[ back ]
Pantale’s return gives Valley consistency
(by Doug Scancarella - January 31, 2008)
Wayne – Chris Pantale returned to the Wayne Valley lineup last week and immediately had a positive impact. The 6-foot-6 center hadn't played since the opener, when he aggravated a knee injury suffered during the football season.
The senior, who will head to Boston College on a football scholarship next fall, was sorely missed on the hard court. In his absence, Wayne Valley was largely inconsistent. The Indians were solid, but hardly resembled the team that reached the Passaic County and Section I, Group III final in 2007.
"We had problems against teams with big guys," said coach Joe Leicht. "Now (with Pantale back) we're pretty confident in what we can do."
That was evident this week as WV (9-7) toppled Passaic Tech and Hoboken to clinch a spot in Section I, Group III Tournament. It is the team’s fifth-straight appearance in the postseason tournament.
Pantale scored 8 points and pulled down 5 rebounds in his return against PCT. He registered 10 points and collected 7 rebounds against Hoboken.
The good news for Valley is that Pantale is no where near a one-man-show. He is, what Valley hopes, the final piece of the puzzle. The Indians very much believe they can go farther than they did in 2007.
In the 51-46 win over PCT, Valley was led by sophomore Jason Rosenberg, who tallied a career high 20 points. He also dished out 11 assists. Nick Siljee, another sophomore, added 11 points and 8 rebounds. Paul Siljee contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds. Larry Burroughs led Passaic Tech (8-5) with 19 points.
In the 59-46 win over Hoboken, it was Mike DeMoor’s turn to lead. The senior poured in 18 points. Paul Siljee contributed 11 points. Rosenberg and Nick Siljee had 7 points apiece. Vinny Graziani added 6 points. Rosenberg fired out 9 assists. Nick Siljee had 8 rebounds.
Valley’s quest for Passaic County glory starts tomorrow when they drive down Preakness Road to take on PCT (No. 7) in a rubber-game of sorts. Valley (No. 10) lost to PCT earlier this season. If Valley wins, they will likely play Passaic (No. 2). WV beat Passaic earlier this season.
"When it comes together we can beat good teams like Passaic," Leicht said.
[ back ]
