Joe Poli was of his own kind: a caring man, a compassionate person and most importantly, a great leader.

Poli was a former Pacack Valley principal who passed away tragically in a motorcycle accident in 1989. Now, to keep his memory alive, basketball coach Jeff Jasper, who was a very good friend of Poli, holds the “Joe Poli Memorial Holiday Tournament” every year during Winter Break.

Walking through the halls of Pascack Valley from 1978 until his passing in 1989, Poli wore a smile pin on his jacket, spreading a positive influence throughout the Pascack Valley community.

“He truly was one of the most remarkable people I have ever, ever met,” Jasper said about Poli last year.

This year though, the team has made an even greater commitment to Poli and his legacy. Not only will the team go out to play in memory of the late principal, they have also dedicated themselves to serving the community in a number of other ways, just as Poli did.

“[The team is] such a selfless group,” said Jasper, “they are very committed to doing community service, that makes them really understand a ‘Joe Poli’. Who was selfless and made everyone feel better and do better.”

The girls can been seen in the area actively participating with several organizations such as the Zack Latteri Foundation, the Helping Hand Food Pantry and even volunteering in local hospitals. They also have ran various fundraisers in the community, such as a car wash held in PV’s parking lot last week.

According to coach Jasper, the unifying tie that binds the girls together is undoubtedly their eagerness. This year’s group, while they may be young, have a great bond. The team’s connection on a personal level off the court, translates into great communication and fluid play on the court.

“They really like being together and that enthusiasm carries itself right on to the court with the way they practice and play,” Jasper said.

The team’s connection will be tested this week, as the Poli attracts the top teams from the area. Participants include Pascack Valley, Secaucus, Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA), Academy of the Holy Angels (AHA), Northern Highlands, River Dell, Northern Valley Old Tappan (NVOT) and Paramus Catholic. All of these teams were ranked in The Record’s Preseason Top 20.

The tournament begins this Saturday tipping off at 1 p.m. is Secaucus and IHA followed by Northern Higlands and AHA at 2:30 p.m. The marquee match up then comes at 4:15 when the Indians take on River Dell. Rounding out the day at 5:45 p.m. is NVOT and Paramus Catholic.

The expectations for the team are very high going into the tournament. The girls will have to draw to their fundamental basketball skills in order to keep up with the very high caliber teams that they will be facing. A Poli win would not only set the tempo for the year, but also be a true testament to the legacy that Joe Poli himself almost perfectly left for this year’s team.