Top Forwards in HCIAL for 2021

The 2021 season is slowly but surely creeping up on everyone. This means some of the top talent will be back on the floor in New Jersey. This includes in the HCIAL. Here are some of the top forwards to watch once the season begins. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155449" first="Maddie" last="Branigan"] (2023) | St. Dominic</strong> Branigan burst onto the scene as a freshman for St. Dominic. She proved to be the top player on the team and one of the best in the conference. She led the team with 14 points and nine rebounds per game in her first season. Branigan is a double-double machine and her skills will only continue to grow during her high school career. <strong>Adiana Pacheco (2021) | Hudson Catholic</strong> Hudson Catholic has one of the top point guards in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="134618" first="Zanai" last="Jones"]. Pacheco is a player who keeps the floor balanced on both ends. She has great feet and strong hands with the ball. Pacheco can rebound on both ends and score in the post. <strong>Maci Covello (2023) | Kearny</strong> Covello will play an extended role for Kearny this season with Samantha Osorio gone. As a freshman, she grabbed a team high 191 rebounds on the season. She is a big who will continue to grow and mature on the floor. <strong>Ja’Laiyah Smith (2022) | Marist</strong> Marist is one of the top programs in the conference and it will continue with players like Smith. She is extremely versatile because of her ability to play many positions on the floor. Smith is an elite rebounder on both ends and can score using her array of post moves. <strong>Gina Estrada (2022) | Ferris</strong> Estrada is a standout on both the softball field and basketball court. Ferris uses her as a forward on both ends. She is a strong rebounder with great instincts. This makes her defensive ability next level as well. Estrada will be a breakout candidate this season.