Sectional Champs: Old Tappan Rallies Late to Capture North 1 Group 3 Title

Photo Credits: Matt Wood | For NJ.com

Old Tappan captured the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 championship with a 54 to 45 win over Teaneck, finishing a strong late season surge that started with a challenge from head coach Brian Dunn.

Twenty three days earlier, after a loss to Teaneck, Dunn asked his team a direct question. Accept a solid season or push for more. The Golden Knights responded with eight straight wins, including postseason victories over teams that defeated them during the regular season.

Old Tappan delivered its biggest response in the sectional final.

Teaneck led most of the second half behind a strong performance from Lexi Carnegie, who finished with 23 points. The Highwaywomen built a five point lead entering the fourth quarter and held a 40 to 35 advantage late in the game.

Old Tappan flipped the momentum with a decisive 19 to 1 run over the final four minutes.

Nina Caunedo ignited the comeback with a three pointer with 4:42 remaining to cut the deficit to three. Alexa Caunedo followed with a basket to bring Old Tappan within one.

Alivia Badurina then delivered one of the biggest shots of the night. Her corner three pointer gave the Golden Knights a 42 to 41 lead and shifted the energy fully to the Old Tappan bench.

From there Old Tappan controlled the closing minutes at the free throw line.

Senior Sienna Drullinsky led the way with a dominant performance of 23 points and 10 rebounds. She carried much of the scoring load early with 18 points through the first three quarters to keep Old Tappan within striking distance.

Alexa Caunedo added 12 points while Nina Caunedo finished with 11 points and three three pointers.

Badurina chipped in five points including the momentum changing three.

Mauimi Quiros added two points at the foul line while Sadie Murphy contributed a free throw during the win. Joley Giordano also saw time on the floor as Old Tappan used contributions across the lineup during the championship run.

Teaneck stayed competitive behind Carnegie and Aniya Celestin, who recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Old Tappan improved to 22 and 6 with the victory. The Golden Knights won three straight road games to claim the sectional title, their first since 2018, and now advance to face Chatham in the Group 3 state semifinals in Elizabeth.

Source Link: https://highschoolsports.nj.com/game/1098810

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