A rematch of last year’s District III 6A championship moved it’s location, both geographically and on the bracket on Tuesday night. In the 2024 edition, it was at Cumberland Valley’s Dome, and in the semifinals with both teams fighting for a chance to go to Hershey. Cumberland Valley picked up a 19 point win with huge contributions from JJ Lebo and Nolan Buzalka, scoring 18 and 17, respectively.
The lead didn’t come right away for the Eagles. In the first quarter, Reading’s Yadiel Cruz, a starter on last year’s state championship winning team, had nine of 13 in a 13-7 lead for the Red Knights. By the end of the opening quarter, CV had allowed only one more and gained four to make the end of the first frame a 14-11 deficit.
The second quarter had a lead change in store, the first lead switch of the game as Cumberland Valley began to storm back, capitalizing on momentum with a JJ Lebo three emphasizing an already rocking gym. It was pandemonium on the Pike.
With Cumberland Valley up six, Reading inbounded on the far end of their basket, looking to chuck up a half court heave and beat the buzzer. Instead, the Eagle inbound defense knocked a loose ball into the hands of Jake Snyder to close the half. He put up a last second floater, but the shot was waived off due to time, much to the chagrin of many Eagle fans. The six point intermission lead would stay six into the break.
Yadiel Cruz put up eight points and a missed free throw in the third quarter, but only four more points would come for the Red Knights going into the final frame. On the other side, the party continued. JJ Lebo knocked down a triple and a two, while Creston Austin put up four, as did Nolan Buzalka.
The Eagles got plenty of chances at the line in the final quarter, going 12/20 in the final quarter. The name of the game in the final quarter for Cumberland Valley was defense, allowing only ten points, five of which from the line.
THE STARS
Nolan Buzalka has been tremendous down the stretch for CV. After a controversial call in last year’s District III 6A championship against Reading, the Eagles’ junior forward is hungrier than ever to get that District III gold. He scored 17 for CV tonight.
JJ Lebo was big throughout the game with two three pointers and 18 total points. CV got an 11 point contribution from Creston Austin and a nine point night from Jake Snyder.
Yadiel Cruz has proven to be the guy for the Red Knights, as he finished with 28.
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