Fast start keys Old Tappan 61-38 win over Mahwah

Old Tappan scored the first 14 points versus No. 13 seed Mahwah in the Round of 16 of the Bergen County Girls Basketball Tournament at Ridgefield Park High School and never looked back en route to a 61-38 victory. Ariana Chipolone scored a game high 17 points while Emily Crevani provided 12 points and Alexie Piccinich chipped in with 11 points to lead a balanced scoring attack. Old Tappan will play twelfth-seeded Paramus Catholic in the quarterfinals at Becton High School.

“Our kids played very hard today and did a great job defensively,” said Old Tappan Head Coach Brian Dunn. “We shared the ball which gave us great opportunities. The fast start set the tone for the way the game was going to be played especially the defensive intensity.”

Mahwah did not get on the scoreboard until 2:36 left in the 1^st quarter on a three-point play by Deanna Burbridge who led the Thunderbirds in scoring with 14 points while Alyssa Baldi contributed 13 points. Old Tappan dominated on defense fueled by several blocked shots and steals taking a 18-5 lead at the end of the quarter.

In the 2^nd quarter, the Golden Knights started to pull away outscoring Mahwah 13-6 including a jump shot by Chipolone at the buzzer who scored six points in the quarter establishing a 31-11 cushion at halftime. Chipolone had 11 points at the intermission break.

“I kept driving to the hole but when the opportunity did not exist kicked out the ball to my teammates,” said Ariana Chipolone. “We stepped up on defense and kept our heads in the game.”