After beating Demarest with a score of 54-42 yesterday, the Varsity Boys Basketball team now sits at a record of 13-0, the best in the program’s history. Just a year after starting 8-0 before suffering their first loss, the Tigers have found extra gear this season to extend their winning streak against some of the best teams in the state.
If you have ever attended a game in person, it’s easy to see how this team has been so successful. Each team member plays unselfishly, passing the ball around and turning good shots into great shots. The players fight for every rebound, hustle for every loose ball, and make their opponents work for every point on the defensive end. At every game, the atmosphere is tense with excitement, fueled by the motivation of the players to make every possession matter. From the roaring crowds to clutch moments, post-game celebrations to nail-biting wins, the boys basketball season has produced plenty of excitement, and there is plenty more to come.
The boys basketball team started the season right where they left off last year, winning nine straight games in a row before a much-anticipated home game last Thursday against Teaneck in a clash between two top-20 teams in New Jersey. In a double-overtime thriller, Tenafly came out with a 76-68 win after coming back from a nine point deficit at halftime, showcasing the Tigers’ incredible willpower to win. Having attended part of the game myself, I’ve seen firsthand the amazing chemistry of the basketball team, highlighted by their ball movement in order to seek the best shots possible. The atmosphere of the game was almost surreal; just being present in the moment makes you want to cheer on the team after each point, steal, or defensive effort. A link to the intense game can be found on YouTube, posted by Bucket University.
The team’s head coach, Mr. Jeff Koehler, has provided key insights into coming up with strategies and rotations. His decisions greatly contribute to Tenafly’s adjustable roster and the team’s ability to adapt to opponents. Captains Caleb Berkowitz (’26) and Nick Baldini (’26) also provide invaluable leadership to the team. Adin Goldschneider (’27) leads the Tigers in scoring and playmaking, averaging 24 points and 5 assists per game. Nick Lewin (’26) and Nick Baldini provide additional scoring, averaging over 11 points per game each, with Baldini leading the team in rebounds. The team’s bench is also extremely dangerous, with switchable forwards and guards that can defend tenaciously on defense and force turnovers.
A major factor for the basketball team’s success stems from its suffocating defense, with Coach Koehler placing a heavy emphasis on making it as difficult as possible for the opponents to score. “I’m a defensively-minded coach. We’ve held opposing teams to some of their lowest point totals of the year, and that sure puts a lot less pressure on the offense,” Koehler said. He also acknowledged the work that the players have been putting in over the course of the year to prepare for the season. “The team started [training] in April. We have a summer camp. We have two fall leagues. That’s what most people don’t see. They look and think that the team is playing a sport for three months, but these kids have worked for the last eight months to get themselves in this position.”
Captain Nick Baldini believes that the team’s success is also built upon its phenomenal chemistry. “We just play so well together, and that helped us step up to any of the challenges we have faced so far. As long as we have each other, I believe that we can get through pretty much anything,” Baldini said.
Captain Caleb Berkowitz praised the coaching staff. “I’ve been playing under them for four years, and I’ve grown so much as a player. Every coach knows their role and contributes in their own way. Obviously, Koehler drives us to be great and he always knows how to motivate us,” Berkowitz said.
David Casty (’26) reflectd on the huge impact that the support of the games has on the team. “We really feed off the energy [from the stands]. There were times in the Teaneck game when we were losing, but the crowd was right there to pick us back up,” he said.
Despite the hot start to the season, the boys basketball team has no intention of slowing down. The team’s next games are on Saturday at Bogota at 11:30 a.m. and next Tuesday at home against Ridgefield Park at 7 p.m. Come out and support the Tigers as they continue to chase history!
