Basketball
2024-25 Morris/Sussex Girls Basketball: Team-by-Team Previews
2024-12-10
In the highly competitive world of NJAC girls basketball, each team brings its unique strengths and aspirations. From seasoned coaches to promising newcomers, the season promises to be a thrilling journey. Let's take a closer look at the teams and their prospects.

Uncover the Potential of NJAC Girls Basketball Teams

Chatham

Chatham has nine of its top 10 players from last winter's squad that reached the MCT and Group 3 finals. Seniors like Ella Kreuzer (17.6 ppg., 5 rpg., 2.7 apg.) and Mia Semioli (10.4 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 3.5 apg.) lead the way. With such a talented core returning, Chatham is expected to be a force in the NJAC-American.

The team's experience and chemistry give them a significant advantage as they aim to defend their titles and make a deep run in the playoffs.

Mendham

Coach Hillary Milner is in her seventh season at Mendham. Last year, the team had a record of 19-9 and won the NJAC-National championship. Returning letter-winners Halle Ferrara (12 ppg.) and Sophia Keoskey add to the team's firepower.

The aggressive Minutemen have moved back to the NJAC-American, and they are looking to build on their past success and continue their winning streak.

Pope John

Coach Peter Torres is in his second season at Pope John. Last year, the team had a remarkable 25-5 record and reached the NJSIAA Non-Public A final. Key returners Katie O’Keefe, Marisa Captoni, and Alexandra Arbore bring experience and leadership to the team.

Defense-first Pope John is expected to compete for the NJAC-American, HWS, and Non-Public A North titles. Their strong defensive unit will be crucial in their pursuit of glory.

Randolph

Coach Marc Cacciacarne is in his second season at Randolph. Last year, the team had a 13-14 record. Returning letter-winners Kayla Brand (8 ppg., 3 apg., 3 spg.) and Aliyah Lambo (12 ppg., 8 rpg.) will lead an experienced team.

With their veteran players guiding the way, Randolph is hoping to improve on last year's performance and make a mark in the NJAC.

Morris Hills

Coach Brian Dillon is in his eighth season at Morris Hills. Last year, the team had a 15-11 record and finished in the NJAC-National standings. Emily Mulroony (5.8 ppg., 2.7 apg.) and Shaina Sackett are among the returning letter-winners.

The young, versatile Scarlet Knights have four of their top five scorers back, giving them a solid foundation to build on and compete at a high level.

Morris Knolls

Coach Rob Moore is in his 10th season at Morris Knolls. Last year, the team had a 17-10 record and was a force in the NJAC-National. Charlee Perna (10 ppg., 4.2 apg., 6.5 rpg.) and Denay Jones (9.9 ppg., 3.8 apg.) lead the way.

Veteran and athletic Morris Knolls is expected to improve and make a strong push in the NJAC-National this season.

Mountain Lakes

Coach Joanne Smith is in her seventh season at Mountain Lakes. Last year, the team had a 19-8 record and won the NJAC-Independence championship. Abigail Hawes (16 ppg.) and Kaylin Oey are key returners.

Quick and aggressive Mountain Lakes is aiming for a 20-win season in the NJAC-Liberty. Their talented players will be crucial in achieving this goal.

Pequannock

Coach Earl Hornyak is in his first season at Pequannock. Last year, the team had a 16-10 record and was a contender in the NJAC-Liberty. Sofia Picardo and Lara Bazbaz are among the returning letter-winners.

With a young squad, Hornyak will look to develop their skills and guide them to success in the NJAC-Liberty.

Hanover Park

Coach Doug Wear is in his 20th season at Hanover Park. Last year, the team had a 21-6 record and was a dominant force in the NJAC-Liberty. Abby Liebhauser and Alexis Langereis are key returners.

After graduating five seniors, Hanover Park is counting on younger players to step up quickly and continue their winning tradition.

Madison

Coach Lisa DiTuro is in her sixth season at Madison. Last year, the team had a 24-7 record and won the NJAC-Liberty championship. Charlotte Tuhy (25 ppg., 12 rpg.) is a star player who signed with American University.

The Dodgers will follow Tuhy's lead as they aim to defend their title and make a deep run in the playoffs.

Morris Catholic

Coach Rahim Huland-El is in his first season at Morris Catholic. Last year, the team had an impressive 27-1 record and won three Morris County Tournament championships and two NJSIAA Non-Public B titles. Mia Pauldo (19 ppg., 5 apg.) and Mya Pauldo (15 ppg., 4 apg.) are the leading scorers.

Though the roster has changed, Morris Catholic is expected to defend its MCT title and contend in the NJSIAA Non-Public A.

Morris Tech

Coach Tim Gordon is in his 13th season at Morris Tech. Last year, the team had a 20-5 record and was a strong contender in the NJAC-Freedom. Isabela Lipsky (6 ppg., 6 rpg., 3.5 apg.) and Hadley Padfield (3 ppg., 2.5 rpg.) are key returners.

After relocating to the NJAC-Liberty, Morris Tech is rebuilding and looking to regain their form.

Hackettstown

Coach Ben Barnhart is in his sixth season at Hackettstown. Last year, the team had a 10-16 record. Rory Grant, Stella Gubelmann, and Tess Clark are the returning letter-winners.

Hackettstown is aiming to earn home games in the HWS and NJSIAA Tournaments by improving their performance this season.

High Point

Coach Gary Ruban is in his fourth season at High Point. Last year, the team had a 15-10 record and was a competitive force in the NJAC-Freedom. Claire Seminski and Grace Elston are key returners.

Inexperienced High Point is looking to improve throughout the season and make a name for themselves in the NJAC-Freedom.

Jefferson

Coach James MacDermid is in his 12th season at Jefferson. Last year, the team had a 24-5 record and won the NJAC-Freedom championship. Kiley Shatzel (6 ppg., 6 rpg., 2 bpg.) and Madison Manco are key returners.

The Falcons are hoping to win their sixth straight NJAC-Freedom title and fourth straight sectional trophy.

Dover

Coach David Yura is in his second season at Dover. Last year, the team had a 4-20 record. Ana Booth and Faith Phillips are the returning letter-winners.

Dover is hoping to earn NJAC-Colonial victories and turn their season around with the help of their returning players.

Butler

Coach Kim Wilson is in her 10th season at Butler. Last year, the team had a 6-18 record in the NJIC-Liberty. Emily Costello and Madison Myers are the returning letter-winners.

Butler is showing signs of improvement and is looking to build on their past performances.

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