Ten Players Looking To Lead Their Teams To a Turnaround Season

For the following teams, last season resulted in a sub .500 record and lots of lessons along the way. Those learning experiences will prove significant as they look to turn things around for the 2025-2026 season and these ten hoopers will be sure to play a big role. They may not be the go-to superstars on their respective teams, but they each will play a significant role in their team's ultimate success.   [player_tooltip player_id='559079' first='Kayla' last='Duncan'] | Franklin   2024-2025 Record: 11-16   Don't let the record fool you! Franklin played a very difficult schedule, clashing with Rutgers Prep, SJV, Morris Catholic and out-of-state powers such as St. Mary's (NY) and Audenried (PA). There were ups and there were downs, but the experience gained will only fuel this team for a major turnaround this year. Aside from the main players in [player_tooltip player_id='651517' first='Aleah' last='Sunkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='601334' first='Alissa' last='Myers'], I'm paying close attention to senior [player_tooltip player_id='559079' first='Kayla' last='Duncan']. The small, scrappy guard doesn't shy away from physicality and certainly doesn't run from competition. Whether she's a starter or a reserve, she is a player who contributes quality minutes and plays hard. She can be relied on to knock down a big triple or get a stop to swing momentum. Every team needs someone like Kayla.   [player_tooltip player_id='600903' first='Grace' last='McGuire'] | Paramus Catholic   2024-2025 Record: 10-17   For a 5'7" guard, Grace does a terrific job pulling down rebounds over much taller opponents. In fact, she lead the Paladins in total boards a season ago, averaging just under four per game. Her rebounding and defense will be two crucial keys to PC's success this season as they look to navigate through the Big North United where they finished just 1-5. She also puts forth a great effort facilitating, so expect lots of swing & post-entry passes.   [player_tooltip player_id='671405' first='Delainey' last='Ross'] | Hopewell Valley   2024-2025 Record: 11-15   Undersized as a PF at 5'9", she makes up for it with grit and a hard-nosed game which allows her to play much bigger than her frame. Her two-way game was the catalyst behind nearly all of HV's eleven dubs last season and will surely fuel her team to many more this year. She is a double-double threat [in points and rebounds] every time she steps out on the court, with nine recorded in Year 3. Look for an even bigger senior campaign to help the Bulldogs get back on the winning track.   [player_tooltip player_id='831947' first='Zoey' last='Aleixo'] | East Brunswick   2024-2025 Record: 13-14   Zoey's three-point shot and two-way game have come a long way! The countless hours of hard work and training behind-the-scenes and during the summer (AAU) have and continue to pay off. The 5'3" guard keeps a strong focus when it comes to defensive assignments and perimeter pressure. Quick to curl around screens and use space to her advantage, her long ball is pretty consistent. She's very coachable, listens and executes! If EB is going to be competitive in the GMC again, Zoey will be a big factor.   [player_tooltip player_id='601508' first='Sianna' last='Wedderburn'] | Glassboro   2024-2025 Record: 12-14   Sianna's efforts on the glass got the Bulldogs out of trouble on many occasions last season. Pulling down o-boards is one of her biggest strengths, as is paint and rim protection. She does a noteworthy job holding her own in the front court, both receiving and dishing out contact. If she continues to help secure second chance opportunities and can chip in some putbacks, Glassboro will be in good position for a big season and top position in the Tri-County Diamond.   Holly Lagitch | Morris Hills   2024-2025 Record: 12-15   Holly saw a big increase in playing time from freshman to sophomore season, resulting in upped production across the board. As a starter, she made an impact in points, rebounds and assists to help the Scarlet Knights remain competitive in the NJAC. Holly jumps in where she can and gives tremendous effort; a total asset to this team. Her bread and butter is her 3-pointer, a shot she'll look to let fly at any opportunity once Year 3 gets rolling.   [player_tooltip player_id='913910' first='Gianna' last='Dunn'] | Shawnee   2024-2025 Record: 12-16   A dime-disher extraordinaire as a freshman, Gianna heads into Year 2 looking to build on her impressive totals and help get Shawnee to a .500 or better season. She controlled the PG role very well in her first go-around, directing traffic and finding gaps and cutters. With her head on a swivel, she was alert and active. The Renegades will lean on these efforts as they navigate through a tough Olympic conference.   [player_tooltip player_id='1135403' first='Phoenix' last='Fraser'] | Orange   2024-2025 Record: 14-15   Always a two-way threat when she's on the floor, Phoenix heads into her junior year with a ton of confidence coming off a very impactful Year 2. She scorched teams with her 3-point shooting and caused headaches defensively averaging 2.4 SPG. Defense-to-offense conversion is something she does very well! If she turns up the heat this season and everyone else does their part, the Tornadoes could spin up some chaos in the SEC.   [player_tooltip player_id='1358364' first='Sophia' last='Attia'] | Ridge   2024-2025 Record: 6-20   The 6'0" Forward saw tremendous development as her sophomore season progressed. By mid-season, she was recording double-doubles and sending back shots in authoritative fashion. She's one of the more underrated players heading into the 2025-2026 season only because Ridge didn't generate a lot of buzz last year. Look for things to change this time around as Ridge gets back on track.   [player_tooltip player_id='1358400' first='Aliyah' last='Rainey'] | Weequahic   2024-2025 Record: 11-14   When things get tight, Aliyah can lean on her defense to get the job done. Last year, she led Weequahic in steals and got crucial stops in wins over Newark Central and Newark East Side. As she incorporates more variety in her scoring, look for her two-way game to expand and make a statement in the SEC.

For the following teams, last season resulted in a sub .500 record and lots of lessons along the way. Those learning experiences will prove significant as they look to turn things around for the 2025-2026 season and these ten hoopers will be sure to play a big role. They may not be the go-to superstars on their respective teams, but they each will play a significant role in their team's ultimate success.