River Dell Varsity Girls Basketball Team bounces back with a convincing win over Indian Hills

The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Girls Basketball Team(13-5, 6-1 Big North Patriot) hosted the Indian Hills Braves(12-9, 1-6 Big North Patriot) at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.

River Dell was coming off a 64-57 loss at home that also snapped the Golden Hawks' impressive nine-game winning streak and first defeat since December 28th to New Providence in the Joe Poli Tournament at Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, New Jersey.

Despite a late tip-off on Rec Night, plus not having one of their primary scorers and an elite player in Sofia Sanchez in the lineup, River Dell came firing out of the gates, jumping out to a quick 6-0 lead.

As many as eight points led the Golden Hawks before settling for a 16-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter: Alex DePol and Kasey Ziegler led the charge in combining for 11 points.

Morgan Sconza said at the start of the game, "Tuesday was a tough loss to Westwood, so we were eager to get out on the court and play our best game." "It was tough not having Sofia(Sanchez) because she's a key role for our team and senior leader."

"We did a great job coming out hot from the start and getting the ball on both sides of the post." "We knew Kasey(Ziegler) and Alexa(DePol) could have a field day all night."

In the second quarter, River Dell widened the advantage to double digits at 26-16 behind the stellar production off the bench from Val Visconti, totaling nine points. Visconti relentlessly attacked the glass for offensive rebounds, then stuck putbacks off the glass. By the time halftime rolled around, the Golden Hawks stretched the margin to 35-19.

Morgan Sconza on the scoring output from Val Visconti, "She was amazing coming off the bench and her confidence is going up every week." "It was great to see her get those points in front of the crowd, and we were happy for her." "She got the easy layups and rebounded the ball well."

Once the third quarter rolled around, River Dell did not remove the gas pedal. The Golden Hawks pushed the lead to 20 points and ultimately carried a 51-31 carried over into the fourth quarter. Alexa DePol asserted herself on both ends of the court while notching seven additional points.

Morgan Sconza on the growth of Alexa Depol this season, "She's been amazing for us all season and very athletic." "She can even play guard but in the post where she's most effective." "Our goal is to get her the ball all night and have a field day with her short jump shot." "Every time I get a rebound, I know she'll be running down the court so she can get those easy layups and exactly what happened during the game."

A scoring fourth quarter, they proved to be no liability for River Dell as they coasted to the 60-43 victory over the Braves. Head Coach Lindsay Steffner was able to rest the starters and allow the bench players to get quality time on the court. Alexa DePol poured in a game-high 15 points, Val Visconti finished with 11 points, and Morgan Sconza added 10.

Morgan Sconza on winning on Rec Night, "It was great to go out there and compete in front of all the kids and you could feel the goosebumps because we were all in that position once and to see all the little kids come out and support us." "We just want to be good role models for them because they'll be in the same position as us one day." "After the game it was nice to take pictures with them and get to meet them and a good night for the community."

The Golden Hawks return to the hardwood court in the Bergen County Women's Coaches Association Tournament Quarterfinals, squaring off against Teaneck(16-5, 7-1 Big North National) at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest with tip-off set for 3 p.m. River Dell edged past Mahwah 41-36 in the Round of 16 while Teaneck defeated Ridgewood 52-44.

Morgan Sconza on the upcoming matchup against Teaneck, "I have to give it to them. They're a tough team, but we have to go out there and give it everything we got, and we're halfway through the season." "We have the opportunity to show the community and all of Bergen County what we can do."

"We're going to go out there and have fun, play together, and work hard." "We always pick each other up when we're down, and someone misses a shot, and we'll get the rebound and put it back up." "We all trust each other no matter what happens, and we'll move on from it and get better again. Remember to have fun and play the game of basketball."

"It's just the relationships we have off the court and we're always together and getting food after practice and really bonded us together on the court."