Many people look back at the 2021-2022 Tenafly Varsity Boys Basketball Season fondly. After all, it was the first time in over 50 years that the program had made it to the state sectional game. However, putting nostalgia aside, history is being made right now—and it’s being done in electric fashion. 

Thanks to yesterday’s nail-biter win over Pascack Valley, the team improved to an inspiring 7-0 record, remaining undefeated. The team had already broken the record for the best start to a season in program history at 5-0, but the Tigers have shown no sign of stopping as they continue to lengthen their victory streak.

It’s not only the fact that the team has been winning: they have been genuinely exciting to watch. There is a brotherhood between the players and an energy surrounding the team through the students and fans that make every game worth attending. It’s rare to see this level of buzz in a Tenafly athletic season, so try and drink it in.

There are several players who have been key to the early successes. Anchoring the team is senior guard and captain Jake Yanofsky (’25), who is averaging 12.7 points and 8.7 assists per game. While successfully pacing the offense, Yanofsky has been equally effective on defense, tallying 16 steals on the season. He has also been nominated for Bergen County player of the week. At center, senior Dan Regev (’25) has been an intimidating presence in both the offense and defense paint, with three double-doubles and 3.7 blocks a game. Regev’s blocking ability is one of the best in the entire state.

The younger members on the team have also been showing out this season. Junior Nick Lewin (’26), has also put up 12.7 points a game, while being especially prolific from beyond the arc with 18 three-pointers so far. Junior Caleb Berkowitz (26’) had a team-leading 17 point game against Cliffside Park to start the season, kickstarting the win streak, while also leading the league in taking charges. Sophomore Adin Goldschneider (’27) has also just returned from injury, which will give Coach Koehler more offensive firepower. 

However, the breakout player of the season has to be junior Nick Baldini (’26). After 14 total points in his sophomore year, he has exploded with 14 points a game, leading the team in scoring. He also leads the team in average rebounds with 9.1 per game. His 25 points and 12 rebounds, including a crunch time game-tying three, led Tenafly to its victory over PV. 

Hoping to learn more about the dream start, I interviewed Yanofsky to get an inside perspective on what’s been going through the team’s mind.

What does having the best start in program history mean to you, especially as a senior and as captain?

Yanofsky: “Having the best start in program history means so much to me, my teammates, and my coaches. We work so hard preparing ourselves for each game and winning is not something that comes easy as the competition this year is extremely high. It’s a huge accomplishment and just the start. It’s the best way I could possibly start off my senior season.”

Why do you think that you and the team have been able to get to such a hot start?

Yanofsky: “I think the energy, the hustle, chemistry, and will to win is high this season. I would say we had a bit of a lighter schedule to start but we took care of business and did what we needed to do. Now, entering the league games, it’s going to be so competitive. Our past two games were battles but the resilience we have shown is amazing.”

Do you feel that we fly under the radar as a small school? What are we telling other teams now?

Yanofsky: “100%. I feel that we are under the radar as a smaller school. I like to tell my teammates to use this as motivation. The respect will come eventually. I still believe we have a long way to go, but I do think we are letting teams know that we’re gonna play a full 32 minute game.”

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Yanofsky: “We have a lot to look forward to moving on in the season. I definitely want to get back to where we were last year making it to the Elite 8 in the Bergen County Jamboree at Hackensack High School. I hope we get a home state game, and hopefully make a run. I would love for us to continue to pick up wins. Adversity will hit, but I want us to keep learning and growing from that and continue to do what we have done so far. As of now, I am just making sure we are focused on what’s ahead of us and taking everything one game at a time.

Is there anyone you want to thank?

Yanofsky: “I would like to thank the coaching staff as a whole, especially Coach Koehler for always preparing us, putting in the countless hours of scouting and preparation and putting his 100% effort and trust into me and my teammates. I want to thank my teammates for always giving their all and making this senior season special for me and my other seniors.”

From these answers, I could tell immediately why this team has potential. Even with a 7-0 start, the players aren’t satisfied yet. They know what they are capable of, but they also know the challenges that wait ahead and the effort it will take to face them. They are looking forward to their next games with their minds set to the task. They have grit and determination, demonstrated by their ten point comeback against PV, and starting as a team with lower expectations. To say that the entire Tenafly community is excited to see what this team continues to do is an understatement.

So what are you waiting for? Get out to the next games and support your Tigers!

Next Games: 

• at Cresskill on Saturday, January 11 at 1:30 PM.
• at Teaneck on Thursday, January 16 at 4:15 PM
• Home against Fort Lee on Saturday, January 18 at 1:00 PM.