River Dell Varsity Girls Basketball Team surges past Roxbury in the North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Tournament First Round

The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Girls Basketball Team(16-8) soared past the Roxbury Gaels(15-10) 47-37 in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Tournament First Round at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.

Dalia Interiano amassed a game-high 18 points, Val Visconti tallied 14 points, and Morgan Sconza supplied 12 points.

"Roxbury was 15 and 9 and they had a nice season going and really confident kids," River Dell Head Coach Lindsay Steffner explained. "They play a tough scheduler out in Western New Jersey."

"The girls came out in the first third quarter and really put a show on."

Both teams struggled coming out of the gate in the first quarter, missing shots and turning the ball over. By the time of the quarter, Roxbury led 9-8.

"I thought there were a lot of nerves and forced turnovers in the first quarter," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner described."

In the second quarter, River Dell righted the ship and got into an offensive rhythm that sparked a 6-0 run. The Golden Hawks tied the game up at 14-14 with four minutes left, but eventually, the Gaels went into intermission up 20-18.

"The girls settled in a little bit and we switched the defenses up to try to get the momentum shift in our favor," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner noted. "I know Roxbury hit a three in a situation where we should have had a turnover, but it was one of those games back and forth and where you think you were going to make a run, and they end up getting an offensive rebound or putback."

"They weren't doing anything special to confuse us and just coming down and playing basketball and average to best defense." "We just needed to settle down, make layups, and get plenty of offensive rebounds and chances. "We were missing a lot of layups and a ton of drives and kind of on our heels a little bit."

Coming out of the locker room for the second half, the River Dell varsity girls' basketball team heard the applause and support from the home crowd, which Head Coach Lindsay Steffner said the team noticed.

"I girls heard it too with the parents clapping and trying to get them going and encouragement to get them going and a nice really nice moment for our girls and to know how much they are supported."

River Dell fed off the much-needed energy and passion from the stands as Kasey Ziegler blocked a shot and knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 20-20 early in the third quarter.

Dalia Interiano became the primary source of scoring for the Golden Hawks in the quarter. Interiano showcased her offensive skills on the fast break and transition, driving consistently to the rim for layups. Interiano exploded for 11 points, leading to a 9-0 run and a 36-29 lead. Heading into the final frame, River Dell had a 38-30 advantage.

"We went out and attacked and put them on their heels a little bit and Kasey's defense amped us up," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner stated. "That was one of Dalia's best games and played offensively all season and finishing around the rim with confidence." "She read the defense well and able to get her hands on the ball defensively and everywhere and played a great game."

"We closed out that third quarter with a lot of confidence and momentum and I knew Roxbury was going to press a little bit and try to get the defensive momentum in their favor." "It was a just a matter of us trying to get the ball in our guard's hands and keeping getting high percentage shots and we had really good looks."

Moving to the fourth quarter, the Golden Hawks extended the margin to double digits on back-to-back layups by Val Visconti, who netted eight points in the second half. "Val's hands are so strong, and when we get her the ball in the low block, she's going to get high-percentage shots," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner remarked. "She ended up getting a couple of big ones, and it's a momentum shift that put them in foul trouble."

"It's hard-matchup for anyone when you have Kasey playing phenomenal defense and two post-players that are athletic and Dalia coming them at full force and then focusing on Morgan." "There are only so many weapons you can slow down."

"Alexa(DePol) didn't score but slowed down Gianna Caprilgione and made her feel uncomfortable the whole and next up to her all game and not allowing her to get a free shot."

Down the stretch, River Dell managed to keep Roxbury at bay by hitting free throws and coasted to the victory in the final home game of the 2024-25 season for seniors Morgan Sconza, Kasey Ziegler, and Angela McDonough.

"They've been such a dynamic senior group in general and brought so much to the table and fan favorites," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner cited. "Our team embraces everything they do on and off the court and to see their final game and I'm glad it was a win." "I told them I look forward to each and every practice with them and a bonus in my book." "You keep playing even though if it was their last home game and I want to keep coaching them."

The varsity girls basketball team's first-round game against Roxbury also marked the final game. River Dell High School Athletic Director Denis Nelson announced the NJSIAA Spectator Announcement and starting lineups as Nelson is retiring after the school year. Before tip-off, Nelson was honored for achievements.

"I've been around many organizations and his voice carries a lot of weight around here," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner said. "When people makes decisions they check in with Denis." "He's worked very closely with the BCWCA(Bergen County Women's Coaches Association) over the years when we were making some changes and needed professional help and always courteous to help us when we were making changes in the league and certain policies."

"He's been doing this job just not well but as a leader to a lot of athletic directors in North Jersey particular and his departure his going to be missed by River Dell and our program and North Jersey Athletics."

"You don't do coaching for the money, and you love the kids, sport, competitiveness, school, and environment." "You want to coach somewhere where someone makes your job easier and who's supporting you and supports the school as much as you do." "It's a family atmosphere and that's the top-down approach he's made very important to us."

The Golden Hawks return to action in the North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Quarterfinals. They will face the number one seed, Demarest Norsemen(21-5), at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest on Saturday, March 1st, with tip-off set for noon.

"We're excited to be where we're at right now and an eighth seed that still's playing," Head Coach Lindsay Steffner expressed. "I don't care who were playing and just looking forward to playing and having a good time with competing and doing the best we can." "Their team is playing good basketball right now and I'm excited to get back on the court again."

"We're going to have to continue to grind out on defense and make sure we're running our stuff and executing on defense and getting the offensive rebounds." "Our post players needed to take advantage to strength we have inside and slow them down a little bit." "They run fast, and we got to slow them down and in tournament time you need a little luck and play hard."