Girls basketball preview: A look at the Skyland Conference and area UCC
Here's a team-by-team capsule look at the Skyland Conference and area Union County girls basketball teams for the 2023-24 season.
SKYLAND CONFERENCE
Delaware Division
FRANKLIN
Coach: Darryl Robinson II, first season
Last season: 12-13
Top letterwinners lost: Alyssa Pecorella (G), Kiera Clark (G), Tarae Jackson (G).
Roster: Iyanna Cotten (Sr., G, 5-8), Morgan Lewis (Sr., C, 5-10), Tiffany Pecorella (Sr., G, 5-5), Olivia Lewis (Sr., C, 5-10), Precious Wheeler (Jr., C, 6-3), Chloe Jackson (Jr., PG, 5-4), Gianna Mattia (So., PG, 5-3), Alissa Myers (So., G, 5-6), Samiya Hill (So., C, 6-1), Kayla Duncan (So., PG, 5-3), Aleah Sunkins (Fr., F, 6-0), Alivia Stewart (Fr., F, 5-9), London Sutton (Sr., F, 5-10).
Outlook: Huge changes at Franklin and it has very little to do with roster turnover. Robinson, who served as a Warriors assistant, takes over as head coach, replacing Audrey Taylor, who stepped down after 13 seasons, 247 wins, five state Group championships and two TOC titles. Robinson, a Franklin alum, played professionally in the Dominican Republic and has been coaching travel and school basketball the past seven seasons. Cotton, a St. Peter’s signee, is the leading returner after 12.8 points and 5.4 rebounds a game last year. Wheeler, Lewis and Pecorella are also key returners, with Sunkins expected to have a big impact as a freshman. Robinson said he expects his club to shake off its first losing season in 13 years and reemerge as a state power with nine players a year older and more experienced.
More: Girls basketball preview: A look at the Greater Middlesex Conference
More: Girls basketball rankings: Skyland Conference and area UCC preseason Top 10
GILL ST. BERNARD’S
Coach: Mark Gnapp, sixth season
Last season: 18-9
Top letterwinners lost: Jenna Johnson (G – transfer), Aniyah Boston (G).
Roster: Tessa Lozner (Jr., G, 5'6), Cassidy Moore (Jr., G, 5'4), Sidney Quinn (Jr., F, 6'2), Brooke Baisley (Sr., G/F, 5'10), Maya Abramson (Jr., F, 5'11), Gandy Malou-Mamel (Jr., C, 6'6), Brooke Shaw (Fr., G, 5'6), Melina Miller (Fr., G, 5'6), Sadie Finn (Fr., G, 5'9), Reyna Facenda (Fr., G, 5'6), Charlotte Pryor-Brown (Fr., F, 5'9), Brenna Buraszeski (Fr., G, 5'5).
Outlook: After back-to-back 18-win seasons, the Knights seemed poised for a big step forward, returning all but one starter in senior Jenna Johnson, who transferred home to Woodbridge. Baisley (13.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG) heads the list of returners and will lead the way on and off the court, with Malou-Mamel, Quinn, Lozner and Abramson rounding out the starting unit. Gnapp said the team chemistry is the best it has been in years with a very talented core of younger players combined with experienced upperclassmen. Expect GSB to be Rutgers Prep’s chief challenger in the division and county.
HILLSBOROUGH
Coach: Courtney Tierney, fourth season
Last season: 16-11
Top letterwinners lost: Amy Rachilla (G).
Roster: Cesci Schiro (Jr., G, 5’8), Mya Loniewski (Jr., G, 5’5), Reghan Bice (Jr., G, 5'8), Isabella Ruffa (So., F, 5'7), Mara McHugh (Jr., G, 5'10), Nicola Johnson (Jr., G, 5'9), Grace Bellina (Sr., F, 5'8), Ariel Griffith (Sr., F, 5'9), Nevya Loniewski (Fr., G, 5'4), Alexa Gaspar (Fr., G, 5'9), Bella Ruh (Fr., F, 5'10), Sophia Rollan (Fr., G, 5'4).
Outlook: The Raiders are coming off another highly successful campaign, and with Rachilla the lone key loss to graduation, Hillsborough’s experienced group should again be one of the conference’s top public teams and a contender in the state tournament. Schiro, a three-year starter who averaged 16.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season, en route to a third-team All-Area selection, pairs with fellow junior veteran Mya Loniewski in leading the charge. Bice is also coming off a nice year for the senior-less squad and will be an important piece. Tierney said she has a quick, athletic team with some experience and several talented newcomers added to the mix, including freshmen Nevya Loniewski, Alexa Gaspar and Bella Ruh, who are all expected to be part of the starting rotation.
More: Girls basketball: Central Jersey players to watch in 2023-24
RUTGERS PREP
Coach: Mary Coyle Klinger, 40th season
Last season: 25-5
Top letterwinners lost: Katie Ledden, Taylor Repollet, Julie Parmelee
Roster: Mikayla Blakes (Sr., G, 5’8), Chloe Escanillas (Sr., G, 5’10), Gabby Langrin (Sr., G, 5’8), Mackenzie Anderson (Sr., C, 6’2), Alex De Iasi (Sr., C, 6’0), Zahra Alexander (Sr., G, 5’8), Leah Crosby (Jr., G/F, 6’0), Ava LaMonica (So., G, 5’8), Kayla Navarro (So., G, 5’6), Logan Squeri (So., G/F, 6’0), Natalia Valdez (So., G, 5’8), Cali McCoy (So., G/F, 6’0), Anushka Gubbala (So., G, 5’8), Gigi Battle (So., G, 6’0), Jurnee Caldwell (So., F, 5’7), Jurnee Caldwell (So., G, 5’7), Bella Bilenker (Fr., G, 5’5), Toba Ajiboro (Fr., G, 5’5), Hannah Fraser (Fr., F/C, 6’2), Isabella Bilenker (Fr., G, 5’5), Jordan Reigrod (Fr., G, 5’8).
Outlook: The Argonauts, as we say, do not rebuild. They simply reload. And that will certainly be the case this season for the three-time Somerset County champs and state Non-Public B finalists. Rutgers Prep graduated a couple of key players, including two-time first-team All-Area honoree Katie Ledden, who has taken her game to the University of Rhode Island. And while the Argos certainly have enough back to assume their perch as Central Jersey’s top team, including Blakes (22 PPG), who is ranked Top 3 nationally at her position, and Battle (9.9/5.7, who made her mark as a rookie a year ago, they’ve also brought in some new talent. That includes St. Thomas transfer Leah Crosby (11 PPG/10 RPG) and some promising freshmen. Blakes, Battle, Crosby, Escanillas, Alexander De Isai and LaMonica enter the season as part of the regular rotation. Rutgers Prep is the clear favorite in the Delaware Division and the county, and among the top contenders in the state.
WATCHUNG HILLS
Coach: Reese Kirchofer, eighth season
Last season: 20-7
Top letterwinners lost: Morgan Groff, Ava Lobozzo, Giana Lobozzo, Julia Puglisi, Carly Allgor, Claire Gillenwater
Roster: Sofia Squizziato (Sr., G, 5’7), Liv Holliday (Sr., F, 5’10), Fran Mannino (Sr., G, 5’6), Alysha Yang (So., G, 5’3), Jill Gaydos (Sr., F, 5’9), Madison DiSarno (Jr., G, 5’5), Misha Patel (Sr., G, 5’6), Emily Eggers (Sr., F, 5’8), Emily Grigonis (Sr., G, 5’5).
Outlook: A 20-win season is surely a fantastic accomplishment, one that earned the Warriors a promotion from the Raritan to the Delaware Division. The problem is, Watchung Hills lost most of its talent to graduation, including second-team All-Area pick Morgan Groff and are going to have to have multiple players emerge – and fast – if it’s to endure a brutally tough schedule. Despite the very difficult conference schedule, Kirchofer said, the Warriors will look to maintain the team chemistry, hard work and grit that’s been a staple for the program for the past decade. While the offense will revolve around seniors Holliday, Squizziato and Mannino, the Warriors are seeking a balanced attack on offense, predicated on speed and athleticism. Communication on the boards will be a much-needed heavy lift for the vertically challenged Warriors to get their transitional game and outside shooting going, the coach said.
Raritan Division
BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN
Coach: Xavier Brooks, second season
Last season: 2-22
Top letterwinners lost: Morgan Cook, Amanda Smith.
Roster: Aubrey Bartolotto (Sr., F), Angela Tremarco (Jr., G), Emily Leppert (Jr., F), Madison Raub (JR., G), Briana Cacchio (So., G).
Outlook: It’s been three straight seasons of five or fewer losses, and while most of this year’s expected frontline players will be starting for the first time, there is varsity experience with Bartolotto, Tremarco, Leppert and Raub all back. They did not play much last year, Brooks said, but are expected to have a big role in the program at the varsity level this season. Cacchio, a sophomore newcomer, should also have an impact. The coach expected everyone to be a leader on and off the court to help the Panthers be successful and get to the next level as a program. The move down to the Raritan Division should certainly help in that regard.
HUNTERDON CENTRAL
Coach: Jim Casertano, second season
Last season: 9-18
Top letterwinners lost: Tabby DeVries, Kylee Siebert, Emily Walsh.
Roster: Bri Mastriano (Sr., F), Jasmine Revolsky (Sr., PG), Nikki Costantini (So., G), Maggie Scally (Jr., G), Jackie Dvoor (Jr., G), Bethany Ramos (So., G), Katie Schwartz (Fr., F), Lauren McCarthy (Sr., G), Cassie Stallwood (Jr., G).
Outlook: Leading scorer Tabby DeVries was among Central’s graduated starters, but the team does return some good experienced talent as it looks to improve on last year’s nine-win campaign, led by Mastriano and Constantino. Casertano said his team felt like there were a lot of games where it hung in close and played a great game for most of the outing, but came up short. This year, the coach said, they are doing a lot of work preparing to play a full 32-minute game. Castrano expects the fact everyone on the team can shoot from outside to help the Red Devils stretch out defenses, and through they’re undersized, he feels his club is ready to step up and match the physicality of other teams. The squad’s quickness and athleticism will go a long way on defense, the coach said.
IMMACULATA
Coach: Jeff Sullivan, first season
Last season: 11-15
Top letterwinners lost: Gianna Guzman (G), Abigail Lawrence (C/F), Madison Reeves (G), Asha Toczek (F/G).
Roster: Maddie Babula (Jr. G), Kaitlyn Choy (Sr., F), Giovanna Drajin (Sr., F), Caroline Duffey (So., G); Mollie Ferreira (Jr., G), Sofia Kouridakis (Jr., F), Ava Nagengast (Sr., C), Ella Pombo (Sr., G), Kezia Wong (So., G), Colette Karlis (Jr., F), Katelyn Kwiatkowski (So., F), Devin Reeves (Jr., F), Alexa Regan (Fr., F/C).
Outlook: Sullivan, an Immaculata alum who has been on the Spartans’ boys hoops staff for the past 15 years, takes over the girls team from Jim Dimineo, who departs after seven seasons. The new head coach said his team will look to establish an identity and play hard and compete every night. The Spartans return some experienced players who played quality minutes last year and gained valuable experience, and they’ll look to build on the work they’ve done in the offseason to help them reach their goals. Drajin, who averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds last season, will be counted on to lead the way after missing time with illness a year ago.
MOUNT ST. MARY
Coach: Ryan Shellhammer, 11th season
Last season: 16-11
Top letterwinners lost: Phoebe Costalos (G).
Roster: Mia Gestosani (Jr., PG, 5'7), Rachel Castela (Sr., G, 5’9), Reese Hannon (Sr., F, 5'11), Ella Reed (Jr., G, 5'5), Riley Ng (So., G, 5’6), Fiorella Perrone (So., G, 5'6), Catherine Deciantis (Sr., F, 5'9), Amelia Benjamin (Sr., F, 5'9), Natalie Beck (Jr., F, 5'10 ), Calleigh Krietz (Fr., G, 5'6), Juliana King (Jr., SG, 5'7), Grace Puglisi (Jr., F, 5'11).
Outlook: The Mount Lions lost just one key player to graduation and returns most of their rotation, which, Shellhammer said, gives his team the luxury of on-court chemistry from Day 1. And with the move up to the Raritan Division, that’s one less hurdle the Mount will need to overcome. Castela and Gestosani head the list of returners after combining for 25 points per game a year ago. Reed, Ng and Krietz, a freshman, provide a strong core around her in the backcourt. Hannon provides a key presence inside and looks primed for a big year, the coach said, while Deciantis, Beck and Benjamin gives MSM depth at forward, especially at the defensive end. The Mount Lions will again rely on their ability as a defensive team who has the ability to shoot it well from the perimeter, Shellhammer said, with the returners knocking down 133 3-pointers a year ago. Shellhammer said his club is excited to move to the Raritan and compete against some bigger schools. The non-conference schedule is loaded once again, with teams like University, Morristown, Red Bank Catholic, Holmdel, Trinity-Hall and Scotch Plains Fanwood on tap, in addition to crossover games against some tough teams, including Pingry, Hillsborough and Franklin.
RIDGE
Coach: Tyler McKinnon, second season
Last season: 14-12
Top letterwinners lost: Nancy Puthenpurayil (PG), Lillian Donohoe (F), Felicia Milligan (G/F).
Roster: Rylea Gengo (Sr., G, 5‘5), Emma Landes (Sr., F, 5’10), Sam Byrne (Sr., F, 5’10), Sophia Georgiades (So., G, 5‘7), Nicole Gebert (So., F, 5‘9), Maggie Kiessling (So., F, 5’9), Bella Cinelli, Jaimee Ryan, Ana Fukushima, Joyce Venable, Sophia Attia.
Outlook: While the Red Devils did lose some key players to graduation, including Nancy Puthenpurayil and Lillian Donahoe, they return a nice blend of experience and youth, and the second-year head coach feels there’s loads of potential as the club looks to build on its first winning season in four years. Success will depend on how quickly Ridge can blend experience, athleticism and talent to become a cohesive unit, McKinnon said. He expects speed and shooting to be the assets. Seniors Gengo, Byrne and Landes will be joined by Georgiades, a sophomore, in leading the way on the court with intensity, selflessness and an up-tempo pace of play.
Valley Division
BERNARDS
Coach: Brett Bisconti, fifth season
Last season: 15-8
Top letterwinners lost: Sydney Incarnato (G), Noelle Infusino (G),- Maggie Dolan (F), Elizabeth Simpson (F).
Roster: Gina Mahlik (Sr., G, 5’5), Alex Pagonis (Sr., F, 6’0), Christina White (Sr., G, 5’3), Alexa Paterno (Jr., G, 5’4), Kendall Schmerler (Jr., G, 5’4), Malaika Pierre (Jr., G, 5’5), Charlotte Burlingame (Jr., F, 5’8), Isabel Sciarra (Jr., F, 5’9), Morgan Infusino (Jr., G, 5’7), Kendra Pierre (Jr., G, 5’5), Ella Damratoski (Jr., F, 6’0), Aletha Reynolds (So., G, 5’7), Brooke Helpinstill (So., F, 5’7), Jasmine Kelleher (Fr., G, 5’6).
Outlook: The Mountaineers got over the hump last season, shaking off three losing campaigns to win the Mountain Division championship. Now, after some key graduation losses and a move up to the Valley Division, the hope is Bernards can continue to build off of last year’s successes, despite playing a significantly tougher schedule. Bisconti said his club has invested a lot of time and effort in the offseason and does have some nice experienced returners who have really improved and developed great chemistry on and off the court. The coach said he believes in this group, given how hard they work, prepare, and play together. Reynolds, who led the team in points (11.1) and rebounds (8.3) last year as a freshman, returns, and will join Paterno and White as the team’s leaders.
MONTGOMERY
Coach: Geoff Corisedo, first season
Last season: 2-21
Top letterwinners lost: Taylor Acker, Adriana Santiago.
Roster: Chloe Fitzpatrick (Sr., G), Gabi Jacinto (Sr., G), Andie Chugunov (Sr., F), Emily Anithottam (Sr., G), Shritha Velaga (Jr., F), Charlotte Quick (Jr., G), Hayley Dunn (Jr., G/F), Abby Schwartz (So., G), Aliza Schulberg (So., G), Sophia Lehmann (So., G), Alia Johnson (Fr., G), Alejandra Jimenez Hueso (Jr., G).
Outlook: Corisedo, who spent the past seven seasons as the head coach at South Plainfield, also coaching AAU, takes over the Cougars from Matt Margon, who departed after six seasons. Montgomery does return a nice group of experienced varsity players as it looks to get things turned around after last year’s two-win campaign.
NORTH HUNTERDON
Coach: Justin Matisak, sixth season
Last season: 12-15
Top letterwinners lost: Emma Hall, Gabi Santiago.
Roster: Emma Miller (Sr., G), Abby Young (Sr., F), Taylor Joshi (Jr., G), Katie Reed (Jr., G), Sam Dougherty (Jr., G), Julia Cutarelli (Sr. F), Amara Scully (So., G), Kaitlyn Brewi (Sr., C), Olivia Bakos (Sr., F), Sophia Zappetti (Sr., G), Farrah Austin (Sr., F), Tatum Pfuelb (Jr., F), Tatum Caughey (Fr., G).
Outlook: The Lions have steadily improved over the past four seasons, reaching the 12-win mark for the first time since 2017, which was the last time they posted a winning record. Matisak said the expectations this year are to continue to build off the successes North achieved last year and continue to compete in every game. The Lions played numerous close games last year, and the coach said they will use that experience this year when games come down the stretch. North Hunterdon expected to rely on its defense to set the tone, and will look to lean on its athleticism, speed and quickness. Losing Hall to graduation hurts, but Matisak feels there’s a good experienced core returning. Miller is the returning leading scorer, but the Lions will need players to continue to develop into new roles, The coach said he has a deep bench with many players who will be able to contribute at different points and situations throughout the season.
PINGRY
Coach: Rob Hoepfl, fourth season
Last season: 16-11
Top letterwinners lost: Bella Goodwin, Julia Covello, Maria Loss
Roster: Ngozi Nnaeto (Sr., F, 5'10), Debra Hill (Jr., F, 6'1), Taylor Francis (Jr., G, 5'7), Becca Kirschner (Jr., G, 5'7), Gisel Calulo (So., G, 5'4), Kelly Lemanski (So., F, 5'9), Ellie Solomon (Jr., F, 6'0), Katharine Patten (So., F, 5'10), Jordan McDonald (So., F, 5'9), Valentina Triana (Fr., G, 5'8), Jordyn Jefferson (So., F, 5'9), Rowan Shapiro (Fr., G, 5'5), Talia Hecht (So., G, 5'5).
Outlook: While Bella Goodwin (10.8 PPG) will be missed, the Big Blue return six players from last year’s team that won 16 games and hosted a playoff game, and with another year of experience, Pingry has its sights set even higher. Ngozi, a senior, as well as juniors Hill, Francis and Taylor have all been starters since their freshman seasons, and Hoepfl expects them to handle the leadership and most of the production as the club continues its growth as a program and hopes to be competitive in the county and state tournaments. Francis, who is already committed to Georgetown to play softball, returns after notching 16.8 points per game last year, good for a third-team All-Area selection. She’s joined by Hill (12.1 PPG/11.1 RPG) as the leading producers.
VOORHEES
Coach: Mitch Collins, seventh season
Last season: 17-9
Top letterwinners lost: Katie Glass, Jaclyn Pasqualone, Eliza Truempy.
Roster: Sarah Pettegrove (Sr., G), Christina Sullivan (Jr., G), Madie Petak (So., G), Maansi Patel (Sr., G), Ali Leibensperger (Jr., G), Maya Wurst (Sr., G), Summer Ona (Sr., G).
Outlook: The Vikings are coming off their second straight season of 17 or more wins and return their four leading scorers, as well as two more players with previous starting experience who missed last year due to injury. That should put Voorhees in great shape to contend for the Valley Division title and make a postseason run. Sullivan (9.9/6.0) and two-year captain Pettegrove (9.3/4.6) head the list of returners, along with Petak and Patel, who also were key last year. Wurst and Leibensperger both started two years ago and are also good to go, giving Collins a depth of experience and talent, he said, that should make the Vikings primed for a great year.
Mountain Division
BOUND BROOK
Coach: Jennifer Derevjanik, 10th season
Last season: 11-14
Top letterwinners lost: Casey Miller (G), Onya Boone (G).
Roster: Jamayiah Rogers (Sr., F, 5’8), Brooke Cooper (Sr., G, 5’6), Sara Theissen (Sr., G/F, 5‘7), Emma Baker (So., F, 5’9), Rosie Spiran (G), Lauren Polakiewicz (Fr., G, 5’9), Jayden Campbell (Fr., F, 5’7), Maylin Guzman Hernandez, Breyel Frazier King, Avery Scire, Kate Cuhna, Amanda Desir, Sulee Julian, Tiasja Fergurson.
Outlook: After seven straight dominant seasons, the Crusaders are coming off their first losing campaign in that span, and while trying to replace graduated superstar Casey Miller is a massive task, the move back down to the Mountain Division where most feel they belong, should help matters this season. Derevjanik said her team will be relying heavily on its seniors and they’ll all have bigger roles as Bound Brook seeks to fill Miller’s 20.8 points, 5 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 5.4 steals per game. The veteran coach said the Crusaders will try to slow games down more and points will be spread out a lot more, and expectations are for the team to play together and for each other. Theissen and Rogers lead a group of veterans that include Cooper and Baker, while Derevjanik also expects some of the freshmen to contribute.
DELAWARE VALLEY
Coach: Ben Ibach, second season
Last season: 11-16
Top letterwinners lost: Carly Christie (G), Mia Jones (F), Bailey Neal (F), Marisa Jensen (G).
Roster: Elana Falkenstein (Jr., G), Maggie Simpson (So., F), Lindsey Ditmar (Jr., G), Courtney Janetzko (Sr., F), Linsey Godown (Sr., G), Kate Moschberger (Sr., C), Katie Nolan (Jr., G), Keira White (Jr., G), Peyton Dierker (So., F), Klaudia Burke (So., F), Mikaila Messenger (Jr., G).
Outlook: It’s been six years since the Terriers have posted a winning season, but with some key players returning and some athletic newcomers joining the fold, Delaware Valley is hoping for a bump this year. Falkenstein, who led the club in scoring last year with 11 PPG, heads the list of returners, along with Simpson, who notched 8 PPG. Del Val also gets its 3-point sharp-shooter back in Ditmar. The trio, along with White and a rotation of Moschberger and Janetzko, enter the season as keys for a Terriers turnaround. Ibach, who is entering his second season as head coach, acknowledges his club has some players with little varsity experience, but the hope is with a more athletic squad that will allow for more aggressive play on defense and more quickness on the offensive end.
MANVILLE
Coach: Michael Knitowski, 12th season
Last season: 10-15
Top letterwinners lost: Hannah Janes (Sr., G), Caitlin Brennan (Sr., F).
Roster: Valentina Barrios (Sr., G, 5'7), Vanessa Thompson (Sr., G, 5'5), Michelle Calderon (Sr., F, 5'7), Stacy Morales (Sr., G, 5'4), Hailey Bentz (Jr., F, 6'0), Sadie Fleming (So., F, 5'11), Valeria Fonseca (So., F, 5'5), Sarah Alfaro (So., F, 5'11), Callie Middleton (Jr., G, 5'7), JahNya Smith-Theodore (Jr., F, 5’11), Molly Weber (Jr., G, 5'7), Deanna Betancourth (So., G, 5'5), Sophia Gosk (So., F, 5'11), Giana Gaitan (So., G, 5'3), Julissa Murillo (So., G, 5'3), Adianez Carvajal (So., G, 5'4), Angely Ibarra (So., F, 5'5), Casey Herrarte (So., G, 5'5), Ashleigh Sisco (Fr., G, 5'3), Laura Pukasova (Fr., F, 5'10), Kailynn Frosten (Fr., G, 5'3), Zaniyah Irizarry (Fr., G, 5'5).
Outlook: With only two players lost to graduation, the Mustangs return a core group and add some promising newcomers, Knitkowski said. The coach said playing better defense is the top priority and conditioning is key, something that’s been a big-time emphasis in the offseason after fatigue proved to be a factor a year ago. Knitkowski will look to Barrios to provide leadership, while Fleming, who led the conference in rebounding last year, will be looked toward to take on more of a scoring role this season. Bentz should also be key on offense, inside and outside. Thompson and Fonseca will lead the way on defense, with Weber, a newcomer, providing a spark off the bench. Gosk, Betancourth, Middleton, Calderon, and Morales will be in the rotation as well after showing some promise in scrimmages. Knitowski will look to go deeper into his rotation this season with hopes of competing in the conference, avoiding a losing season for the first time since 2013, and making a run at the program’s first winning campaign since 2005.
SOMERVILLE
Coach: Matt Melesurgo, ninth season
Last season: 17-11
Top letterwinners lost: Madison Briganti, Nicole Rinaldi
Roster: Emily Kolodziej (Sr., F, 6'0), Kari LaCanna (Sr., F, 6'0), Maddie Vosk (Sr., F, 5'9), Kelsey Butler (Jr., G, 5'5), Riley LaCarno (Jr., F, 5'0), Charlotte Taylor (Jr., G, 5'0), Amaya Miller (So., G, 5'6), Kaylee Lauber (So., G, 5'0), Madison Blanchard (Jr., F, 5'10), Logan Burke (Fr., G, 5'6), Brooklyn Peterson (Jr., G, 5'8), Lily Taylor (Fr., G, 5'9), Molly Bohen (Fr., G, 5'5), Hayden Carran (Fr., F, 5'5).
Outlook: The Pioneers lost two starters to graduation, but will rely heavily on the two returning leading scorers in Lauber and Taylor as they look to build on last season’s successes. The backcourt will be the team's strength, Melesurgo said, as each of those starting guards have progressed to be leaders on both sides of the floor. Charlotte Taylor, Miller and Lauber will handle the offense, while Kolodziej will once again be the inside presence after she led the Ville in rebounds last season, including six double-doubles and a pair of 16 and 19-rebound games, respectively. LaCanna and DeSarno will help on both ends of the floor with physical play in the paint, and be a nice compliment to the athletic guards. Upperclassmen Butler, Vosk and Blanchard will also play important roles for this team as the development of the younger Pioneers can take some time, the coach said. Somerville will rely on four freshmen in the rotation, so the learning curve can take time, but the talent is there to produce in a big way, Melesurgo said. The move down to the Mountain Division is a little hard to understand for a Group 3 team that won 17 games last season, but the Pioneers will be tested outside the division with games against local rivals Bridgewater-Raritan and Watchung Hills, former divisional foes Warren Hills and Voorhees, and a meeting with reigning state Group 2 champion New Providence.
SOUTH HUNTERDON
Coach: Kelly O’Connell, first season
Last season: 14-11
Top letterwinners lost: Tylar Cloyd (G), Eve Durkee-Neumann (G), Kylee Conner (G).
Roster: Kadie Fleming (Jr., G/F, 6’0), Sophie Hinman (Jr., SG, 5’8), Briana Garcia (Sr., C, 5’6), Kaitlyn Srivastava (Sr., F, 5‘6), Jlynda Barrientosa (Jr., C, 5‘8), Tierney Rzasa (Jr., F, 5’8), Vienna Spagnoli (Jr., F, 5‘7), Lucy Spreen (So., G, 5’4), Ariday Cruz (So., G, 5’4), Jiondae Dewald (So., G, 5’6), Carin Gallagher (Fr., G/F, 5’7), JaZiya McNeil (Fr., G, 5‘2), Reagan Morris (Fr., G, 5’5), Erin O’Rourke (Fr., G/F, 5‘7), Kay Kay Rivers (Fr., C, 6’0), Shaneilee Velez-Cruz (Fr., G, 5’0).
Outlook: O’Connell (nee Caulin) takes over head coaching duties from Gene Schadel, who departed after five seasons. O’Connell played her high school ball at Montgomery when it was a fledgling Group 1 program, and the coach said she feels at home back at a small school after coaching locally for the past 18 years while she raised her family. She said the Eagles are intelligent, passionate young women who are coachable and respectful, and they’ve been working to together to create team standards, re-establish fundamentals and concepts, and set goals for the season, as South Hunterdon seeks to build on four straight winning seasons. Cruz projects as the point guard, with Hinman joining her in the backcourt an as a co-captain. She will be counted on as a scoring threat and a communicator. Fleming, who led the team with 10.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last year, is expected to remain a dominant force on both ends, while Spreen’s quickness will really help limit opponents, the coach said. O’Rourke, Garcia and Dewald will also be counted on to help on the boards.
UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE
KOINONIA ACADEMY
Coach: Joe Hofmann, first season
Last season: NA
Roster: Bridget Hardy (Fr., F, 5'8), Lauren Touhill (So., F, 5'9), Eva Molnar (So., F, 5'9), Lucy Torkelson (Jr., G/F, 5'7), Elieen Skrzyniarz (Sr., F, 5'7), Olivia Nogan (So., F, 5'7), Milani Feliz (So., G, 5'4), Roni Niemeyer (So., G, 5'4), Gwen Niemeyer (So., G, 5'4), Ruth Chango (So., G, 5'4), Anna DeFrancesco (So., G, 5'3).
Outlook: After going 12-1 playing a JV schedule last year, the Serephs have graduated into a varsity program for the first time. The small Plainfield Catholic school club will make its debut Thursday against A.L. Johnson and will play an independent schedule under head coach Joe Hofmann, who spent 25 years covering scholastic sports in New Jersey as a sportswriter, and will now guide a varsity team for the first time. He has previous coaching experience on the middle school, freshman and JV level. Feliz and twin sophomores Gwen Niemeter and Roni Niemeter will serve as the team’s captains and be part of the projected starting 5, which also includes Touhil and Molnar. The girls have been working extremely hard, Hofmann said, and their hustle has been extraordinary. The team chemistry is off the charts, he said, and he hopes it translates into a winning season.
LINDEN
Coach: James Harper Jr., sixth season
Last season: 13-12
Top letterwinners lost: Nneoma Oseagulu (F).
Roster: Jaedyn Boyd (Sr., G), Regine Winston (Jr., G), Jaylah Boyd (Jr., F), Alivia Collier (Jr., F), Zuhirah Kelley (Jr., F), Aanesti Peterman (Jr., G), Janali Thomas (Fr., G), Iyanna Mcduffie (Fr., G), Zariah Williams (Fr., C).
Outlook: The Tigers had their moments last year, winning the Union County Conference’s Valley Division title, and with pretty much everyone back, Linden could be poised for a step up. Jaedyn Boyd enters her senior year as a four-year starter and two-year captain, providing balance and calm on the court. She leads a group that also includes Winston, who will look to build on her breakout season where she led the team in scoring and steals, as well as Jaylah Boyd who emerged as a dominant force on the boards a year ago. Peterman, Thomas and McDuffie should also prove key, with the latter pair being freshmen looking to have an immediate varsity impact.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Coach: Cap Pazdera, 19th season
Last season: 28-3, state Group 2 champions
Top letterwinners lost: Meghan Lamanna (G), Grace Kelly (G), Megan Slattery (C).
Roster: Grace Kinum (Sr., G), Kyra Licari (Sr., G), Jasmine Miller (Sr., F), Grace Henn (Sr., C), Brenna Slattery (Jr., G/F), Annie Conover (Sr., G), Ava Kelly (Sr., G), Haley Kessler (So., G), Megan Henn (So., G).
Outlook: Fresh off the program’s first-ever state championship as a Group 2 team, the Pioneers’ goals have not changed, as they seek to repeat in the conference and county – they’ve won two straight UCT titles – and make another run at a state title. Of course, the graduation of four-year starter and reigning Courier News Girls Basketball Player of the Year Meghan Lamanna makes those tasks tougher, but New Providence should have enough back to make another run. That group of returners is led by Kinum, a four-year starter in her own right, who enters the season just 53 points away from 1,000 for her career. Conover, who had some huge moments breaking out during last year’s state run, is also back. Miller and Licari, who are also projected to start, are joined by Grace Henn in providing leadership in a balanced attack that will also include key contributions from Brenna Slattery, the coach said.
PLAINFIELD
Coach: James Jackson, sixth season
Last season: 10-12
Top letterwinners lost: Angelina Almonte (C)
Roster: Haszah Ward (Jr., G, 5’11), Imani Mullings (So., G. 5’6), Maziyah Richards (Sr., G, 5’7) Nadirah Evans (Jr., F, 5’8), Abria Durham (Sr., G, 5’8), Gladys Mendez (Sr., G, 5’6), Mackenzie Anderson Cook (Fr., G, 5’5), Renee Reid (Jr., C, 6’2), Ashley Jimenez (So., G, 5’7), Gabrielle Lilly (So., F, 5’7).
Outlook: The Cardinals have steadily improved over the past three seasons, going from one win two years ago to just two under .500 last season. The expectation is they’ll take another step this time around. Jackson said Plainfield has a solid group of kids who have made the commitment to get better individually and as a team. The Cardinals have beefed up the out-of-conference slate with games against state powers Morris Catholic, Franklin, University and Mount St. Mary. Ward (15.2 PPG), and Richards (9.5 PPG) are the leading returning scorers, with Mullings, Evans and Durham also back after major contributions a season ago.
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD
Coach: Ryan McKenna, seventh season
Last season: 19-10
Top letterwinners lost: Ali Murphy
Roster: Amanda Baylock (Sr., G, 5’7), Marin Pecarsky (Jr., G, 5’7), Maggie McNulty (Jr., G/F, 5’8), Sara Lehman, (Sr., F, 5’7), Grace Cawley (Jr, 5’8), Sophia Catalano (Sr., G/F, 5’6), J’Nyyah Young (Sr.).
Outlook: The Raiders are not only coming off back-to-back 19-win seasons and a trip to the North 2 Group 4 final, they’re doing it with the majority of the team intact, as a super-experienced and talented group seeking to get over the 20-mark for the first time in 15 years. Baylock, a 1,000-point scorer whose 21 tallies per game last season earned her first-team All-Area honors, is one of the state’s top players and will lead the way once again. Pecarsky and McNulty, both juniors, are a year older and stronger and look to have breakout seasons, McKenna said. That trio is now in their third year together, which helps with their chemistry. Lehman, Catalano and Cawley all started at times last year, and they provide valuable athleticism and tenacity. Young, a senior who didn’t see a ton of time last year, has emerged in the preseason as someone that can come in to provide a lot of speed and aggressiveness, giving the SPF another weapon. Considering Westfield’s graduation losses, Scotch Plains-Fanwood appears to be New Providence’s chief rival in the conference and county, and the Raiders hope to make another run at a sectional crown after losing at Bayonne in last year’s final.
UNION CATHOLIC
Coach: Jacqueline Dyer, second season
Last season: 8-14
Roster: Gabby Ziegenbalg (Jr., G), Mallory Gianchiglia (So., G), Emily Mattson (Fr., G), Hailey Mullaney (Fr., G/F), Amelia Ptak (Fr., G), Kathryn Price (Jr., F), Sabrina Hackett (Jr., F), Madeline Bonn (Jr., F).
Outlook: Dyer said she can’t remember the last time she was this excited to coach and watch a group of girls play. And with the bulk of last year’s team returning, the Vikings should be in position to improve on last season’s eight-win campaign. Dyer, who is beginning her second season at her alma mater after 196 wins at Cranford, said her club is extremely hard-working and coachable, and have incredible team chemistry, and she expects Union Catholic to surprise a lot of teams this season. Ziegenbalg (11.9 PPG) heads the list of returners.
WESTFIELD
Coach: Liz McKeon, 10th season
Last season: 20-7
Top letterwinners lost: Annie Ryan (G), Paige Gorczyca (G/F), Sutton Factor (G/F), Cara Van Allen (G).
Roster: Erin Doherty (Sr., G/F), Makenna Reed (Sr., G), Sara Rooney (Sr., G), Catie Carayannopoulos (Jr., F), Priscilla Dayon (Jr., G), Keira Deignan (Jr., C), Laura Oliveira (Jr., G/F), Darby Hubner (So., G), Andie Janota (So., G), Sophie Lane (So., G), Megan Logan (So., G), Mairin Fowler (Fr., G), Catherine Oliveira (Fr., G).
Outlook: Coming off four straight Union County finals and two years removed from winning the state Group 4 championship, the Blue Devils graduated, arguably, the best class ever to depart Westfield, McKeon said. Among them are 1,000-poiint scorer Annie Ryan – the program’s all-time leader in 3s – Sutton Factor, who is fifth all-time in assists, and Paige Gorczyca, who is fourth in rebounds. Still, the group left quite the legacy, the coach said, and while this year’s team will be young and relatively inexperienced, McKeon said it is ready to step up. While the faces and names may be different this year, she said, the heart and hustle will not. The newcomers have been in the program for years and know what it takes, and are committed to the culture the girls before them have bought into and made so successful. Rooney and Carayannopoulos, who have both been a big part of the success the past two years, head the group of returners. Logan will also be looked toward to lead as Westfield faces its usual highly competitive schedule.
Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997. He can be reached at CNGirlsHoops@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter/X @SimeonPincus
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Girls basketball preview: A look at Skyland Conference and area UCC
