Monday, February 11, 2008

By Tony Albro
Special to NJS.com

EAST RUTHERFORD -- Ask anybody, even Bill Belichick, how difficult it can be to repeat as a champion in any type of league. For the defending BCWCA champion Holy Angels Academy, there will be no repeat this season as they were defeated in the quarterfinals by the solid all round effort of top-seeded Pascack Valley Lady Indians by a score of 68-44.

Senior Mary Beirerle’s three-point field goal opened the scoring for PV in a game where it never trailed on the scoreboard. Sophomore Terry Ely (3 points) netted a basket with a little under five minutes remaining in the opening quarter to make the score 5-4 and Pascack Valley was able to build a nine point lead, 15-6, at the end of the quarter.

Holy Angels was in need of some offensive energy in the second quarter, and freshman Jackie Jerkovich (7 points) provided it. She opened the quarter with a fearless three-pointer and then made a two-point basket to draw the Angels within 17-11 with six minutes remaining in half.

Senior Sara Ely (game high 29 points), closed out the half with a dynamic layup giving the Lady Indians a twelve point lead at 27-15. Ely was 4 of 11 from the field in the first half and began to display signs of an offensive explosion that was to take place in the second half.

Holy Angels, which starts three seniors along with two freshmen, never seemed to get into a rhythm offensively and also struggled to match up with the athleticism of the Pascack Valley starting five. PV was much improved offensively in comparison to its win over Ridgewood last weekend in the Round of 16, a fact that could be attributed to the hot shooting of Sara Ely, who made three three-pointers and also scored in the post.

Sara Ely had the hot hand and the Pascack Valley offense ran it offensive game plan through her. Senior Rebecca Lynch chipped in with a solid 10 points, 9 rebounds, and a couple of steals and blocked shots. The Indians held a 13-point lead after three quarters, 46-33.

“I was just real pleased with how well we played today. We passed well, we were fluid, we were pretty organized and Sara had a monster game, she was just sensational,” said Jasper, whose team will take on No. 5 Old Tappan in next weekend’s semifinal to be held at Becton.

Holy Angels Senior Point Guard Cara Bonito closed out her BCWCA Tournament career with a solid 12-point game that included a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line, in addition to leading the Angels with 7 defensive rebounds. Angels freshman guard Kasheema Besley (14 points) drew some praise from the crowd at Becton Regional with some dynamic moves off of the dribble.

Both teams emptied their benches with about three minutes remaining and Pascack Valley senior Tina Pinelli was able to score five points in the closing minutes as the Lady Indians clinched a berth in the semifinal round.

“It’s a great thing for us,” said Jasper, who has won six tournament titles, tied for the most ever with legendary Paramus Catholic head coach Rose Battaglia. “This will be our 22nd appearance in the Final 4 and that is a nice number

PV has faced Old Tappan twice already this season and has won both times, but Jasper expects anything but a cakewalk from the team coached by his good friend Brian Dunn.

“We have been lucky. Old Tappan is formidable,” said Jasper. “They are physical, they are talented, they are well coached, plus they have competitive fire. They have a bunch of good things going for them.”

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