AAU Analysis: NJ Panthers 17U Blue

<p>We've gotten the privilege of being able to talk about another [program_tooltip program_id='774068' first='NJ' last='Panthers'] team earlier in this AAU season, but it's about time to talk about the rest of the program, one stacked with talent across the board. From the previous 17U Black team we talked about, we head over to the 17U Blue squad.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='976646' first='Brianna' last='Patterson'] - Roselle Catholic (2025)</h2>   <p>Patterson transferred this past season to Roselle Catholic, where she got some more playing time, but didn't quite put up the totals across the board that we know she's capable of. An impressive three-point shooter and a consistent three-point shooter at that, the more that Patterson can allow that part of her game to open up the rest of her game, the better she's going to be almost immediately.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='976652' first='Adriana' last='Summersett'] - St. Thomas Aquinas (2025)</h2>   <p>Interesting piece of the puzzle at St. Thomas Aquinas and an interesting player overall to analyze. Summersett is an exciting prospect, no doubt about that, and funny enough, it starts with her three-point shooting. She's as much as specialized shooter as anyone, but she has used that to her advantage in a growing role with the Spartans. Took a big step forward defensively last season and got to the foul line more often offensively.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='879788' first='Taylor' last='Hough'] - Kittatinny (2025)</h2>   <p>There isn't a better place to start when talking about Hough than with her defense because goodness, what a step forward it took last season. That's by no means a stretch because not only was she now an impact starter for Kittatinny, her production was off the charts impressive. Improved in nearly all categories across the board, her defense takes the cake, an underrated choice for one of the best defenders in the state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='964995' first='Gianna' last='Mattia'] - Franklin (2026)</h2>   <p>Franklin, slowly but surely, is putting the pieces together to be one of the better teams in the Skyland Conference upcoming. Mattia should be part of that group in a much larger role as a junior. More well-rounded production as a sophomore, but in a bench role. She has all the makings of a great guard from solid defense to great court awareness and vision leading to strong passes and even better individual offense. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='976657' first='Kayla' last='Martinez'] - Montville (2025)</h2>   <p>Martinez excelled in the three-point department for Montville as a junior, and in a big way compared to her production as a sophomore. From someone who barely touched the field to someone hitting just above a three-pointer a game, Martinez found her niche and made her mark. Really smooth, quick release that's able to be replicated. Gets to her spots easily and moves well in both on-ball and off-ball situations.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='414323' first='Mia' last='Firdman'] - Gov. Livingston (2025)</h2>   <p>Firdman hit a plateau last season with Gov. Livingston, putting up much of the same averages as she did as a sophomore, now as a junior. It was certainly tough for her to score with so much attention on her as the leading scorer for the program, but we know there's more left in the tank. Solid perimeter shooter and a good all-around offensive package. We will say, very successful getting to the line this past season, a good sign for sure.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='890879' first='Sofia' last='Kouridakis'] - Immaculata (2025)</h2>   <p>Thrusted into a bigger role as a junior, Kouridakis made the most of her opportunity, taking over a starting role on a team with balance and depth. Consistent three-point shooting, but her presence down low is her bread-and-butter. We're really looking for her to work on keeping that aggression up defensively to control the glass and protect the rim. That will come with added playing time and the same can be said for the player below.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='644586' first='Mara' last='McHugh'] - Hillsborough (2025)</h2>   <p>McHugh's future is very interesting to watch as she just hasn't gotten a lot of playing time. She played a career-high 21 games as a junior, and from that we saw a lot of glimpses into what her senior year could be like. That's going to come from play down low, finding consistency, controlling the glass, closing in on opponents to deflect or disrupt shots and passes, and then starting opportunities the other way.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='583950' first='Sayuri' last='Penaranda'] - Freehold Borough (2025)</h2>   <p>If we're talking about frontcourt pieces that this team is going to be using and relying upon, Penaranda is one of those. Looked solid down low for Freehold Borough over the past few seasons, but definitely as a junior. Really took her game to new heights and honed in on things in the paint to allow her to be more effective and more dominant. Strong defensive play overall, something to watch out for the remainder of the summer.</p>

We've gotten the privilege of being able to talk about another NJ Panthers team earlier in this AAU season, but it's about time to talk about the rest of the program, one stacked with talent across the board. From the previous 17U Black team we talked about, we head over to the 17U Blue squad.