Girls basketball: Skyland Conference/Western Union Co. preview

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

Delaware Division

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN

Coach: Scott Bray, first season

Last season: 17-11

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Teresa Wolak (Sr., C), Jordyn Hawthorne (Sr., F), Kristin Tribel (Sr., G), Keiko Fox (Sr., G), Claire Liston (Sr., G), Diza Hasanaj (Sr., F), Katie Kowal (Jr., G), Meghan Ball (Jr., F), Seraphina Wong (Sr., G), Deanna Weidle (Sr., G), Leena Alkhafji (Sr., G), Heather Stires (Jr., C), Kelly Reid (Jr., F), Alisa Hasanaj (Jr., F).

Outlook: Bray, who has guided the Bridgewater-Raritan football team for the past 11 seasons, taking the Panthers to the past three state sectional finals, takes over the girls basketball program from Dorcas Miller after nine years, after serving as the BR girls freshman coach for the past 14 seasons. The Bridgewater-Raritan West HS graduate inherits a team that could be poised for a huge year, losing just one player to graduation a season after going to the North 2 Group IV final, upsetting Watchung Hills on the road in last year’s quarterfinals, before succumbing to eventual TOC champ Franklin. The Panthers return a core nucleus of Ball, Hawthorne, Wolak, Fox, Tribal and Kowal, all of whom started or saw significant minutes off the bench last season. All six are in the mix for starting minutes this season, as are Liston and Hasnaj. Bray said his team’s success will depend on developing a balance on offense and its effectiveness playing pressure defense, a tact that served BR well down the stretch last season. Wolak and Hawthorne will be counted on in the post, while Fox, Kowall and Liston will be the primary ball handlers and outside shooters. Tribel will be the work horse, moving around the sets, while Ball and Hasanaj providing defensive pressure. Bray feels his team also has strong depth, with Weidele, Wong and Alkhafji giving the club a strong bench.

FRANKLIN

Coach: Audrey Taylor, eighth season

Last season: 25-7

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Diamond Miller (Jr., G, 6-3), Camille Gray (Sr., G, 5-11), Tiana Jackson (Jr., G, 5-8), Keona Schenck (So., G, 5-5), Kennady Schenck (So., G, 5-5), Kiersten McCloud (Sr., F, 5-9), Serena Jackson (Jr., C, 6-0), Kiara McCloud (Sr., G, 5-7),

Outlook: How can the Warriors possibly top last year? Franklin shocked the state a year ago, taking a team stocked, mostly, with underclassmen to a Tournament of Champions title. Now, although they graduated just one starter in third-team All-Area forward Monique Davis-Campbell, the Warriors know improving on last year is impossible, and that’s not the intent, Taylor said, although the goal remains. Losing Davis-Campbell does leave a void in the middle, where the 6-footer collected 7.2 rebounds per game, adding 10 points per contest. Franklin will not only miss her size and leadership, but also the trust the speedy, young Warriors had in her to clean up any mistakes down low. Kiersten McCloud will get the first shot at filling the void, rotating in when her coach opts to go big, and although Taylor said the while McCloud has the grit, she doesn’t possess her predecessor’s size. Miller return to lead the way after averaging 18 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, earning a first-team All-Area nod. Grey, a four-year letterwinner who averaged 10 points per game last year, also returns, as does Tiana Jackson. Keona Schenck and Kennady Schenck, whose buzzer beater sent the Warriors over Manasquan in the TOC final last March, return for their sophomore campaign, giving Franklin two more speedy options on the perimeter. Taylor said although her team certainly gained a lot from last year’s experience, they’re still young and prone to youthful mistakes and she expects her team to have the same kind of ups and downs it did last year, like being upset in the county semifinals. The hope is that by the time tournament season rolls around, the team has at least learned to trust each other. The young club might not also realize that while they took the state by surprise last year, this time around they’ll be playing with a giant target on their backs. That’s a lesson they might learn in their opener, as Franklin visits two-time defending Non-Public B state champion Rutgers Prep at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the team the Warriors upset in last year’s TOC semifinals.

GIRLS BASKETBALL RANKINGS: The Courier News preseason Top 10

GILL ST. BERNARD’S

Coach: Aaron Gratch, fifth season

Last season: 10-16

Letterwinners: 9 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Ariel White (Sr., F, 6-2), Nisani Santiago (Jr., G, 5-5), Sydnei Caldwell (Jr., G, 5-8), Gillian Fritzlo (Jr., G/F, 5-10), Hayley Goldin (Jr., G, 5-8), Emma Fetrow (Jr., G, 5-8), Ilana Druskin (Jr., G, 5-6), Devyn Scott (So., G, 5-8), Tori Goldin (So., F, 6-0), Christina Dalce (Fr., F, 6-1), Caileigh Walsh (Fr., F, 6-4), Hayley Armstrong (Fr., G, 5-8), Stella O’Connor (Fr., G, 5-5), Sherlyn Diaz (Fr., G, 5-5).

Outlook: The Knights are coming off a nightmarish season, one in which they never got their best players on the court at the same time, mostly because of injury, but showed what they were capable of when they were even close to full strength, for example, in upsetting eventually state TOC champ Franklin in the Somerset County semifinals. Now, with Alexa Allesch the lone key loss to graduation – through she missed half her junior season and the last 15 games last year – the hope is that some offseason changes to the training and wellness program will net a healthier and far-more productive squad. That would certainly put Gill St. Bernard’s in position to challenge for the biggest prizes in the conference, country and state. The Knights boast a very deep roster, with 10 players that should all see regular, impactful minutes. White, the one senior, Santiago, Caldwell and Scott are the key returners that will lead the way, with Fetrow and Tori Goldin also back after big contributions last year. Fritzlo and Hayley Goldin, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, should also be in the mix, as should a pair of promising freshmen in Walsh and Dalce. Caldwell, who averaged 19.6 points per game last year after sitting out the first 30 days (seven games) after transferring in, should join Santiago in handling the bulk of the scoring. The point guard averaged 12.9 PPG battling injuries most of the year, and her health should prove one of the biggest x-factors to the Knights’ success.

HUNTERDON CENTRAL

Coach: Jamee Bush, third season

Last season: 16-11

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 7 lost

Roster: Christina Mitrow (Sr., PG, 5-3), Ashley Mitrow (Sr., PG, 5-7),  Peyton McNally (Sr., G, 5-7), Sarah Kolody (Sr., G/F, 5-9), Danielle Cornetta (Jr., G, 5-7), Nicole Carter (Jr., G, 5-8), CeCelia Kracht (Sr., F, 6-0), Rachel Berger (Sr., G, 5-4), Hannah Sholehvar (Jr., F, 5-1), Jacqueline Cornetta (Jr., G, 5-4),  Isabella Mitrow (Jr., G, 5-5), Michaela Mastriano (Jr., G/F, 5-9).

Outlook: The Red Devils were hit pretty hard by graduation, losing several players that were key to the four straight 16-plus win seasons they’ve put together, but Central does return several pieces that should prove key this year. Point guard Christina Mitrow heads the list of returners, one that also includes fellow seniors McNally and Kolody, who also had key contributions last year. The leadership is expected to come from all six seniors, Bush said, a group that has spent its entire high school careers dedicated to the program. The third-year coach is also looking for leadership from her juniors, sophomores and freshmen, as well. Bush said the ideals of selflessness, respectful communication, and unity will be the factors she expects from everyone, and she is looking for selflessness and strong team cohesion on the court against a brutally tough schedule.

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: Mary Coyle Klinger, 34th season

Last season: 30-2

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Andrea Gamboa (Sr., G, 5-9), Jahsyni Knight (Sr., G, 5-8), Alex Scariatti (Sr., G, 5-7), Chara Tibbet (Sr., F/C, 6-2), Leilani Correa (Jr., G, 6-0), Divya Seenivasan (Jr., F, 6-2), Thalia Grandinetti (So., F, 5-8), Jasmine Lyles (So., G/F, 5-10), Molly Lynch (So., G, 5-7), Macey Mento (So., G, 5-5), Olivia Mullins (So., G,. 5-9), Lauryn Repollet (So., F, 5-8), Angelena Browne (Fr., G, 5-7), Isabella Pellacchia (Fr., G, 5-8), Katie Scheflen (Fr., F, 5-10), Mia Yanogacio (Fr., G, 5-6).

Outlook: If the Argonauts are going to defend their back-to-back state Non-Public B championships, it’s going to have to be without three of the biggest reasons they have those trophies, in graduated four-year starters Gaby Redden and Olivia Dabney, and three-year starter Madison Stanley. And while Klinger said there are players in the program ready to step up into bigger roles, replacing that kind of experienced talent is a tall task. The other big question for Rutgers Prep is the health of point guard Jahsyni Knight, who tore her ACL last January. Klinger said the University of Pittsburgh-bound senior is practicing, although without contact, but isn’t expected to play in a game until sometime in January. Correa, who is being heavily recruited, heads the list of healthy returners after bursting onto the scene last season, scoring 16 points per game after Knight’s injury. She’s joined by an impact senior class, including Gamboa and Tibbitt, who has signed with Boston University, as well as Seenivasan, a junior. The Argos also boast some talented underclassmen, including Lyles and Mullins, a pair of returning sophomores, and Pellecchia, a freshman who is expected to be an impact player. Klinger said things are going to be different this year with the personnel changes, as she’s looking for her quick, athletic team to pressure more, and the more fast-paced approach should also allow her to give more people playing time.

Raritan Division

HILLSBOROUGH

Coach: Ian Progin

Last season: 9-16

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Olivia Buckman (Sr., G), Cameron Howell (Sr., F), Erin Buckman (Sr., G), Liz Suseck (Sr., F), Alyssa Freda (Jr., G), Dani Pescatore (So., G), Jill Stanton (So., F), Elissa Nsenkyire (So., G), Lisa Ross (Jr., F), Payton Quackenbush (Jr., G), Jayna Moore (Jr., G), Grace O’Connor (So., F), Allison Watson (So., F).

Outlook: The Raiders return a nice group of experience from last year as they seek their first winning season since 2007, though there are still a good number of underclassmen that will be expected to contribute. Progin said he has a great group who work hard and want to know what it’s like to have success. Buckman (7.8 PPG) and Pescatore (8 PPG) head the list of returners, along with Howell (6.4 rebounds per game).

IMMACULATA

Coach: James Dimino, first season

Last season: 9-17

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Abby Gilbert (Sr., F/C, 6-0), Naiya Jefferson (Jr., G, 5-8), Ysobella Reyes (Sr., F/C, 6-0), Nia Sapia (Jr., G, 5-3), Margo Cherry (So., F, 5-9), Tara Ryan (So., G, 5-5), Juliet Lardieri (So., G, 5-3), Chloe Martin (Sr., G/F, 5-7), Kate Martin (Jr., F, 5-9), Michaela Sakitis (Sr., F/C, 5-10), Karen Moreau (Sr., G, 5-6).

Outlook: Dimino, the former’s Raritan Valley Community College men’s coach who has spent the past nine years coaching AAU, takes over the Spartans from Mike Dugan, who stepped down after six years at the helm. The first challenge the 58-year-old high school rookie head coach will face is replacing Anna Oliveri, a 1,000-point scorer who graduated last spring, and he is looking for everyone on the team to work hard to become that go-to player. Gilbert, Reyes, Cherry, Jefferson and Sapia project as the starters, but, Dimino said, Immaculata will need everyone to understand that to be successful they have to work as a team on both ends of the floor, protect the ball and make the most of the opportunities presented to them. Ryan and Lardieri should have an impact off the bench.

MONTGOMERY

Coach: Megan Pisani, fifth season

Last season: 4-20

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Bria Johnson (So., PG, 5-9), Kristin Lucht (So., G, 5-7), Carolyn Prevost (So., C, 6-1), Abby March (Jr., F, 5-10), Kate Heidt (So., F), Dana Schaar (Sr., G, 5-7), Julia Loffredo (Sr., G, 5-7), Allie Stockburger (So., G, 5-7), Andrea Katramados (Fr., G, 5-9).

Outlook: The Cougars are looking to surge upward, coming off a four-win season, their worst in five years. It’s been nine years since Montgomery has had a winning campaign, but with some nice senior leadership, a good young core and a promising newcomer, to go along with a good offseason of work, Pisani said she certainly expects her team to show improvement. Loffredo and Schaar handle the captaincy, leading a young core of eight returning letter winners. Pisani also expects major contribution from her young guards, in particular, including Johnson and Lucht, who return, and Katramados, a freshman.

NORTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Mark Franzyshen, third season

Last season: 15-11

Roster: Guiliana Paulo (So., G, 5-4), Aniya Stevenson (Sr., F, 5-7), Kristen Newsome (Fr., G, 5-3), Emma D'Alesandro (Fr., G, 5-7), Maria Newsome (Jr., G, 5-5), Kayley Cobb (Jr., G/F, 5-5), Hallie Mathews (Sr., G/F, 5-7), Sam VanBelle (Jr., F, 5-7), Alexa Vasile (Jr., G, 5-7), Emily Cuthill (Jr., F, 5-8).

Outlook: The Lions were hit pretty hard by graduation, losing five players who greatly contributed to their 15-11 record, North Hunterdon’s winningest season in three years, averaging 40 points per game among them. Still, Franzyshen said, he feels his team has a nice young group emerging, one that’s impressed in the preseason. The coach expects his guard play to be the team’s biggest strength, a unit led by Newsome and Vasile. North will look to spread the floor and beat teams off the dribble in press. The Lions are also hoping for a breakout year from Stephenson, who should provide some inside toughness. Franzyshen said she has consistently played much bigger than her 5-foor-7 size, is relentless on the boards, but will have to contribute much more offensively. The coach is looking for his young team to show consistent improvement, and he even expects significant playing time his freshmen, making it even more important the younger players steadily improve on offense and learn the club’s defensive principles.

RIDGE

Coach: Eric Schroeder, sixth season

Last season: 12-15

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Sammy Weyrauch (Sr., F, 5-8), Kristin Miscia (Sr., F, 5-7), Juliana Spitzner (Sr., G, 5-5), Sophie Beneventine (So., G, 5-3), Ava Haiback (So., G, 5-3), Maddy West (So., G, 5-6), Allie Byrne (So., G, 5-8), Katie Arrigan (Sr., G, 5-3), Michele Modugno (Sr., C, 6-0), Lauren Lusardi (So., F, 5-10).

Outlook: With the majority of the club returning, the Red Devils hope they’ll be improved enough to snap a two-year streak of losing season. Beneventine, who averaged 8.3 point per game last season, heads the list of returners, one that includes several talented athletes and multi-spot standouts. Schroeder said Ridge will be focused on team play and aggressive defense. 

WATCHUNG HILLS

Coach: Reese Kirchofer, fourth season

Last season: 21-5

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Julia Cunningham (Sr., G, 6-1), Alyssa Killeen (Sr., F, 5-7), Jayden Baltuch (So., G, 5-1), Lex Santo (So., G, 5-6), McKenna Frey (Jr., F, 5-9), Mahogany Jenkins (So., F, 5-8), Elspeth Allen (So., F, 5-7), Caitlin Bonnesen (So., F, 5-7), Erin McFadden (So., G, 5-4), Bella DiSturco (Jr., G, 5-5).

Outlook: The Warriors return four of five starters a year after being one of the surprise stories in the Skyland Conference, shaking off the opening-night loss of their lone senior to a season-ending knee injury to go 21-5, claiming the Skyland Raritan title, and advancing to the semifinals of the Somerset County Tournament. Heading the group is Cunningham, a four-year starter and Princeton commit who posted 21.7 points per game last season and 7.2 rebounds, becoming the program’s all-time scoring leader as a junior (1,246 points). Sophomores Baltuch and Santo are coming off huge freshmen seasons and it is their emergence that put Watchung Hills over the top. Killeen, a captain, rounds out the returning four, with Frey filling out the lineup. Jenkins is also expected to have an impact in her rookie season.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Young but experienced, Watchung Hills no longer an underdog

Valley Division

DELAWARE VALLEY

Coach: Michael Haughey, fifth season

Last season: 17-11

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Margaret Affeld (Sr., G, 5-8), Kelsey Crawford (Jr., G, 5-7), Allie Scheir (Sr., F, 5-9), Jess Ludwig (Sr., G, 5-6), Amanda Kix (Sr., G, 5-8), Sarah Racile (Sr., F, 5-8), Ellie Hirst (So., F, 5-7), Shelby Pyatt (Sr., F, 5-7).

Outlook: The Terriers should be in the thick of things in a wide-open division, but will have to overcome the challenge of losing Veronica Christ and her 1,325 career points to graduation. Affeld, who has scored a school-record 131 3-point field goals in her career and enters the season with 717 points, joins Crawford as returning starters. Haughey said his expectation is for his team to work hard every day, play tough defense and have every member of the team play for each other.

MOUNT ST. MARY

Coach: Ryan Shellhammer, fifth season

Last season: 8-16

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 8 lost

Roster: Cassidy Connett (Sr., G, 5-6), Maria Jaeckel (Sr., G, 5-7), Cara Moreau (Jr., F, 5-10), Gina Niegel (Jr., F, 5-10), Therese Maligranda (Jr., F, 5-8), Abby Stout (So., G, 5-9), Natalie Mathern (Fr., PG, 5-7), Alana Rocco (So., G, 5-8), Alexis Brown (So., G, 5-8).

Outlook: The Mount Lions finished strong a year ago, winning four of their last six games, and hope the trend continues with strong returning senior leadership and an experienced young team. Mount has a very balanced roster, Shellhammer said, with all nine players expected contribute on both ends of the floor. Jaeckel looks to use her speed and quickness to make defense turn into offense and improve on her 8 points per game, the coach said, while four-year letterwinner and co-captain Connett brings her experience to the point guard position. Mount St. Mary will be tested early with games against Bound Brook, Voorhees and Somerville.

PINGRY

Coach: Courtney Tierney, seventh season

Last season: 13-13

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Megan Horn (Sr., G, 5-11), Kelsey Ransom (So., G, 5-9), Alyson Feeley So., G, 5-8), Aly Pyne (Sr., G, 5-6), Alexis Kinney (Sr., G, 5-6), Tea Simon (Sr., G, 5-6), Olivia Volpe (Fr., G, 5-4), Hope Maultsby (Fr., G, 5-7), Claire Keller (Fr., G/F, 5-10).

Outlook: The Big Blue did suffer some key graduation losses, including that of forward Sarah Moseson, who averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game last season, but Pingry returns a healthy group of experienced talent that should keep the Big Blue in the mix and perhaps set them up for a serious run in a wide-open division that’s seen the big guns of the past couple of years suffer massive graduation losses to all-time great players. Horn, who averaged 17.8 points and 6 rebounds per game last year, heads a returning group of athletic scorers, along with Ransom (15.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG) and Feeley (5 PPG, 8 RPG). Tierney also said she has several tall guard who are versatile enough to play many positions, as well as some talented freshmen that should contribute immediately, including Pyne and Volpe, who are projected to start alongside Horn, Ransom and Pyne.

SOMERVILLE

Coach: Matt Melesurgo, third season

Last season: 19-7

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Meghan Douglas (Sr., F, 5-11), Emily Markowski (Fr., F, 5-10), Sara Tavares (Sr., G, 5-8), Cam Rogers (Sr., G, 5-9), Anna McVerry (Sr., G, 5-8), Kelsey Mehan (Jr., F, 5-9), Caitlin Breidenbruch (Jr., F, 5-9), Christina Cernuto (Sr., G, 5-7), Abby Umbenhuar (So., F, 5-9), Jenna Dabrowski (Sr., F, 5-9), Ilana Hambro (So., G, 5-8), Reilly Sheeley (So., G, 5-8), Julia Nemeth (So., G, 5-7).

Outlook: The Pioneers’ four-year rise from five-win non-entity to North 2 Group III sectional champion was, largely, fueled by a trio of four-year starters, including two-time first-team All-Area star Melody Van Ness, the school’s all-time leading scorer, and standout classmate Nyasia Thomas. Now, with that group graduated, leaving Douglas as the only returner with more than a year of starting experience, things figure to be a bit more challenging for Somerville. The Valley Division co-champ will look to its captains, Douglas (8 RPG last year) and Markowski, the other returning starter, as well as Tavares. Markowski and Douglas project to be strong forces on both ends of the court, Melesurgo said, adding both are getting next-level interest, and the pair will be counted on to pick up where they left off after each recorded a double-double in last year’s sectional final. Inexperience will be an issue, with just five letterwinners back, though Melesurgo feels this could be the deepest team he’s had in his three years at the helm, and if he can successfully mix the championship experience of the senior class with the potential of the juniors and seniors, Somerville should be in the mix.

VOORHEES

Coach: Mitch Collins, first season

Last season: 18-9

Letterwinners: 10 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Bella Cafaro (So., G, 5-8), Sydney Collins (Jr., C, 5-10), Hailey Conroy (Sr., F, 5-10), Lily Folsom (So., G, 5-3), Nicole Garrett (Sr., G, 5-7), Colby Gavornik (Jr., G, 5-8), Cora Hill (Sr., G/F, 5-8),  Caroline Kenzari (Jr, C, 6-0), Katie McComb (So., G, 5-4), Kayla O’Sullivan (Jr., G/F, 5-8), Hailey Ader (So., F, 6-0), Jenna Baranek (Jr., F, 5-10).

Outlook: Collins takes over for Carmen Cook, whose return to Voorhees lasted three years after he had previously guided the Vikings for 10 seasons before a three-year break. Collins, who has led the Voorhees boys JV team for the past five years, inherits a team that will have to overcome the graduation of one of its all-time great players in Allie Best (18 PPG, 6 RPG), but with only two projected starters in Gavornik and McComb, due to a lot of camp competition for jobs, the Vikings should still contend as the look to defend their Valley Division co-championship. Voorhees does return a large amount of experienced varsity talent, and have some young players with the potential to compete at the varsity level, the coach said. Seniors Conroy, Garrett and Hill will lead the way, with athletic juniors Gavornik, Kenari, Collings and O’Sullivan looking to make the most of their experience. McComb, Folsom and Cafaro represent a promising sophomore class that could have an immediate impact.

Mountain Division

BERNARDS

Coach: Sandy Whelan, fifth season

Last season: 14-12

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Jenna Whelan (Sr., F, 5-11), Kathryn Haas (Sr., G, 5-4), Annie Thomas (Jr., G, 5-8), Bridget Cawley (Jr., F, 5-8), Abby Cawley (Jr., F, 5-8), Jenna Scarpa (Jr., G, 5-4), Jenna McHale (So., G/F, 5-9), Brianna Harzula (So., G/F, 5-7).

Outlook: The Mountaineers are coming off their fourth straight winning season, but will need to fill a giant hole in the lineup after the graduation of four-year starting point guard and 1,000-plus point scorer Caroline Baratta. Still, with Baratta the only key loss, Bernards should be in good shape. Senior Jenna Whelan, the leading returning scorer and rebounder, will be looked toward to lead on and off the court, coach Sandy Whelan said. The captain will also provide a presence in the paint and contribute with her long-range shooting and precise passing. Thomas, a junior co-captain, takes over the point guard duties and her experience should also help spark the defense. Returning starters Bridget Cawley and Abby Cawley will be looked toward to help control the boards and provide versatility on the offensive end, while Scarpa has impressed in the preseason with her hustle, transitional scoring and touch beyond the arc. McHale, a returner, and Harzula, a newcomer, will also be counted on to contribute.

BOUND BROOK

Coach: Jennifer Derevjanik, fourth season

Last season: 26-4

Letterwinners: 10 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Jordan Todaro (Sr., PG, 5-7), Vicki Triana (Sr., F, 5-8), Addie Guilla (Sr., G), Cortlyn Morris (Jr., G, 5-6), Evelyn Nunez (Jr., G), Hailey Aguilar (Jr., F), Cameron Ward (So., G/F, 5-10), Julia Nilsen (So., F), Emily Toy (So., G), Arianna McCleod (Fr., PG, 5-7), Laurant Morris (Fr., F, 5-11), Jenna Theissen (So.).

Outlook: The reigning NJSIAA Group I champions are coming off the program’s first-ever state title, and though the Crusaders have suffered a massive graduation loss in four-year starter Janee’a Summers, the program’s all-time points and rebounding leader, Bound Brook should return enough talent and experience to make another deep run. This team knows how good it feels to win and is ready to grind, Derevjanik said, and with her younger players taking the lessons from the great role models in a graduating class that also featured Olivia Nilsen and Diamond Tucker, the coach said, they are ready to step up and show what they can do. Todaro, a four-year starter, will be thrust into an even bigger role with Tucker’s graduation, moving to fulltime point guard and being more heavily counted on to contribute shooting the ball, despite being a very unselfish player. With Summers gone, Cortlyn Morris, who has recovered from an ACL injury she suffered in the Group I final last March, will also be looked toward as more of a scorer and her coach is excited to see what she will accomplish after already taking her place as one of the state’s leading shot blockers. Triana moves into the starting lineup after waiting for her chance as the 6th man the past two years, while Ward, who had a major impact as a freshman, is also expected to see fulltime minutes for the first time. Julia Nilsen also moves into a starting role, giving Bound Brook another needed presence in the paint, one also capable of draining it from long range.

Guilla, Nunez, Aguilar and Toy are also expected to contribute, as are freshmen McLeod and Laurent Morris.

MANVILLE

Coach: Michael Knitowski, fifth season

Last season: 7-19

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Isabella Sanchez (Jr., G, 5-6), Vanessa Ramirez (Sr., G, 5-5), Zytaisha Abner (Jr., F, 6-1), Sioni Robinson (Sr., F, 6-1), Alexis August (Jr., F, 5-6), Jasmarae Ruiz (Jr., G, 5-4), Mindy Sonnenberg (Jr., F, 5-8), Emme Vornlocker (Jr., G, 5-3), Angelina Sanchez (Fr., G, 5-6), Holly Cornelson (Fr., G, 5-6), Emma Heywood (Fr., G, 5-4).

Outlook: The Mustangs lost their top two scorers to graduation, including Julie Pankowski, who averaged 17 points per game last season and finished her career with 1,205. Manville is going to a by-committee approach to scoring, which Knitowski feels could be a blessing in disguise, as any number of players are capable of a hot night. The Mustangs expect Abner and Robinson to handle the paint, with Ramirez and Isabella Sanchez providing the leadership. Angelina Sanchez, a freshman, has shown promise, her coach said, and she should join classmates Cornelson and Heywood in having an impact as rookies. Vornlocker, August and Ruiz should also contribute.

NORTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Michael Carlin, first season

Last season: 4-16

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Kayla Adams (Sr., PG, 5-6), Shaniyah O Neal (Sr., PG, 5-6), Kierra Adams (Jr., G, 5-4), Tiana Presley (So., F, 5-7), Kelisha Chambers (Sr., C, 5-7), Jessica Dardignac (Sr., C, 5-7), Simara Cruz (Jr., G, 5-4).

Outlook: Carlin takes over head-coaching duties after spending the past seven seasons at the Middlesex helm, compiling a 115-63 record and guiding the Blue Jays to two Central Group I finals and two GMC Blue Division championships. He takes over the Canucks from Robin Enderle, who spent the past four years as the North Plainfield head coach. Carlin inherits a program that hasn’t posted a winning record in a decade, looking to rebuild a team that’s coming off a four-win and three-win season, respectively. The coach expects his team to be led by strong guard play, featuring Adams, who averaged 9 PPG last season, and O’Neal, who posted 7 PPG. Presley and Chambers should provide help inside, with Dardignac expected to contribute off the bench.

SOUTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Krista Regan, second season

Last season: 7-17

b: 7 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Rylee Bordwick (So., F, 5-9), Alana Catanzareti (So., G, 5-4), Nicole Costantini (Jr., G, 5-4), Rebecca Phillips (Fr., G, 5-7), Kate Robinson (Fr., G, 5-3), Lauren Baggitt (Jr., G, 5-3), Emily Stoff (Fr., G, 5-2).

Outlook: The Eagles are looking to get on track after two straight losing seasons and will have to do so with an extremely young team, one without a single senior and with its only two returning players coming from the sophomore class. Catanzareti, who was second on the team in scoring last season as a freshman, heads the list of returners, with Bordwick, also a sophomore, the only other starter back. Costantini, along with freshmen Phillips and Robinson, are projected to join them in the starting lineup. Regan enters her second season as head coach and is looking for her team to mesh and play together as the first step toward success.

UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON

Coach: Chris Eckert, first season

Last season: 10-15

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Stacey Berliner (Sr., G/F, 5-6), Michelle Coyle (Sr., F/C, 5-10), Allyson McGlynn (Sr., F, 5-8), Fiona Kerr (Jr., F, 5-8), Skylar Dowling (So., PG, 5-6), Marisa Fudenna (Sr., G, 4-11), Paige Phillips (So., PG/SG, 5-4), Shannon Polimeni (So., G/F, 5-7), Jessica Roland (So., F/C, 5-10), Abigail Solfaro (Jr., G, 5-5).

Outlook: Eckert replaces Vin Gulbin after a three-year stint at the Highlanders’ helm, moving up from the 8th-grade team and adding hoops duties to his role as an assistant football coach at GL. The Highlanders lost a pretty big piece to graduation in 1,000-point scorer Lindsay Gerrato, but return a good bit of experience as they look to rebounds from a sub-.500 year. Coyle, McGlynn, Kerr, Dowling and Phillips are projected to start as GL seeks to reach its goal of competing on both sides of the court at every practice the throughout four quarters in reach game, Eckert said. The seniors will handle the leadership, with Kerr, a junior, and Dowling, a sophomore, looking to build on the experience they gained last year. Eckert said he’s excited for the development of his younger players and looking forward to having them play important roles.

NEW PROVIDENCE

Coach: Cap Pazdera, 13th season

Last season: 23-6

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Elizabeth Parker (Sr., F, 5-7), Olivia Faucher (Jr., G, 5-6), Alyssa Nook (Jr., G/F, 5-8), Cassie Barth (Jr., C, 5-9), Iris Kaloshi (Sr., F, 5-7), Alexa Boyle (Sr., G, 5-8), Kaitlyn Cumiskey  (So., G, 5-5).

Outlook: It is reset time in New Providence, as the graduation bug decimated the roster, a group that includes Katie Kinum, Sarah Zeto and Hannah Caminiti, the three players who led the team in, pretty much, every statistical category the past two seasons. To make things even more difficult, the Pioneers remain the Union County Conference’s Watchung Division, where they’ll have to face the county’s best. Kinum, especially, is a huge loss and, Pazdera said, it remains to be seen how is very young team responds not having someone like her around when the competition gets stiff. Faucher, the lone returning starter, Parker, Cumiskey, Nook and Barth project as the starters this season.

PLAINFIELD

Coach: Kashon Bennett, second season

Last season: 2-18

Roster: Jailah White (Sr., G, 5-5), J’Daah Wyatt-Doyle (Jr., G, 5-3), Rayanna Ettiene (So., G, 5-4), Tahani Helms-Ishmael (Sr., F, 5-8), Natasha Dirati-Onyango (Jr., F, 5-9), Karelis Acosta (Sr., G, 5-2), Raven Williams (Sr., F, 5-8), Azajahana Whitfield (So., G, 5-6), Sean-Lynn Woods (Sr., F, 5-9), Mia Rose (Fr., G, 5-4), J’Lanea Brown (So., F, 5-9), Sanaa Williams (Jr., G, 5-6).

Outlook: The rebuild continues at Plainfield as Bennett enters his second season as head coach looking to continue the effort. Seniors White and Helms-Ishmael return to lead the Cardinals, with significant contribution also expected from Wyatt-Doyle and Ettiene Dirati-Onyango and Raven both figure to see time down low.

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD

Coach: Ryan McKenna, third season

Last season: 4-17

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Nya Downing (Sr., C, 5-10), Brianna O’Brein (Sr., G, 5-5), Abbe-Gayle Burton (Sr., F, 5-8),  Kaysia Minor (Sr., F, 5-8), Isabella Corsaro (Sr., G, 5-6), Stefanie DeVizio (So., G, 5-6),  Meaghan Duthie (Jr., G, 5-6), Corrine Lyght (Fr., G, 5-8), Amy Magrino (Jr., G, 5-5), Brenna McNamara (Jr., F, 5-6), Ryann Wall (Fr., G, 5-2), Sarah Dill (So., G, 5-6), Ebony Davis (Jr., G, 5-8).

Outlook: The Raiders are looking to shake off last year’s four-win rebuilding campaign and the hope is that with all the newcomers that gained valuable varsity experience last year, to go along with a healthy club after an injury-riddled season, things are ready to move in the right direction. Four-year letterwinner Nya Downing, who missed all but six games last year with an injury, returns after averaging 10 points in those contests, and she pairs with O’Brien, who also averaged 10 PPG a year ago in giving SPF a solid 1-2 scoring punch. The other seniors also project to see significant playing time, while Lyght, a newcomer, is expected to make a significant contribution, especially on defense.

UNION CATHOLIC

Coach: Kathy Matthews, 40th season

Last season: 20-6

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Izzi Di Dario (Sr., G, 5-8), Gaby Welle (Sr., G, 5-6), E’lana Kovacs (Jr., F, 5-10), Janessa Mendoza (Jr., G, 5-4), Abby Ortiz (So., G, 5-4), Dylan France (So., C, 6-1), Jamie Bonaccorso (So., G, 5-5), Olivia Keating (Jr., F, 5-7), Asia Ellison (So., F, 5-8), Erin McNulty (Fr., G, 5-8), Madison Johnson (Fr., G, 5-8), Gianna Peralta (Fr., G, 5-5).

Outlook: The Vikings are coming off their most successful season since winning 18 games in 2005, but after losing a pair of double-digit scorers in Taylor Gardner and Andrea Robinson to graduation, the young club has some growing to do if it’s going to enjoy another stand out season. Matthews, who passed the 700-win mark late last season, expects her team to improve as the season moves along and has high hopes for her incoming freshmen, and feels they’re the best ninth graders she’s had in years.

WESTFIELD

Coach: Liz McKeon, fourth season

Last season: 19-6

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Molly Ryan (Sr., G, 5-8), Grace Elliott (Sr., G, 5-7), Lauren Sgro (Sr., F, 5-9), Lilly Maz (Jr., G, 5-4), Sam Stravach (Jr., G, 5-8), Josie Greenwood (Sr., G, 5-7), Faith Dobosiewicz (So., G, 5-7), Caroline Dwyer (So., G, 5-6), Whitney Shyposh (Sr.), Caitlyn Basile (Jr.), Sam Leftheris (Jr.), Ava Luzzi (Jr.), Maty McHugh (Jr.), Ali Lisanti (So.), Emma Pietrewicz (Fr.).

Outlook: The Blue Devils were one of the area’s great stories a year ago, rebounding from a 9-16 season to go 19-6 and advance to the Union County Tournament final for the second time in three years. Now, with some key graduation losses, McKeon knows her team has its work cut out for it, especially in Union County’s toughest division, but she hopes the regular-season experience will pay dividends once the postseason comes around. With five seniors, including three in Ryan, Elliott and Sgro who have multiple seasons of varsity experience, leadership certainly shouldn’t be an issue. Ryan (12.4 PPG) and Elliott (7.4 PPG) project as the Blue Devils’ top threats.

INDEPENDENT

SOMERSET TECH

Coach: Maura Gillooly, second season

Last season: 7-12

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Rebeka Quagliato (Sr., G), Liliana Gomez (Sr., G/F), Anna Ramos (So., F), Fayrooz Abdelkader (Fr., G), Giavanna Barras (Fr., F/C), Chestina Cosentino (Jr., F), Kate Kelly (Sr., G), Ritu Peddiniti (So., C), Brittany Rojas (Sr., G), Sara Sconda (So., G), Dominique Yachera (Sr., F), Sarah Yagual (Jr., G/F).

Outlook: The Runnin’ Jags enter their second year as a varsity program after tallying seven wins in their inaugural campaign, And with some new promising players to go along with some solid returners, Somerset Tech could be in for even better things, as Gillooly said the team is further along than it was last year at this time. Quagliato and Kelly are the senior captains and will led the team on and off the court.

Simeon Pincus can be reached at CNGirlsHoops@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SimeonPincusCN