River Dell Varsity Girls Basketball Team winning streak snapped in loss to Mahwah

The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Girls Basketball Team's (8-2, 3-1 Big North Patriot) five-game winning streak came to an end in a 62-52 defeat to the Mahwah Thunderbirds(7-4, 3-1 Big North Patriot) at Mahwah High School in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Dalia Interiano finished with a game-high 17 points, including a team-high four three-pointers. Val Visconti contributed 13 points, and Alexa DePol accounted for 11 points.

In the first quarter, the Golden Hawks fell behind 8-3 as Mahwah got to the rim for layups by setting solid screens, putback shots, and getting out in transition.

River Dell held scoreless for the first four minutes of action, finally broke the drought on a trifecta by Dalia Interiano. The Golden Hawks managed to keep the momentum going as Interiano knocked down her second jump shot from behind the arc.

Alexa DePol converted a three-point play by driving to the rim and elevating for the layup while getting fouled in the process, which led to an 8-0 run, and 11-8 River Dell lead at the end of the quarter.

The Golden Hawks continued to surge ahead at the start of the second quarter with back-to-back fast-break layups by Dalia Interiano and Val Visconti, which sparked a 13-0 run and a 16-8 advantage.

Mahwah was held scoreless for a significant stretch due to River Dell’s smothering full-court press and man-to-man defense. The Thunderbirds eventually broke through, getting on the scoreboard with consecutive layups.

The Golden Hawks countered that brief spurt as Dalia Interiano dished a dime to Val Visconti in the low block, then Visconti elevated for the nifty one-handed left shot off glass that resulted in a three-point conversion.

“Dalia had an outstanding game and did a great job defensively,” Head Coach Lindsay Steffner cited. “She did a great job facilitating and where the ball needed to go and we just missed a lot of shots and probably would have had double digits in assists if we converted those shots.” “She did a nice job of looking for herself and teammates and handled the game in a very mature point guard role.”

Mahwah responded with a 6-0 blitz, with Taylor Tremblay (18 points) providing a major spark, tallying eight points.

River Dell ended the first half on a positive note with Hope Arturi draining a pair of free throws that put the Golden Hawks in front at halftime, 21-20.

“I don’t think we played great basketball—it was pretty ugly—but we still kept the lead,” River Dell Head Coach Lindsay Steffner explained. “It was a good wake-up call for us and for the team to focus on getting second-chance points and playing better defense.”

In the third quarter, Mahwah reclaimed the lead with four quick points. The Thunderbirds were in the zone from long distance in the quarter, sinking three triples, along with beneficial scoring from Emma Jordan(20 points), totaling ten points, and Aliza Cadestin(12 points) dropping six points, and Mia Carragher adding five points that propelled Mahwah to a 43-36 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Once the fourth quarter commenced, the Thunderbirds widened the margin to double digits behind a balanced scoring attack, proficient perimeter shooting, and free-throw shooting.

On the flipside, River Dell struggled mightily from the free-throw line but still stayed within striking distance due to the aggressive play of Alexa DePol, who chalked up seven points, and five points from Dalia Interiano. Ultimately, the margin proved to be a major hurdle for River Dell as Mahwah cruised to the win.

Head Coach Lindsay Steffner on the loss: “I don’t blame anything on the refs, but with our style of play and Mahwah being a physical and athletic team, having three refs would have benefited us—there were a lot of no-calls.” “It was a very physical game down low and honestly back and forth. We did get to the foul line and did a great job of getting there, but we missed 12 free throws and a bunch of shots we normally knock down. Give credit to Mahwah—they played and shot the ball well.”

“I always tell the team when they’re on the road, we got to play that we’re down eight to ten points because the other team has the home court advantage over us and whether it’s just home court advantage or just the comfort of the fan base and never know what refs you’re going to get.”

“We just have to play our game, and I don’t think defensively we played as well as we have been doing, didn’t make our shots, convert on foul shot situations and get much out of our press.” “It didn’t go our way and it’s fine and getting knocked down a peg makes you stronger and there’s a quote out there you don’t want to be playing your best basketball in January, but March and we got to learn from it and be better.”

“My takeaway is everyone in the league is tough and we used to be really top heavy, and every game is counted and we’re all over the place right now.” “On any given night someone can get on fire and shoot well, and the game is very different.”

“That’s what makes it good for girls’ basketball in Bergen County and seeding for the tournament and power points for the state tournament more exciting.”

The Golden Hawks look to right the ship and get back on the winning track when they face Ridgewood(8-3) in the Zach Latteri Benefit Foundation Games on Sunday January 18th at Immaculate Heart Academy in the Township of Washington,New Jersey with tip-off set for 3 p.m.

“It’s going to be an interesting game and if we beat them it’s going to be great for power points and a good seeding,” Head Coach Lindsay Steffner mentioned. “They’re a very good team, fast and aggressive and have a first-team all-county candidate in Catie Klemm.” “She’s dynamic and very skilled and the supporting cast is very athletic and don’t seem to run out of steam and we got to keep up.” “We need to use our athleticism and strength to their four guards and a solid post player on the floor and take advantage inside.”

“It’s nice to be invited to these games—they don’t just invite anyone. The slate of teams is high-level, very competitive, and well-coached.” “Anything to raise money for these organizations—it's important to help out with donations. We pay for the referees, and they donate their money back as a nice way of paying it forward.”