Hopewell Valley Basketball Team Falls Short Against Red Bank Regional in Central Jersey Group III Semifinals

The Hopewell Valley boys basketball team had a season to remember, but their journey came to an end on Thursday night against top-seeded Red Bank Regional in the Central Jersey Group III semifinals. The Bulldogs fought hard, but ultimately fell short, 56-42.

Technical issues plagued the game from the start, with the timekeeper at the scorer's table failing to signal a substitution, leaving the team with six players on the court. This confusion led to a series of technical fouls and free throws, which ultimately sealed the Bulldogs' fate.

Hopewell coach Matt Stein emphasized the importance of keeping emotions in check, saying, 'We talk about not letting our emotions get it... We got to make sure we control our emotions and not put ourselves in a position where they get that many free throws.' However, the team struggled with this aspect of their game, committing multiple fouls throughout the night.

The key moment came when HV's leading scorer John Michael Vlasac was ejected for a questionable second technical foul with 5:30 remaining in the game. The team never recovered from this blow, and ultimately fouled out two players, including point guard Jude Berman, who left the court with 3:37 remaining.

Stein reflected on the game, stating, 'We try to step up in different spots, but we got to make sure we control our emotions... We talked about not letting our emotions get it.' Despite this setback, Stein and his team can be proud of their accomplishments throughout the season.

In conclusion, Hopewell Valley's season came to an end against Red Bank Regional, but they showed resilience and determination throughout their journey. The school district aims to provide a supportive environment for its students and staff, ensuring that everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities.

Moore county schools timekeeper