Class of 2025: MEET THE TOP 5

PGHNJ has just updated it's rankings and with so much movement and shifting comes a NEW-LOOK TOP 5! This season of high schools hoops was one of the most exciting to date, especially with the parity at an all-time high. Players representing Non-Public A, Non-Public B & Prep A programs make up the entire Top 5 as these schools have produced some undeniable top-tier talent in this sophomore class!   [player_tooltip player_id='333302' first='Mia' last='Pauldo'] | Morris Catholic   State Rank #1 | Position Rank #1   No surprise here! Mia is a cut above the rest when it comes to these rankings. One of the most electric guards in America, she racked up the accolades and awards en-route to claiming yet another Non-Public B state title with the Crusaders of Morris Catholic. She was named MVP of the John Wall Invitational, Hoop Hall Classic, MLK Classic and Winter Classic, was named to PGHNJ's 1st Team All-State and was dubbed Player of the Year by publications such as MaxPreps and NJ.com. Mia posted averages of 19.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5.3 apg & 2.7 spg and did so against some of the nation's top teams. She recorded three double-doubles, posted a 30 point games, thirteen 20+ point games and led her team in scoring and assists.   [player_tooltip player_id='583758' first='Nila' last='Giraud'] | Montclair Immaculate   State Rank #2 | Position Rank #1   The versatile stretch 4 was absolutely menacing this season, guiding the Lions to an Essex County title and a North Jersey, Non-Public B sectional finals appearance. Nila's exceptional two-way game was clicking on all cylinders as she led her team in scoring and rebounding while ranking second in blocks. Playing a gauntlet of a schedule that featured some of the top teams in the country, she was dynamic and dominant, posting averages of 15.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.2 bpg & 1.8 spg. This season, Nila also established herself as a dangerous threat from behind the arc, doubling her production from her sophomore year in 3-pointers made with 33. She recorded eighteen double-doubles, including a stretch of seven consecutive, and notched career-highs in points (32 vs Glen Ridge), rebounds (18 vs Columbia), assists (6 vs St. Francis-GA), blocks (8 vs University) and steals (6 vs Montclair).   [player_tooltip player_id='333305' first='Mya' last='Pauldo'] | Morris Catholic   State Rank #3 | Position Rank #2   Wherever Mia is, Mya is not far behind! She put her elite skillset on full display this season and helped Morris Catholic to really big wins against really good teams. An excellent scorer, facilitator and defensive presence, she brought the fire, intensity and a lot of swag while averaging 14.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.1 apg & 2.9 spg. She eclipsed 100 made 3's, joined the 1,000-point club, and claimed triple-figure assist totals for the third consecutive season. Mya also notched seven 20+ point games, including a career-high 28 against Morris Knolls. The Puma Princess was also recently named to PGHNJ's 2nd Team All-State!   [player_tooltip player_id='333321' first='Kennedy' last='Henry'] | Blair   State Rank #4 | Position Rank #3   Kennedy kept her foot on the gas all season long, leading Blair to a MAPL Championship in dominating fashion, posting 35 points (career-high), 12 rebounds & 6 steals in the final against Mercersburg (PA). The Virginia Tech commit played brilliant basketball from start to finish, averaging 20.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 apg & 3.5 spg for the 17-3 Bucs and solidifying herself as a lethal two-way guard. As the season went on, Kennedy posted seven double-doubles, eleven 20+ point games and notched her 1,000th career point!   [player_tooltip player_id='333309' first='Daniella' last='Matus'] | St. John Vianney   State Rank #5 | Position Rank #4   Her first season as a Lady Lancer was a huge success! Daniella lit it up from 3 and brought the energy, tenacity and confidence with her from her playing days at Morris Catholic. Strong handles and wicked efficiency from the floor helped SJV achieve a Shore Conference Tournament title, South Jersey, Non-Public A semifinal appearance and a 22-8 overall record. She averaged 9.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.9 apg & 1.7 spg and snagged her 1,000th career point in a big win v Mainland (only loss of their season) at War v The Shore, which I was fortunate enough to witness live and in-person! In her junior year, Daniella was more than a handful for opponents to try and contain.

PGHNJ has just updated it's rankings and with so much movement and shifting comes a NEW-LOOK TOP 5! This season of high schools hoops was one of the most exciting to date, especially with the parity at an all-time high. Players representing Non-Public A, Non-Public B & Prep A programs make up the entire Top 5 as these schools have produced some undeniable top-tier talent in this sophomore class!