Looking Ahead: Player of the Year Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-2024 high school hoops season is in the books and what a season it was! Extraordinary performances from extraordinary players and sensational title runs for University, Manasquan, Mainland, Lenape, Red Bank Catholic and Morris Catholic. [player_tooltip player_id='325201' first='Mikayla' last='Blakes'] (Rutgers Prep) was named PGHNJ's POY and now we look ahead to next season where these five candidates may just be the ones to watch when December rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333302' first='Mia' last='Pauldo'] | 2025| Morris Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024 MaxPreps &amp; NJ.com POY will have all eyes on her and nationally-ranked Morris Catholic as they look to claim yet another Non-Public B state title in 2025. One of the most exciting players in America, Mia will surely put her electrifying skill-set on full display as she looks to join the 2,000 Point Club (currently at 1,640). She excels on both sides of the ball and can quickly light it up on offense and cause a world of problems for ball-handlers on D. Something tells me Mia is saving her very best for her senior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='583758' first='Nila' last='Giraud'] | 2025 | Montclair Immaculate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nila has gotten better and better with each passing year. Her versatility has allowed her to torch opponents from multiple spots on the floor and constantly put ICHS in an excellent position to win games against some of the toughest teams in the country. Her terrific all-court game landed her on our 1st Team All-State this year as well as on the radar of just about everyone in the state. If she continues to up her production and lead the Lions to wins in big games, Nila will put herself in prime position to claim her first POY award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='559085' first='Addison' last='Nyemchek'] | 2026 | Red Bank Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addy raised her stock exponentially in her sophomore season as she led the Caseys to a NPA state title in early March. The long, lean, athletic guard was a different animal this year than in her rookie year. Her incredible ability to get to the rim at will was surely a sight to see as the games rolled on. She was nearly automatic anywhere from 12-15 feet out and used all of her 6'1" frame to block shots and wreak havoc on the defensive end. 1,000 career points awaits as she looks to lead RBC to consecutive state championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='559135' first='Stella' last='Lockhart'] | 2026 | St. John Vianney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As good as Stella has been in her young career, I feel as though she's just scratching the surface of her potential. A physically strong, highly skilled and versatile hooper, she establishes her dominance from the tip and never lets her foot off the gas! She led the Lady Lancers in scoring this season while ranking in the top five in every other statistical category across the board. While her ability to put the ball through the hoop surely makes her great, it's her sharp basketball acumen and intense workhorse mentality that really makes her a cut above the rest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835906' first='El-Anita' last='Joe-Samuel'] | 2027 | Lenape</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The freshman torched every opponent Lenape played as she led them to Group 4 glory in early March. One of the state's most dynamic Forwards (regardless of Class), EAJS quickly became a name to know, racking up 108 points in the first eight games of her career. Her explosiveness was eye-catching and her lights-out shooting from deep, decimating! As she puts in work in the off-season and continues to elevate her game, she will look to amplify her menacing skill-set when next season rolls around. One of the best public school players in the state, EAJS will have her eyes set on state title numero dos and a POY crown to go along with it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->