Old Tappan knocks off Cinderella to advance to the Final Four

High School Sports Elite • Feb 03, 2024

Photo Credits: Anna-Marie Caruso NorthJersey.com

Everyone likes to root for a Cinderella story, except of course for the opponent. The Golden Knights (16-5) ran out to an early 10-2 lead on No. 18 Cresskill (12-9) and kept bringing the defense throughout their 47-23 win. Old Tappan held the Cougars to six points and only two field goals in the second half, the last of which came midway through the third quarter.

Twins Layla and Maya Giordano combined for 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Grayson Housley and Sienna Drullinsky made four steals apiece.

“This is the time of year where you want to be playing well,” Golden Knights coach Brian Dunn said. “If you get to the [county] final four, it means you’re playing well at the right time of year, which is always your goal.”

Four days before they meet in the semifinals, the Golden Knights will visit Teaneck on Tuesday Feb 6th in a game that has major Big North National title implications. The Highwaywomen (7-1 in division) lead Old Tappan (6-2) and Demarest (6-2) by one game, and each has two National games left. Old Tappan needs the win with hopes of taking the League Title. 

Source Link: https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/girls-basketball/2024/02/03/nj-girls-basketball-takeaways-from-2024-bergen-county-quarterfinals/72438569007/

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