Seniors Nick Soravilla and Kyle Schneider, who were sophomores at the time, remember that game very well.
"They (Don Bosco) were devastated and we had them on the ropes," said Soravilla. "We talked about in practice that if we got the lead we couldn't stall. We had to keep scoring because they could go on a big run in the blink of an eye."
"I thought about it all yesterday and today," said Schneider. "I needed to do this one for my brothers who graduated two years ago."
These two Seniors, along with everyone else on the Valley team, avenged that loss by defeating Don Bosco 62-51 in the Round of 16 of the Bergen County Jamboree.
Using their Senior leadership and experience, it was Soravilla (6 points) and Schneider (10 points) who kept Valley close in the first half. With the Onderdonks unable to find their rhythm early, it was these two who provided the scoring. They combined for 16 of the Indians' 28 points before intermission.
"We can all shoot so when guys are not on, we see who has the hot hand and we get them the ball," added Schneider. "It just so happened that it was me in the first half."
Despite only shooting 38% (13-34) in the first half, Pascack Valley took care of the ball and and took open shots. This and their defense are big reasons why Don Bosco only had a 29-28 lead at the break. Not many were surprised that Pascack Valley played with a team like Don Bosco in the first half. The Indians' 9-8 record coming in doesn't show how good this team really is because of how tough their schedule was. With that being said, many thought Don Bosco would take control and cruise to the quarterfinals. That is why the third quarter was so important and had to be the turning point of the game.
After struggling in the first half, the Onderdonks came out with confidence after halftime. They combined for 22 points in the second half and kept Pascack Valley ahead.
"In the first half I was off," said Ryan Onderdonk, "but when you are off you just have to keep shooting. I did that and was able to find my rhythm."
"I was more patient in the second half," added Kyle Onderdonk. "In the second half, I had good looks and knocked them down."
Pascack Valley was able to outscore Don Bosco 15-8 in the third and take a 6 point lead into the fourth. The key stat had to be shot selection. After shooting 17 times in each of the first two quarters, Valley only had nine shots in the third, but made six of them.
"We just knew we had to be patient and the game would be a lot easier for us," added Soravilla.
Pascack Valley's patience and offensive efficiency gave them the lead that they would not relinquish.
In the fourth quarter, there wasn't even a need for the Indians to shoot. By playing solid defense, Pascack Valley earned most of their points at the foul line. With every miss, the pressure mounted on Don Bosco's shoulders. In the end, it was too much to overcome and Valley came away with a season defining 62-51 victory.
Ryan Onderdonk led the Indians in scoring with 17 points while Chris Jackson added 12 and Kyle Schneider had 13. All five starters scored at least 8 points.
With the win, Pascack Valley will play St. Joes in the quarterfinals next Sunday at noon at Ramapo College. It just so happens that the Indians will be squaring off against the Green Knights Tuesday night in a reason season contest.
"By playing them on Tuesday, we can see what they're like and go off that," added Soravilla. "We just know that we have to dictate the tempo."
Despite the huge match up looming next weekend, Kyle Schneider says his team will enjoy this one, at least for a little while.
"We'll enjoy this one today," said Schneider. "Tomorrow we will move on to St. Joes because we have to regain our focus. We cannot come out sleep walking against a good team like St. Joes."
By winning a game that is considered a huge upset (at least seeding wise), Bergen County needs to put Pascack Valley on notice.
"When other teams play Pascack Valley, it is going to be a battle," Schneider added. "We have been battle tested all year and will continue to be down the road."
There is a saying that goes "Fear no one, but respect everyone."
After Pascack Valley's win against Don Bosco on Sunday afternoon, it might be time for other teams across North Jersey to...
Fear the Indian.
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