Pascack Valley returns to Toms River looking to keep dream season going by Chris Iseman of The Record
The goal was never to get to Toms River.
That never really factored into Pascack Valley’s mind-set. All season, the Indians just focused on improving every day. They worked on their shooting, they honed their defense. They stepped into the gym at the start of each practice determined to get a little better than they were when they walked in.
Thirty victories followed. So did a sectional championship. Then a state title.
“There is no one who lives more in the moment than I do,” coach Jeff Jasper said after his team’s Group 3 final win over Ocean City. “So I know how lucky this is – everything’s got to fall in your favor. You’ve got to be good, you’ve got to be healthy. Your matchups have to work, you’ve got to hit shots. Everything falls in line. Who controls that? Nobody. So all you have is to go to practice every day. Work on your stuff. Try to get better.”
So Pascack Valley did get better. And it kept getting better.
The Indians worked hard all season and became champions along the way. On Thursday, the Indians will make that 90-mile trip to Toms River once again.
Seeded fifth, Pascack Valley will play No. 4 Franklin in the quarterfinals of the Tournament of Champions at 5:30 p.m. at Pine Belt Arena.
Six New Jersey girls basketball teams are still playing. The Indians are one of them.
Their chemistry on the court has been a staple of this state tournament run.
Their selflessness shines through because they’re focused on helping each other succeed.
Everyone contributes, whether it’s by scoring, rebounding, distributing or playing stifling defense.
“The mantra all season has been this thing ‘Climb and lift,’ where we understand we’re fighting our way up but we never forget who’s right behind us,” Jasper said. “So we’re always pulling the kid behind us.”
Players such as Brianna Smith, Cerina Dunkel and Nicole Arden have come off the bench and immediately delivered.
Smith, a sophomore guard, had 16 points with four three-pointers against Ocean City.
“Bri Smith has totally stepped up this year,” Kelly Petro said. “To do the things that she’s done as a sophomore, it’s insane and it was huge.”
The Indians never want this season to end.
Jasper and his players want to keep this run going as long as possible.
“My kids are joyful to be with every day,” Jasper said. “When somebody says to me, ‘Jasper, how’s it going?’ You know my answer: ‘I’m living the dream.’ And every day, with these people, I’m living the dream.”