Girls Basketball: Home News Tribune/GMC Preview Capsules

RED DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Keith Lane, fourth season overall

Last season: 13-12

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Nicole Johnson, (Sr., G), Lauren Krinsky (Sr, F), Alyssa Bondi (Jr., G), Bianca Nakar (Jr., G), Krystin Goodman (Sr., C), Anna Curreri (Sr., G), Brianna Sliwinski (So., F), Morgan Stout (Sr., G), Ahmaya Jernigan (Sr., C), Bella Girtanner (Jr., G), Morgan Brody (Jr., G), Kayla Newton (Jr., F), Kammie Anderson (Jr., F), Bailey Dressner (Jr, G)

Outlook: East Brunswick has an experienced and deep team motored by point guard Nicole Johnson. The All-GMC senior is in her fourth season as a varsity starter and has signed to play at Lafayette College. In all, the Bears return eight letterwinners: Lauren Krinsky, Alyssa Bondi, Bianca Nakar, Krystin Goodman, Anna Curreri, Brianna Sliwinski, Morgan Stout and Ahmaya Jernigan. Keith Lane is back as the head coach after taking a season off. In 2016, he was named the Home News Tribune Coach of the Year after guiding the Bears to the GMCT title.

EDISON

Coach: Frank Eckert, third year

Last season: 17-11

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Samira Sargent (Jr., G, 5-6), Daniella Marmol (Jr., F, 5-11), Virginia Lagdameo (Sr., G, 5-10), Lourdes Marasigan (Jr., G, 5-4), Samantha Decker (Jr., F, 5-7), Gianna Fresnedo (So, G, 5-4), Angella Consolazio (So., G, 5-7)

Outlook: Edison enters as one of the teams to beat in the GMC. Even with guard Madison Ruddy transferring to The Patrick School, the Eagles have enough talent and grit to make a postseason run and contend for a division title. Last season, Edison reached the GMCT quarterfinals as the 10th seed. It begins with junior guard Samira Sargent, an All-GMC pick who averaged 15 ppg last season. She’s 315 points away from 1,000 career points and drilled 82 3-pointers last year. Forward Daniella Marmol averaged nearly a double-double last winter (8 ppg, 9 rpg). Guards Virginia Lagdameo (9.3 ppg) and Lourdes Marasigan (7 ppg) also bring back proven points. Gianna Fresnedo is expected to round out the starting lineup with Samantha Decker first off the bench.

J.P. STEVENS

Coach: Amy Field, sixth year

Last season: 9-15

Letterwinners: 2 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Mckayla Duffy (Fr., G, 5-7), Megan Duffy (Soph., G, 5-8), Kayla Gatling (Jr., F, 5-7), Yuthika Maganti (Jr., F, 5-5), Karina Melgar (Jr., G, 5-4), Disha Prabhudesai (Jr., G, 5-2), Shreya Rawat (Jr., G, 5-3), Christina Rusk (Sr., F, 5-4), Kiarah Turner (Jr., G, 5-4), Riley Yelencsics (Jr., F, 5-4)

Outlook: The Hawks roll out a young team with new faces. There’s just one senior on the roster in forward Christina Rusk. Still, there are seven juniors led by returning letterwinners Disha Prabhudesai (8 ppg) and Kayla Gatling (5 ppg, 8 rpg). Kiarah Turner is another projected starter at guard. The Duffy sisters, sophomore Megan and freshman Mckayla, bring a fresh look to the lineup. The Hawks lose four letterwinners from 2016-17, including guards Laya Paladugu and Jamyra Maye, who is now playing at Cheyney University (17 ppg last season, 7 rpg).

MONROE

Coach: Leigh Vogtman, fifth year

Last season: 9-18

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Madison Carey (Soph., SG), Adrianna Coniglio (Soph., SG), Dyliany DeLeon (Sr., PG), Angela Oskierko (Sr., PG/SG), Michelle Paoluccio (Jr., F), Emily Simoskelvitz (Soph., G/F), Emily Siciliano (F), Zoe Feuer (F), Brielle Fitzpatrick (G), Nina Branchizio (PG), Rosaleen Regan (F)

Outlook: Monroe is one of those teams you don’t want to play down the stretch. Two seasons ago, the Falcons won the Central Group IV title. Last season, after losing five veterans, they reached the GMCT quarterfinals as an 11th seed, falling to No. 3 South Brunswick 48-44. That experience will certainly help. Monroe, though, is still young and must replace three letterwinners, including double-digit scorers in All-Red Division Casey Filiault (12.2 ppg) and Kennedy Selby (11 ppg).

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Jon Bill, ninth season

Last season: 10-6

Letterwinners: 5 returning , 3 lost

Roster: Rachel Kuhl (So., PG, 5-7), Jordan Totten (So., G, 5-5), Mia Alcorn (So., G, 5-5), Morgan Gracia (Sr., G, 5-3), Jessica Ahearn (Sr., C, 6-0), Alex Jupinka (C, 5-7), Charlize Lam (So., G, 5-3), Ashley Keane (Fr., G, 5-4), Sana Chaudry (G)

Outlook: The Knights expect to be competitive in the Red Division, while overcoming the graduation of Amanda Carney. The guard, now playing at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, scored 1,000 points in her career and averaged 19.9 ppg last season. That’s a lot of firepower to make up, but the next generation of sharp-shooting Knights are ready. They include expected sophomore starters in Mia Alcorn, Rachel Kuhl and Jordan Totten, while senior center Jessica Ahearn brings moxie in the paint. As a bonus, senior guard Morgan Gracia, a co-captain along with Ahearn, is back after coming off an injury last season.

PISCATAWAY

Coach: Chris Puder, first season

Last season: 14-12

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 3 lost

Roster: LaNiya Miller (Sr., G/F), Yamirah Bennett (Sr., G), Dre’Asia Williams (Sr., G), Saniya Myers (Jr., F), Brooke Moll (Sr., G/F), Baiylee Barnes (Sr., F), Ariel Jenkins (Fr., F), Tori Fisher (Fr., G), Amari Nolan (So., G/F), Inaya Thompson (Jr., G), Sierra Brooks (Sr., G), Skye Baker (Sr., G), Rhakhia Mack (So., G)

Outlook: Piscataway features one of the league’s best players in LaNiya Miller, who has committed to play at Stony Brook next season. The 5-10 forward averaged 18.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg last season as the Chiefs reached the GMCT semifinals. She’ll have plenty of help as Piscataway hopes to make another run. Saniya Myers averaged 6.5 rpg and Yamirah Bennett chipped in 5 ppg as a defensive-first player. Brooke Moll and 6-3 freshman Ariel Jenkins are expected to round out the starting lineup. Seniors Dre’Asia Williams and Baiylee Barnes are also back from last season. First-year head coach Chris Puder knows the current players well – he was the team’s junior varsity coach the last 10 seasons. 

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Jeff Johnson, fifth year

Last season: 24-5

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 7 lost

Roster: Luese Ufuah (Sr., G), Onesta Ufuah (Soph., guard), Sydney Coleman (Sr., G), Alexis Royal (Soph.), Cassie Vega (Soph., G/SF)

Outlook: South Brunswick is one of those schools with a program, where you just expect the Vikings to have a good team each year. They’ve won back-to-back Red Division titles and are 70-28 the last four seasons under Jeff Johnson. And once again, South Brunswick should be in the mix. However, it might be a get-better-as-you-go-type of team, having to overcome key losses. They include graduating Amber Brown, the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,447 career points. A good starting point is senior Alexis Adams, who signed to play at the University of Buffalo.

WHITE DIVISION

BISHOP AHR

Coach: Brittney Griffin, second year

Last season: 21-7

Letterwinners: 9 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Sara Decker (Sr., F, 5-10), Emma Boslet (So., PG, 5-10), Megan Herka (So., F, 5-8), Morgan Maguire (Jr., G, 5-6), Elyssa Jackson (Sr., G, 5-5), Jess Boakye (Sr., F, 5-7), Mildred Demby (Sr., SF, 5-7), Caroline Tramontana (Sr., G, 5-6), Trinity Upton (So., G), Melanie Mellari (Fr., G, 5-6), Gina dilution (Jr., G, 5-5), Kassie Griffin (Jr., SF, 5-7), Sarah Shanahan (So., G, 5-6)

Outlook: Bishop Ahr hopes to pick up where they left off last season, which would be a very good thing for Trojans fans. They reached the GMCT semifinals last season as the No. 2 seed and return a well-balanced, versatile team under head coach Brittney Griffin. They do graduate All-Division point guard Elle Cimilluca, who had 503 career assists, and guard Briana Jackson (9 ppg). But All-White Division guard Emma Boslet, who burst onto the scene with 15.1 ppg as a freshman, is ready to run the offense. Experienced post players Sara Decker (9 ppg, 8 rpg) and Megan Herka (5 ppg, 5 rpg) add to the optimism for the Edison school.

COLONIA

Coach: Mark Mentzel, second year

Last season: 9-15

Letterwinners: Kaitlynn Kelly (Sr., G), Alexis Banko (Sr., G), Brianna Rennie (Sr., C), Amaya Martinez (Jr., F), Caitlyn Hroncich (Jr., F), Kailee Stanley (Jr., (F/C), Gianna Reilly (Jr., F), Alexa Magliacano (Jr., G), Casey Mulrooney (Jr., G/F), Cruz Mendez (Jr., F), Alissa Fasulo (Fr., G)

Outlook: The Patriots made steady progress last winter, doubling their win total from the previous season. Mark Mentzel, a former Colonia player, is optimistic that upward trend continues as he enters his second year as head coach. While Colonia graduated six seniors (four starters), a core group of juniors with varsity experience will provide depth. A combination of Kaitlynn Kelly, Alexis Banko, Alexa Magliacano, Gianna Reilly and Alissa Fasulo should fill the two guard positions. Small forward Amaya Martinez will likely be the top defensive player and power forward Caitlyn Hroncich will add points and rebounds. Kailee Stanley patrols the center position.

J.F. KENNEDY

Coach: Nick Smith, third year

Last season: 2-21

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Sally Abdelaal (Jr., G, 5-5), Jaylin Cabrera (Sr., F, 5-10), Tazia Pettus (Jr., G/F, 5-7), Kristina Caroselli (So., G/F, 5-7), Alexis Claiborne (So., G, 5-4), Gagandeep Thandi (So., F, 5-7), Megan Baumgarten, (Fr., F, 5-8), Rhea Martin (Fr., G, 5-5), Malak Mowafi (Fr., G, 5-1), Olivia Sims (Fr., F, 5-10), Alianna Panganiban (So., G, 5-4), Katerina Novoczynski (Sr., 5-10)

Outlook: J.F. Kennedy has a team full of players old enough only to drive on the court. The young Mustangs have just two seniors and two juniors on the roster with three freshmen expected to start. Head coach Nick Smith expects his team to grow each practice with bright things ahead for the Iselin school. Senior forward Jaylin Cabrera will lead on the court. Junior guard/forward Tazia Pettus, a two-year starter, will lead off the court as she recovers from off-season knee surgery. Along with Cabrera, sophomore Kristina Caroselli and freshmen Rhea Martin, Malak Mowafi and Olivia Sims are projected to start.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Coach: Taryn Scinto, fourth year

Last season: 7-18

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Aniyah Thomas (Sr., G, 5-8), Brehanna Chang (Sr., G, 5-7), Brenasia Chang (Sr., G, 5-7), Nakima Lue (Jr., G, 5-5), Ciara McFarlane (Soph., G, 5-7)

Outlook: Head coach Taryn Scinto expects the Zebras to build on the progress they made last season in the tough division. That includes doing the intangibles such as playing with passion and determination. The projected starting lineup includes seniors Aniyah Thomas, Brehanna Chang and Brenasia Chang, junior Nakima Lue and sophomore Ciara McFarlane.

NORTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Mark Zielinski, first year

Last season: 10-16

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Khayla Flemmings (Sr., G, 5-6), Kayla Scher (Jr., G, 5-9), Cynthia Williams (So., C, 6-2), Emily Farrell (Sr., F, 5-11), Renee Hales (Jr., F, 5-10), Tara Jennings (Jr., G, 5-6), Amaya Caraballo (Sr., G, 5-5), Kelsi Moody (Jr., F, 5-6), Keyara Hill (Jr., G, 5-5), Samantha Zielinski (Jr., G, 5-5), Kathryn Cottrell (Jr., G, 5-6), Zena Aluboudi (Sr., F, 5-7)

Outlook: North Brunswick had a young team last season. One upside to youth? They come back as veterans and battle tested. First-year head coach Mark Zielinski hopes that experience and enthusiasm pays dividends. Three versatile players combined to average 28 points per game – Khayla Flemmings, Kayla Scher, and Cynthia Williams. Emily Farrell and Kelsi Moody bring experience in the post. Zielinski isn’t exactly a novel name at North Brunswick, where he has taught social studies for 24 years. He coached the girls basketball team from 1999-2003, leading them to a White Division title in 2002. He was also the Raiders football coach from 2003-2014 and is currently an assistant at Kean University.

SAYREVILLE

Coach: Janet Cook, fourth year

Last season: 29-3

Letterwinners: 7 returning 7, 7 lost

Roster: Jackie Ventricelli (So., G, 5-6), Lyssandra Delacosta (Jr., G, 5-3), Alyssa Pipitone (Sr., G, 5-4), Janeva Holland (So., F, 5-10), Stephanie VanNote (Fr., G/F, 5-8), Jaci Jurkiewicz (So., G, 5-8), Gia Cenci (Jr., G, 5-5), Kristen Signorile (Jr., F, 5-7), Jenna DeMild (Jr., F, 5-7), Kathryn Harrigan (Sr., F, 5-8), Serina Townes (Jr., G/F, 5-7)

Outlook: Sayreville had a dream season last winter in winning its first-ever GMC Tournament and sectional (Central Group IV) championships in school history. Now, the Bombers must replace all five starters. That includes four seniors and the Home News Tribune Player of the Year Isi Enahoro, now playing at NJIT. Additionally, senior forward Jasmine Van Note switched to indoor track. Enter a rebuild that may become a rebound by the stretch run as the team improves each game. For one, Sayreville won the county junior varsity championship in 2016-2017. Those players are now ready for a starring role. Head coach Janet Cook, the HNT Coach of the Year, is looking for big things from senior Alyssa Pipitone, junior Lyssandra Delacosta and sophomores Jackie Ventricelli and Janeva Holland, with freshman Stephanie Van Note providing a spark.

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Geoffrey Corisdeo, first season

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Syleen Reyes (Sr.), MaKayla Sosa (Sr.), Bridgette Titus (Sr.), Mackenzie O’Brien (So.), Tori Euston (Fr.), Deleaney Born (Fr.)

Outlook: Returning sophomore Mackenzie O’Brien hopes to build off a good rookie season. Geoffrey Corisdeo takes over as the head coach for Kevin Hughes. He played for St. Peters High School from 97-2001, and gained experience as an assistant at Wardlaw-Hartridge (2013-2015) and Perth Amboy for the last two seasons.

WOODBRIDGE

Coach: Bobby Timinski, fifth year  

Last season: 13-12

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 6 lost

Roster: Brooke Timinski (Sr., 5-6), Kameron DeVoogd (Sr., 6-1) Kelsey Savoia (Sr., 5-8), Aliyah Santos (Sr., G, 5-6), Tamirah Gibbs (Jr., G, 5-2), Nia Rosato (Jr., G, 5-2) Skylar DeVoogd (So., C, 6-1), Casey Morrison (So., F, 5-8), Brianna DeJesus (So., G, 5-6), Destany Cruz (So., F, 5-7)

Outlook: Graduating six seniors always leaves a hole, but Woodbridge has enough veterans and potential to once again contend in the division. Last year’s junior varsity team finished second in the GMCT. A core of those players look to step up this winter. The Barrons graduated All-White Division guard Jordan Vazquez (15 ppg). That leaves Brooke Timinski (12PPG/71 threes) and Kameron Devoogd to lead the way on offense. Timinski has committed to play at Drew University and enters with 745 career points, including 194 three-pointers. Junior guard Tamirah Gibbs is another scorer and can see time at both point and shooting guard, while senior Kelsey Savoia helps with rebounding and provides toughness in the paint.

BLUE DIVISION

CARTERET

Coach: Nick Sardone, first year

Last season: 8-13

Letterwinners: 4 returning

Roster: Hannah De Los Santos (Sr., C), Zionette Salahuddin (Sr. PF), Amazey Pope-Williams (Jr., C), Melody Caces (So., PG/SG), Brenda Guzman (So., PG/SG), Taija’Ney McCollum (Fr., SF/PF), Isabella Silva (Fr., SG/SF)

Outlook: The Ramblers return a strong nucleus led by All-Blue Division center Amazey Pope-Williams. In fact, Carteret has an experienced post game with center Hannah De Los Santos and power forward Zionette Salahuddin both returning. Sophomore guard Melody Caces gained experienced as a freshman. First-year head coach Nick Sardone, who graduated from Union Catholic, lives in Edison and has guided teams at varying levels, including last season in the Edison travel program.

DUNELLEN

Coach: Keith Connery, fifth season

Last season: 17-11

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Alison McGrath (Sr., G, 5-4), Erin Barnett (Soph., G, 5-3), Orellana Erika (Jr., G/F, 5-4), Gabrielle Coore (Jr., G, 5-2), Alexis Coore (So., F/C, 5-7), Brianna McAuley (Jr., F, 5-3), Chloe Cassidy (Fr., G, 5-3), Megan Green (Fresh., F/C, 5-6), Isabel Parcells (Fr., F, 5-4), Salma Abouelkheir (Fr., F/C, 5-7), Emily Thieu (Fr., G, 4-11)

Outlook: Even with three returning starters, Dunellen is a young team. There’s just one senior on the roster with freshmen in the mix. But that senior is pretty good. All-Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division pick Alison McGrath leads the way, needing 226 points to reach the career 1,000-point mark. Last season, she averaged 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.6 steals and 2.7 assists per game. Joining her in the starting lineup again is junior Orellana Erika and sophomore Erin Barnett. Freshman guard Chloe Cassidy is expected to crack the starting five. Last winter, Dunellen placed fourth in its first season in the Blue Division after moving from the Gold.

METUCHEN

Coach: Kathy Glutz, first year in second stint

Last season: 16-11

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Brynn Farrell (So., 5-11, G/F), Rory Josell (Sr., G, 5-6), Sam Antin (So., F/C, 5-11), Rachel Wyetzner (Jr., G, 5-3), Bridget O’Connor (Jr., F/C, 5-11), Melonnie Esguerra (Sr., G/F, 5-6), Lydia Lepinski (Sr., G, 5-3), Emma Walters (So., G, 5-4), Chase Klavon (Fr., G, 5-4), Michaela Kochy (Jr., F, 5-7)

Outlook: Metuchen brings back one of the state’s most exciting players in sophomore Brynn Farrell. As a freshman, she averaged 28.1 points and 12.8 rebounds a game as the Bulldogs reached the Central Group I semifinals. Now, Metuchen moves up to Group II based on enrollment. The team should be versatile with 5-11 post players Sam Antin and Bridget O’Connor and pesky guards like Rory Josell and Rachel Wyetzner. Freshman Chase Klavon is expected to see time with seniors Melonnie Esguerra and Lydia Lepinski providing sparks off the bench. Metuchen’s new coach Kathy Glutz returns after guiding the team from 1984-1992. She’s in the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame after scoring 1,415 in her career.

MIDDLESEX

Coach: Kevin Harper, first year

Last season: 15-10

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Gianna Canavesio (Jr., G, 5-6), Olivia Robel (Jr., G, 5-6), Haley Logue (Sr., C, 5-9), Brooke Nelson (Sr., F, 5-8), Carly Santucci (Jr., G, 5-6), Madison Logue (Jr., G, 5-7), Sarah Pundock (Jr., G, 5-4), Madison Johnson (Jr., P, 5-7), Brianna Montajes (Fr., G, 5-7), Laila Fair (Fr., C, 6-0), Jess Forte (Fr., G, 5-4)

Outlook: Middlesex would be a division contender anyway with eight returning letterwinners, including All-Blue Division junior guard Carly Santucci. But first-year head coach Kevin Harper adds an extra element. He’s not quite your typical rookie coach. Harper has a 597-296 career record in 27 seasons at Bishop Ahr. Harper is back after a year off and needs one win to pass NJSIAA Hall of Famer Reggie Carney as Middlesex County’s winningest coach. The rest of the projected starting lineup includes Olivia Robel, Haley Logue, Gianna Canavesio and freshman Brianna Montajes, giving the Blue Jays a mix of proven talent and potential.

SOUTH RIVER

Coach: Mike Feaster, seventh season

Last season: 18-7

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Sonia Guiste (Sr., G, 5-8), Tara Beachem (Jr., G, 5-4), Ashley Fischer (So., F, 6-1), Lauren Schmidt (So., G, 5-2) Khayla Smith (So., G, 5-3), Maddie Franco (Jr., G, 5-0), Julianna Gil (Jr., G, 5-2), Mariah Crawford (So., F, 5-7), Daniella Terralaheiro (Sr., F, 5-9)

Outlook: Check back in February. The defending division champs have talent and exciting young players to likely again keep them in the mix. The Rams, however, face unknowns entering the season. Unfortunately, they lost two senior starting guards for the winter with ACL tears in Sera Guiste (10 ppg) and Josephine Fusco. They do return All-Blue Division point guard Tara Beachem and Sera’s sister Sonia, who does it all at guard. The rest of the projected starting lineup includes three sophomores in Ashley Fischer, Lauren Schmidt and Khayla Smith.

SPOTSWOOD

Coach: Jill Hetzler, eighth year

Last season: 15-11

Letterwinners: 8 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Sarah Marotta (Sr.), Erin Malin (Sr), Courtney Potter (Sr.) Savannah Robinson (Jr.), Maddie Hellerich (So.), Paige Dadkia (Jr.), Megan Devlin, Amber Meagher (Jr.), Jessica Addesso (So.)

Outlook: The Chargers look to contend in the division with All-Blue Division forward Erin Malin returning. Spotswood will challenge opponents with a good combination of height and speed. 

GOLD

EAST BRUNSWICK VO-TECH

Coach: Jim McCloskey, sixth year

Last season: 1-18

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 2 lost

Roster: Brianna Rolon (Sr., G, 5-4), Kayla Morales (Sr. G, 5-5), Grace D'Amato  (Jr., G, 5-4), Lindsey Kuhlthau (Jr., F, 5-6), Nicole Loughran (Jr., F, 5-5), Leeyah Scott (So., G, 5-5), Rebecca Alfrey (Jr., F, 5-9), Patrycja Sliwowski (Jr., F, 5-11), Arianna Schreck (Jr., G, 5-5), Kelly Jamison (So., G, 5-6)

Outlook: There’s a buzz at East Brunswick Vo-Tech as the season approached. The Tigers return six players. Coupled with talented newcomers, head coach Jim McCloskey hopes his team can find its groove in the tough division. The returners include Grace D'Amato, Lindsey Kuhlthau, Nicole Loughran, Kayla Morales, Brianna Rolon and Leeyah Scott.

PERTH AMBOY VO-TECH

Coach: Nick McKee, first year

Last season: 7-16

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Daisy Arocho (Jr., G), Eliza Arocha j(Jr., F), Hannah Cotato, (So.,, G), Kayla Dean (Sr., F), D’Angelis Morales (Jr.,G), Amanda Dominguez (Jr., G), Brittany Trigueros, (So., G), Christina Crowe (So., G), Christina Crowe (Jr., G)

Outlook: Perth Amboy Vo-Tech has optimism with seven returning starters and hopes to compete for the division title. The lone senior Kayla Dean looks to be the leader on and off the court. The rest of the starting lineup projects to be Daisy Arocho, Eliza Arocha, Hannah Cotato and D’Angelis Morales.

PISCATAWAY VO-TECH

Coach: Rob Gardella, third year

Last season: 9-16

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Isabella Sosa (Sr., G), Lexis Pikula (Sr., F), Taina Lugo (Jr., G), Tamia Lane (So., G), Ciyanna Grant (So., F), Alyssa Velez (So., F), Eumani Hollins (Jr., G)  

Outlook: In last season’s GMC Tournament, 28th-seeded Piscataway Vo-Tech scored an upset over 21st-seeded Carteret in the opening round. It was a positive step, and now the Raiders hope for more improvement with six returning players. Sharpshooting senior guard Isabella Sosa can drain multiple three-pointers. Also back are senior forward Lexis Pikula, junior guard Taina Lugo, sophomore forwards Ciyanna Grant and Alyssa Velez and sophomore guard Tamia Lane. They’ll look to replace graduated forward Claudia Edralin (10 PPG, 10 RPG, 5 BPG).

SOUTH AMBOY

Coach: Linda Lewis, sixth year

Last season: 14-7

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Julie Olivieri (F, 5-8), Alexis Calisti (G, 5-6), Kelly Mihalecko (F, 5-10), Renee Piazzolla (G, 5-2), Madison Moskal (G), Mia Bates (F), Siara Sanchez (F), Jandelly Pena (G, 5-5), Aryane Rodriguez (G, 5-5), Gabriella Grande (G, 5-3)

Outlook: South Amboy is coming off a winning season, but must replace two graduated All-Division picks in Kelsey Kuhn (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg) and Alyssa Bikowski (10 ppg, 5 steals per game). Head coach Linda Lewis expects her juniors to step up and help the team compete in the division. Projected starters include Julie Olivieri, Alexis Calisti, Renee Piazzolla and Kelly Mihalecko, with the fifth undecided as of press time.

WARDLAW-HARTRIDGE

Coach: Michael Howell, 11th season

Last season: 1-16

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Audrey Vu (Sr., F), Audrey Cheng (Sr., G), Priya Golding (Sr., G), Kristyn Smith (So., F), Silvia Xia (So., F), Ruqaiyah Syed (Fr., F), Leila Hernandez-Webster (Fr., F), Kynise Dixon (Fr., G), Simone Erachshaw (Fr., F), Nadia Valcourt (Fr., G)

Outlook: The main points of high school sports are to challenge yourself and get better through hard work. That’s what Wardlaw-Hartridge veteran head coach Michael Howell is hoping for his young team, which consists of three seniors and then all sophomores and freshmen. Upperclassmen Audrey Cheng, Priya Golding and Audrey Vu lead the way. 

NON-GMC TEAMS

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. 

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. 

NOTE: The last two previews were written by Simeon Pincus