Potential All-State First Team

After each season, a select group of hoopers earn the prestigious title of All-State players, establishing themselves as the cream of the crop in NJ girls' basketball. These exceptional athletes are rewarded for showcasing their outstanding skills, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their craft. With just two months to go until the 2024-2025 season kicks off, we take a look at some players who are sure to make waves throughout the Garden State this winter and potentially land themselves on the exclusive First Team.   [player_tooltip player_id='333302' first='Mia' last='Pauldo'] | Morris Catholic | Senior   A PGHNJ First Team selection a season ago (and contender for Player of the Year), Mia enters Year 4 with even greater buzz than ever before. She recently committed to Tennessee (along with twin sister Mya) and is fresh off a busy summer that included AAU (with HUrban Legends), Overtime Select, SLAM Summer Classic, the Chris Brickley Invitational, Wootten Top 150, etc. As a junior, Mia wreaked havoc across NJ, leading Morris Catholic to their second straight Non-Public B state title over Rutgers Prep. She posted season averages of 19.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5.3 apg & 2.7 spg. In the 'Chip, she put up a team-high 20 points, including a game-high three 3's. Against nationally ranked teams, Mia averaged 22.8 ppg to go along with 3.0 spg, establishing herself as one of the nation's best two-way guards. If MC wants to make it three-in-a-row, Mia will surely be the one to lead them there. When the lights shine the brightest, so does her game!   [player_tooltip player_id='559135' first='Stella' last='Lockhart'] | St. John Vianney | Junior   Stella's first season with the Lady Lancers was a big success! She got acclimated quickly and made an immediate impact, averaging 10.4 ppg (team leader) 6.4 rpg, 1.8 apg & 1.6 spg while helping SJV to a 22-8 overall record and an appearance in the semis of South Jersey, Non-Public A. Against nationally ranked and out-of-state teams, she averaged 14.9 ppg & 9.4 rpg, making her a terror at both ends. After a summer that saw her crush it on the AAU circuit with the Jersey Gemz and compete at Overtime Select, the NCAA Academy and most recently the prestigious invite-only Wootten Camp, high school basketball better get ready for the storm that is Stella! She has limitless potential and anybody who's ever watched her play in person has witnessed her tenacious two-way game and fearless competitive attitude.   [player_tooltip player_id='559085' first='Addison' last='Nyemchek'] | Red Bank Catholic | Junior   Fresh off an ESPN national ranking (#51 in the Class of 2026), Addy has her sights set on a big junior year after going crazy this summer on the EYBL circuit and at the USA Basketball Championships with Philly Rise! I followed her progress closely and it seemed as though with every passing month, she got longer, quicker and stronger! She was PGHNJ First Team selection as a sophomore whose versatile and nightmarish skillset led RBC to the Non-Public A state title, a 26-5 overall record and a national ranking! She posted season averages of 15.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.2 bpg & 3.0 spg and WENT OFF against nationally ranked teams in Morris Catholic (NJ), Dr. Phillips (FL), Westtown (PA) and LuHi (NY) with averages of 14.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg & 3.5 spg. RBC looks to defend its title with a loaded lineup and Addy leading the way.   [player_tooltip player_id='583758' first='Nila' last='Giraud'] | Montclair Immaculate | Senior   Nila will look to be a PGHNJ First Team pick in back-to-back seasons before her career is all said and done next March! As a junior, she established herself as one of the best players in the state, regardless of Class. She led ICHS all the way to the North Jersey, Non-Public B final where they lost to nationally ranked [and eventual state champ] Morris Catholic. With season averages of 15.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.2 bpg & 1.8 spg, Nila showed off her big game against some of the best teams in the country. Against nationally ranked foes in Hazel Green (AL), Desert Vista (AZ), Legacy Early College (SC), Shabach Christian Academy (MD), St. Francis (GA) and Morris Catholic (NJ), she played her best basketball, posting a double-double average of 12.0 ppg & 10.0 rpg. Offensively versatile and a tremendous rebounding presence, look for Nila to turn the heat up in her senior campaign!   [player_tooltip player_id='835906' first='El-Anita' last='Joe-Samuel'] | Lenape | Sophomore   After bursting onto the scene and leading Lenape to a state title as a freshman, EAJS has her sights set on title defense this season! One of the most gifted hoopers in the state regardless of Class, she was an absolute force, averaging 15.2 ppg on the season, including 17.5 ppg in a six-game postseason run to the Group 4 title. She had a remarkable scoring ability and a wicked inside-out game at the SF position. With such a successful debut season under her belt and after a big summer of EYBL basketball with the Jersey Gemz that saw her rack up D1 offers, expect El-Anita to take full control and make even bigger waves across the Garden State.

After each season, a select group of hoopers earn the prestigious title of All-State players, establishing themselves as the cream of the crop in NJ girls' basketball. These exceptional athletes are rewarded for showcasing their outstanding skills, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their craft. With just two months to go until the 2024-2025 season kicks off, we take a look at some players who are sure to make waves throughout the Garden State this winter and potentially land themselves on the exclusive First Team.