Senior Night Moment Lifts Old Tappan in 59 to 44 Win Over River Dell

Photo Credits: High School Sports Elite

Senior Night carried extra weight inside the gym as the Old Tappan Golden Knights honored Mia Derrico, Nina Caunedo, Sienna Drullinsky, and Sadie Murphy before their 59 to 44 win over the River Dell Golden Hawks.

The most powerful moment came seconds after tipoff.

Mia Derrico was sidelined for the season with a knee injury. She had not played a game all season. On Senior Night, she returned to the starting lineup. The opening tip was directed to her. She caught the ball, drove straight to the basket, and finished with a layup. Those two points were her first and only basket of the season.

The crowd erupted. Teammates swarmed her. The moment set the tone for the night.

From there, Old Tappan handled business. The first quarter ended tied at 16. The Knights led 25 to 24 at halftime. They created separation in the third quarter, outscoring River Dell 16 to 9. An 18 point fourth quarter closed the door.

Drullinsky led all scorers with 30 points, dominating with her jump shot and converting six free throws. Nina Caunedo added 10 points with two three pointers. Sadie Murphy knocked down two shots from beyond the arc for six points. Alexa Caunedo scored eight. Alivia Badurina added a three. Mauimi Quiros, Madison Plescia, Farrah Ibrahim, Katie Degennaro, and Joley Giordano all saw action and contributed with defense, movement, and energy that helped control the pace.

Old Tappan improved to 17 and 6.

Senior Night delivered emotion, resilience, and a moment Mia Derrico will carry long after the final buzzer.

Source Link: https://highschoolsports.nj.com/game/1068289

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