PGH NJ AAU Preview: NJ Panthers 16U Blue

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New Jersey Panthers AAU team pull from Central and North Jersey, and have comprised quite a bit of talent this season across the board. With four teams playing this season between the 15U and 17U levels, we have plenty to talk about. After previewing the 15U team, it's time to head to 16U and the Panthers' 16U Blue team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525405' first='Stella' last='Sweeney'] - South Plainfield (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've seen a lot of growth from the sophomore guard over the past two seasons, and her sophomore season was her most offensively productive season yet, averaging 10.4 PPG for South Plainfield. She's a well-rounded guard, averaging 4.1 RPG and 3.7 APG last season. Her passing has been stellar, averaging just under 4.6 assists per game the last two seasons, and she's continued to dazzle as a shooter, knocking down 92 three-pointers in her career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='583771' first='Maddie' last='Babula'] - Immaculata (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Babula's sophomore season came out of nowhere, but was a pleasant surprise for Immaculata, averaging 10.3 PPG in 26 games. A brand of great scoring, consistent shooting and strong defense, the guard has shown that she can do just about anything on the floor, and that she's a balanced producer overall. Her defense is something we're curious to see develop because last season was a strong start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='879788' first='Taylor' last='Hough'] - Kittatinny (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hough is a defensive wizard in her current role for Kittatinny, and it seems likely that she'll take over the role her sister played last season. The Cougars had difficulties scoring last season, which comes with the territory of playing in the NJAC, but they have a strong scorer upcoming. Averaging a team-high 8.5 PPG in 19 games, Hough also hit 18 threes on the year and seems poised to eclipse those marks next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964995' first='Gianna' last='Mattia'] - Franklin (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of three freshman on this team, Mattia had a limited role on Franklin last season, averaging just under 2.0 PPG in 16 games. There were some notable bright spots in her game, and a 10-point effort against North Star Academy is promising for the future. This season in AAU ball is going to be one to focus on well-rounded offense, hitting shots from the outside while being able to score in the interior and midrange game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976657' first='Kayla' last='Martinez'] - Montville (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinez is a three-point specialist for Montville, and she'll be getting a boost in playing time next season. This spring/summer with the Panthers will be a key one as she'll have the opportunity to work on the rest of her game, rounding out her play as a guard. Being a good three-point shooter is one thing, but having the ability to make shots in the lane, draw contact, really grow her shot portfolio, that's going to be crucial for continued success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414323' first='Mia' last='Firdman'] - Gov. Livingston (2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Firdman impressed last season and took a jump forward for Gov. Livingston, showing an ability to score in a plethora of ways, but falling back often on her three-point shooting. She knocked down nearly 1.5 threes a game and averaged 10.8 PPG as a sophomore. Getting to the foul line was a constant for her and with more experience comes more aggression and confidence on the floor. Her ability to create and draw contact will undoubtedly improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601283' first='Alisia' last='Hamm'] - Arthur L. Johnson (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The freshman was quick to impress with Arthur L. Johnson, a sharp-shooter with size and a quick release on the floor. Often with three-point specialists or players that shoot the three often, it's important for overall growth, something that we saw with her inside game. She plays with some tenacity closer to the basket and is showing the potential to be a reliable rebounder. With 3.5 RPG last season, even being able to average five rebounds a game as a sophomore will be a significant jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835932' first='Alexa' last='Regan'] - North Hunterdon (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regan didn't feature on varsity last season for North Hunterdon, who had a deep roster of players, but there is potential to see her play a bench role next season. The featured forward on the 16U Blue roster, what we're looking for from her is natural progression from the forward position in regards to making close-range baskets consistently, boxing out opponents and taking control of the boards. The post should be her place of dominance and a nightmare for other teams to have to deal with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->