Pascack Valley Back to .500 after Win Over Tenafly

It was only a few weeks ago when Pascack Valley and Tenafly played one of the best games of the year. After a back and forth battle, the game went into overtime after Nick Soravilla failed to covert the game winning layup. In overtime, Valley used turnovers and free throws to come away with the hard fought 60-53 win.

On this Thursday night, overtime wasn't needed.

Instead, Pascack Valley picked up an impressive 60-49 over Tenafly in a game that never seemed in doubt.

Like I have said so many different times this year, balance is the key to this team's success.

"We played as a team tonight and made all the right decisions," said Senior Kyle Schneider.

As early as the first quarter, it became apparent that Pascack Valley was looking to get multiple players involved. In fact, at the end of the first quarter, Valley had a 12-7 lead with the scoring being done by big men Kyle Schneider and Jamie Seymour (4 points a piece).

Against the smaller Tenafly squad, Pascack Valley pounded the ball inside and got easy buckets because of it. Schneider believes that is the key to their offense going forward.

"We finally got the ball inside and took advantage of it. Our game needs to be inside and it will open up the outside for the shooters we have."

After Seymour hurt his ankle early in the first half, it was up to Schneider to do the dirty work inside and he sure did "step up". Schneider finished with 19 points and was the catalyst to an Indian offense that was set on cruise control for most of the game.

The Indians held a 29-17 lead at the half and never looked back. They did it by making good decisions and not forcing anything that wasn't there.

"We were able to take care of the ball," added Schneider. "I think this was the first game of the year with under 10 turnovers."

By taking care of the ball, Valley was able to sustain their lead and walk out of PV with a well needed victory going into the Bergen County Jamboree.

With a 7-7 record, there were doubts about this team making the big dance.Those doubts were silenced last night when it was announced that the Indians would be the 14th seed and play 19th seeded Garfield in the first round. That game will be played on Sunday, January 27th at 1 PM at Old Tappan with the winner taking on Don Bosco.

Since Valley has faced one of the best schedules in the state this season, it is no surprise that they gained this high of a seed with only a 7-7 record. This is a very talented team that with the right match ups, could find itself making a Cinderella-like run in the tournament.