NJSIAA Group 1 Semifinals Stars & Standouts
The semifinals for all four public groups have already been played with the finals being held on Sunday. We’ve seen some fantastic basketball played from teams in Group 1-4, but in this, we’re starting with the breakout stars from the…
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Continue ReadingThe semifinals for all four public groups have already been played with the finals being held on Sunday. We’ve seen some fantastic basketball played from teams in Group 1-4, but in this, we’re starting with the breakout stars from the Group 1 semifinals, where Shore and University advanced to the Group 1 final.
Emily Little (Sr.) – 6-2 PF/C, Wildwood
There were a number of fantastic performances from Wildwood on Wednesday, but the player for us that stood out the most was the senior forward Little, who nearly had herself a double-double in the loss. Little scored nine points along with nine rebounds, three assists and a block. She ends her high school career with a very strong performance, nearly missing out on her first double-double of the season. Little uses her height well and created havoc for Shore players to have to maneuver through.
Conley Smolokoff (So.) – SF, Shore
Smolokoff put up quite a balanced game across the board for Shore in the win, recording seven points, five rebounds, one made three-pointer, two assists, a block and two steals. Her shot selection varied in the game and she made her two made field goals count for Shore. It was great seeing her become a facilitator in the game as well as providing a solid defensive presence. If she can put up numbers like this consistently, she’s going to be a great role player as a starter.
Rylee Drahos Rylee Drahos 5'7" | CG Shore | 2023 State NJ (Jr.) – SG/SF, Shore
When talking about Drahos, it’s important to not only talk about her 19-point game, but also her teammate Reese Fiore’s 18-point performance. Drahos has been the leader of this Shore team the entire season and has put up some ridiculous numbers thus far. The duo of her and Fiore is the reason why Shore has found itself in a position to win the NJSIAA Group 1 title. Drahos, in particular, is one of the best scorers we’ve seen across the board in the state.
Quincey McGuinness (Sr.) – PG, North Warren
McGuinness returned to the level of success she had as a sophomore this season and continued a level of consistent play through to the end. We’ve seen this senior guard become a much more active player on the glass this season and that was reflected well in North Warren’s semifinal against University. McGuinness had herself a double-double, with 10 points and 13 rebounds, getting to the line quite often. That’s been her secret sauce this season is her ability to draw contact and that’s really ignited North Warren on the offensive end.
Paradise Fisher (Fr.) – 5-6 PG, University
Fisher had herself another signature performance, one we’ve become accustomed to though she’s a freshman, in the semis. The 5-6 standout guard scored a game-high 24 points, hauling in five rebounds and recording six steals. It was her fourth game of 6+ steals in her last six games and her fourth 20+ point performance of the season. Fisher is peaking at just the right time for University, who won comfortably over North Warren, a 57-39 blowout. Performances like hers in the semis are going to be the difference-maker in the final.
Kaylah Neal (Jr.) – 5-6 PG, University
Neal put in a top-two performance for her this season at just the right time for University, recording a 11-point, 10-rebound double-double with five steals. In her last six games, this junior guard is averaging 5.8 steals a game, just an insane number, but she’s been arguably the best defensive player for this team down the stretch. Her perimeter on-ball defending and quick thinking is a perfect formula that has produced a number of fast breaks and scoring opportunities for University down the stretch.