Game Recap: Pocono Mtn. West 52, Allentown Central Catholic 47

Pocono Mountain West moved to 10-1 on the season with a home triumph over EPC rival Allentown Central Catholic. The Panthers led much of the way behind the 1-2 punch of sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='3317882' first='Teddy' last='Stiehler'] (19 points) and senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1608319' first='KJ' last='Coles'] (18 points). Junior swingman [player_tooltip player_id='2427239' first='Yariel' last='Gonzalez'] led Allentown CC with 15 points.    The unquestioned leader for a PM West program accustomed to competing for district titles, Coles shook off a slow start to score 18 points in helping engineer the win. Known as a premier marksman from the perimeter, Coles was making a concerted effort to work downhill off the bounce, looking crisper in his movements and stronger taking on contact than we'd seen from him in the past. He did get himself going from deep, knocking down a 3 just before the half and two more during a decisive third quarter run. While not a traditional lead guard, Coles made smart passes out of double teams to help set up his teammates, with an impressive sense for handling extra defensive attention and picking his spots to attack. He projects as an early contributor in the PSAC as he heads to Kutztown after graduation.     The story of the Panthers' season has been the emergence up front of Stiehler, who's already doubled his production from a season ago and continued a string of double-digit performances with a career-high 19 points. Stiehler showcased solid hands and efficient technique as a finisher around the rim, running the floor well for early position and embracing physicality with his strong frame. He has solid footwork in the post with a strong sense of leverage, and patience to let traffic clear before rising up under control. The emerging forward also flashed ability to make basic decisions as an elbow hub or in dribble handoffs, and was an active rim protector with 5 blocks. He'll have to improve his touch and finesse inside, and is likely to have to keep growing or expanding away from the rim for the D1 level, but the Panthers look to have another scholarship-level frontcourt presence on their hands.     A returning starter and multiyear varsity contributor, Gonzalez is stepping into a go-to scoring role for the first time this season. While he wasn't his most efficient, the southpaw swingman grinded out a team-high 15 points, operating from all over the floor while displaying his natural craft as a scorer and playmaker. Previously more of a complementary option as a floor-spacer and cutter, Gonzalez showed an expanding skillset off the bounce as a slasher in the halfcourt, though he did get caught a couple times trying to make something out of nothing. While his versatility is a calling card, he'll have to iron out his bread and butter on a consistent basis, but nonetheless tracks as an intriguing scholarship-level option moving forward.     A transfer from conference rival Parkland, Hines has quickly emerged as a focal point for Central while developing into a consistent double-figure scorer up front. Despite some struggles on Tuesday night, he still worked his way to 12 points, doing most of his work around the basket. Hines operates well from short corner or elbow areas as threat to score or facilitate, showing upside as a slasher out to the perimeter with a promising blend of skill, fluidity, and physicality. He shows real creativity as a passer in tight confines with potential to space the floor down the line. Things appear to come easily to Hines as he possess a clear level of natural talent, so he'll need to be mindful of continuing to commit to doing the dirty work that his size and athleticism allow for. Nonetheless, he's emerged as a clear scholarship-level option with D1 potential as he continues to refine.     With Central needing a reliable third scorer to emerge, Ford looks ready to fill the role as he quickly comes into his own during his senior year. Already having surpassed his total production from a year ago, Ford impressed on Tuesday as a quick-release shooter off the catch, spacing the floor and knocking down a trio of 3s in the process. He has good positional size on the wing, showing a commitment to using his length on the glass and doing a decent job sliding his feet in space on D, with the length and athleticism to make some plays at the rim on that end as well. Overall he looks to be making a jump at the right time and should have a multitude of small-college options to consider if he keeps it up down the stretch of the season.

Pocono Mountain West moved to 10-1 on the season with a home triumph over EPC rival Allentown Central Catholic. The Panthers led much of the way behind the 1-2 punch of sophomore forward Teddy Stiehler Teddy Stiehler 6'6" | C/PF Pocono Mountain West | 2028 PA (19 points) and senior guard KJ Coles KJ Coles 6'2" | CG Pocono Mountain West | 2026 State PA (18 points). Junior swingman Yariel Gonzalez Yariel Gonzalez 6'4" | SF Allentown Central Catholic | 2027 State PA led Allentown CC with 15 points.