Honesdale's Goldstein and Paupack's Blanding are our readers poll Players of the Year
HONESDALE — While the 2024-25 winter sports season is officially over, awards and accolades just keep rolling in for local individuals and teams.
On the high school basketball scene, two outstanding athletes in particular continue to bring home the hardware.
Honesdale’s Natalie Goldstein and Justin Blanding of Wallenpaupack Area put the finishing touches on a brilliant season by winning Player of the Year honors in the Tri-County Independent’s annual readers poll.
Goldstein topped a deep crop of nominees that included Raegan Palmer of Western Wayne, Paupack’s Ella Smith, Caitlyn Barnes of Carbondale and North Pocono’s Ella Clementoni.
Blanding narrowly defeated Paupack teammate Frank Church in the boys poll. Also on the ballot were Honesdale’s Rylan Montgomery and Luke Murray, Sean Owens of Western Wayne, Carbondale’s Francisco Roman and Cole West of North Pocono.
A total of 53,123 votes were cast between the two polls over the course of two weeks.
Talent and versatility
Honesdale’s Goldstein and Western Wayne’s Palmer were named on 97 percent of the ballots for girls Player of the Year.
In the end, Goldstein outdistanced Palmer for the honor by amassing 6,541 votes.
“I am very honored and proud to be named Player of the Year,” Goldstein said. “It’s an awesome way to end the year. I just want to say a huge thank you for everyone who voted for me. I appreciate all of the support from the community.”
Goldstein is a junior and one of the area’s most versatile players. She jumps center at the start of every game, but seamlessly transitions to guard or forward whenever necessary.
On a frigid late February night, the Hornets traveled to Archbald for a district playoff game against Valley View. Honesdale’s season came to an end that evening, but Goldstein gave local fans one last thrill by scoring the 1,000th point of her career.
She averaged over 17 points per game during her junior season, finishing with a team-best 418 including 21 treys.
“It was a great season for the whole team,” Goldstein said. “I’m just so thankful that the way I played got me recognized for this honor because it took a lot of hard work.”
Stellar career
This year’s boys basketball Player of the Year readers poll went right down the wire. Over the course of one week, an eye-popping total of 42,063 votes were cast.
Blanding and Paupack teammate Frank Church dominated the voting, accounting for 98 percent of the total ballots. Blanding eventually edged out Church to earn the title.
“It definitely means a lot to have this honor,” Blanding said. “It is a reflection of the support I’ve been given by my teammates, family, and community and I’m incredibly thankful for that.”
Blanding averaged more than 18 points per game during his senior season. The sharp-shooting guard also knocked down 28 treys and converted 146-of-200 free throw tries.
The highlight of Blanding’s season came on January 20 when he tallied the 1,000th point of his varsity career. The Buckhorns rolled to a 66-55 victory that night, thanks in large part to Blanding’s game-high 23.
Sadly for local fans, Paupack’s season came to a close with a heartbreaking loss to Pittston Area in the district semifinals. Our readers poll Player of the Year is also the reigning Lackawanna League Division II MVP, and a front runner to capture the honor again this season.
“As a player, it’s always a good feeling when other people see and acknowledge your accomplishments,” Blanding said. “I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for putting me in position to achieve them.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Natalie Goldstein Justin Blanding basketball Player of the Year
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