Monday’s Essex County Tournament Standouts
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Monday was the second preliminary round of the Essex County Tournament with six games and 12 teams playing. Of the six games, we saw one close matchup, but unfortunately, a number of blowouts in the early stages. Nonetheless, let’s take…
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Continue ReadingMonday was the second preliminary round of the Essex County Tournament with six games and 12 teams playing. Of the six games, we saw one close matchup, but unfortunately, a number of blowouts in the early stages. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at some standout performers from Monday.
Jada Rodgers Jada Rodgers 5'4" | PG Science Park | 2025 State NJ – Science Park (2025)
Science Park came oh so close to defeating Montclair Kimberley on Monday, thanks in large part to the play of Rodgers, who scored a team-high 16 points in the loss. Rodgers knocked down 3 three-pointers, matching teammate Daziya Hudson Daziya Hudson 5'6" | SG Science Park | 2025 State NJ .
Salange Bell Salange Bell SF Montclair Kimberely | 2024 State NJ – Montclair Kimberley (2024)
The junior posted a career-high in points in the win for Montclair Kimberley, scoring 20 points, her seventh game in double-digits this season. This has been a breakout year for Bell, who is averaging 11.8 PPG for the Cougars.
Samiyah Polite – Newark Lab
It was an incredibly impressive performance from Polite in a 64-25 win for Newark Lab, scoring 23 points, almost all of them coming in the interior. It was her third 20+ point game of the season.
Kahmiyah Napier Kahmiyah Napier PG Newark Eastside | 2024 State NJ – Newark East Side (2024)
Napier has continued to be one of the most dominant players in Essex County this season and had herself quite a game for Newark East Side on Monday, nearly posting a double-double with 19 points, 10 steals and seven rebounds. She also had five assists, her fourth-straight game with at least five assists.
Aubrey Cohen – Livingston (2026)
Cohen has made a gradual impact for Livingston in her freshman season, but Monday was arguably her best game of the season, knocking down 3 three-pointers en route to a 10-point night, the joint leader in scoring for the team.
Niaja Troutman – Newark East Side (2026)
The freshman has been a standout for Newark East Side this season in a dominant win over Technology, she showcased her defensive prowess and offensive skillset, scoring 13 points along with five steals, two rebounds and three assists.
Savannah Seawell Savannah Seawell 6'3" | PF Montclair | 2025 State NJ – Montclair (2025)
Seawell is making a massive statement in her sophomore season as one of the best forwards in the region. Once again, she made her presence felt in a big way, scoring a career-high 28 points over West Caldwell Tech, continuing a streak of 11-straight games in double-figures to start the season.
Elsa Taylor-Lillquist Elsa Taylor-Lillquist C Montclair | 2023 State NJ – Montclair (2023)
Taylor-Lillquist is having the breakout season she’s been working toward as a senior and what a display she put on against West Caldwell Tech, scoring a career-high 20 points for Montclair. She’s averaging 12.6 PPG and 7.5 RPG for the Mounties this season.