Minersville's Shazier Bethea (left) guards Pottsville's Christian Alvarez (right) during a Schuylkill League Division I boys' basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Martz Hall. The Battlin' Miners defeated the Crimson Tide 62-58 (Photo by Kelly Wiley).

Martz Hall doesn’t need help building drama, but championship night always finds a way to raise the stakes.

For the second straight season, Pottsville and Minersville will meet in the Schuylkill League boys’ basketball championship game.

Last February, the Crimson Tide walked off the floor with a 50-43 victory and another banner. Now, the Battlin’ Miners get their shot at redemption.

It feels familiar — but it’s not quite the same.

Both programs enter under new leadership. Tyler Heffner took over the Pottsville reins from Jake Wartella, while Chris George stepped into the Minersville job following Dave Mullaney’s tenure.

Different voices. Same expectations.

And once again, the margin between them feels razor thin.

They split the regular-season meetings — each defending its home floor during league play — reinforcing what everyone already suspected: There isn’t much separating these two.

Now, the rubber match unfolds on the Mecca’s hardwood once again.

A Familiar Standard

At Pottsville, championship expectations don’t start in February.

They go back decades.

Since 1980, the Crimson Tide program has been led by some of the most respected names in Schuylkill League basketball — Jim Steidle, John Toomey, Tim Coyle, Mullaney and most recently Wartella. Banners were raised. Standards were established. And Martz Hall became synonymous with Crimson Tide success.

** LISTEN LIVE: If you can’t attend the game, listen to the game live on T-102 (101.9 FM) and WPPA (1360 AM / 105.9 FM) by clicking this link: https://player.aiir.com/wavt/

Now that responsibility belongs to one of their own.

Heffner, a former Pottsville player who worked his way up through the program before taking over for Wartella this season, has maintained that tradition. The voice on the sideline may be different, but the principles remain the same — spacing, discipline, defensive toughness and poise in tight moments.

Pottsville (18-6) returns to the championship game for the second straight year after a dominant run through the bracket. Senior forward Christian Alvarez continues to pace the offense, Ryder Bowers stretches defenses from deep and Davey Kunstek provides strength inside. Guards Chris Hobbs and Josh Kimber keep the ball moving and the tempo controlled.

And as has been the case throughout the postseason, the bench remains a real weapon. Colin McGinley, JuJu Bainbridge, Andrew Allen and Max Clews give Heffner flexibility in virtually any matchup — whether it’s added shooting, defensive length or interior physicality. Depth has quietly been one of Pottsville’s biggest advantages all season.

The names change.

The expectations don’t.

Pottsville doesn’t overwhelm opponents with flash. It wins with structure.

The Breakthrough Attempt

Minersville (22-1) enters with urgency — and history looming.

The Battlin’ Miners have never won a Schuylkill League boys’ basketball championship. They’ve been close, including last year’s runner-up finish, but the breakthrough has yet to come.

This season marked a transition for the program, as George took over the reins at Minersville following Mullaney’s departure. George’s hiring and early impact ushered in a fresh voice focused on fundamentals, defensive intensity and growth.

The results followed quickly, including the current 18-game winning streak.

Minersville claimed the Division I title and survived a tense 50-47 semifinal battle against Blue Mountain to return to the final.

Senior guard Shazier Bethea remains the centerpiece — explosive in transition, disruptive defensively and capable of taking over stretches of a game. Jordan Bowers brings energy and versatility. Chase Zimerofsky and Nolan Plesnarski stretch the floor with consistent shooting, and Camden Rogers provides another steady option in the backcourt.

Outside the starting lineup, seniors Brandon Adams and Shane Fessler are the first options off the bench, with George also ready to turn to senior Jacob Mealey or sophomore Zach Seddon if added size or interior physicality is required.

Adams and Fessler give Minersville valuable flexibility late in tight games — something that could prove crucial in overtime or in the waning minutes of a championship battle.

The Miners can score. They can defend. They’ve proven comfortable in tight games.

What they haven’t done — yet — is win this one.

Styles, Stakes and Margins

Pottsville will look to dictate tempo and force Minersville into half-court possessions. Minersville will try to speed it up, create turnovers and let Bethea and company operate in transition.

The chess match between Heffner and George — both in their first seasons leading these programs — adds another layer.

And for a building that has seen 40-plus years of league championships decided on this floor, the stage couldn’t feel more fitting.

The rematch is here.

Only one side gets the sequel it wants.

Schuylkill League Boys’ Basketball Playoff Preview Capsules

Pottsville (18-6) vs. Minersville (22-1)

When: Today (Feb. 13), 7:30 p.m.

Where: Martz Hall, Pottsville

TV/Radio: Game will be simulcast on both WPPA (1360 AM / 105.9 FM) and T-102 (101.9 FM) with Chaz Hepler and Ty Wartman on the call.

Live updates: Follow T102 Sports Now reporter Eli Doyle on X @IamEliDoyle and get score updates on the T102 Sports Now Facebook page.

Tickets: All tickets for the Schuylkill League playoffs will be cash sales at the door. Advance sales are being conducted at participating schools today. All tickets will cost $6 at the door.

Up Next: Both teams will advance to the District 11 playoffs next week. Minersville (Class 3A) and Pottsville (5A) stand atop their respective classes in district ratings entering tonight’s action. Pairings will be released after the completion of league playoffs around the district.

About Pottsville

Head coach: Tyler Heffner

How they got here: Division II runner-up, defeated Nativity 64-21 in quarterfinals, then Tri-Valley 70-44 in semifinals

Scoring Averages: Offense, ~ 58 ppg; Defense, ~ 45 ppg

Projected starting five: F Christian Alvarez, sr. (18.2 ppg, 29 3-pt FG), F Ryder Bowers, sr. (11.1 ppg, 69 3-pt FG), C Davey Kunstek, sr. (10 ppg, 14 3-pt FG), G Chris Hobbs, jr. (5.2 ppg, 22 3-pt FG), G Josh Kimber, jr. (3.4 ppg, 8 3-pt FGs)

Key reserves: G/F Colin McGinley, jr. (3.2 ppg, 17 3-pt FG), G Andrew Allen, jr., F/C JuJu Bainbridge, sr., G Brody Herndon, sr., F/C Max Clews, jr., F/C Brandon Viars, sr.

About Minersville

Head coach: Chris George

How they got here: Division I champion, quarterfinal bye, defeated Blue Mountain 50-47 in semifinals

Scoring Averages: Offense, ~ 65 ppg; Defense, ~ 45 ppg

Projected starting five: G Shazier Bethea (22 ppg, 37 3-pt FG), sr., F Nolan Plesnarski (7.4 ppg, 52 3-pt FG), sr., G Chase Zimerofsky (11.1 ppg, 35 3-pt FG), jr., G/F Jordan Bowers (14.8 ppg, 26 3-pt FG), jr., G Camden Rogers (4.8 ppg, 18 3-pt FG), jr.

Key reserves: G/F Brandon Adams (15 steals), sr., G Shane Fessler (3.5 ppg, 21 steals, 12 3-pt FG), sr., C Jacob Mealey, sr., F Zach Seddon, soph.

Game Notes

This matchup may be decided on the glass. Kunstek’s physical presence inside will be tested by Minersville’s ability to rebound collectively, especially with Jordan Bowers crashing from the wing and Bethea sneaking in for second chances. Whichever team limits extra possessions likely controls the game’s rhythm. … Ball security is another pressure point. Minersville thrives when Bethea and Jordan Bowers turn live-ball turnovers into transition opportunities, but Pottsville’s guards — Hobbs and Kimber — rarely get sped up. If the Tide force the Miners to execute in the half court for extended stretches, possessions could become grind-it-out affairs. … Watch the corners. Jordan Bowers and Plesnarski are capable of stretching defensive rotations thin, and both teams run sets designed to free shooters along the baseline drift. One hot quarter from either could tilt momentum quickly. … Foul trouble could quietly loom large. Both rotations tighten in championship settings, and early whistles on Alvarez, Bethea or Kunstek would dramatically alter substitution patterns and defensive matchups. … Can Minersville’s perimeter defenders chase Bowers off clean looks? … Can Pottsville contain Bethea without over-helping and giving up kick-out threes? … Which bench unit wins the non-starter minutes?

Schuylkill League Boys’ Basketball Champions (1966-2025)

2020s

• 2025 – Pottsville

• 2024 – Mahanoy Area

• 2023 – Blue Mountain

• 2022 – Pottsville

• 2021 – Nativity

• 2020 – Pottsville

2010s

• 2019 – Pottsville

• 2018 – Pottsville

• 2017 – Blue Mountain

• 2016 – Pottsville

• 2015 – Pottsville

• 2014 – Mahanoy Area

• 2013 – Pottsville

• 2012 – Pottsville

• 2011 – Pottsville

• 2010 – Pottsville

2000s

• 2009 – North Schuylkill

• 2008 – Shamokin

• 2007 – Blue Mountain

• 2006 – Mahanoy Area

• 2005 – Mahanoy Area

• 2004 – Pottsville

• 2003 – Blue Mountain

• 2002 – Shamokin

• 2001 – Shamokin

• 2000 – Pottsville

1990s

• 1999 – Mahanoy Area

• 1998 – Shamokin

• 1997 – Shamokin

• 1996 – Shamokin

• 1995 – Pottsville

• 1994 – Tamaqua

• 1993 – Pottsville

• 1992 – Shamokin

• 1991 – Mahanoy Area

• 1990 – Lourdes

1980s

• 1989 – Pottsville

• 1988 – Lourdes

• 1987 – Pine Grove

• 1986 – Panther Valley

• 1985 – Pottsville

• 1984 – Pottsville

• 1983 – Pottsville

• 1982 – Saint Clair

• 1981 – Pottsville

• 1980 – Pottsville

1970s

• 1979 – Mahanoy Area

• 1978 – North Schuylkill

• 1977 – North Schuylkill

• 1976 – Tamaqua

• 1975 – Blue Mountain

• 1974 – Blue Mountain

• 1973 – North Schuylkill

• 1972 – North Schuylkill

• 1971 – Saint Clair

• 1970 – Saint Clair

1960s

• 1969 – Panther Valley

• 1968 – Mahanoy Area

• 1967 – Panther Valley

• 1966 – Mahanoy Area