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

Photo Credits: High School Sports Elite

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 formula

If 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.

Source Link: https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2026/02/girls-basketball-state-tourney-preview-2026-breaking-down-every-north-sect-1-bracket.html

Athlete's Latest Article

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

Feb 19, 2026

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.

Old Tappan Erupts in Second Quarter, Tops Pascack Valley 52 to 36

Feb 17, 2026

Old Tappan erased a slow start and rolled past Pascack Valley, 52 to 36, on Tuesday afternoon. Pascack Valley jumped out to a 15 to 5 lead after one quarter. Old Tappan answered with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Pascack Valley 20 to 4. That stretch flipped the game. Old Tappan took a 25 to 19 lead into halftime and controlled the pace the rest of the way. Sienna Drullinsky led the charge with 26 points. She scored 11 field goals and added four free throws. She established position early, finished through traffic, and set the tone inside. Alexa Caunedo added 12 points on six two point baskets. She attacked the lane and converted efficiently. Sadie Murphy finished with nine points, knocking down a three and scoring twice inside. Alivia Badurina hit a three pointer for three points. Christina D'Andrea added two points in the win. Mauimi Quiros contributed at the line, converting two free throws. Nina Caunedo logged minutes and helped apply defensive pressure. Farrah Ibrahim provided energy off the bench. Katie Degennaro added depth in the rotation. Joley Giordano saw plenty of time and supported the defensive effort and brought in key rebounds on both sides of the court. Old Tappan finished with 21 two point field goals, two three pointers, and six made free throws. The defense limited Pascack Valley to eight two point field goals and three from beyond the arc. After a tough first quarter, Old Tappan responded with composure and execution. The second quarter surge created separation. The team closed strong and secured its 16th win of the season.

Old Tappan takes down another undefeated team.

Jan 24, 2026

Old Tappan defeated previously undefeated New Providence 45 to 40 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The win handed New Providence its first loss of the season. Defense drove the result. Old Tappan held New Providence to one of its lowest point totals of the season and forced tough shots throughout the game. Old Tappan led 12 to 9 after the first quarter and took a 23 to 12 lead into halftime. New Providence rallied in the fourth quarter, but Old Tappan stayed composed and finished the game at the line and with stops on defense. Sienna Drullinsky led Old Tappan with 19 points, including 11 made free throws. Alexa Caunedo scored 12 points. Alivia Badurina added six points. Sadie Murphy finished with five points. Nina Caunedo hit a three pointer for three points. Mauimi Quiros, Christina D’Andrea, Katie Degennaro, and Joley Giordano all played and helped on the defensive end as Old Tappan protected the lead late. Old Tappan improved to 10 and 3. New Providence dropped to 15 and 1 after its first loss of the season.