PGH New Jersey’s 2022-2023 All-Cape-Atlantic League First Team
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The teams representing the American, National and United divisions showed up and showed out this year! As a whole, the CAL was stacked with superstars and future college impact players. It’s never an easy task narrowing down the selection to…
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Continue ReadingThe teams representing the American, National and United divisions showed up and showed out this year! As a whole, the CAL was stacked with superstars and future college impact players. It’s never an easy task narrowing down the selection to just six athletes, especially when the talent pool is as stellar as this one. Congratulations are in order to the following hoopers on their achievements and accomplishments, and may they continue to shine bright in their respective basketball careers:
Nir Nir Cherry-Montague Nir Nir Cherry-Montague 6'6" | PF Atlantic City | 2023 State NJ – Atlantic City (2023)
*2022-2023 CAL Player of the Year
The Mississippi State commit saved her best for last, as she had a career year leading her team in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, free throw attempts and makes. The 6’6″ superstar with a near 7-foot wingspan also occasionally popped out to the 3-point line where she showed off her range. Often times triple and quadruple teamed, Quanirah still managed to impose her game and dominate, posting 24 double-doubles, including a monstrous 23-point/20-rebound game against Holy Spirit. With season averages of 17.3 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.5 bpg & 2.5 spg, she displayed her all-court game time and time again and proved a force to be reckoned with. She eclipsed 1,000 career points in the South Jersey, Group 4 final against Cherokee and finished her senior year ranked as the no. 48 prospect in the country (and sixth-best post player). What a dazzling career!
Jada Elston Jada Elston 5'8" | SG Middle Township | 2023 State NJ – Middle Township (2023)
From November to March, Jada went on a TEAR! She averaged 17.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg & 1.6 spg and did it against some very difficult competition. She scored her 1,000th point in a first round CAL Tournament game against Vineland, where she went off for a 30-point/11-rebound double-double. Statistically, Jada’s numbers across the board were the highest in four years, as was her confidence. Her season-high 31 points came in the South Jersey, Group 2 Championship against Cinnaminson, where she accounted for more than 50% of her team’s total points in a 57-48 win! Her 561 points scored ranks among one of the highest totals of the season across the state. A sensational senior season, to say the very least!
Kasey Bretones Kasey Bretones 5'10" | PG Mainland | 2024 State NJ – Mainland (2024)
Kasey put the Mustangs on her back and carried them far; all gas, no brakes! She led Mainland to their second-straight CAL title, drubbing powerhouse Atlantic City 46-26 in the final and earning MVP honors in the process. She averaged 11.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg & 3 spg and led her team to a South Jersey, Group 3 title game appearance and a 26-3 record, which at one point included a 20-game winning streak. As good as Kasey was offensively, she was best known for her defensive prowess and was undeniably one of the Cape-Atlantic League’s scrappiest & most tenacious defenders. All indications point to a stellar 2023-2024 senior season!
Kaci Mikulski Kaci Mikulski 5'8" | CG Wildwood Catholic Academy | 2024 State NJ – Wildwood Catholic (2024)
One of Non-Public B’s best 3-point shooters, Kaci’s stock rose exponentially in her third season with the Crusaders. She posted career highs in 3-pointers made, total points and rebounds and really asserted herself as a dangerous sharpshooter, as well as a great defender. She led her team to a 24-6 record while averaging 14.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.8 apg & 1.1 spg, including just over two 3’s per game. When the defense collapsed on her, she found different ways to create for her teammates in the open court and led her team in assists with 84 dimes dished. Kaci led Wildwood Catholic to an appearance in the South Jersey, Non-Public B title game and averaged 13.3 ppg & 6 rpg in the state tournament.
Avery Jackson Avery Jackson 5'7" | CG Ocean City | 2023 State NJ – Ocean City (2023)
In a season that included a 14-game winning streak, a South Jersey, Group 3 sectional title against fierce rival Mainland & an appearance in the state semifinal against juggernaut Ewing, Avery shined bright all year long. She averaged 10.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.1 apg & 1 spg and willed the Red Raiders to victory time and time again in a season that proved historic. In close games against Wildwood, Absegami, Middle Township and Williamstown (where the margin of victory was a total of 18 points), Avery came up with clutch performances to propel Ocean City each and every time. A senior season, and ultimately, entire high school career to be so incredibly proud of!
Reese Downey Reese Downey 5'7" | PG Absegami | 2025 State NJ – Absegami (2025)
Absegami played a difficult schedule this season that included games against three out-of-state powerhouses, but that never once rattled Reese! The sophomore sensation held her own against bigger and more experienced players, and then some! She led her team in points, assists, blocks, steals and 3-pointers made, with season averages of 16.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1 bpg & 4.7 spg, including 2.6 3’s per game. She eclipsed 100 made 3’s, 200 rebounds, 200 steals, 200 assists and is just 135 points shy of 1,000 for her career. Reese’s nine 20+ point games and a season-high 31 against Kingsway established her as a true sharpshooter from anywhere on the hardwood. She is poised for a big junior year!