South Jersey's X-FACTORS | Prep Girls Hoops

With the NJSIAA state tournament just around the corner, we turn our attention to some of South Jersey's often overlooked players who might just be the key to their respective teams make a deep run in the playoffs. Each of these hoopers bring something different to the table and play crucial roles on their squads.   [player_tooltip player_id='852758' first='Mel' last='Bimmer'] | Maple Shade   Maple Shade is having one of the most successful seasons in program history and Mel's presence has a lot to do with that. She was the difference-maker in a mid-January win over Palmyra where she went off for a season-high 12 points, knocking down three 3's in the process. Mel gives the Wildcats really good minutes and does whatever is asked of her. She can put the ball through the hoop, is totally unafraid crashing the glass and gives 110% on defense. Her toughness and coachability provide extreme intangible value as the Wildcats look to make a deep push in Group 1 later this month.   [player_tooltip player_id='488654' first='Shannon' last='Pierman'] | Woodstown   The "senior security blanket" as I like to call her, is an absolute menace on the glass and gives her team second and third chance scoring opportunities. With thirteen games in double-figure rebounding and seven double-doubles, Shannon has been a significant part of Woodstown's regular season success. Strong put-backs around the rim and kick-outs from the post make her tough to contain as she can do a little bit of everything, but it's her ability to rebound at a furious rate (especially o-boards) that will be the key to Wolverine's ultimate success in Group 1.   [player_tooltip player_id='852759' first='Jade' last='Andrews'] | Manchester Township   Small but mighty, Jade's terrific two-way guard play has been invaluable for the Hawks thus far. Much of the attention on this team goes to NC State commit [player_tooltip player_id='325192' first='Devyn' last='Quigley'] (and rightfully so), but in times where Devyn is being heavily face-guarded and even triple-teamed, Jade has stepped up and provided quality minutes and a lot of production. She was a game-changer in a close 56-52 win over Brick Twp (12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals) and a 48-44 narrow escape of Egg Harbor Twp (5 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals) at War v The Shore. She converts defense to offense, runs the floor hard and brings the energy, all things that will be uber important as the Hawks look to go far in Group 2.   [player_tooltip player_id='669303' first='Abbey' last='Cappelletti'] | Middle Township   Having a reliable scorer like Abbey is something every team needs during the most important time of the season. Whether starting or coming off the bench, she has brought intensity and a hot hand from deep for the Panthers. The sophomore has upped the ante from a season ago and he confidence is peaking at just the right time! In the past 2 weeks, Abbey has notched career-highs in points, made 3-pointers and steals. She was the difference-maker in close wins against Atlantic City (46-38, 11 points, 2 rebounds, three 3's) and Howell (47-38, 16 points, 2 rebounds, four 3's). If she continues to go off from long range and bring unmatched toughness, Middle Township is sure to go far in Group 2.   [player_tooltip player_id='852760' first='Brett' last='Foster'] | Clearview   Brett is having a breakout sophomore season, providing a major spark for Clearview and helping them achieve a 15-4 record one day before the power points cutoff. She's been a fearless post presence whose tenacity and relentlessness made a major statement throughout this regular season and in conference play. In addition to post scoring and strong rebounding, Brett has the ability to stretch out to 3 and knock it down with confidence. She also delivers strong passes out of the post to lurking 3-point sniper and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='325194' first='Ana' last='Pellecchia']. She will bring toughness and versatility as the Pioneers look to go deep in Group 3.   [player_tooltip player_id='852763' first='Sofia' last='Recinto'] | Cherokee   Sofia can really do it all for the Lady Chiefs but it's her lockdown defense that is most impressive. When she puts the clamps on, she wreaks havoc on opponents and racks up the steals. She applies suffocating pressure and maintains defensive integrity from the first whistle to the last. In fact, it was this same defense that gave Cherokee a close 40-34 victory of Cherry Hill East (4 steals) and a narrow 40-33 escape of Lenape (3 steals). Her steals ignite the fast break offense and she does a great job pushing the ball ahead for a scoring opportunity. Look for Sofia to be Cherokee's x-factor as they compete for yet another Group 4 sectional title.   [player_tooltip player_id='333323' first='Aleena' last='Dinker'] | St. John Vianney   Aleena is a vastly underrated true point who runs the show and plays really well on both sides of the ball. She is capable of setting up and executing the half-court offense, finding shooters around the perimeter, delivering perfectly-timed post-entry passes and yes, even sinking big shots herself. It's her blue-collar defense, however, that takes her overall game to the next level. She has risen to the occasion several times this season with solid performances off the bench, including a season-high 13 points against St. Rose, 8 assists against Wall and 4 steals against Ranney. Aleena's stifling ball pressure will be instrumental as the Lady Lancers look to defend their South Jersey, Non-Public A title.   [player_tooltip player_id='600911' first='SondJane' last='Daudin'] | Trenton Catholic   Back in December at the Boardwalk Classic, Sondjane came across my radar and I labeled her "a name you need to know." As the season has progressed, she's continued to deliver with impactful performances game after game. With six games in double-figure scoring and countless steals, she has solidified herself as a legitimate two-way threat. Flashing to the hoop aggressively and sinking shots efficiently from the mid-range, Sondjane has found different ways to put points on the board for the Iron Mikes. One of the toughest players in all of Non-Public B, she embraces the game's physical aspect and does an excellent job initiating contact and earning trips to the charity stripe. On defense, she anticipates well and uses quick hands to disrupt plays and cut off passing lanes for steals. If you haven't put her on your radar yet, now would be a good time!

With the NJSIAA state tournament just around the corner, we turn our attention to some of South Jersey's often overlooked players who might just be the key to their respective teams make a deep run in the playoffs. Each of these hoopers bring something different to the table and play crucial roles on their squads.