NVOT’s girls basketball team had a season to remember. After winning the North Jersey 1, Group 3 State Sectional title against rival Pascack Valley, the girls went on to win the North Jersey 1, Group 3 State final against Ewing. The team finished 28-5 and tied with Pascack Valley for 1st place in their league.

However, the team started off the season just 3-3. “The slow start was a product of defining roles and proper execution. We rebounded by adjusting our focus properly to the fundamentals that would help us succeed,”Head Coach Brian Dunn said. From there, the girls didn’t look back. They went on to lose only two more games.

Dunn reached a great feat this year with his 400th win as a coach with a 61-40 win against Paramus Catholic. “Winning 400 games means I have been very blessed to coach some wonderful players and work with some great coaches. ” Dunn said.

Seniors Sophie Downey, Alex George, Erin Harnisch and juniors Jackie Kelly, and Noelle Gonzalez all played terrific this season. Downey and the girls were ecstatic to win the Sectional Championship and the State Championship. “It’s an incredible feeling to win because it means all of our hard work in the offseason paid off. We’ve been dreaming of this moment ever since losing in the sectional final last year,” Downey said.

Senior Katie Dunn couldn’t be happier to win a championship with her dad. “It was really special to play for my dad this season. I grew up coming to all of the games and watching him coach, and I always looked forward to playing for him in high school. It was special to win states with him for my last season.”

Coach Dunn couldn’t be prouder of his team this year, as he stated that “this season saw a team of kids who came together to play their roles to perfection. They shared the ball, played great defense, and outworked everyone else on the floor. I am very proud of them for seeing their hard work have great results,” Dunn said.