The Saddle River Day Rebels (15-8) continued their dominant run in the Bergen County Girls Basketball Tournament, winning their ninth straight championship title with a 59-47 win over the Demarest Norsemen (20-3) at Fair Lawn High School in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
@srdsgbb wins their 9th straight @BCWCA1 Girls Basketball Tournament Championship Title in a 59-47 victory over @DemarestNv this evening @FairLawnSchools @ONNJSports 🏀🏆 pic.twitter.com/eXQIjMl1hk
— Sports News By Sunil Sunder Raj (@SunilSportsNews) February 20, 2025
Faith Williamson, a key player for Saddle River Day, led the scoring with a game-high 20 points. Brooke Braen and Giada Celetti, known for their consistent performances, each contributed 11 points, while Isabella Pedone added 10 to the scoreboard.
Deana Finkelstein paced Demarest with 16 points, while Angie Tirado added 10.
Saddle River Day took control of the game from the opening tip-off, quickly establishing a double-digit lead of 13-3. This was mainly due to their relentless full-court press and trapping defense, which forced the Norseman to commit several turnovers.
The Rebels owned the space underneath the basket by asserting themselves on the offensive glass, grabbing numerous rebounds that led to putback shots and second-chance opportunities.
Saddle River Day was led by Giada Celetti and Faith Williamson, who combined for 13 points. The Rebels utilized their speed and quickness, driving to the rim for layups.
Demarest managed to end the period on a 7-2 run that trimmed the deficit to 24-12. Ella Peck led the Norsemen in the scoring department with 6 points on a pair of trifectas.
— Sports News By Sunil Sunder Raj (@SunilSportsNews) February 20, 2025
A championship game that appeared to be a high-scoring affair saw the output drop in the second quarter as both teams combined for 20 points.
Despite the Norsemen’s persistent efforts, the Rebels remained resolute. With the score at 27-16 and less than three minutes left, Saddle River Day stood firm, maintaining their lead at 35-21 as the teams headed into halftime.
— Sports News By Sunil Sunder Raj (@SunilSportsNews) February 20, 2025
As the second half commenced, the Rebels demonstrated their adaptability by altering their offensive strategy. They focused on driving to the basket, drawing fouls, and making trips to the free-throw line. Saddle River Day capitalized on this, sinking seven out of nine shots and extending their lead to 48-34 by the end of the quarter.
— Sports News By Sunil Sunder Raj (@SunilSportsNews) February 20, 2025
The Rebels steadily widened their lead to over 20 points in the fourth quarter, eventually coasting to a well-deserved victory. As the final buzzer sounded, the court was filled with the jubilant celebration of the Saddle River Day team, a testament to their hard-earned success.
