Golden Knights Edge Demarest in Tight Rivalry Battle

High School Sports Elite • Apr 19, 2025

Photo Credits:

Malady’s Four Goals Lead Old Tappan Past Demarest in Tight Battle

Old Tappan edged past rival Demarest in a tightly contested boys lacrosse matchup on Saturday, April 19, pulling out a 6-5 win to improve to 5-2 on the season. The Golden Knights held the lead after each quarter, but Demarest never let them get comfortable, matching them goal for goal in a back-and-forth game.

Ronan Malady powered the Old Tappan offense with a game-high four goals, while Nick Blanchard contributed a balanced effort with two goals and two assists. Vincent Rossi also added three assists, helping spark the attack. Faceoff specialist Mason Varni was pivotal at the X, winning 9 of 15 faceoffs and giving Old Tappan key possessions.

Defensively, the Knights were anchored by goalie Walker Lynch, who made eight saves in the win. Old Tappan held a narrow ground ball advantage (37 to 33), while their efficiency in faceoffs helped them maintain a slight edge throughout the contest.

For Demarest, Jackson Dickstein and Tanner Brickman led the scoring with two goals apiece, and goalie Neil Bernhaut kept them within striking distance with an impressive 20 saves. Despite their efforts, Demarest fell to 3-4 on the season.

This gritty win gives Old Tappan momentum heading into the heart of the season, while Demarest will look to regroup after another close loss.

Source Link: https://highschoolsports.nj.com/game/1027421

Athlete's Latest Article

Image

Eva Curko; New Jersey’s best girls volleyball players: Top outside hitters

Oct 16, 2025

Widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier opposites, Eva Curko brings a consistent attack and high volleyball IQ to the court for the perennial powerhouse Golden Knights. Despite beginning the season sidelined with an injury, she has seamlessly reintegrated into the lineup. “She brings a calm and confident presence to our team and is a key ingredient to our success,” Old Tappan coach Melissa Landeck said. The Stevens Institute of Technology commit is equally dangerous from both the front and back row, making her a six-rotation threat. In her first five games of the 2025 season — she made her season debut on Oct. 3 — Curio recorded 34 kills, 26 digs, 10 assists, 6 aces and 5 blocks.

Image

Old Tappan Rolls Past Bergen Tech 4–0 to Open County Tournament

Oct 15, 2025

Old Tappan opened the Bergen County Tournament with a dominant 4–0 win over Bergen Tech, combining sharp offense with disciplined defense to move on to the quarterfinals. First Round Recap: The Golden Knights wasted no time setting the tone. Isabella Zingarelli struck first off an assist from Caroline Ognibene, who later added a goal of her own from Elena Pothos’ setup. In the second period, Pothos scored on another Ognibene assist before Mia Colon sealed the victory with a fourth goal. Ognibene led the offense with a goal and two assists, while Pothos, Zingarelli, and Colon each contributed a score. Goalie Lea Savino stopped all five shots she faced for the shutout. Old Tappan’s back line, anchored by Nina Caunedo, Gianna Pizzella, and Lindsey Huang, was equally impressive. Caunedo’s awareness and steady positioning helped neutralize Bergen Tech’s counterattacks, keeping the Knights in control from start to finish. Next Up – Quarterfinal Preview: With the win, Old Tappan advances to face #5 Ridgewood in the quarterfinals on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Mahwah. Ridgewood brings speed and depth, but Old Tappan’s balanced lineup and defensive consistency make them a tough matchup for anyone. The Golden Knights will look to build on their momentum as they aim for a semifinal berth in the county tournament.

Image

Old Tappan Marching Band Wins US Band Competition

Oct 14, 2025

Congratulations to the NVOT Marching Band for placing first in their division at the US Bands Wayne Valley competition this past weekend. The band scored an 82.4, more than 5 points higher than their last competition.

Loading...