AAU Preview: NJ Raptors 17U E-40
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Our AAU preview series continues with the New Jersey Raptors , already done three tournaments in April with plenty left to go this spring and summer. Their 17U roster, a nine-player team, features seven players from New Jersey and two…
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Continue ReadingOur AAU preview series continues with the New Jersey Raptors , already done three tournaments in April with plenty left to go this spring and summer. Their 17U roster, a nine-player team, features seven players from New Jersey and two from New York. This article will talk about the seven NJ players and what to expect out of them upcoming.
Ariana Madrid – 5-9 WING, Union City (2025)
Madrid is coming off her best season to date with Union City. Easily her best year in terms of production and the most games and minutes she’s played thus far. There’s a lot to like about this rising senior forward, much of it coming from her offensive success this past season. Great court awareness and quick agility, allowing her to get out in front of a pass or create space for herself offensively. Solid off-ball movement as well when going to shoot.
Briana Holt Briana Holt 6'3" | C University | 2026 State NJ – 6-3 C, University (2026)
Holt made the switch from Roselle to University as a sophomore, a move that almost immediately paid off for her. She was a starter on one of the best teams in the state, utilizing her size and wingspan to her advantage on both sides of the ball. Holt is a patient, but aggressive player, waiting for her time to strike. If there’s anyone who’s going to turn into that perennial double-double machine next season, it’s Holt for sure.
Lauren Gentile Lauren Gentile 5'6" | PG Hudson Catholic | 2025 State NJ – 5-6 PG, Hudson Catholic (2025)
Gentile is going to be one of the backcourt leaders for Hudson Catholic as a senior and she’s the type of player that can make some big time plays at key moments, plays that can switch momentum. If you watch her defensively, that’s exactly where she shines, often the one at the front of the fast break to get a quick layup and stop momentum for her opponents. We’re excited to see how she grows as a point guard this summer.
Molly Brown Molly Brown CG McNair | 2025 NJ – 5-7 G, Union City (2025)
Brown was a very specialized player for Union City as a junior, one of its best spot-up shooters overall. This team is one that shoots the three as often as any team in the state, knocking down more than 7.5 a game this past season. Brown certainly benefitted from that scoring dispersion and with a third of that three-point production graduating this spring, this summer is her proving ground to work on shooting efficiency and off-ball movement.
Khary Schwindt – 5-7 G, Hudson Catholic (2026)
Schwindt was the best three-point shooter and best defender in terms of steals on Hudson Catholic this past season. She does embody the three & D skillset and does it well, but there was pretty steady growth across the board. Her passing has definitely become more of a priority as has her presence on the glass. Schwindt was able to generate more offensive opportunities inside the perimeter and she looked more confident on the floor with experience under her belt.
Giada Celetti Giada Celetti 5'11" | PF Saddle River Day | 2026 State NJ – 6-0 F, Saddle River Day (2026)
Now is the time for Celetti to shine. This is her summer to really hone in on the traits of a good forward and run with it. Saddle River Day has voids to fill and production, especially down low, to replenish and replace. Celetti didn’t get much playing time other than bench minutes, but she is going to be imperative to the frontcourt. Her height is already a plus and from what we’ve seen, she’s got a good understanding and feel of the paint.
Milan Jones Milan Jones 5'9" | SG Oak Knoll | 2025 State NJ – 5-9 G, Oak Knoll (2025)
We saw Jones do just about everything under the sun as a junior, getting some play down low, beyond the arc, midrange and all. Jones has been one of the more active players when it comes to getting to the foul line, taking well over 325 foul shots over the past two seasons alone, over six attempts a game on average. Her offensive aggression is a big reason for her success outside of consistent defensive and rebounding contributions.