DV plays near-perfect game against East Stroudsburg North

I arrived a little late for the first of two games on Dec. 19, when Delaware Valley JVs and Varsity played East Stroudsburg North. The forth period had just started for the JV game, with DV looking to be in complete control up by some 12 points.

Andy Guerin was really shining as a floor general handling the ball. He and Jack Pfuhler both took full court drives through and past all defenders and put in picture-perfect layups. Jack was fouled in the process and sank the free shot.

With a little less then two minutes to play, ESN showed a fierce desire to win this game and played out the remaining time in desperation mode and it worked out fine for them. They managed to finish up a respectable score, although DV still won 55-48.

In the one period I saw, I was very impressed with the maturity and intensity shown by DV. They seemed to be really rejuvenated.

After varsity's rough start of the season, I was just hoping for a respectable showing by DV and hoping they were not going to embarrass themselves. Wow, was I in for a shock and a treat. Delaware Valley played like the team that I saw win three straight league titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

They played a near-perfect game. Jackson Shafer was on fire, hitting from outside, slashing inside, rebounding, playing super-tough defense, and leading the way for the whole team. Mark Cavallaro was bombing three pointers from deep outside.

Mike Leonardo, Lukas Schutz, Jackson Melnick, and Aiden Oliver all had great games. If I missed anyone please forgive me.

Everything DV did worked like a charm. They swarmed on defense, rebounded at will, intercepted passes, put up tip-in shots, slashed in lay-ups, popped outside shots, and almost never missed. It was a game of beauty to watch.

Jackson Shafer led the way with 27 points and Mark Cavallaro had 15 points. The rest of the team all held up their end as well.

In spite of the lopsided score, it really wasn't even this close. Both teams cleared the benches at the end of the game, and even the subs played well.

Now it must be said that East Stroudsburg North is actually a fine team. They have good players and play well together, but they just ran into a flawless wrecking machine named Delaware Valley.

If DV plays like this for the rest of the season, we are in for a lot of fun. Come out and support the athletes and enjoy the show.

One last point. The coaches really had these young men fired up and coached them really well. They were ready to play and they sure responded mightily. Keep up the amazing work.