In a thrilling finish, Dunmore High School claimed the District 2 Class 3A girls basketball championship with a dramatic 37-35 victory over Holy Redeemer on February 28, 2026, at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre. With just 6.6 seconds remaining and her team trailing by two points, freshman guard Janaya Martin sank a crucial three-pointer from the left wing, securing the title for the Lady Bucks.
The victory marks Dunmore’s second consecutive district championship and their sixth title since 2018. The Lady Bucks, now with a season record of 22-3, will advance to the PIAA tournament, where they are set to face Mount Carmel. Holy Redeemer, with a record of 18-8, will also progress to the state tournament, competing against either Loyalsock or Hughesville.
Last-Minute Heroics Define the Game
Dunmore coach Carrie Toomey expressed immense pride in her team’s performance, highlighting the importance of experience gained from previous close games this season. “As a coach, you kind of play for things and some things you just can’t,” Toomey said. “Sometimes you leave it in the hands of the team. Whoever got the best available shot is what we needed.”
In the final moments, the Lady Bucks executed a swift transition after Holy Redeemer turned the ball over for the fifth time in the fourth quarter. Amanda Dempsey initiated the play, bringing the ball up court before passing to Jackie Brown, who then set up Martin for the decisive shot. This moment capped a 7-0 run by Dunmore in the last minute of play.
Throughout the game, momentum shifted frequently. Holy Redeemer started strong, outpacing Dunmore with an eight-point run in the first quarter, leading 13-6 at its conclusion. The Royals maintained a narrow lead at halftime, bolstered by a three-pointer from Kearney Quinn just before the buzzer.
Strategic Decisions Impact the Outcome
Despite leading by two points at the start of the fourth quarter, Dunmore faced challenges in containing Holy Redeemer’s offensive rebounds. The Royals had been effective in slowing the pace of the game, aiming to control the clock in the closing minutes. Holy Redeemer coach John Jezorwski reflected on his team’s strategy, acknowledging that missed opportunities and turnovers weighed heavily as the game approached its conclusion.
“When you do those two things, that turns out to change the difference in the game whether you are a champion or runner-up,” Jezorwski stated.
With their defensive pressure and critical plays in the final moments, Dunmore turned the tide in what was ultimately a game defined by runs. The Lady Bucks displayed resilience, overcoming a tough start and late-game adversity to secure a crucial victory.
As they prepare for the upcoming state tournament, Coach Toomey emphasized her confidence in the team. “I think we learned from our early season close games,” she said. “They felt they were not losing another one.” With this championship victory, Dunmore not only adds to its legacy but also sets its sights on further achievements in the state tournament.
