Must-Watch NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public Prospects
The semifinal matchups for the NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public brackets were all decided on Friday, with the semifinals taking place on Monday. We’ve gotten some great basketball thus far from these two brackets, and there’s plenty more to come with…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe semifinal matchups for the NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public brackets were all decided on Friday, with the semifinals taking place on Monday. We’ve gotten some great basketball thus far from these two brackets, and there’s plenty more to come with the semifinals and championship games. Here are some of the prospects from both brackets you should be watching.
Giovanna Drajin (So.) – 5-10 F, Immaculata
Immaculata won its first playoff game in six years against a strong opponent in Notre Dame. Drajin was a big reason why Immaculata pulled out the win, posting a 13-point, 5-rebound performance, knocking down a three and recording two steals. Her sophomore season has been a great one as she’s shown great ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Drajin is a balanced forward who can shoot and has a lot of upside heading into her junior year in the fall. This coming AAU season will be key for continued development from her.
Rachel Castela (So.) – 5-9 SG, Mount St. Mary
We’ve recently talked about Castela and she’s continued her great run of form through the rest of the season into the Non-Public A bracket for South Jersey. The sophomore knocked down four three-pointers on her way to a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double for Mount St. Mary in its first round victory. It was a solid game for this guard sensation, who’s really finding her stride as an elite defender and rebounder. She’s also looked sensational this season from three, a great sign moving into the summer.
Haley Poser Haley Poser 5'8" | SG Ranney School | 2025 State NJ (Fr.) – 5-9 PG/SG, Ranney
Poser came close to averaging double-figures this season for Ranney, but came up short in the end. However, her playoff performances were spectacular, averaging 11.5 PPG and two made three-pointers a game in Ranney’s two games. Poser scored in double-figures in four of her last five games and was a big reason for Ranney reaching the quarterfinals. She looked confident as a guard this season and showed a lot of promise on both ends of the floor, something to watch looking forward.
Nia Clemons (Jr.) – F, St. Thomas Aquinas
Clemons showed out in St. Thomas Aquinas’ final game of the year, putting up 15 points, six rebounds and two made three-pointers in a loss to Camden Catholic. She’s been a consistent three-point shooter, but her game is played mostly in the interior and at the foul line. Clemons is an underrated passer and shot-blocker. Both of those shined this season for the junior forward and will be areas of improvement to watch come the fall.
Madelynn Bernhardt (So.) – 5-7 SF/SG, Our Lady of Mercy
Bernhardt’s three-point shooting was her major x-factor this season, especially in OLM’s first round game against Mount St. Mary. She knocked down 3 three-pointers on her way to a 16-point night and ended the season on a positive note. Bernhardt showed in that game that she can score from just about anywhere on the floor and is a much-improved foul shooter. Her perimeter defense is another part of her game that should be highlighted as someone who can really throw a wrench into opposition schemes.
Rachel Schafer (Fr.) – 5-9 F, Cavalry Christian (Old Bridge)
Schafer’s defense has stood out the most when watching her play this season, and a five-block performance in the quarterfinals against Wildwood Catholic was incredibly impressive. She averaged nearly 2.5 blocks a game this season and showed great agility and strength down on the block. Schafer read offenses well and positioned herself to be able to get to shots or passes easier. It’s a recipe for success that this freshman will most definitely be building upon in the summer leading up to the 2022-23 season.