Agape Freedom Sports LLC

Friday, I officially wrap up Year 1 of our podcast journey.

Starting this Friday, I’ll be taking a 3-week mental health break—stepping away from posting and podcast work until August 15th.

It’s been an incredible first year filled with growth, stories, and community, but it’s time to recharge, reset, and come back refreshed for Year 2. Thank you all for the continued support—I truly appreciate it See you soon. 💙

But first, Let’s share some of my favorite moments in the 2024 and 2025 high school sports season. 

One thing about my podcast organization—it all started because of my long-time passion for sports. 2002 Coming out of high school, it was a dream of mine to go to college and become a journalist. I loved writing and how it gave people a voice to express themselves. One of my biggest inspirations was Donnie Collins from the Scranton Times. I admired his writing style—how he made each story feel real, personal, and creative. After reading his work, I felt like I was right there at the game.

JERIC’S Lackawanna Sports WebSite (2000-2005)

Back in 2001, I created a free sports website through League Lineup. I would go to games, cover them, and write articles. It was a different time—no social media, no modern tech. I kept at it until 2005. I tried college in 2003 but never graduated, so I went into the workforce. It wasn’t until 2023 that I started a podcast on a completely different topic. But in May 2024, I thought—why not start a sports podcast? The rest is history.

Year One in the Books:

So here we are—my first full year as a podcast sports journalist—and what a rollercoaster it’s been! Our area saw some incredible achievements: Valley View and Holy Cross boys basketball teams both made the state semifinals. In softball, Mid Valley reached the 3A state semifinals, and Valley View brought home the 4A state championship. The Riverside Vikings football team also reached the state semis. NEPA sports was alive and thriving.

To be honest, football season was a blur. It was my first time covering sports since 2003, and I was new to interviews, was still dealing with nerves and anxiety. It took months to find my footing. It wasn’t really until softball and baseball season that I found my comfort zone—sports I’ve been more connected to. I’ve ran a men’s slow-pitch softball team since 2016 and helped coach or manage that program to multiple league championships and semifinal runs. I built a team culture and system that worked—and that experience gave me the foundation to cover spring sports with confidence.

Basketball Season Memories:

Basketball was another learning experience, but a few players stood out. Valley View’s Beyon McClean was a force—dominant in the paint, physical on defense, and capable of driving the lane with power. His teammate, Nick Kucharski, may not have led in points, but his hustle, grit, and defense made him the kind of player every championship team needs. I told him back in December, “You might not lead in scoring, but your defense is going to matter in the playoffs.” And sure enough, it did. Valley View won their first District 2 title since 1997 and made state semifinal game.

Another one, Scranton Prep’s Ambrose Rossi also stood out—6’5”, 250 lbs, and a force in both football and basketball. He was a beast in the paint and a leader on the field.

🏆 2024 Honors & Hardware:

• Offensive Hookey Reap Award Winner

• Defensive Hookey Reap Award Runner-Up

• All-Region – Offense & Defense

• 2024 Team Captain

• 3× District 2 Champion

• LFC Division I Champion

In girls basketball, the standouts I got to watch were Valley View’s Cora Castellani, Dunmore’s Sophia Talutto, and Mid Valley’s Krista Cortazar—tough, gritty defenders and true leaders on the court. As someone who loves defense, they were a joy to watch.

Spring Sports and Unforgettable Moments

But the highlight of the year—without question—was Valley View’s softball state championship. That feeling was surreal. I came home from work (I do 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shifts), got to the couch just in time for the 1:30 p.m. first pitch. What a moment. To witness that, to write about it, and to interview the athletes who made it happen—it’s something I’ll never forget.

Thank you, Valley View softball team and community. You made me feel like I was part of the family. When things got overwhelming—juggling work, podcast duties, and life—it was your encouragement and support that kept me motivated.

This was personal. I’ve followed high school sports since I was 9, but I had never personally known someone who won a PIAA state title—until now. To be there on the field after the game with my son, celebrating at the school—it meant the world. The game of softball has always held special meaning for me, and this season, it meant more than ever.

Other Games That Stuck With Me

One of the most intense games I witnessed was the Dunmore vs. Riverside District 2 baseball championship. Dunmore hadn’t won a title in nearly 30 years. Riverside was cruising through the first six innings, dominating with pitching. But Dunmore came storming back with four runs in the 7th inning—an unforgettable comeback and one of the most electric atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. The Dunmore community was amazing all season.

Another game that stood out was the Holy Cross vs. Mid Valley league softball championship. The hype matched the atmosphere. I arrived an hour early—by first pitch, there wasn’t even standing room left. Holy Cross led most of the game, and I had already started prepping postgame questions. But Mid Valley tied it in the 7th—and the game went 10 innings before Holy Cross pulled out the win. One of the best softball games I’ve ever seen live.

The Holy Cross and Mid Valley softball communities were incredibly supportive and kind. That encouragement goes a long way. We’re all human, and I believe in the importance of community, friendship, and support systems. We need healthy relationships and connections—and I’ve found that through sports more than anywhere else.

Looking Ahead: Year 2 Begins

And with that, I officially wrap up Year 1 of my podcast sports organization. In just a few weeks, we begin our 2025–2026 campaign—and I couldn’t be more excited.

I fully expect Valley View softball to return as a strong contender for both district and state championships. And I look forward to covering more amazing athletes, telling more unforgettable stories, and building even deeper connections in the NEPA sports world.

Let’s keep it going. Year 2—let’s ride.