2024 Rankings: New Additions

The Fall update for the senior class rankings was released a week ago with some major shifts in the top 5 and a lot of movement beyond that, with some players rising 50, 60, 70+ spots due to successful junior seasons and undeniable success over the summer playing AAU ball. We take a look at new additions to the top 100, with players making their debut going from previously unranked to now having a number beside their name.

Brooke Barnes | Debut Rank: #44

Brooke’s stellar junior season coupled with amazing grassroots play has earned her a meteoric rise in the rankings, going from unranked to landing inside the top 50. Playing for nationally ranked Paul VI, she tallied 115 points and had solid showings against powerhouse teams such as Westtown (PA) and St. John Vianney (NJ). With BBA, she was sensational at Spooky, sizzled at the Atlantic City Showcase in May and was a standout at Jersey Live (live scholastic period). The recent Delaware State commit will be one of four senior leaders ob a team that went 21-3 (6-0 in conference) and made it to the South Jersey Non-Public A Final a season ago.

Mia Cruz | Debut Rank: #71

This electric guard has been riding a wave of confidence since the first game of her junior season where she put up 14 points and grabbed 6 steals against Elmwood Park. She would go on to tally 284 points, 94 rebounds, 55 assists and 57 steals and help her team claim the North Jersey, Section 2 Group 2 title and make an appearance in the Group 2 State Final. Mia helped United NJ open up the grassroots season with a 4-0 showing at the Hoop Group Warm Up in Pitman, NJ, 4-0 at the first live period at Spooky and strong live period showings at the Showcase & Championship Weekend both held in Atlantic City. Her strong handles, efficient shooting and overall electric guard play landed her on my “stock risers report” several times throughout the summer. With her confidence at an all-time high, a big senior season is on the horizon for Miss Mia Cruz!

Destiny Wallace | Debut Rank: #77

A player who excels on both sides of the ball, Destiny dazzled for the Crusaders last season and continued her commanding play all throughout the Spring and Summer. Competing with the Soldiers of New Jersey, she used her quick-hitting offense and hounding defense to help her team go 4-0 at the NJ Warm Up, beating teams from the EYBL, UAA and HGSL circuits. She really caught my eye at the A.C. Showcase with her supremely high motor and zippy rim-running. Her cool, calm and collected composure helped seal the deal in the event finale against CT Starters where she swished both free throws under immense pressure. In her last ever aau tournament at The Showcase, she left a memorable impression as she was the second-leading scorer in a thrilling Elam ending win against Global Squad. One of four senior leaders for the Crusaders, expect Destiny to see even more playing time and upped production in almost every category.

Gabby Langrin | Debut Rank: #83

Gabby truly blossomed over the summer and took her game to new heights playing with the Jersey Gemz 17U Truhan. She was on fire at the A.C. Showcase, splashing buckets and playing aggressively to help her team achieve a 3-1 weekend. She brought the energy at The Comets event playing tough and holding her own against the host team and the NJ Panthers. At the NJ Jam Fest, she really impressed me how she pushed the pace and got to her spots quickly along the perimeter. Her 3-point shot was clicking on all cylinders and had elite teams such as New Heights NYC in shambles trying to successfully defend her high-arching, quick-release shot. This new-found confidence will be fun to watch as she heads into her final high school hoops season with the Argonauts of Rutgers Prep.

Mia Hartman | Debut Rank: #86

The recent Drew commit had a major surge this summer that stemmed from a phenomenal junior season with Princeton Day. She was their leader in almost every statistical category, scoring 223 points and proving tough to contain. Playing for Team Miller this summer, Mia was relentless in asserting herself and imposing her will time and time again. She is wildly versatile, playing the 1-3 positions and possesses a never-say-die attitude with a vigor to compete. In Atlantic City, she had the Showcase rocking against teams like LI Lightning, Elevate NYBC and the mighty WPA Bruins, sinking shot after shot and deflating the confidence of defenders far and wide. One of two seniors for Princeton Day, expect a big season that may see Mia eclipse 600 points for her career.

Zya Washington | Debut Rank: #90

One of the summer’s biggest stock risers, Zya showed up and showed out with Team Miller! Fundamentally sound with sharp basketball acumen, she put her moves on display in Atlantic City, weaving through traffic, blowing past defenders and fearlessly attacking the rim. Her stop and pop mid-range game was on fire as was her laser-precise court vision, dishing dimes in transition and getting her teammates fully involved. Everybody eats with Zya at the point! At Run 4 Roses, she displayed tremendous grit on both sides of the ball, wreaking havoc on teams such as FGB Elite and SLAAM Perry. Her raw skills and tenacious guard play earned her offers from Chestnut Hill, Roberts, Pratt , Rutgers Camden and Richard Bland before announcing her commitment to Hamilton College in August. Expect a breakout finale as she will close out her high school career playing for Coach Kreie and Montclair Immaculate.

Tiffany Pecorella | Debut Rank: #92

Tiffany might be one of the toughest players in NJ’s Class of 2024. Her mental fortitude coupled with tremendous physicality paid dividends this season with Team Sharp. They went 4-0 at the A.C. Showcase, beating a tough NJ Shoreshots team in the process. TIffany ran the floor hard, had the mid-range on lock and splashed in long balls with supreme confidence. Efficient multi-level scoring was a huge reason her squad had successful showings at the NJ Rise tourney and at the USJN National Championships. It was at Run 4 Roses, however, where Tiffany truly blossomed. The sharpshooter averaged just under 16 points per game and three 3-pointers per game, proving unstoppable from deep. As she prepares for her senior season with the Lady Warriors of Franklin, expect her ferocious guard play to dazzle all winter long!

Shawnae Biggs | Debut Rank: #95

Shawnae’s junior year alone was enough to land her a spot just inside the top 100! Playing on one of NJ’s best teams in Ewing, she was a “jill-of-all-trades” contributing on both ends, scoring points, pulling down rebounds and picking pockets from December through March! She helped the Blue Devils compile a 30-3 record and snatch a Group 3 State Title, playing fearless basketball and never shying away from the occasion! Her high-energy, uptempo play has been on full display this Fall at No Boyz Allowed as she preps for her senior campaign, where Ewing will look to defend its Group 3 title. Shawnae is on pace to eclipse career milestones of 400+ rebounds, 200+ assists and 200+ steals before her stellar high school career comes to a close.