Top Headline

Jayla Mia Steps Into Offseason Training for Her Freshman Year!

Nov 25, 2025

With her season for the Locust Grove Lady Braves complete, Jayla Mia is already putting in the work to prepare for the next level. Her focus has shifted to training for her upcoming freshman year, and she is fully committed to becoming a stronger, more confident player.Jayla is now working with Coach Stantrel Smith, a respected hitting instructor based in McDonough, Georgia. Coach Smith, known as The Hit Master, specializes in swing mechanics, timing, power development, and the mental side of hitting. His training approach is designed to help athletes reach their full potential at the plate.During her sessions, Jayla is refining her swing, improving her timing, and developing a mindset built on consistency and growth. Her goal is simple, to step onto the high school field ready to compete and contribute right away.“I’m excited for what’s ahead,” Jayla said. “I want to keep getting better, keep pushing myself, and get ready for freshman year so I can help my team win.”Drawing from the same discipline she shows in dance and Taekwondo, Jayla is attacking this offseason with focus and purpose. Coach Smith’s motto, Be the hunter, not the hunted, has become her new mindset at the plate.The Lady Braves season may be over, but for Jayla Mia, the grind is just beginning and she’s ready for it!

UNDEFEATED Sectional Winners: Old Tappan

Nov 14, 2025

Old Tappan overpowered Wayne Hills 42 to 14 in the North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 final. The win gave Old Tappan its third sectional title in four years and pushed its winning streak to sixteen games. Devyn Radoian set the tone on the ground with 17 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. His production controlled the pace from the opening quarter. The game broke open fast. On the first play from scrimmage, Christakis Nicolaou jumped a route and scored on a 31 yard pick six. Zach Miceli then found Leo Etter on fourth and goal to make the lead 14 to 0. Wayne Hills answered with an 84 yard kickoff return by Chernoh St. Paul, but Old Tappan controlled the rest of the night. Old Tappan leaned on long drives and physical runs. A first down penalty pushed the offense to its own 16. The Knights responded with a 13 play march built on nine straight runs. Radoian finished the drive with a one yard score. The defense then stopped a Wayne Hills red zone trip. With 1:22 left in the half, Miceli led an 85 yard scoring drive in sixty seconds that ended with a Shane Small touchdown for a 35 to 7 halftime lead. Small delivered a strong night across the board. He caught 4 passes for 56 yards. He scored once and helped extend key drives late in the first half. The Knights opened the second half with another long drive. Two carries from Radoian set the tempo. Damian Du Toit then handled 11 straight runs and scored from the 1 to start the running clock. Miceli completed 14 of 17 passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Etter scored twice. Du Toit added 61 rushing yards and one score. Matteo Morrissey remained steady with his kicking. He went a perfect six for six on extra points. Old Tappan will host West Morris in the Group 3 semifinal. Both teams enter undefeated. They have split playoff meetings in 2022 and 2023. Wayne Hills finished 9 and 3.

Bold Prediction: Heights Over New Providence

Nov 06, 2025

Hasbrouck Heights Set for Statement Game Against Unbeaten New Providence Hasbrouck Heights travels to New Providence Friday night for a sectional semifinal that feels like a title game. The Aviators, 8–2, have been rolling through the playoffs and believe this is the matchup to prove they belong among North Jersey’s elite. New Providence enters 9–0, but Heights has the power, speed, and motivation to hand the Pioneers their first loss of the season. History and Motivation Last year, Heights fell 21–14 to New Providence in a tight semifinal. That game still stings. The Aviators’ seniors, led by quarterback Daniel Amendola and linebacker Noel Cruz, have not forgotten the missed opportunities. The team’s message this week is clear: finish what they started in 2024. Heights also owns a decisive 42–0 victory over New Providence from 2018, proving that when they execute, they dominate. Heights Peaking at the Right Time The Aviators enter this matchup on a four-game win streak, outscoring opponents 134–57. Their offense is balanced and efficient. Amendola has been sharp, finding top targets Brady Shine and Nick Haines in key moments. Running back Michael Napolitano is the engine, grinding out tough yards and wearing down defenses. Against Wood-Ridge, he ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns, while Shine led all receivers with 45 yards. Defensively, Heights thrives on discipline and pressure. Russo and Cruz anchor a front seven that has smothered opposing quarterbacks, while Haines provides stability in the secondary. Their defense forced multiple turnovers in the last two games and has given up only one touchdown in the first half over that span. Keys to the Game Control the Line of Scrimmage: Russo and Cruz must win early to disrupt New Providence’s run-heavy offense. Win Possession: Napolitano’s ground game needs to set the tone and keep New Providence’s offense off the field. Limit Explosives: Haines’ coverage and Shine’s containment on the edge will be critical to stopping big plays. Nick Haines’ Versatility: Haines has been a game-changer. If he makes an early impact, it could shift momentum in Heights’ favor. Prediction New Providence has blown past most of its schedule, but Heights’ physical style and balanced roster make them the toughest opponent yet. If Amendola protects the ball and the defense forces early stops, the Aviators can seize momentum. Final Score: Hasbrouck Heights 28, New Providence 24. The Aviators avenge last year’s loss and punch their ticket to the sectional final with a gritty road win.

SOCCER

Old Tappan round one victory over Dwight-Morrow

Nov 05, 2025

Old Tappan started its state title run with authority, defeating Dwight-Morrow 6–0 in the first round of the NJSIAA tournament on Wednesday afternoon. First Half Explosion The Golden Knights wasted no time setting the tone. Senior forward Mia Colon opened the scoring off a setup from Emilia Sanchez, sparking a first-half surge. Moments later, Caroline Ognibene doubled the lead with help from Isabella Zingarelli. Old Tappan continued to dominate possession, turning crisp passing into production. Leah Ramos, Zingarelli, and Elena Pothos each added goals to make it 5–0 before halftime. Second Half Control With the game in hand, Old Tappan rotated its lineup but kept the pressure on. Kaylin Kim capped the scoring in the second half off a feed from Sydney Farrington. Goalkeeper Lea Savino made one save to preserve the shutout. Balanced Attack Eight different players registered points. Colon, Zingarelli, Ognibene, and Ramos each finished with a goal and an assist, while Pothos and Kim added goals of their own. Sanchez and Farrington each chipped in an assist. Next Up Old Tappan (16–3) advances to the sectional quarterfinals, carrying momentum from one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season.

Old Tappan wins their 15th game

Oct 28, 2025

Old Tappan continued its dominant stretch with a 6–0 win over Holy Angels on Tuesday, improving to 15–3 on the season. First Half Old Tappan wasted no time taking control. Sienna Drullinsky opened the scoring off a feed from Mia Colon. Elena Pothos then struck twice, assisted by Leah Ramos and Caroline Ognibene, extending the lead to 3–0. Ognibene capped the half with a goal of her own, assisted by Isabella Zingarelli, giving Old Tappan a 4–0 advantage at the break. Second Half The Knights added two more after halftime. Sydney Farrington found the net off a setup from Sara Buddha, and Sadie Murphy finished the scoring with help from Ognibene. Key Performers Ognibene led the attack with one goal and two assists. Pothos recorded two goals. Drullinsky, Farrington, and Murphy each added one. Ramos, Colon, Zingarelli, and Buddha each had one assist. Defense and Goalkeeping The defense stayed sharp throughout, limiting Holy Angels to one shot on goal. Lea Savino made one save to secure the clean sheet. Old Tappan’s cohesive passing, quick finishes, and defensive focus highlight why the team remains one of North Jersey’s toughest programs entering the final stretch of the season.

Pothos’ Goal and Stout Defense Lift Old Tappan to Division Title

Oct 23, 2025

Elena Pothos’ second-half goal broke a scoreless tie and carried Old Tappan to a 1–0 win over Bergenfield, clinching the Big North National Division title. Isabella Zingarelli assisted on the decisive play as the Knights improved to 14–2 overall and 9–0 in league play. Old Tappan’s defense was outstanding, recording another shutout behind disciplined positioning and strong communication. The back line limited Bergenfield’s chances and controlled possession in their own half, while goalkeeper Lea Savino stopped four shots to secure the clean sheet. The Knights have now posted four consecutive wins, allowing only one goal during that stretch.

VOLLEYBALL

Back to Back

Nov 02, 2025

OLD TAPPAN - "Back-to-back - it's very exciting," said Golden Knights senior outside hitter Julia Whaley after Old Tappan defended its Bergen County Volleyball title with a 3-1 victory over Immaculate Heart Academy Nov. 1. "It was a really good game, very competitive."Whaley was instrumental in the third set when she tallied 6 of her game-high 18 kills to bring the Knights back from a 21-16 deficit to a 26-24 victory, which turned the momentum squarely back in Old Tappan's favor.Junior setter Joley Giordano broke a 23-23 tie with one of her 4 kills to give OT a set point. She also had 2 blocks to go along with the 40 assists she distributed and the 9 digs she scooped."We've been working on it in practice," Giordano said of her scoring prowess. "On offense I can jump high and get points like that."An errant serve by the Knights knotted the score 24-24 but sophomore middle blocker Nadine Whaley and junior outside hitter Bianca Benasillo blasted back-to-back kills to give Old Tappan a 2-1 advantage in sets."When we were down it's really easy to get sucked into negative emotions," senior opposite hitter Eva Curko said in a published report. "But as a team we did a really good job of staying positive on the court, keeping our energy up … and playing for each other. That's ultimately what helped us succeed."In the fourth and final set Old Tappan shook off an early 3-0 Immaculate Heart Academy advantage to grab its largest lead of the set, 19-11, on a kill by Nadine Whaley, who finished with 8 kills and 3 blocks in the match.A block by Julia Whaley gave Old Tappan a match point, 24-16, but an errant serve and 2 attack errors closed the gap, giving IHA some life at 24-19. But a thunderous kill by senior middle blocker Gaby Paltag ended the set and the match, 25-19."It was very tough," Julia Whaley said. "Going in we knew it wasn't going to be easy even though there was a difference between No. 2 and No. 9 [seeds]. But we didn't let that affect what we thought was going to happen in the game. Both teams have had on-and-off seasons - no one is undefeated - but we had confidence. We knew all we could do was control what we could do on our side. Our motivation was to get to every ball."The two teams split the first two sets with Old Tappan leading for the entire first set in a 25-17 win.The Golden Knights led 16-10 in the second set when the Blue Eagles caught fire. An errant serve by Old Tappan was followed by a pair of service aces by junior Emma Fowler. After an attack error by the Knights, Fowler tallied another ace and freshman Anabelle Albano blocked a shot to tie the set 16-all. Sophomore Adrielle Crump gave IHA a 17-16 lead, but a kill by Benasillo and service ace by Giordano put Old Tappan up, 18-17.From there the lead changed hands back and forth and the score was tied at 19 and 20. Kills by Paltag and Julia Whaley sandwiched around an IHA attack error gave the Knights a 23-20 lead, but 2 OT attack errors trimmed that lead to 23-22. Then IHA committed an attack error to give Old Tappan a set point at 24-22.But an errant Knights serve, a block by Eagles sophomore Sophia Mahon, followed by 2 more OT attack errors gave IHA the second set, 26-24.Julia Whaley, in addition to having the most kills in the match, also contributed a game-high 23 digs and added 3 service aces. Benasillo blasted 14 kills and had a block. Senior libero Adriana Bryan scooped 19 digs and Curko had 7 kills, a block, 7 digs and 4 assists.Crump (14 kills, 3 service aces) and Mahon (7 kills, 4 blocks) led Immaculate Heart Academy scorers.Last year Old Tappan finished 25-0, with county and state tournament titles. Although at 17-4 they are not undefeated this year, they are again county champs and have a good shot of earning a state title too."We started the year without three starters, and at one point, we were down four starters," Old Tappan coach Melissa Landeck said in a published report. "So we had a lot of work to do to compete in September with younger kids doing an outstanding job pitching in. Then, we had to work on jelling as kids came back, so this has not been an easy road, by any means."

Giordano's 40 assists sets a new Old Tappan record

Nov 02, 2025

Joley Giordano Sets School Record as Old Tappan Captures Seventh Bergen County Volleyball TitleOLD TAPPAN – In one of the most dominant performances in program history, junior setter Joley Giordano made Old Tappan history by recording 40 assists in the Bergen County championship win over Immaculate Heart Academy, the most ever by a Golden Knights player in a single match.The 3–1 victory (25–17, 24–26, 26–24, 25–19) secured Old Tappan’s seventh county title and marked the program’s second straight championship. Giordano’s record-setting effort powered an offense that hit rhythm early and never lost control of momentum.Superstars DeliveredGiordano’s 40 assists broke the previous single-game mark and set the standard for future setters at Old Tappan. Each rally seemed to run through Giordano’s hands, as she distributed the ball with precision and kept IHA’s defense guessing. Julia Whaley led the attack with 18 kills, 23 digs, and 3 aces. Bianca Benasillo added 14 kills and steady play at the net, while Nadine Whaley powered the defense with 7 blocks and 8 kills. Adriana Bryan kept the back row steady with 19 digs and 2 aces, and Eva Curko filled multiple roles with 7 kills, 9 digs, and 5 assists.Desi Malafis added 8 digs in key defensive rotations, Gabriela Paltag chipped in 3 kills and 4 blocks, and Kate Finn provided depth in the rotation with 2 aces. The team’s chemistry was clear on every rally, with each player contributing to the flow that allowed Joley Giordano to run a record-setting offense.IHA fought hard behind Adrielle Crump’s 15 kills and Kristen Lee’s 26 assists, but the Golden Knights’ depth proved too much.

Old Tappan outlasts Immaculate Heart to repeat as Bergen County girls volleyball champ

Nov 01, 2025

OLD TAPPAN — The best girls volleyball rivalry in North Jersey experienced some extra drama this season.Old Tappan and Immaculate Heart met in the Bergen County championship final for the third year in a row, having each won a title in the last two. The added twist came from the tournament’s change to best-of-5 format this fall.The No. 2 seed Golden Knights overcame a six-point deficit late in the third set to defeat No. 9 IHA, 25-17, 24-26, 26-24, 25-19, and defend their crown in the Old Tappan South Gym on Saturday, Nov. 1.In the best-of-3 format, the Blue Eagles would have been on the verge of a championship after winning the second set and taking a 21-15 lead in the third.Instead, Old Tappan (17-4) calmly regrouped, and senior Julia Whaley delivered five kills in a game-ending, 11-3 run to help swing the advantage to her team.“We know that one kill is not going to get you three points,” Whaley said. “So our focus became, don’t look at the score... don’t let past mistakes affect our momentum at all.”What it meansThe Golden Knights secured their seventh Bergen County title all-time, the fourth-most behind Paramus (11), Demarest and IHA (9 each).The Blue Eagles (19-5) and Old Tappan have been to more championship finals than any other schools with 17 and 16 appearances, respectively.This year brought about the first best-of-5 final since 2003, when Pascack Valley bested Demarest, 3-2.The big-picture comebackOld Tappan graduated several stars from the 2024 county-title team that went on to finish 25-0. Back-to-back losses followed a 4-0 start this fall, as coach Melissa Landeck had to navigate numerous early-season injuries.“We started the year without three starters, and at one point, we were down four starters,” said Landeck, whose team has used 12 different starting lineups. “So, we had a lot of work to do to compete in September with younger kids doing an outstanding job pitching in.“Then, we had to work on jelling as kids came back, so this has not been an easy road, by any means.”Key sequenceIHA jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the fourth set and had it tied at 6-6 before the Golden Knights took command. Opposite Eva Curko, one of the players who missed time earlier in the year, had a pair of kills during a 9-2 run that she punctuated with an ace.“When we were down, it’s really easy to get sucked into the negative emotions,” Curko said. “But as a team, we did a really good job of staying positive on the court, keeping our energy up… and playing for each other.“That’s ultimately what helped us succeed.”Game balls► Whaley (18 kills, 23 digs) and Curko (7 kills, 7 digs, 3 blocks), both seniors from Norwood, led the Old Tappan attack along with junior Bianca Benasillo (14 kills).► Golden Knights setter Joley Giordano put up 40 assists, including a pass to senior Gabriela Paltag for the championship point.

FOOTBALL

Devyn Radoian Scores Twice as Old Tappan Blanks River Dell in Quarterfinal Win

Nov 01, 2025

No. 7 Old Tappan blanks River Dell 37-0 in N1G3 Quarterfinals Friday, October 31, 2025 – Old Tappan, NJ Old Tappan continued its undefeated run with a dominant 37-0 shutout over River Dell in the North 1 Group 3 quarterfinals. The Golden Knights improved to 9-0 with a balanced first-half performance that saw the offense and defense overwhelm the Hawks from the start. First-Half Explosion Quarterback Zachary Miceli led two early scoring drives, connecting with Joey Crescitelli for a 20-yard touchdown and setting up Damian Du Toit’s 2-yard rushing score for a 14-0 lead after one quarter. In the second quarter, Devyn Radoian took over on the ground, punching in two touchdowns from 8 and 1 yards out. A special teams miscue by River Dell added to the damage when a fumbled punt snap by Jayden Kim rolled out of the end zone for a safety. Miceli then capped the half with a short touchdown pass to Christakis Nicolaou, pushing the score to 37-0. Defensive Lockdown Old Tappan’s defense suffocated River Dell, holding them to 60 passing yards and 106 on the ground. The Golden Knights’ front line repeatedly collapsed the pocket, forcing quick throws and limiting explosive plays. Next Round With the win, Old Tappan advances to the N1G3 semifinals, where they will host the winner of West Essex vs. Vernon. The Golden Knights have yet to allow a touchdown in postseason play and remain the top contender to repeat as sectional champions.

Nick Haines and Aviators Fly High in State Quarterfinal Win

Nov 01, 2025

Hasbrouck Heights Dominates Wood-Ridge 41–7 in Sectional Quarterfinal Hasbrouck Heights advanced to the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 semifinals with a commanding 41–7 victory over Wood-Ridge on Friday night. The Aviators exploded for 27 second-quarter points to seize control and never looked back. First-Half Takeover After a scoreless opening quarter, Heights took off behind senior running back Michael Napolitano, who powered in for an 11-yard touchdown to open the scoring. Moments later, Brady Shine jumped a route for a 26-yard interception return touchdown, then added a 33-yard touchdown reception and multiple extra points. Jake Summers added a 13-yard rushing score as the Aviators built a 27–0 halftime lead. Defense and Special Teams Seal It The defense was relentless. Joseph Russo led with seven tackles and four sacks, while Eoin Maloney and Michael Colaneri each added key stops in the backfield. Russo’s highlight came early in the third quarter when he recovered a blocked punt and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 34–0. Closing the Door Wood-Ridge finally got on the board in the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from Zaki McGhee, who led the Blue Devils with 64 yards rushing and five tackles. Heights responded quickly as Nick Haines broke free for a 31-yard touchdown run in the fourth, capping the night at 41–7. Stat Leaders Daniel Amendola (HH): 3 of 7, 45 yards, 1 TD Brady Shine (HH): 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 receiving TD, 1 interception TD, 5 PATs Michael Napolitano (HH): 14 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD Nick Haines (HH): 5 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, 1 tackle Jake Summers (HH): 5 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, 1 tackle Joseph Russo (HH): 7 tackles, 4 sacks, blocked punt TD Hasbrouck Heights improved to 7–3, advancing deeper into the state playoffs with balanced offense and dominant defense. Wood-Ridge finished 4–6–1, closing its season with a tough road loss to its Meadowlands rival.

New Providence Star James Keneally Commits to University of Rhode Island Football

Oct 29, 2025

James Keneally Commits to the University of Rhode Island Football ProgramHigh-school standout James Keneally, a senior tight end and defensive end for New Providence High School Football, has announced his commitment to join the football program at University of Rhode Island. “I am honored to announce that I’ll play football for URI,” said Keneally. “I’m grateful to my family, friends, teammates and coaches for their support. I want to thank the Rhode Island staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. And most importantly I would like to thank God for guiding me through this journey! GO RAMS ”At New Providence High School, James Keneally has proven himself a force on both sides of the line of scrimmage. His physical presence, leadership, and consistent play were major factors in New Providence’s undefeated regular season. James is widely recognized as one of the top recruits in the area. Keneally drew attention for his size, athleticism, and two-way versatility. Rhode Island has a great kid heading their way. Joining the URI Rams, Keneally will bring size (6′4″), versatility, and a team-first attitude to a program that competes in the Coastal Athletic Association Football Conference (CAA). The Rams posted an 11-3 record in 2024 and earned a postseason berth for the first time in decades. 2025 season, the Rams are looking good for another deep playoff run. The University of Rhode Island Rams football team competes in the Division I FCS level within the CAA. The program has been building momentum under head coach Jim Fleming and aims to continue its upward trajectory into the 2025 season and beyond.

Showcase Your High School Athlete

Create A Free Profile