AAU Analysis: NJ Rise Baffa 2027

<p>The AAU season might have come to an end, but our analysis pieces and content surrounding AAU is still ongoing as the summer slowly transitions into the fall. We're diving deeper into NJ Rise, one of the top AAU programs in the state, and the Baffa 2027/14U team, containing some of the brightest and youngest talent in the state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='913947' first='Quinn' last='Smigelsky'] - Holmdel (2028)</h2>   <p>Part of the incoming freshman class to Holmdel this season, Smigelsky brings with her a piece to build around at the top of the key. She's shown great poise and composure at the point and is impressively playing up a year with this 2027 team. Should factor well into a team that lost three big seniors, including two guards, in the spring. She'll pick up valuable minutes to work on her game and quickly get the feel of the speed of high school.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Erin McBarron - Wall (2027)</h2>   <p>McBarron got some bench time as a freshman on a senior-heavy roster. That roster coming into this season has plenty of holes and voids that need to be filled up with new talent. McBarron is just the piece to help rebuild and refuel, showing a bit of everything in limited minutes. She already showed it this summer, but Wall will need her to mature quickly and be ready to take that jump into being a potential starter.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='651511' first='Rose' last='LaTesta'] - Manasquan (2027)</h2>   <p>Part of the new wave of talent for Manasquan going into this season, the 5-9 guard is a true baller in every sense of the words. She put in some WORK in the offseason, showing out with 30-point games and consistent double-digit scoring performances. LaTesta can do just about anything asked of her, from outside the perimeter to inside the paint. Very versatile piece and someone who exudes incredible confidence on the floor.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='982749' first='Chloe' last='Barrett'] - Southern Regional (2028)</h2>   <p>We have a pair of 2028s on this roster and two players that could very well have a big impact in the Shore Conference over the next few years. Barrett brings with her good size for a guard as she'll start with Southern Regional this fall/spring. Great mobility on the floor. Can work it inside and out. Not afraid to be physical and will make the effort play, go the extra mile to keep a possession alive or start a fast break the other way.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='959823' first='Kennedy' last='Ward'] - Holy Spirit (2027)</h2>   <p>Ward had limited playing time as a freshman with Holy Spirit, but has plenty of basketball ahead of her at Holy Spirit. Solid program with a winning tradition and some openings for players to come in and shine on a bigger stage. Added playing time will only help Ward and she showcased some of her shooting skills, as well as tight defense in both on-ball and off-ball situations.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='831178' first='Makayla' last='David'] - Kearny (2027)</h2>   <p>David made a name for herself and then some off the jump for Kearny, establishing herself early as one of the best three-point shooters in the state. The fact that she knocked down nearly 2.5 a game as a freshman shows the confidence she's exuded from three and in her ability to shoot the ball. Consistent release. Effortless finish and she'll pull up from just about anywhere it seems.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='835940' first='Audrey' last='Ernst'] - Donovan Catholic (2027)</h2>   <p>Ernst was utilized plenty at the start of the season for Donovan Catholic, but unfortunately, her usage in her freshman year declined as the year matured. What we saw over those first 10-15 games was someone who can score in double-figures and score in a plethora of ways at that. She wasn't afraid to go up with it near the rim or simply find situations to body people up and show some physicality with her 5-9 frame.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='651521' first='Alivia' last='Stewart'] - Franklin (2027)</h2>   <p>Stewart found herself slotted into a frontcourt role for Franklin as a freshman, a 5-9 forward that will grow more and solidify in the paint. Great signs for the future when looking at what she was able to accomplish her first season. Gained a great understanding of the glass and what it takes to control it. Showed glimpses of dominance down low. A rather exciting player that is far from her overall ceiling on the floor.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='865920' first='Trinitee' last='McKellar'] - Atlantic Tech (2027)</h2>   <p>McKellar showed everyone early on that she can score and score in bunches at that. Put up some great offensive games and impressed equally as a passer, putting up near double-double performances off assists. Attacks the lane often and is rewarded by heading to the free throw line, a place where we're looking for improvement out of her. Definitely knows where and when to score and has found her hot spots on the court.</p>

The AAU season might have come to an end, but our analysis pieces and content surrounding AAU is still ongoing as the summer slowly transitions into the fall. We're diving deeper into NJ Rise, one of the top AAU programs in the state, and the Baffa 2027/14U team, containing some of the brightest and youngest talent in the state.