Pascack Hockey’s Jack Sheehan (Sr.) led his team to a 13-8 record this season, and the No. 5 seed in the North Jersey Public Co-Op Tournament. 

Sheehan has been a leader and bright spot for this team throughout the season. He has come up in the clutch numerous times this season and has always been there for his teammates when needed. Because of these attributes, Jack Sheehan has earned Valley Echo’s Athlete of the Month honor for the month of February. 

Sheehan has shone in some of the biggest games for Pascack Hockey this season. 

In a senior night game against Tenafly, Sheehan totaled four points, scoring two goals and two assists. He also tallied three points in their first round of the state tournament against Old Tappan, which helped lead his team to a first-round victory, 10-1. Sheehan had 12 points across 4 games played in the month of February.

“Before every game, I always give them [teammates] a pre-game speech, and I always watch film the night before so I know the ins and outs of every team we play,” Sheehan explained. 

Sheehan has always done everything he can to help his teammates succeed. 

“I played varsity hockey my freshman year, so the past four years have been great,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of experience and am ready for the big games.”

When asked about Sheehan, Head Coach Sean Cosgrove had tons of gratitude and positive words for the senior captain.

“It’s hard to put into words what Jack’s meant to the program since he put on a Pascack uniform his freshman year,” Cosgrove stated. “From a coach’s perspective, the adversity Jack has battled through this season makes his play even more remarkable and legendary… His play alone has inspired teammates and got us through some tough moments.”

The Pascack Hockey team just finished their season, losing in the second round of the state tournament to Paramus, 6-1. Sheehan finished his career off on a remarkable stretch.

Sheehan hopes to play college hockey in the future, as it has been a dream of his since he was little. 

This past basketball season, Raina Gibbs (Jr.) has established herself as a scoring powerhouse and a “sensational” threat from beyond the arc, according to Coach Jeff Jasper. Whether it’s quick release or her deep range, Gibbs has become nearly impossible for opponents to guard, racking up 350 points in her third varsity season. Her efficiency is what’s most impressive as she shot 85% from the free throw line this season.

While Gibbs excels from beyond the arc, her versatility is just as impressive. Jasper noted that her impact goes beyond just her 62 made three-pointers.

“She’s got quickness in her release, she’s got distance… she’s like Steph Curry,” Jasper said. “She works at her craft. She’s developing other parts of her game all the time… making herself harder to guard by developing a mid-range game and getting to the rim.”

While she is only a junior, Gibbs has stepped into more of a leadership role this past season, especially on the court. She usually directs drills during practice and takes the lead during pregame huddles, and more importantly, boosting the team’s morale.

“I pride myself on lifting up my teammates,” Gibbs explained. “I tell them to have confidence in themselves because I have confidence in them. If they don’t channel what they have in themselves, then we can’t win.”

While the team has a strong bond off the court, Gibbs credits the team’s success to the culture off the court, which includes pasta parties before many games.

“The fact that we all know each other on a level that’s bigger than basketball helps us notice when people are in their head,” Gibbs said. “We’re able to pick them up.”

Preparation is one of the most important parts of Gibbs’ games. Her pregame ritual consists of listening to music, stretching and a drink: “I take juice shots from Trader Joe’s,” she said. “I take my two juice shots… I normally try to eat something before the game as well.”

Despite suffering a season ending knee injury, Gibbs vocal leadership in games remained constant. Jasper highlights her high basketball IQ, noting that Gibbs fills the gap on the floor with her understanding of the game.

Looking ahead, Gibbs has two major goals for her senior season and beyond: a state championship ring next year and a future in collegiate basketball. She hopes to find a program that balances high-level play with academics.

“I’ve always wanted a state championship; I’ve always wanted to win a plaque or a ring,” Gibbs said. “I want to play at the collegiate level—anywhere that’s high academic, will challenge me, and get me a good degree.”