MONTVALE — Two Pascack Hills High School juniors from Woodcliff Lake, Alex Friend and Jagger Rose, have organized a charity basketball tournament in honor of their close friend and teammate Dren Bauta, a 16-year-old Montvale athlete who was diagnosed earlier this year with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and is now officially in remission.
The event — themed “Dren Strong!” — will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, from noon to 3:45 p.m. at Pascack Hills High School. The tournament aims to celebrate Dren’s remission, support him after months of treatment, and raise funds for cancer-related charities chosen by the students.
The organizers tell Pascack Press the event grew out of the tight bonds among classmates and teammates at Pascack Hills. Alex, 16, Jagger, 17, and Dren have played sports together for years—soccer, basketball, and baseball growing up—and now at Pascack Hills, Dren is the quarterback of the football team, plays basketball with Alex, and plays baseball with Jagger.
Alex and Jagger organized Saturday’s tournament, they said, to honor Dren’s perseverance and give back to the causes helping families like his.
Dren told Quarterback Magazine for his recruiting profile, “From a young age, playing QB was my dream. I’m super thankful to be living that dream and I want to continue to pursue it. I make sure to work hard both on the field, and off the field in the classroom, making sure my grades are always up.”
Dren also spoke with PIX11 News earlier this year during Hackensack University Medical Center’s “Christmas in July” event. Speaking about staying strong through treatment, he said, “Just keep fighting. More than half the battle is mental, so if you keep a good mindset and you kind of endure everything, then you’re halfway there.”
A family woven into the community
According to the GoFundMe created for the Bauta family, the Bautas have long been “deeply woven into the fabric of our Montvale community,” volunteering through school events, local organizations, and charitable efforts. When Dren was diagnosed with AML in May, the community rallied immediately — offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
Dren, described as “a gifted athlete who takes on any challenge on the field or court with a fierce competitive spirit,” faced treatment with the same determination. In a Nov. 14 update, his family shared that he has completed his final round of treatment, handled the months “with incredible strength,” and is now adjusting back to everyday routines.
The fundraiser, which has paused donations, has raised nearly $50,000 to help the family cover medical expenses. Should any funds remain, the family plans to donate to causes related to pediatric hematology/oncology.
Students step up
The basketball tournament is the latest in a series of gestures from students, families, teachers, and local businesses showing the Bautas they are not facing this journey alone. Sept. 5, Pascack Hills held a “white-out” season-opening football game to rally behind Dren.
Jersey Mike’s of Montvale is donating lunch for participants. Teachers Mr. Johnson, Mr. Marini, Mr. Puccini, and longtime referee Al Lannetta are volunteering to officiate the games. Pascack Hills Principal Tim Weiland is supporting and attending the event.
Alex told Pascack Press on Friday night, “Dren wanted to make sure you printed that he has chosen that all proceeds are going to be donated to the Tackle Kids Cancer foundation.”
Community members who want to support the effort but cannot attend the tournament may contribute via Venmo. Donations are being accepted by Alex’s father at @adam-friend-3.
