Old Tappan Powers Into Semifinals, Set for Showdown at Demarest

Photo Credits: High School Sports Elite

Alivia Badurina delivered a breakout performance and kept Old Tappan in control from start to finish. She scored 19 points and buried five three pointers. Each time Sparta tried to respond, Badurina answered. Her shot making stretched the floor and gave the Knights steady separation all night.

Old Tappan jumped out to a 20 to 9 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. The defense locked in early and held Sparta to 15 first half points. In the third quarter, the Knights outscored Sparta 19 to 6 to put the game out of reach.

Sienna Drullinsky added 16 points in the paint and Alexa Caunedo finished with 14 points, attacking the basket and finishing strong. Sadie Murphy chipped in a three pointer.

Mauimi Quiros, Nina Caunedo, Farrah Ibrahim, Christina D’Andrea, Katie Degennaro, and Joley Giordano all saw time as Old Tappan improved to 20 and 6.

Behind Badurina’s breakout night and a suffocating defensive effort, the Golden Knights controlled the tempo and secured their spot in the next round.

2026 NJSIAA Girls Basketball North Jersey

Section 1, Group 3 Quarterfinal Results

Ramapo 51, West Essex 38.
Teaneck 68, River Dell 49.
Old Tappan 54, Sparta 30.
Demarest 54, Northern Highlands 46.

Old Tappan has built momentum. The Knights beat Paramus by 35, then followed with a 24 point win over Sparta. In two tournament games, they have allowed only 50 total points. Defense travels in March.

Semifinal Matchups, March 4

Ramapo vs Teaneck at Ramapo.
Old Tappan vs Demarest at Demarest, 5:00 pm.

Old Tappan faces a major test against the second seed. Demarest advanced with disciplined half court execution and strong rebounding.

The final is scheduled for March 7. One win puts Old Tappan in the sectional championship.

Source Link: https://highschoolsports.nj.com/girlsbasketball/brackets/season/2025-2026/10829

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Lucas D’Elia wins at Districts, Now Eyes Upset at NJ's Wrestling Regionals

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David Brennan Surpasses 1,000 Points in Breakout Junior Campaign for Old Tappan Golden Knights

Feb 27, 2026

After scoring 455 points through 26 games, David Brennan of Old Tappan High School, added points in the final game of the season, pushing his career mark past 1,000 points. He now stands among the top scorers in program history with another full season still ahead.He averaged 18.3 points per game across 27 contests and delivered steady production all winter. David Brennan reached double figures in 25 of 27 games and scored 20 or more seven times.His biggest performance came in a 68 to 65 road win at Demarest, where he poured in 35 points. He added 25 at Bergenfield, 24 at Dwight Englewood, and two separate 23 point efforts against Randolph and Pascack Valley. When Old Tappan needed offense, Brennan responded.He scored efficiently from every level.136 made two point field goals.32 three pointers.85 of 96 from the free throw line, good for 88.5 percent. One of the highest free throw percentages in the state. Late in games, that free throw percentage gave the Golden Knights control.The Old Tappan Boys Basketball did not officially post rebounds this season, but David Brennan consistently battled on the glass on both ends. Based on his presence and activity level, he likely would have led or finished near the top of the team in rebounding as well.Beyond scoring and rebounds, Brennan’s all around production placed him among the most complete players in the state. His per game averages in scoring, assists, and rebounds rank inside the top 100 in New Jersey in all three categories. Few players impact the game across every column the way he does. He creates offense for teammates, finishes possessions on the glass, and carries the scoring load.His growth shows in the numbers.Freshman year: 245 points.Sophomore year: 283 points.Junior year: 475 points.He has nearly doubled his freshman output and now enters his senior year with over 1,000 career points and rising expectations. Brennan’s next step is clear. Lead deeper into the postseason and elevate the standard even higher.Now, his focus shifts from the hardwood to the diamond.David Brennan is also a high level pitcher for Old Tappan Golden Knights and will take the mound this spring. His competitive edge, control under pressure, and ability to command late game moments in basketball translate directly to baseball. He attacks hitters the same way he attacks defenses.With over 1,000 career points secured and baseball season next, Brennan from Old Tappan High School, continues to prove he is one of the premier multi sport athletes in the state.

Old Tappan has a real shot to win the state section championship

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Sixth-seeded Old Tappan enters North 1, Group 3 with more than hope. The Knights have proof. They are 18 to 6. They were ranked inside the Top 20 earlier this season. They beat strong programs like New Providence, River Dell, Pascack Valley, Paterson Eastside, Ridgewood, and Hasbrouck Heights. Those wins show they handle pressure and different styles. The losses matter more. Old Tappan fell by slim margins to Demarest, Teaneck, West Orange, and Ramapo. They pushed Demarest to overtime in one meeting and lost the other by three. That gap is one or two possessions. In a sectional setting, that is nothing. They also enter the tournament on a four game win streak. Teams that peak late are dangerous. The formulaIf the Knights: Keep turnovers under 10 Win the rebounding margin Close quarters strong they can beat anyone in this bracket. Higher seeds may have the home floor. Old Tappan has experience, momentum, and two proven scorers. That is enough to pull off a sectional run.