A Season of Growth and Resilience
Injuries can be a double-edged sword for any team. While they can disrupt the flow of a season, they also provide opportunities for other players to step up and grow. For the Hopewell Valley boys basketball team, this season has been a testament to that idea. Ty Becker, who took on the role of starting point guard in mid-January after Jude Berman suffered an injury, has shown remarkable development throughout the year. When Berman returned to the lineup just 10 days ago, it gave the Bulldogs another experienced ball-handler heading into the state tournament.
This experience proved crucial when Hopewell Valley faced Red Bank Regional in the first round of the Central Jersey Group III playoffs. The game was a rematch of past encounters where Red Bank had come out on top. However, this time, the Bulldogs emerged victorious with a 58-46 win, thanks in large part to Becker’s leadership and growth.
Becker, who scored 15 points in the game, played a pivotal role in turning the tide. After the game was tied at 7, he hit back-to-back 3-pointers to spark a 12-0 run into the second quarter. This early momentum helped Hopewell maintain control for most of the game, even as Red Bank fought back with a 14-5 run in the second half.
Key Moments and Adjustments
Halftime adjustments were critical in maintaining the lead. Becker noted that the team focused on improving rebounding, as Red Bank had been grabbing a lot of offensive rebounds. “We had to pick up the physicality,” he said.
Grayson Vlasac contributed 12 points, while Kyle Yadamiec added 10 and Joshua Ballek chipped in with eight. The Bulldogs’ defense also played a key role, particularly in limiting Red Bank’s inside scoring. Coach Matt Stein emphasized the importance of making sure the opponent didn’t get easy baskets, especially from the inside.
Yadamiec’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer in the first half and Ballek’s two straight 3s in the third quarter extended the lead and kept Red Bank at bay. Despite a late rally by the Bucs, Hopewell closed the game with a 10-4 run to secure the win.
Team Chemistry and Leadership
The team’s success is not just about individual performances but also about strong chemistry and leadership. Becker and Berman have been running the offense, with Berman contributing six points off the bench. Stein plans to gradually increase Berman’s minutes as he regains his strength after missing more than six weeks due to injury.
Becker, who had limited varsity time as a sophomore and junior, spoke about how the experience of handling pressure has helped him in high-stakes games. “Every night it’s someone new. We don’t have a single main scorer or main ball-handler. We’ve all played with each other for eight years now. We all trust each other to make the shot,” he said.
Berman’s presence on the sidelines during his injury also highlighted the team’s camaraderie. “He was there every day encouraging us. He didn’t feel bad for himself at all. He’s been a great teammate,” Becker said. Having Berman back not only adds experience but also talent, which is vital for the team’s future.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Hopewell Valley will face Middletown South in the quarterfinals. Although the team is undersized, with no player taller than 6-foot-2, their scrappiness and ball movement make them a tough opponent. Becker, who stands 5-foot-11, emphasized the team’s determination. “We’ll battle for every ball. Every loose ball is gonna be ours.”
Stein is already preparing for the next game, using film to analyze the opponent. The Bulldogs are hungry to break through and reach their first sectional final after years of coming close. “These guys want to do it, they’ve been talking about it,” Stein said. “They’ve been with the guys the last two years in particular during those runs and want to try to go even farther.”
Game Stats
RED BANK REGIONAL (46)
Valentino 4-6-15, Johnson 3-1-8, Galligan 3-1-7, Forsyth 3-0-6, Peterson 2-1-5, Dolan 0-2-2, Lopez 0-1-1.
Totals — 15-12-46.
HOPEWELL VALLEY (58)
Becker 6-0-15, Vlasac 6-0-12, Yadamiec 3-3-10, Ballek 3-0-8, Heide 2-3-7, Ju. Berman 1-4-6.
Totals — 21-10-58.
Final Score:
Red Bank Regional (11-16) 7 14 11 14 — 46
Hopewell Valley (18-6) 17 10 15 16 — 58
3-point goals: Johnson, Valentino (RBR), Becker 3, Ballek 2, Yadamiec (HV).
