The Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference made a significant impact at the NJSIAA Group finals, with five of its girls basketball teams advancing to the championships. This impressive representation from Morris and Sussex County teams served as a testament to the conference’s prowess in the sport.
The standout team in the finals was Morris Catholic, successfully defending its Non-Public B title against Rutgers Prep. Mia Pauldo, the team’s standout player, displayed remarkable performance, averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. Additionally, the Crusaders secured their third Morris County Tournament title, concluding a highly successful season.
Chatham closely followed, although they faced defeat against Mainland in the Group 3 final. Coach Joe Gaba expressed his belief that this may be the best girls basketball team in Chatham’s history. Junior guard Arden Alvarez led the team in the final with 19 points, exceeding her season average.
Morristown also delivered a strong performance, securing its first sectional title since 2017 and making a significant appearance in the Group 4 final for the first time in nearly two decades. Seniors Cam McGinley and Maya Summerville played pivotal roles in the team’s success, achieving impressive career milestones during the season.
Pope John, another standout team, emerged victorious in its first Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex girls basketball title. Key players Addy Platt and Mia Washington, both sophomores, contributed significantly to Pope John’s success, each averaging 14.8 points per game. The Lions engaged in a competitive match in the Non-Public A final, ultimately falling to Red Bank Catholic.
Contrastingly, Madison made its inaugural appearance in the Group 2 final, demonstrating its escalating proficiency in the sport. Junior forward Charlotte Tuhy played a crucial role, maintaining a double-double average of 23.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game throughout the season.
Undeniably, the Morris and Sussex County teams displayed their formidable presence in the recent NJSIAA Group finals, and it will be captivating to observe their ongoing excellence in the future.