North Jersey Section 1, Group 1 First Round Star Performers

This evening, the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 1 tournament begin. Talk about a jam-packed first round of games in this region though with some great player performances. Here are some of the best from Tuesday’s first round action. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="155467" first="Christy" last="Brennan"] (Sr.) - 5-0 PG, Hopatcong</strong> Brennan’s high school career at Hopatcong came to an unfortunate end on Tuesday, but she ended her career as arguably the best player in program history. The game previous, Brennan’s 41-point performance, her third 40+ game of the season, gave her over 2,000 points in her high school career, the third boys or girls player ever in school history to hit that plateau. She’s an incredibly special talent with a skillset that’s unique and dominant. She creates contact unlike anyone we’ve seen before and is an excellent foul shooter as well. Much congratulations go out to Brennan on a great career. <strong>Ella Eitner (Jr.) - 5-10 PF/C, Waldwick</strong> Eitner was a key difference-maker in Waldwick’s first round victory over Hopatcong, posting a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double. The junior forward has found her stride in a big way this season, fitting in well in the middle as a reliable post player. Her stats didn’t jump off the page like others did, but her progression from last season to this season has been very noticeable. Her offensive game is improving steadily and her touch looks smooth and natural. She needs to continue to build off this momentum for the quarterfinals and further down the road. <strong>Angelina Doto (Jr.) - 5-6 SG/PG, Cresskill</strong> Doto had one of the best games of her career as No. 15 seeded Cresskill upset No. 2 seeded Hasbrouck Heights. The junior guard knocked down two three-pointers on her way to a 12-point night. She’s been playing much better basketball as of late and it’s helped spark a fire under for the Cougars, who have won five of its last six games. If Doto can continue to shoot well from beyond the arc and get some shots to fall in the paint, Cresskill is a dangerous No. 15 seed in this tournament. <strong>Gia Mandile (Sr.) - PG, Emerson Boro</strong> Mandile and Emerson Boro are on a roll as of late, having won five straight now into the quarterfinals. The senior point guard posted her first double-double since Feb. 8 in Emerson’s first round victory over New Milford, with 14 points and 10 rebound in the win. We’ve seen a lot of forward-like traits from Mandile this season along with her stellar guard play. She plays with confidence and handles the point well, but can make things happen in the paint. She’s been most active as a rebounder this season and it’s made a world of difference in her game. <strong>Jackie Schels (So.) - SF, Wallkill Valley</strong> What a season this sophomore forward had for Wallkill Valley, posting a double-double average on the year while improving her perimeter shooting and passing game. It’s been an impressive watch thus far with Schels because we know the kind of dominance she’s produced as a forward. This is one of the best post players in the region and a top rebounder as well. However, Schels can spread the floor quite easily as a great three-point shooter with a quick release. She draws defenders in to be able to pass the ball off to open teammates also. Let’s not overlook her interior defense as her 1.4 blocks per game shows how well-rounded her game is. <strong>Mikayla Caruso (Sr.) - 6-1, C/SF, Kittatinny</strong> For the first time in her career, Caruso posted double-double averages on the season. The senior forward has made her presence felt and known down low, especially as a shot-blocker. Caruso has averaged 3.0 blocks a game this season and along with a 13-point, 16-rebound double-double in Kittatinny’s first round win over Wallkill Valley, she recorded four blocks. Caruso is helping this team, currently on a five-game winning streak, and herself end this season on a high note as they’re in the quarterfinals.