Updated PGH New Jersey Class of 2026 Top Five Centers
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While the center is considered a dying position within the game of basketball, it is certainly still a significant factor in the sport, especially the women’s game. In Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey’s updated Class of 2026 rankings, there are…
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Continue ReadingWhile the center is considered a dying position within the game of basketball, it is certainly still a significant factor in the sport, especially the women’s game. In Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey’s updated Class of 2026 rankings, there are three centers ranked within the top 100 and 10 ranked overall. This article will discuss the top five sophomore centers in the Garden State.
No. 1: Annika Kivisikk Annika Kivisikk 5'11" | C Park Ridge | 2026 MO – Park Ridge (No. 79 overall)
Park Ridge is a team to follow this season with all of its impact starters returning for this season. That includes arguably the best frontcourt piece on the team for the Owls, Annika Kivisikk Annika Kivisikk 5'11" | C Park Ridge | 2026 MO , someone who’s shown to be a more defensive-first forward as of right now. She has shown great and controlled aggression in the paint, certainly a great rebounder and shot-blocker. Kivisikk was a consistent starter for Park Ridge as a senior, something to watch out for as she takes that extra year of experience into her sophomore campaign.
No. 2: Briana Holt Briana Holt 6'3" | C University | 2026 State NJ – Roselle (No. 83 overall)
Roselle is not strapped for frontcourt pieces at all, and it seems that Briana Holt Briana Holt 6'3" | C University | 2026 State NJ benefitted from that greatly as she played alongside Zoe Boston Zoe Boston 6'1" | SF Roselle | 2024 State NJ , now a senior this year. Holt averaged a double-double in her freshman year, recording 11 double-doubles as well, but she really impressed with her overall skillset on the floor. Her 6-3 frame helps her out that much more as that added height makes all the difference going after rebounds or trying to get tough baskets down low.
No. 3: Irma Sanchez Irma Sanchez 6'3" | C Garfield | 2026 State NJ – Garfield (No. 97 overall)
Another defensive-first player as of right now, Sanchez has done a great job of establishing herself within Garfield’s roster as an impact forward to rely on. Growth, development and experience is a big thing with a lot of these freshmen, but knowing Sanchez’s 6-3 frame, it seems like a case of not fully having her feet under her, and she’s got some time to really learn how to use her stature to her advantage. Even with that, she’s been a great forward to watch with solid agility and a great feel for the game right now.
No. 4: Brooke Harper Brooke Harper 6'1" | C Lyndhurst | 2026 State NJ – Lyndhurst (No. 102 overall)
Incredibly impressed with how Harper has played so far, and her success on the court very much rivals and reflects that of her peers in this top five list. She’s definitely shown that she can hang with just about anyone in the paint, much more over the last seven games of the season or so. That was a stretch of five double-doubles in seven games, recording just over three blocks a game in the process. If that’s any indication of the future, she’s got a bright one ahead.
No. 5: Julia Lettini Julia Lettini C Johnson | 2026 State NJ – Johnson (No. 137 overall)
Lettini rounds out our top five, a deserving addition to this list as someone who has shown some spurts with Johnson this season, plenty of bright spots and reasons to be excited for the future for her. As she matured into her freshman year, the second half of her season showed that promise, with numerous double-digit scoring performances, several double-doubles and a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. Definitely plays with purpose, surefire aggression near the paint and a solid touch on her shot.