Girls basketball: Team-by-team previews for 2023-24 season in North Jersey
Take a team-by-team look at girls basketball teams from the Big North Conference and North Jersey Interscholastic Conference.
Big North Conference
AMERICAN DIVISION
Cliffside Park (7-17 last season): The Red Raiders have all five starters back in the fold for second-year coach Brandy Luderer. Senior G Deziray Neives leads the group alongside junior Veronica Correa and sophomores Alessia Valerio, Amelia Moreno and Jena Diaz.
Dumont (12-13): Coach Christie Prepis is set up well for her second season after having to replace an entire starting lineup. Senior Sophia Mandalakis (5-foot-10 C) and junior Gabriella Bartelucci (5-9 G/F) averaged 8 and 14 points per game, respectively, and junior PG Lucia Giangregorio is returning from ACL surgery.
Dwight Morrow (2-21): The Maroon Raiders are a guard-oriented team that will turn to senior Jahvenne Joseph (5-8 F) and junior Michelle Gomez (5-8 F/C) for help in the frontcourt.
Fort Lee (21-7): The reigning division champs graduated all five starters. Still, second-year coach Kellie Lane likes the “work ethic and heart” shown by her players and will have senior SG Olivia Hausman to help newcomers get up to speed.
Ridgefield Park (15-12): Coming off their first winning season in four years, the Scarlets seek to keep momentum. Juniors Michelene Miles (G) and Riley Fucci (F) are back, while sophomores Nadia Otuyelu (5-9 F) and Valentina Coronado (5-5 G) will be joined by classmate Mia Monteleone, who missed 10 games as a frosh.
FREEDOM DIVISION
Hackensack (8-17): Juniors Madisyn McNair (G) and Camille Whiting (F) were among the Comets’ leading scorers last winter, and Whiting provides strength in rebounding and blocking.
Northern Highlands (21-6): The Highlanders enjoyed their best season in nearly a decade and will try to build off that success, though only one starter returns. Seniors Sienna Corey (G), Cate Weinberger (G) and Riley Galella (F) all saw time during a division-title run.
Paramus (14-11): The Spartans are in the midst of their best stretch since the ’70s and have four starters to help keep it up. Juniors Tiffany Kostopoulos (F), Bella Amato (G), Gabbi Crespo (G) and Ava Tarabokija (F) will work together to offset the graduation loss of top scorer Camryn Clark.
Ramapo (18-9): The Raiders are at their best when utilizing a long rotation, and 17th-year coach Sandy Gordon could have as many as 10 players in the mix. Seniors Cayla Menicola (G/F) and Ella Saxton (G/F) and sophomore Camden Epstein (G) all have starting experience.
Ridgewood (9-17): Six seniors are ready to lead the way for fifth-year coach Mike Mitchell, two of whom started last winter. Sofia Morino (F), Alysha Arora (G) and Quinn Duffy (G) each earned all-division recognition.
INDEPENDENCE DIVISION
Fair Lawn (13-13): Tara Harris is the new coach for the Cutters, who return leading scorer Faith Erasmo (12 ppg, 43 threes) and unsung hero Isabella Fontanez (5.8 ppg), both seniors.
Lakeland (10-10): The young Lancers have five freshmen on the team, along with juniors Jasmine Star (C, 9.3 ppg) and Gianna Peralta (G, 6.7 ppg), who were big contributors last winter.
Passaic Valley (8-14): Longtime coach Marc Salvatore and the Hornets bring back two of their top four scorers, senior G Alexandra Stefanelli (7.4 ppg) and senior F Krista Price (6 ppg). Their size should help keep them competitive.
Wayne Hills (20-6): The core of the team that reached last season’s Passaic County final returns for fifth-year coach Todd Green. Seniors Siena Shuster (F) and Jailyn James (G), juniors Charah Sysounthone (G) and Arianna Polifonte (G) and sophomore Star Vorabouth (G) all contribute.
Wayne Valley (11-12): The Indians are eager to rebound from a rare losing record, though it won’t be easy with graduation having taken all but senior G Olivia Isaacson (11.6 ppg) and junior F Alexa Benacquista.
West Milford (11-14): The Highlanders’ top four scorers a year ago were all underclass players, and that continuity will help in a tough division. Senior G Avery Vacca enters her fourth varsity season with 557 career points.
LIBERTY DIVISION
Bergen Tech (5-19): Third-year coach Sean O’Beirne’s leads a young squad that will feature several freshmen. Senior PG Natalie Song hopes to contribute more after missing 20 games due to injury last winter.
Clifton (2-25): The good news is, the Mustangs snapped a 43-game losing streak last season after an 0-17 start. Plus, a majority of the team was underclassmen, who now return a year older and wiser.
Eastside (24-6): The Ghosts graduated a pair of All-North Jersey honorees but have plenty returning to challenge for a third straight Passaic County championship. Senior G Jhy’Deisha Stewart enters her fourth year as a starter, and juniors Nevaeh Banks (13.8 ppg) and Nyasia Pauldo (9 ppg) have been backcourt fixtures since they were freshmen.
Kennedy (12-15): The Knights overcame a slow start to the 2022-23 season and qualified for the state tournament thanks in part to juniors My’shayla Clancy (11.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and Perla Reyes (57 threes).
Passaic (10-15): Junior G Jessaiah Reynoso (19.2 ppg) not only increased her scoring output last season, but she also helped the Indians to a seven-win improvement from 2021-22.
Passaic Tech (10-17): Having a plethora of young players involved in the action last season should show a payoff this year. Senior G Janessa Rodriguez (10.2 ppg, 4.6 spg) is a standout on both ends of the floor.
NATIONAL DIVISION
Bergenfield (7-17): The Bears made some strides last year, qualifying for the Bergen Invitational Tournament, and hope for more behind senior Celine De La Rosa, last year’s leading scorer and rebounder.
Demarest (9-18): Ninth-year coach Jenny Jurjevic employs “a cohesive group with diverse skills,” which features All-North Jersey girls volleyball honoree Taylor Miller (6-1 F). Senior Lilly Hamlin (5-7 G) is also a three-sport athlete, and sophomore Gabriella Mittelman (5-6 PG) netted 335 points as a frosh.
Old Tappan (22-5): Coach Brian Dunn needs five wins to surpass 500 for his career, and the return of senior twins Layla Giordano (F, 13.8 ppg) and Maya Giordano (F, 10.6 ppg) should help him get that and more. Underclassmen Mia Derrico, Sadie Murphy and Sienna Drullinsky must develop quickly to keep the Golden Knights among North Jersey’s elite.
Pascack Valley (19-9): Junior G Celina Bussanich is the lone returning starter. Oh, and coach Jeff Jasper also has a dozen underclass girls who have been preparing to keep the Long Gold Line going strong. Juniors Ava Burke (5-10 G) and Shoshana Weiss (5-10 G) provide height, and the Panthers always play with enthusiasm: “Even though this is season No. 51, I am as excited today as I was in 1973,” Jasper said.
Teaneck (20-8): Fresh off their first sectional championship in 11 years, the Highwaywomen aim to take the next step behind eight experienced returnees (four starters). The duo of senior forwards Demi Simpson (6-0) and Erin Frazier (6-0) is back for a fourth season, while sophomore guards Lexi Carnegie (5-9) and Jillian Carter (5-6) made an immediate impact as rookies.
Tenafly (17-8): The post-Rylie Theuerkauf era begins for the Tigers, who still have seasoned veterans in senior C Sophia Tapia and junior F Juliet Schwartz.
PATRIOT DIVISION
Indian Hills (7-16): With 11th-year coach Julie Buccino back from maternity leave, the Braves will rely on three starters to lead the way back to .500. Guards Madison Trocolar (senior), Emily Morello (senior) and Samantha Marker (junior) are experienced starters on a good-shooting squad.
Mahwah (14-14): Another Pascack Valley alumna joins the coaching ranks, as the Thunderbirds welcome in Kerin Roche. Graduation losses were minimal, and there is a strong backcourt in place led by senior Marissa LaVerghetta and sophomore Taylor Tremblay.
Pascack Hills (5-18): The Broncos are poised to take a step forward under third-year coach Lindsey Walsh. Senior G Brianna Arendacs was last season’s second-leading scorer, and junior F Gianna Juliano is becoming a force in the paint.
Ramsey (18-12): Five experienced seniors should keep the Rams in contention after reaching the semifinals in the Bergen Invitational and North 1, Group 2 tournaments. Senior Alana Chetaitis (G) and junior Hannah McGurr (5-6 G) are the returning starters.
River Dell (20-6): Although one starter returns for the four-time division champion Hawks, that does not change the expectations of ninth-year coach Lindsay Steffner. Her team has the quickness and three-point shooting to compete behind senior Sofia Sanchez and juniors Morgan Sconza and Kasey Ziegler.
Westwood (17-11): The Cardinals graduated just one starter and have a nine-girl rotation that will contend for division and sectional titles. Senior Kate Walsh (5-7 F) averaged 16.7 points last season, while senior Gabi Tavares (5-4 G) and junior Erin Gashler (5-7 F) both garnered all-division honors.
UNITED DIVISION
DePaul (7-19): Sheniqua Griffin led a six-win improvement in her first year as coach and will look to seniors Sydney Jacobs (G) and Emma Cartwright (F) to keep the process going.
Holy Angels (17-10): The Angels got back on track last winter with their highest win total since 2016-17. Seniors Samantha Serrano (F, 19.5 ppg) and Celeste Harper (G, 10.9 ppg) can keep them trending upward.
Immaculate Heart (25-4): While repeating as Non-Public A champ might be a big ask given graduation losses, the Blue Eagles’ cupboard is by no means bare. Senior G Selena Cieszko (7.5 ppg) and junior G/F Sofia Valente (6.4 ppg) know the ropes and give IHA a strong perimeter game.
Paramus Catholic (11-17): Former Dwight-Englewood coach Ed Hodge takes the helm of the Paladins, who have 1,170-point scorer Kylie Cabana back for her senior year.
North Jersey Interscholastic Conference
*Divisional winners will meet in 6-team playoffs for overall conference championship
AMERICAN DIVISION
Elmwood Park (15-11): Fifth-year coach George “Atom” Johnson has the Crusaders on their best two-season run in more than 15 years and would like to keep it going. Guards Tiara Duran (8.2 ppg) and Marlena Abreu are the senior leaders.
Garfield (13-11): The Boilermakers put together their first winning season in six years, and coach Andrew Zito is optimistic that their defense and rebounding can be strong again. Sophomores Irma Sanchez (6-3 C) and Ny’Jai Mixon (5-5 PG) both are all-division players.
Lodi (9-15): Mike Pasqualone is the Rams’ third coach in as many seasons and will rely on senior C Olivia Martin to lead a young cast.
Manchester (5-16): The Falcons ended a 21-game slide during Andrew Fitzpatrick’s first season and have senior F Ruby Silva (6.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg) back for a fourth varsity campaign.
Paterson Charter (1-17): The Lions had dropped 66 straight games before winning their 2022-23 season finale against Paterson Arts. A large junior class will try to help them pick up where they left off.
Saddle Brook (19-8): The reigning division champs must replace their top scorer but are otherwise loaded with underclassmen who gained valuable experience last year. Seniors Saoirse Twomey and Mia Ianniello and sophomore Juliana Odum will play key roles.
COLONIAL DIVISION
Butler (6-18): The Bulldogs would like to take a step forward after consecutive years of finishing with the same record. Gianna Klimat (F), Kayla Cajes (G) and Robyn VanderGoot (G) are the seniors who’ll set the tone.
Eastern Christian (14-8): The Eagles got back over .500 with a largely freshman and sophomore cast last season, so the future remains bright. Juniors Skyy Lynn Marcano (G) and Kirsten Braunius (G) were the leading scorers and complement senior guards Mackenzie Wynbeek and Charlotte Steen.
Glen Rock (19-8): Ninth-year coach Steve Grenz has three returning starters with which to work, including all-division first-teamer Maggie Harris (senior) and second-leading scorer Mia Vergel de Dios (sophomore), who burst onto the scene as a frosh.
Hawthorne (4-19): Todd Kenny, who guided the Bears’ boys basketball team from 2003-07, steps in as coach with just one returning starter, junior Katie Nadirashvili (5-6 PG). A youth movement will include sophomore Aniyah White (6-0 F) and a few freshmen.
Hawthorne Christian (JV schedule): The Defenders rebuild under new coach Aaron Van Dyk, who spent the past decade coaching the HCA middle-school squad. Seniors Christine Williams (G/F) and Julie Awad (G/F) both were members of the last varsity squad to take the court in 2021-22.
Pompton Lakes (12-12): Sixth-year coach Britney Flynn (nee Allison) has a small roster this year, but among the three returning starters is All-Passaic second-team junior Mia Soto (5-6 G). The Cardinals will depend on their athleticism and speed to remain competitive.
LIBERTY DIVISION
Bogota (10-11): The Bucs are back on their own after a one-year co-op with Hasbrouck Heights. Fifth-year coach Christina Mineri expects to face some adversity with an inexperienced bunch, so the leadership of senior C Makayla Douglas (9 rebounds per game) and sophomore G/F Emma Fowler (10 points per game) will be crucial.
Dwight-Englewood (15-10): Byron Flores is the new coach for the Bulldogs, who lost nearly all of their scoring and could have as many as four freshmen in the rotation.
Leonia (15-9): The Lions have a tough act to follow after putting together their best season in nearly two decades. However, several impactful players remain, including senior F Tea Zivkovic (9.9 rebounds per game) and sophomore G Angelica Do (10.4 points per game).
New Milford (11-13): Senior G Amaya Carruthers (12.9 ppg) made a splash in her return from injury last year and leads what coach David Wilson calls “a solid core of girls.” Seniors Juliana Brophy (G) and Emma Henyecz (F) are among those expected to contribute.
Palisades Park (6-19): This has the chance to be one of the better teams in coach William Hutchinson’s 17-year tenure. All five starters return, including seniors JoJo Montoya (G) and Isabelle Ro (G) and sophomore Josefin Goddard (F), and there is solid depth on the bench.
Ridgefield (4-17): Coach Jorge Reynoso has seen highs and lows during his 13 seasons, and he is happy to report the Royals’ entire team is returning. Seniors Valerie Orbegozo (G) and Amanda Montufar (F) are both multi-year starters who can help the offense run smoothly.
MEADOWLANDS DIVISION
Becton (19-8): The Wildcats have a genuine superstar in junior G Katie Reiner (20 ppg), who is less than 100 points away from 1,000. She and classmates Chrissy Akiki (G), Francesca Buda (G, 4.8 apg) and Analise Feliz (F, 9 rpg) make coach Mike Ryan’s squad a favorite in this division.
Hasbrouck Heights (10-11*): The Aviators’ co-op with Bogota lasted just one season, but Molly Tague is back on the bench after serving as co-coach last year. Seniors Samantha Russo and Marissa Mucci and junior Paige Sonzogni provide leadership that will help bring the team together.
St. Mary (2-15): The Gaels defeated just one NJIC foe last year and averaged a shade under 14 points per game as a team. Seemingly, the only place to go is up.
Wallington (8-16): Last season’s Panthers surpassed their win total from the previous three years combined. Senior Victoria Grygus (5-11 F) and crew will try to keep the progress going.
Wood-Ridge (13-13): All-division returners Ava Rizos (senior F), Alison Gardella (senior G) and Fiona Helly (sophomore G) can help the Blue Devils improve upon their record under second-year coach Chris Lovermi. Defense will be key for a team looking to qualify for counties and states.
NATIONAL DIVISION
Harrison (7-16): The Blue Tide more than doubled its win total from 2021-22 but graduated its top scorers. Guard Mya DeJesus (5 ppg) was a bright spot as a freshman.
Lyndhurst (16-11): Four starters return for the Golden Bears, including all-division picks Asya Akar (5-10 F, 11 ppg) and sophomore Brooke Harper (6-1 F, 8 ppg). “We have good size for a Group 2 school,” second-year coach Christian Boyce said.
North Arlington (18-10): The Vikings’ finest season since 2010 could feature an encore if the defense continues to be a force. The senior trio of 6-0 C Skyla Acosta (8.8 ppg), 5-7 F Sophia Veloso (6.6 ppg) and 5-3 G Lia Cruz (8.9 ppg) brings poise and experience to the court.
Rutherford (14-10): The entire Bulldog starting lineup returns, so “copy and paste” from last year, said coach Ed Guy. A deep and athletic team not only features seniors Maya Forte (5-8 G/F) and Alex Guzman (5-8 G), it also welcomes DePaul transfer Emma Cartwright (5-11 F), who must sit out the first 30 days. In addition, G Mackenzie Vellis (8 ppg) is back after missing time due to injury.
Secaucus (29-4): Matching last season’s record could be a challenge with a rigorous nonconference schedule looming, but that should provide good prep for the defending North 2, Group 2 champs. Seniors Alyssa Craigwell (F), Katie Schneider (F), Gianna D’Avanzo (F), Mia Cruz (G) and Angie Ledesma (G) lead a team that must overcome an ACL injury to junior G Gabriella Torrillo.
Weehawken (11-14): Second-year coach Zach Licato has four returning starters at his disposal, plus a talented freshman class. Junior Elea Benshoshan (5-9 F) and sophomores Anna Bolcar (5-8 F) and Kaia Pomeranc (5-2 G) all logged significant minutes last winter.
PATRIOT DIVISION
Cresskill (23-8): The Cougars have posted a winning record every season this century and appear primed to do so again. Returning starters Erin Fahy (15 ppg, 10 rpg), Maddie Morgan (7 ppg), Julia Hasenstab (7 ppg) and Sophia Doto (5 ppg), all seniors, make coach Mike McCourt’s team a favorite in the division and North 1, Group 1 section.
Emerson (11-16): The Cavos’ only returning starter is junior F Kayla Elek (10.5 ppg, 6 rpg) and there are no seniors on the roster. That said, 12th-year coach Colleen Malzahn expects to be as competitive as always, with newcomers gaining experience along the way.
Midland Park (3-18): The Panthers of 12th-year coach Sean O’Connor can ascend from their nadir with three starters back, including top scorer Alexis Williamson (13.5 ppg), a sophomore guard. Sophomores Lauren DeBlasio (F) and Valentina Vitetta (G) led the team in rebounds and assists, respectively, a season ago.
Park Ridge (17-14): The Owls came tantalizingly close to winning their first state-sectional title last season, bowing in the North 1, Group 1 final. They have enough to make another run at it, especially with junior Allie Shenloogian (5-7 G) and her 990 career points on board. Seniors Abbey McManus (5-9 F) and Mary Grace Craffey (5-5 G) bolster the team’s experience and depth.
Waldwick (17-9): The Warriors’ winningest season in nearly a quarter-century could be just the beginning. Third-year coach Greg McBain would like to be in the mix for division and sectional titles, and the presence of senior Ava Incorvaia, junior Abby Incorvaia and sophomore Lyla Stokes will aid in that pursuit.
Independent
Bergen Charter (4-20): The Yellow Jackets hope that a move out of the NJIC, along with a second year under coach Alex Dunn, will help the program progress. Senior Ketema Gaskin (5-11 C) and company will try to help fulfill Dunn’s goal of winning at least half their games.
Mary Help (6-14): Senior Giulia Russo (5-4 PG) is primed for a bounce-back year after being injured for the last two. Coach Albie Schlageter also has a strong frontcourt player in sophomore Ariela Santana (5-10 C) and a deep junior class.
Passaic Charter (20-6): After posting the first 20-win season in program history, the Panthers go back to the drawing board under new coach Eric Younger.
Paterson Arts (7-7): Coach Kenny Bunting’s team made its Passaic County Tournament debut in 2023 and aims to take the next step.
Saddle River Day (20-6): Joe Pedone takes the reins of the seven-time Bergen County champions, who maintain the same style of play despite employing their fourth coach in less than two years. There is plenty of talent to keep the offense humming along, thanks to seniors Cristina Parrella (5-10 F) and Julianna Almeida (5-9 G/F) and juniors Faith Williamson (5-7 G), Brooke Braen (5-5 G) and Bella Pedone (5-5 G).
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey boys basketball: Team-by-team previews for 2023-24
