PGH NJ’s All-Olympic Conference First Team
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As we continue in our Player of the Year articles, it’s due time for us to talk about all-conference teams and we’ll be divvying that up amongst our PGH writers. First up, it’s time to talk about our First Team…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue in our Player of the Year articles, it’s due time for us to talk about all-conference teams and we’ll be divvying that up amongst our PGH writers. First up, it’s time to talk about our First Team selections in the Olympic Conference, easily one of the toughest and most competitive in the state. Keep in mind, our lists will have six selections, not five, so here is Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey’s All-Olympic Conference First Team selections.
All-Olympic Conference First Team
Hannah Hidalgo Hannah Hidalgo 5'7" | PG Paul VI | 2023 State NJ – Paul VI (2023) *2022-23 Olympic Conference Player of the Year
As Hidalgo was our pick as South Jersey’s Player of the Year, it was no question that she would be included in our First Team selections here, and what a player she is. We’ve already discussed the stats time-and-time again, but for good reason as she’s a top player in the state and in the country for a reason. A note: her 28.8 PPG is a 2.5 PPG improvement from her junior year, where she averaged 26.3 PPG for the Eagles.
Kassidy Thompson Kassidy Thompson 5'9" | SG Camden Catholic | 2023 State NJ – Camden Catholic (2023)
Thompson takes home more hardware after being named a finalist for our South Jersey Player of the Year award, and a much-deserved First Team selection for her after averaging 18.1 PPG for the Irish in 31 games. She was the second-highest scorer in the conference behind Hidalgo and set new career-highs for herself as a senior.
Aaryn Battle Aaryn Battle 5'8" | SF Camden Catholic | 2023 State NJ – Camden Catholic (2023)
Consistency is the name of the game, but when you’re as good as Battle, it’s not just consistency, but overall dominance on the floor. She’s been a fantastic scorer, averaging a career-high 16.9 PPG for the Irish as a senior, but her passing has been the x-factor throughout and stayed consistent again, averaging 4.0 APG. Over the past two years, she’s averaged 4.5 APG in 51 games.
Gabby Recinto Gabby Recinto 5'10" | SF Cherokee | 2023 State NJ – Cherokee (2023)
Another player who just nearly missed out on being named the South Jersey Player of the Year, Recinto has been the backbone of Cherokee’s team this season and one of the better forwards in the state in recent times. Averaging 14.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.7 BPG and 1.6 SPG in 31 games, Recinto nearly willed the Chiefs to a Group IV title this season, coming up short in the title game.
Nia Scott Nia Scott 6'1" | PF Shawnee | 2023 State NJ – Shawnee (2023)
One half of the second-best dynamic duo in the conference behind Battle and Thompson for Camden Catholic, Scott is another big time force down low that improved her offense considerably as a senior, averaging 14.2 PPG and 6.8 RPG in 31 games for the Renegades. Her defense stayed consistent throughout with 26 blocks and 39 steals, just missing out on 100 career blocks and steals to end the season.
Avery Kessler Avery Kessler SG Shawnee | 2023 State NJ – Shawnee (2023)
Kessler’s evolution into one of the premier guards, especially shooting guards, in the region has been a delight to see and once again, she was incredibly effective on the ball, averaging 13.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, 3.5 SPG and 1.6 made threes (51 total) in 31 games. Her scoring went down slightly, but her passing and defensive stats took some considerable jumps, showcasing her all-around ability on the court.