Shamokin Basketball, Carmen Defrancesco, and the Bucknell Bison

The Shamokin boys and girls hoops squads open up District IV play on Thursday night. While the Lady Indians will be favored in their match up with Jersey Shore, the boys have a rematch of a December game with Shikellamy. The Braves won that contest at the buzzer. Since that time, Shamokin put on the afterburners and made a run at the Schuylkill League, beating champion Blue Mountain late in the season. Shikellamy on the other hand, has been about a .500 team. If the Indians get by the Braves, Shamokin will get tested with two athletic teams of Mifflinburg and Milton if the Black Panthers make it throught their bracket. This could be the best first round matchup any class or gender.

The Bucknell men have a tough road game at Lehigh tonight. Look for the game to set the tone for the Bison throughout their Patriot League tournament run which starts on February 28th.

Carm Defrancesco has been rumored for several head coaching vacancies. Williamsport and Milton have opening and are close to home. However, did Upper Dauphin enter the picture? It may be a good fit. Carm has a great track building programs at Cardinal Brennan, Danville, and Shamokin Area.

Finally, where have you gone Lourdes Regional??? Both boys and girls teams did not qualify for the post season. Both teams have won PIAA titles in the 90's, but usually one makes the post season. Every dark cloud has a silver lining. The boys were seconds away from qualifying and they return all five starters who were on the court for the final tip off. The ladies have some talent working their way through the ranks.