Head coach: Jeff Jasper (43rd season)

Last year’s record: 22-7

Key returnees: Shannon Culloo (Sr. G), Kelly Petro (Jr. G), Kelly Smith (Jr. G), Brianna Wong (Jr. G), Brianna Smith (So. G), Lindsay Rohde (Jr. G), Sophia Johnston (Sr. G), Danielle Miller (Sr. G), Toriana Tabasco (Jr. G), Cerina Dunkel (Jr. G), Nicole Arden (Jr. G)

Key losses: Gina Crisculo (G), Ashley LaGrosa (G), Jenn Tran (G)

Key additions: Sophia Battista (Fr. C), Olivia Jones (Fr. G)

Strengths of team: Defense and the ability to shoot. “The offensive end I think is overrated and over-exaggerated,” said Jasper. However, on the offensive end, Pascack Valley will rely on its stellar shooting. With only one player listed as a position other than a guard, the “interchangeable parts” all have the same jobs when they step on the floor: play as a unit. Three-point shooting is a big part of their offense. All around, one of the team’s best characteristics is its experience. PV only lost one starter in Criscuolo, and most of the returning players are juniors who gained experience as a group when they played varsity as sophomores.

Areas that need improvement: While it is not something to improve upon, the Indians lack size, which will limit their ability to rebound and play in the post.

Outlook: Jasper’s philosophy emphasizes often intangible goals. “My team and myself – we focus on being better today than we were yesterday,” he said. “Anybody who puts goals out there – whether it be county or state championships – is setting themselves up for failure.” While PV sticks to a humble approach, the people not involved with the team are looking to the Indians to bring a championship resurgence to Pascack Valley. A semifinal exit in the Section 1, Group 3 state playoff and a quarterfinal exit in the Bergen County Tournament last season will fuel a young and hungry PV team in their quest for a tournament championship. As a favorite to win the Big North National division and as the No. 3 team in The Bergen Record’s Preseason Top 25, the Indians will look to have a great year. All-Bergen County first-teamer Kelly Petro and third-teamer Kelly Smith will lead the young but experienced group into a long season ahead.

Coach’s comment: “I am most excited about coaching these great kids. Whatever success they have will be because they earned it,” he said.

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