Bring on the State Tournaments

Ice Hockey (12-9-4)

After losing a tight game to Mahwah, 4-2, in early January, Glen Rock came into the Big North Green Cup semifinal rematch against the Thunderbirds with something to prove.

Though the team eventually fell, 2-1, to Mahwah, they made a statement: This team, with only a single senior on the roster, has improved and can take one of the top public school teams in the state down to the wire.

The Panthers got on the board first in the second period, when Kevin Doyle rushed the net and put one past Mahwah’s Sean Scannell to break the 0-0 tie.

The teams went into the third period 1-1, as Brandon Block tied it up for the Thunderbirds on a power play goal.  The game was tied despite Glen Rock being out shot 28-6 through two periods.

The story of the game was Glen Rock goalie Harris Nebbia, who was nothing short of spectacular. The junior net minder made 38 saves to keep his team in the game.

Mahwah scored the game winner on a power play in the third period as Dan Carabin edged one past Nebbia.

The final shots on goal total of 40-11 in favor of Mahwah would likely produce a lopsided score, but the team defense of Glen Rock and the incredible play of Nebbia kept it close. 

“They had a ton of shots; they were just really good,” said Nebbia. "But this is a confidence booster for us going into the states.”

This team has grown by leaps and bounds since they started in December. With only one senior graduating, they should have an even stronger 2011-12 campaign, but first Glen Rock gets a chance to make some noise in the Public-B State Tournament.

Glen Rock, the No. 19 seed, will take on No. 14 seed West Morris on Monday.

Wrestling Regions

Glen Rock/Saddle Brook wrestling had a fantastic day at the Region 2 tournament in Hackensack on Saturday, crowning three champions and sending four wrestlers to Atlantic City for the state tournament.

Mike Andreano took first at 103 pounds as he continues to dominate as the season progresses.

Matt Jacobson avenged a district finals loss to take first at 130 pounds.

Matt Dickman needed overtime, but he beat Bergen Catholic’s John Sebastian in overtime, 2-1, to take home the title at 152 pounds.

Alex Cimiluca won his last bout of the night to take third place at 160 pounds and advance to Atlantic City.

Girls Basketball (19-5)

With a week packed with games and preparation for the first round of the state tournament, the Lady Panthers were in top form.

On Feb. 22, they blew out Rutherford, 42-28, then capped off their week Thursday with a 57-38 win over Pompton Lakes.

Tonight, the Lady Panthers take on Manchester Regional at home at 5:30 p.m. in the first round of the state tournament. If they win, they will play the winner of New Milford and Kinnelon on Wednesday.

Of The Weeks:

Stat of the Week: 3 Crowns

Glen Rock/Saddle Brook had the most individual champions at the Region 2 tournament, with three wrestlers sitting atop the podium. This was a fitting display of how excellent this team was; they crowned more champions than parochial powerhouse Bergen Catholic. 

Player of the Week: Harris Nebbia, Sophomore, Ice Hockey

This isn’t the first time he’s been selected as player of the week and it probably won’t be the last.  The sensational sophomore goalie stopped 38 shots against Mahwah and had some incredible saves to keep the game close all the way.  

Quote of the Week: Kevin Sabella, Mahwah Ice Hockey Coach, praising Glen Rock Ice Hockey and goalie Nebbia

“They’re probably the most improved team in our league — without a question — and hats off to their goalie who played out of his mind."