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WYOMING VALLEY CLUTCH – GAME OF THE WEEK PREGAME RECAP: VALLEY VIEW AT DUNMORE – GIRLS BASKETBALL

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN

Tonight’s a special one. I’m off work, I’m getting holiday pay, and I get to spend my night exactly where I love being—inside a gym, covering my first high school basketball game of the season. — Jeric Yurkanin

And what a matchup to open with.

The Wyoming Valley Clutch Game of the Week brings us a classic early-season showdown as the Valley View Lady Cougars travel to Dunmore to battle the always-tough Lady Bucks.

(Players to Watch – Valley View)

Cora Castellani & Sadie Cardoni

Circle their names. Highlight them. Underline them.

Cora Castellani enters tonight as my impact player pick—the type of defender who can change the pace of a game without needing to score. Expect pressure, steals, physicality, and the kind of on-ball intensity that forces an entire offense to rethink its game plan. And if Dunmore can’t slow her down? She can score in bunches off turnovers and take over a game all by herself.

Sadie Cardoni brings toughness, athleticism, and a natural feel for the game. She rebounds well, finishes strong in the paint, and gives Valley View that extra edge in the little things—the hustle plays, the second-chance points—that decide close games.

(Players to Watch – Dunmore)

Amanda Dempsey & Michelle Nidoh

Amanda Dempsey, coming off a strong 2025 season, brings instant offense and deep-range confidence. She’s the shooter who only needs one good look to flip momentum, and she’ll be a major factor from the three-point line tonight.

Michelle Nidoh anchors the interior—boxing out, rebounding, and owning the lane. She’s a major piece of Dunmore’s inside game and gives the Lady Bucks a strong defensive and rebounding presence they’ll rely on heavily.

The Storylines:

Valley View enters tonight with confidence after a dominant 60–18 win over Pocono Mountain West and strong preseason scrimmages. The Cougars aren’t sneaking up on anyone—they’re already being talked about as a Top 10 team in the area, building off last year’s postseason success.

Dunmore, meanwhile, is in a transition year after graduating standout Sophia Tatutto. But nobody in District 2 underestimates this program. The Lady Bucks are built on tradition, discipline, and playoff toughness. Last year’s state run ended only when they fell to eventual state champion Loyalsock. Dunmore doesn’t rebuild—they reload.

What to Expect Tonight:

Two teams with tradition.
Two gyms with history.
Two communities that always show up.

Expect physical defense, quick-transition guard play, and two teams fighting to make an early-December statement as they set the tone for the long season ahead.

WYOMING VALLEY CLUTCH GAME PREDICTION:

Valley View 56
Dunmore 43

Valley View has the returners, the momentum, and the defensive edge—but expect Dunmore to battle hard on their home court.

Check back tomorrow for game highlights, postgame interviews, and a full game recap article!!!!