’s Olivia Haley, Track & Field…Wyalusing’s Hannah Ely, Track & Field…NEB’s Gracelyn Laudermilch, Track & Field…Towanda’s Anna Dunn, Track & Field…Canton’s Keri Wesneski, Softball…Troy’s Tyra Williams, Softball…Wyalusing’s Jenelle Johns, Softball…Canton’s Molly Ward, Softball
Top 5 Male Athletes
5. Kashawn Cameron, Wyalusing, Track & Field - Cameron returned from an early season injury to take fourth in the state in the long jump. He didn’t start competition until late April, but peaked at the right time to get a medal.
4. Dan Seeley, NEB, Track & Field - Seeley won the district title in the discus, and took seventh at states. He nearly hit the school record in the event. Seeley was also a district medalist in the shot put.
3. Weston Bellows, Canton, Baseball - Bellows hit .354 for Canton, with 26-RBI, three doubles, and a home run. He also boasted an ERA of just over three on the mound, while manning shortstop and centerfield - two of the most important positions on the team.
2. Blake Morningstar, Wyalusing, Baseball - Morningstar hit .324 with four doubles, and 20-RBI, but it was play on the mound - 129 strikeouts, an ERA of 1.249 in just over 60 innings of action - that was the biggest key for the Rams in their first NTL title in over a decade.
1. Dustin Hagin, Troy, Track & Field - Hagin went out in style for the Trojans, with two state medals and a new school record. He was fourth in the triple jump, and seventh in the 110 hurdles at the state meet. He also won a district title in the triple jump, and nearly made states in the long jump, taking third at districts.
Honorable Mention: Wyalusing’s Jake Bruyn, Baseball…Troy’s Kory Schucker, Baseball…Wyalusing’s Kevin VanDerMark, Baseball…Wyalusing’s Grady Cobb, Track & Field…Towanda’s Mitchell Mosier, Track & Field…Troy’s Colin Loveland, Track & Field…Towanda’s Rein Alderfer, Boys’ Tennis
A LOOK AHEAD TO 2022: Look for several area teams to improve next year - particularly Troy and Towanda - while Wyalusing should once again be the league favorites. NEB returns a few key players, and could be in the mix for small school, while Canton will continue to retool. It’s hard to image softball being any crazier than this past year, but it could be. NEB and Wyalusing will have some revamping to do to defend their titles, but return enough key players to stay in the hut. Canton should once again be a threat, while expect Troy and Towanda to be improved. Track and field lost a few stalwarts, so the landscape will look different across the board. However, the girls are poised to have some breakout stars in Wyalusing’s Olivia Haley, Towanda’s Anna Dunn, and NEB’s Gracelyn Laudermilch, while the boys will be up for grabs.
BASEBALL
WYALUSING is in good position to not only defend their NTL title, but also win their school’s first district title. They return their entire bullpen - including ace Blake Morningstar - while most of their line-up returns, though they have a few key seniors to replace. At the end of the season they struggled a little bit to get key hits with runners on base, so that will be a point of emphasis next year. Filling some holes defensively is also important, but plenty of coaches would love to have their ‘problems.’ CANTON saw the end of the Bob Rockwell era, having coached there for the better part of four decades. They return first team all-star Weston Bellows, and second team ace Holden Ward, but they will continue to have to develop talent around them. The Warriors, though, have a talent for gutting out close wins, so don’t expect them to fall off the standings. TROY had about as good as a start as they could have hoped for, but struggled to finish off close games down the stretch, keeping them out of the players. They return their two all-stars and pitchers - Kory Schucker and Camden Allen - and lose just one senior starter. If they can put it all together next year, they could challenge Wyalusing for the NTL title. NORTHEAST BRADFORD had some bright spots, but also more holes. They lose two key seniors in Garrett Cooper and Jack Shumway, but return ace Josh Stanton, along with several key hitters throughout their line-up. If they can find some more pitching, and tighten up the defense, they could see themselves competing for the NTL Division-II title next year. TOWANDA had two different seasons, one on paper and one on the field. On paper it was as bad it could just about be, but on the field they showed a lot of promise for such a young team. Beating Athens should help towards giving them confidence for next year, it’s just a matter of finding some pitching, and making sure there some internal improvement.
SOFTBALL
NORTHEAST BRADFORD continued their reign in the NTL Division-II, but they have to replace three starters going into next year, including stalwart catcher Emily Susanj. They return pitcher Thailey Franklin, and have several younger players ready to step up, so they should continue to be amongst the best in the league. But with Canton and CV returning most of their teams it will be a battle for the league and district…WYALUSING was able to cobble together an NTL title run season. They say good-bye to several seniors - including Laci Norton - but bring back much of their team’s core, along with both of their pitchers, Jenelle Johns and London Edwards. They have the talent to do that again, but will also need to carry on the chemistry from this year, too. CANTON played some of the best ball of the season during their 9-game win streak, but saw it come to a shocking end in the playoffs. They say good-bye to POY Emmi Ward, along with two other key seniors, but return first team all-stars Molly Ward and Keri Wesneski. They hit the ball about as well as any team in the districts - they had nine hits off Montgomery’s star pitcher in their win - so if they can find some consistency, they could be a team to reckon with again. TROY was the youngest team in the league, and one of the best hitting ones, too. However, they struggled to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard, and will need to improve on that. On the plus side they return nearly all of their key players, as their freshmen got a good year of experience. They have been under .500 but they’re closer to competing amongst the best in the league than it says on paper. TOWANDA had a roller coaster season unlike any other, but were able to get a few positives out of it. They return their two pitchers - Shay Greenland and Aleah Johnson - along with fellow all-star Brea Overpeck. They’ll have to rebuild their depth, but have a good core to build around for next season.
TRACK & FIELD
TROY saw two seniors earn three state medals this year, but much of meet scoring prowess graduates. On the boys’ side Colin Loveland looks like he make the next step and be a state qualifier next season, while team wise, both boys and girls will have some rebuilding to do. They have a strong history of building state qualifiers, so expect to see a few athletes step up. WYALUSING will say good-bye to a very good boys’ class, but return thrower Jacob Palfreyman. The girls’ side they have quite a few talented performers, built around state qualifier Olivia Haley, and could challenge for the NTL title next season. TOWANDA will say good-bye to the end of the Porschia Bennett era, but have another talented athlete in Anna Dunn to build around. Their 4x400 relay also looks poised to return to states next season. The boys bring back most of their top point getters, and could see a couple athletes push towards a state berth. NEB had a renaissance season on both sides, and return state qualifier Gracelyn Laudermilch on the girls’ team. If they can get some depth, they could make some noise in the NTL. The boys will say good-bye to a talented senior class that included state medalist Dan Seeley, but have some youngsters to build around going forward. CANTON has a good group of girls coming back, highlighted by pole vaulter Kendall Kitchen, and distance runner Camille McRoberts. On the boys’ side they say good-bye to a couple big point getters, but return district medalist thrower Kyle Kapichok.
BOYS’ TENNIS
TOWANDA was young, and had a bit of rebuilding year, though they did challenge for the NTL title. They return seven of their eight starters, including first singles player Rein Aldefer, who won a district match last year, showing that the future is bright.
