NTL BOYS BASKETBALL: KEMP, FRIEND POWER ATHENS TO 72-62 WIN OVER TOWANDA (January 17, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens coach Jim Lister has been pleased with his team's play on the defensive end. On Saturday afternoon, the Wildcat offense was on full display in a 72-62 win over Towanda in NTL boys basketball action.

"Our kids came ready to play again today," said Lister. "Again, feeding on the fact that playing great defense fixes a lot of things ... so between playing great defense and always shooting the ball better at home it’s a pretty good combination."

Lister said the win was a team effort.

"I also keep preaching it takes everyone to win big games and today was no different," he said. 

"We did not have Nick Grazul today due to an injury he suffered in Wellsboro on Thursday night. Not a problem because we had some seniors step up for our Captain big-time today," noted Lister. "James Friend was an absolute beast in the paint.

"And how about Adam Kemp, he was outstanding today," said Lister. "That is called taking an advantage of your moment when the opportunity presents itself."

"Today was a big win for this," added Lister. "I am extremely proud of them all."

Senior Adam Kemp knocked down a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter, while junior Lucas Schultz and senior Eli Hobday added four points apiece, but Towanda equalled their output and the game was tied at 14-14 after the opening stanza.

Senior James Friend scored eight points in the second quarter, and Kemp canned another 3-pointer to help the Wildcats to a 32-29 lead at the half.

Friend scored five more points, including a 3-pointer, while Schultz scored four points and junior Gage Marmor drained a 3-pointer, and the Wildcats used a 17-12 advantage in the quarter to take a 49-41 lead into the final eight minutes.

The fourth quarter was a shootout.

Kemp scored 10 points, including a 3-pointer, while Friend scored five and Schultz added four as Athens outscored Towanda, 23-21, to seal the win.

The Wildcats also made 8 of 12 free throws down the stretch, clouding a 3-for-3 effort fro Friend, and a 3-for-4 performance from Hobday.

Kemp led Athens with 21 points, including four 3-pointers, while Friend scored 18 points, and freshman Aiden Briggs and Hobday added seven points apiece.

Boom Thompson led Towanda with 16 points, while Landon Clark scored 15, and Darrious Farrell added 14.

Athens, now 8-5, returns to action Tuesday at Canton.

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IN PHOTO: Athens senior Adam Kemp. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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