2023-24 Morris/Sussex girls basketball team-by-team preview capsules

NJAC-AMERICAN

CHATHAM

Coach: Joe Gaba, 27th season

Last year: 17-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Addison Barrett (6.8 ppg.); Jr. G Ella Kreuzer (13.7 ppg.); Jr. G Mia Semioli (11.3 ppg.); Jr. G Ella von Doussa; Jr. G McKenna Hogan.

Newcomers: Jr. G Arden Alvarez; Jr. G Ryan Bolger; So. G/F Grace Cloud; So. G Ava Paone; So. G Lilly Arps.

Outlook: With four starters returning after reaching the North 2, Group 3 and MCT semis, Chatham will take on another challenging schedule.

MONTVILLE

Coach: Patrick McCarney, first season

Last year: 24-5, NJAC-American champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Jackie Cinella; Sr. C Hadley White; Sr. G/F Sophia Kalliaras; Sr. G/F Ava Failla; Jr. G Juliana O'Dowd; Jr. G Kayla Martinez; Jr. F Lauren Kideckel; Jr. G Julia Swanson.

Newcomers: Jr. G/F Daniela Pasquale; So. G Lily Smith; So. F Emma Spoto; So. G Eden Brodsky; So. G Ruby Brodsky; Fr. G Chase Agrusti; Fr. F Brianna Pop.

Outlook: McCarney inherits an experienced squad from Derek Lynn, who was at the helm for more than a decade.

MORRISTOWN

Coach: Jim Pisciotto, 11th season

Last year: 16-10

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Maya Summerville; Sr. G Anna Rivetti; Sr. G Cameron McGinley; Sr. F Ally Smith; Jr. Kacie Bush; Jr. Caroline Condon.

Newcomers: Sr. G Laura Wild; Sr. Rachel Van Sciver; Jr. Ella Watson; So. Emma Balzano; So. Violet Barron.

Outlook: A returning nucleus should propel Morristown into contention for the MCT and NJSIAA sectional titles.

POPE JOHN

Coach: Peter Torres, first season

Last year: 21-9; Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex finalist; Non-Public A North finalist

Returning letter-winners: Jr. G Katie O'Keefe; Jr. G Marisa Captoni; Jr. F/C Alexandra Arbore; So. G Addison Platt; So. G Mia Washington; So. F Cailey Fitzmorris.

Newcomers: Jr. G Arianna Childs; Jr. G Maddie Tybur; Fr. G/F Katie Platt; Fr. G Kamille Vance.

Outlook: Torres, who came over from Randolph, is the Lions’ third coach in as many seasons.

RANDOLPH

Coach: Marc Cacciacarne, first season

Last year: 27-3, NJAC-National champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Katie Tighe (4.8 ppg.); Jr. G Kayla Brand (5.4 ppg., 3.2 apg); Jr. G Aliyah Lambo (7.2 ppg., 8.0 rpg.).

Newcomers: Jr. G/F Kayla Pentz; Jr. F Lindsey Bona; So. F Kayla Takacz; So. F Irene PArdo; So. F Kate Sullivan.

Outlook: Lambo is the lone returning starter, and will guide Randolph's development in the challenging NJAC-American.

SPARTA

Coach: Kristina Danella, first season

Last year: 22-8; Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Malaya Dobbs; Jr. G Molly Chapman.

Newcomers: Sr. G Kayleigh O'Brien; Sr. G Jianalee Ortiz; Jr. G Abby Connors; Jr. F Carly List; Jr. G Katie Sutton; So. F Kayla Barreau; So. G Alyssa Ciaburri; So. G Milly Dobbs; So. G Moira Sweeney; Fr. F Brooke Shust.

Outlook: Former Mount Olive coach Danella inherits a rebuilding squad from Catherine Wille, who retired after 11 years.

NJAC-NATIONAL

MENDHAM

Coach: Hillary Milner, sixth season

Last year: 17-10

Returning letter-winners: Sr. PG Lia Manuel (18.7 ppg., 5.7 rpg., 3.8 spg., 4.5 apg.); Sr. G Delaney Bogdan; Jr. G/F Sophia Keoskey; Jr. G/F Halle Ferrara.

Outlook: Manuel will lead experienced Mendham again.

MORRIS HILLS

Coach: Brian Dillon, seventh season

Last year: 7-19

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Lexie Haigh (6.3 ppg., 6.8 rpg., 1.4 apg., 1.2 bpg.); Sr. F Kaylee Amicucci; Sr. G Sydney Mulroony (6.9 ppg., 3.9 rpg., 1.2 apg., 1.8 spg.); Jr. G Emily Mulroony; Jr. G/F Caitlyn Bogert; So. G/F Faith Bode; So. G Nicole Rivera; So. G Gina Piazzi.

Newcomers: Jr. F Angela Bodajlo; Jr. G/F Shaina Sackett; So. G Carli Haigh; Fr. C Juliet Johnson.

Outlook: Versatile, athletic Morris Hills has moved to the NJAC-National.

MORRIS KNOLLS

Coach: Rob Moore, ninth season

Last year: 14-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Jayda Brock (9 ppg., 5 rpg.); Sr. G Leah Kleczkowski (4 ppg., 5 rpg.); Sr. G Mikayla Doyle; Jr. G Lindsey Nellessen; Jr. G Charlee Perna (8 ppg., 4 rpg., 3 apg.); Jr. G Denay Jones (9 ppg., 2 apg.).

Newcomers: So. G Mackenzie Comprelli; So. G Lucia Nash; So. F Julia Fox.

Outlook: The experienced Golden Eagles hope to win the NJAC-National and improve in MCT and NJSIAA play.

MOUNT OLIVE

Coach: Ian Redmond, first season

Last year: 8-16

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Gabrielle Drucks; Sr. G Kaitlin Shaw; Jr. G Isabella Cefalo; Jr. G Jordan Notaro; Jr. F Sydney Cerasoli; Jr. F Maggie Tilves; Jr. F Mia Zebi; So. G Jenna Klatt.

Newcomers: Fr. G Ashley Williams; Fr. G Madilyn Hazen.

Outlook: Redmond is the building Marauders’ third coach in as many seasons.

ROXBURY

Coach: Ryan Roumes, fourth season

Last year: 7-18

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Kaitlyn Murphy; So. F Gianna Capriglione; So. G Abbie Rattay.

Newcomers: So. G Meghan Lockman, So. F Izzy DaCosta.

Outlook: The young Gaels trying to pick up where they left off last winter.

WEST MORRIS

Coach: Kate Patella, fourth season

Last year: 14-9

Returning letter-winners: Jr. G Brooke Cubbage; So. F Tori Wehmeyer; So. G Zoe Kratochvil.

Outlook: West Morris is young but athletic and multitalented.

NJAC-INDEPENDENCE

DOVER

Coach: David Yura, first season

Last year: 1-18

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Natalia Oeo; Sr. G Sulma Alvarez; Jr. G Anastasia Booth; Jr. F Faith Phillips.

Newcomers: Fr. G Emella Monterola; Fr. G Hailey Acevedo; Fr. F Sarah Guardaro.

Outlook: Yura is the young Tigers' third coach in as many years.

KINNELON

Coach: Don Trifari, second season

Last year: 7-19

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Sabrina Avato; Sr. G Sammy Bassin; Sr. G/F Kate Donaldson; Sr. G Jess Stubbs; Jr. G Angie Winters; So. F Kelly Donaldson; So. G Brooke Hanna.

Newcomers: Fr. G Alexandra DeAngelo; Fr. G Taylor Mulch; Fr. F/G Caitlin Wagner; Fr. G Amelia Olsen; Fr. F Hailey Nolan.

Outlook: The young Colts hope to compete in the NJAC-Independence.

MOUNTAIN LAKES

Coach: Joanne Smith, sixth season

Last year: 12-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Mae Albregts; Sr. G Audrey Conklin; Jr. G/F Abby Hawes (8 ppg.); Jr. F Kaylin Oey; Jr. G Chloe Lin; So. G Maya Ritchie.

Newcomers: Fr. F Shea Sutter.

Outlook: The Lakers are rebuilding after the graduation of four starters.

PARSIPPANY

Coach: Bryan DiMaulo, eighth season

Last year: 11-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Quiyara Chitty; Sr. Michaela Coyle; Sr. Angelina Fernandez; Sr. Ava LaPresti; Sr. Abby Collins; Jr. Amanda Dean; Jr. Georgia Kachulis; Jr. Suravi Shah; Jr. Eva Schmieder; So. Sofia Cascio; A.J. Roman; Medina Rahmat.

Outlook: Experienced Parsippany expects to compete in the NJAC-Liberty.

ST. ELIZABETH

Coach: Bruce McCloud, 10th season

Last year: 11-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Fiona Farrell; Sr. G Grace Gehm; Sr. F Greta Servitto (15ppg., 10 rpg.); Sr. G Riley Wasdyke; Jr. G Kayle Brody; Jr. F Zoe Macwhannell; Jr. G Colleen Santoriello.

Newcomers: Jr. G Caroline Bodnar; Jr. G Kathryn Callahan; Jr. G Ella Delatush; Jr. G Addison Heuck; Jr. F Tessa Koza.

Outlook: Seniors are expected to lead St. Elizabeth.

VILLA WALSH

Coach: Lori Vega, second season

Last year: 10-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Delaney Caughey; Sr. G Holly Smitreski; Jr. G Isabella Pizzo; So. Tessa Bowers; So Gemma Cafasso; So. G Cara Fitzpatrick; So. Michaela Vaccaro.

Newcomers: So. Sofia Kearns; So. Ellen DiDomenico; Fr. Caroline Tully.

Outlook: After graduating seven seniors, the Vikings are young but scrappy.

WHIPPANY PARK

Coach: Brent Dukin, sixth season

Last year: 3-20

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Vanessa Larice; Jr. G Taylor Gasparine; Jr. F Raelyn Furey.

Newcomers: Jr. F Ali Middleton; Fr. G Amanda Wickenheisser.

Outlook: The Wildcats hope to improve.

NJAC-LIBERTY

BOONTON

Coach: Mike Carlin, sixth season

Last year: 23-6, NJAC-Independence champion; NJSIAA North 1 Group 2 champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Amaya Campbell (7 pgg.); Sr. Elizabeth Zanca; Sr. G Addison Dicang; Jr. G Sierra Medina.

Newcomers: So. F Megan Kohut; So. G Grace Morreale; So. G Lexi Visioli.

Outlook: The Bombers lost four starters to graduation, and are relying on younger players.

HANOVER PARK

Coach: Doug Wear, 19th season

Last year: 18-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Samantha Cicerone; Sr. PG Sadie O'Donnell; Sr. G Arianna Allonardo; Sr. G Nadia Castaneda; Jr. G Abby Liebhauser; Jr. Alexis Langreis; So. Andrea DiSessa.

Outlook: The Hornets expect to remain competitive in the NJAC-Liberty and MCT.

MADISON

Coach: Lisa DiTuro, fifth season

Last year: 22-5

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Beau Braverman; Jr. G Gabby Mariani; Jr. F/G Charlotte Tuhy.

Newcomers: Jr. F Devon Johnson; Jr. F Mallory Dineen.

Outlook: Experienced both individually and together, Madison expects another successful season.

MORRIS CATHOLIC

Coach: Billy Lovett, sixth season

Last year: 28-4, NJAC-Liberty champion; two-time Morris County Tournament champion; NJSIAA Non-Public B champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Alexis Rosenfeld; Jr. G Mia Pauldo; Jr. G Mya Pauldo; So. G Kamaria Bowens.

Newcomers: Sr. C Madison Miller; Jr. F Tatianna Collins; So. G Kennedy Brown; Fr. G Jacqueline Edelman; Fr. G Anastasia Bonafonte; Fr. C Morgan Fulston.

Outlook: Though the roster has changed, Morris Catholic expects to defend its NJAC-Liberty, MCT and NJSIAA titles.

MORRISTOWN BEARD

Coach: Shawn Wilkins, first season

Last year: 14-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Aiyana Hobbs (12 ppg., 11 rpg.); Sr. G Colleen Ewing; So. PG Taylor O'Neill (6 ppg.); So. C Avery Neuer; So. F Kelsey Limbert.

Newcomers: Jr. G Sophia Vera.

Outlook: Wilkins inherits a young squad from Mike Sturgeon, the coach for more than 20 years.

PARSIPPANY HILLS

Coach: Donnie Forster, ninth season

Last year: 8-16

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Jada Thompson; Jr. Christie Shao; Jr. Lara Habib; So. Maddie Harmon; So. Kaya Garwood; So. Izabel Glickman; So. Hemashree Mahesh.

Newcomers: Fr. Aubrey Moore; Fr. Aayat Qureshi; Fr. Malaika Bhatti; Fr. Teesta Tuslyan.

Outlook: The young Vikings are focused on development.

PEQUANNOCK

Coach: Jennifer Baggot, seventh season

Last year: 19-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Chloe Vasquez (20 ppg., 8 rpg., 2.8 spg., 2.7 apg.); Sr. F Abigail Goll (6 ppg., 4.4 rpg.); Sr. F Addison Van Lenten (4.5 ppg., 8.2 rpg., 2.4 apg.).

Outlook: Vasquez and other veterans will help lead Pequannock, which reached the North 1, Group 2 final.

NJAC-FREEDOM

HACKETTSTOWN

Coach: Ben Barnhart, fifth season

Last year: 15-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Kim Curcio; Sr. G Mia Liferiedge; Sr. G Angelene Mattingly; Sr. G Courtney Keane; Jr. F Rory Grant; Jr. G Kayla Higgins; Jr. G Stella Gubelmann.

Newcomers: Sr. F Kiara Koeller; So. G Naia Deithorn; So. G Evangelina French; So. F Chloe Stevens.

Outlook: The Tigers want to continue to compete in the NJAC-Freedom and earn a NJSIAA home game.

HIGH POINT

Coach:  Gary Ruban, third season

Last year: 17-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Leah English; Sr. F Olivia Wagner; Sr. G Mikayla Conklin; Sr. G Michele Sondej; Sr. G Rachel Teague; Sr. F Julia Seminski.

Newcomers: So. G Claire Seminski; So. G Grace Elston; So. F Daphne Mathews; So. F Brooke Wagner; So. F Kennedy Shepherd; So. F Maria Kozlowski.

Outlook: High Point plans to challenge for the NJAC-Freedom title, win at least two HWS Tournament games, and qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament.

JEFFERSON

Coach: James MacDermid, 11th season

Last year: 23-8, NJAC-Freedom champion; two-time NJSIAA North 1, Group 2 champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Emily Poulas (12.3 ppg.); Sr. Cassidy Ball; Sr. F Grace Weihmiller; Jr. G Madison Manco; Jr. F Kiley Shatzel.

Newcomers: So. G Riley Strauch; So. G Kailey Strauch; So. F Aubrie Sinisgalli; So. G Emma Barone.

Outlook: Can veteran Jefferson win its third straight sectional title?

KITTATINNY

Coach: Joshua Reed, sixth season

Last year: 7-20

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Hanna Olsen; Sr. G Olivia Lombardo; Jr. G Taylor Hough; Jr. F Gianna Caruso; So. G Katie Sajdak.

Newcomers: Jr. G Holly Sajdak; So. G Ella Teta; So. G Reese Redden; So. F Lina Hull.

Outlook: A shift to the NJAC-Colonial has energized the Cougars.

WALLKILL VALLEY

Coach: Earl Hornyak, seventh season

Last year: 16-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Jackie Schels.

Newcomers: Sr. G/F Kirsten Albert; Jr. G Rebecca Krueger; So. G Gabriella Kuhar; So. C Diamond Alvarado; Fr. G Kate Fahrenfeld; Fr. C/F Tara Anderson; Fr. G/F Julianna Capriglione.

Outlook: Schels, a 1,000-point scorer last winter, is the Rangers' only returning varsity player.

NJAC-COLONIAL

HOPATCONG

Coach: Jamie Douglas, 19th season

Last year: 4-19

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Janie Henderson; Sr. F Samantha Vanbeekum; Sr. G Ava Szluka; Sr. F Abigail Whritenour.

Newcomers: Jr. G Kelcey Weber; Jr. G Reilly Edwards; Jr. G Avery Miller; So. G Tegan Sherlock.

Outlook: Hopatcong wants to continue improving.

LENAPE VALLEY

Coach: Nick Rafferty, second season

Last year: 10-15

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Colleen Yanavok; Jr. G Regina Williams; Jr. C Juliane Cerulo.

Newcomers: Jr. F Addison Coles; Jr. G Callista Stevenson; Jr. G/F Gigi Santana; Fr. G Alexa Valeich.

Outlook: Veteran Lenape Valley hopes to win the NJAC-Colonial, qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament and finish over .500.

MORRIS TECH

Coach: Tim Gordon, 12th season

Last year: 22-3, NJAC-Colonial champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Harper Felch (17.5 ppg.); Sr. F Cortini Vnencak (11.1 ppg., 8.3 rpg.); Jr. G Isabela Lipsky (4.5 ppg., 4 rpg.)

Newcomers: Jr. G Hadley Padfield; So. F Priya Gandhi; So. G Madelyn Shanley.

Outlook: The Devils hope to continue to succeed after moving to the NJAC-Freedom.

NEWTON

Coach: Billy Connors, first season

Last year: 10-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G/F Catherine Vena; Sr. F Jennifer Ellsworth; Jr. PG Sophia May; Jr. G Olivia May; Jr. G Jolen Stoner; Jr. F/C Samantha Sutton; Jr. Averi Dodd; So. Caitlyn Pokrywa; So. Haley Morodan.

Newcomers: Fr. Avery Eigner; Fr. Carrigan Walsh; Fr. Jaida Long; Fr. Sophia Sudziarski; Fr. Sabrina DeSousa.

Outlook: Connors moves over from Dover boys basketball and takes an experienced Newton squad from Whitney Dugan, who was at the helm for more than 10 years.

SUSSEX TECH

Coach: Gina Fowler, eighth season

Last year: 9-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Samantha Cowan; Sr. G Lucia Francavilla; Sr. G Teagan Smith; Jr. F Marissa Bouma; Jr. G Emma Franchi; Jr. G Baylee Smith; So. C Mackenzie Reilly; So. PG Emily Ursin.

Newcomers: Sr. G Isabel Miraglia; Sr. F BellaMaria Minichiello; Jr. F Luana Da Rocha; Jr. F Alexandra Singer; Fr. PG Allie Ismail.

Outlook: The Mustangs want to continue to progress.

VERNON

Coach: Stephanie DePiano, sixth season

Last year: 16-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. PG Jonnah Castillo; Jr. Grace Dobrzynski; So. Monica Curry.

Newcomers: Jr. Chloe DeBonta; Jr. Ali Thomas; Fr. Vanessa Curry.

Outlook: Young and speedy, Vernon will play an up-tempo transition game.

OTHERS

BUTLER

Coach: Kim Wilson, ninth season

Last year: 6-18

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Robin VanderGoot; Sr. C Gianna Kilmat; Sr. G Kayla Cajes; Jr. G Emily Costello; Jr. F Madison Myers; Jr. G Emily Loganchuk.

Newcomers: So. G Allie Dieckmann; So. G Alaina Entice.

Outlook: The young Bulldogs hope to progress,.

VERITAS CHRISTIAN

Coach: Armand Milanesi, third season

Last year: 14-16, Metro Chrisitian Athletic Association champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Zoey Torppey; Sr. F MacKenzie Morrison; Sr. F Kayleigh Jeltema; Jr. G Caitlin O'Malley (17 ppg., 3 apg., 3 spg.); Jr. G Maggie Dorrity; Jr. F Gabby Pereira; Jr. F Anya Andersen; So. C Morgan Andersen; So. G Amya Cuddon.

Newcomers: So G/F Halle Williamson; Fr. G/F Maddie Seifert.

Outlook: The small Sparta school has plenty of experience and speed.

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NJ girls basketball: Morris/Sussex team-by-team preview capsules