Basketball Recap: Shamokin Area Takes a Loss

Shamokin Area and Mount Carmel squared off in some playoff action on Friday, but Shamokin Area had to settle for second. They were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 68-67 to the RED TORNADOES. The Indians were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the RED TORNADOES earlier this season, when they won 75-68.

Xavier Paul

Points

02/27/26 vs Mount Carmel	21
02/24/26 vs Montoursville	15
02/20/26 vs Columbia Montour Vo-Tech	20
02/12/26 vs Southern Columbia Area	22
02/07/26 vs Trinity	18
02/02/26 @ Selinsgrove	19

Despite the defeat, Shamokin Area saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Xavier Paul almost dropped a double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds. The matchup was Paul's sixth in a row with at least 15 points. Cru Schroyer was another key player, shooting 58% from the field to rack up 15 points and eight boards.

Mount Carmel's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jude Lazicki led the charge by going 11-for-16 en route to 26 points and seven rebounds. That makes it three consecutive games in which Lazicki has scored at least a third of the RED TORNADOES' points. The team also got some help courtesy of Jaylen Delaney, who shot 73% from the field on his way to 18 points and seven assists.

Shamokin Area has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 15-11 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 59.8 points over those games. As for Mount Carmel, their record is now 16-9.

Shamokin Area does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Mount Carmel, they will head out on the road to square off against Bishop McDevitt at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The RED TORNADOES will be up against the Crusaders' rather soft defense (which has allowed 52.25 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.