Five Intriguing 1st Rd Playoff Games in South Jersey

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The following five first round matchups stand out for different reasons; individual talent, close seedings, upset potential, etc. Let's dive in and explore why the lower seeds in these pairings have their sights set on causing an early upset:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Group 1: (5) Palmyra vs (12) New Egypt</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't let New Egypt's sub-.500 fool you... this team can surely compete! Led by a dynamic 1-2 punch in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='600881' first='Madison' last='Adam'] and [player_tooltip player_id='600882' first='Olivia' last='Stillwell'], the Warriors lean heavily on their two-way production. Adam is averaging 11.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG &amp; 2.8 SPG, while Stillwell contributes 11.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.3 APG &amp; 2.4 SPG and leads the team in 3's made (51). Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1760119' first='Kassidy' last='Krutulis'] averages a steady 4.1 PPG &amp; 3.4 RPG and is a consistent 3-point threat (28 triples). Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1760120' first='Aimee' last='Kovacs'] stands only 5'7" but gives this team a boost on the boards at just under 5.0 RPG and a scrappy presence defensively (1.4 SPG). Palmyra is a very well-balanced team, but if this core four gets clicking, they could certainly make things interesting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Group 2: (8) Cedar Creek vs (9) Pleasantville</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8-9 clashes are always good ones on paper, but this one might just materialize into this bracket's best 1st Rd matchup! Cedar Creek took both conference games this season, but just barely; a 1-point win in December and 4-point win in January secured first place in the CAL United. It's a difficult thing to beat a team three times in one season, and the Greyhounds will surely have revenge on their mind. They boast a big three in [player_tooltip player_id='1760123' first='Janderlys' last='Reyes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1760127' first='Mariah' last='Thorne'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1760130' first='Jewel' last='White'], who average 17.5 PPG, 13.0 PPG &amp; 11.2 PPG, respectively. Speedy and scrappy guard play is the name of the game in hopes of pulling off the upset [on the paper].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Group 3: (6) Toms River East vs (11) Triton</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6th seeded TRE has had quite a difficult stretch lately, losing seven of their last nine games, some in convincing fashion. While the ladies of Triton have dropped a few of their own this month, they've picked up four wins in their last eight games, something that should boost their confidence ahead of this one. The Mustangs will look to pull off the upset by leaning on their experience, boasting five seniors on the roster. [player_tooltip player_id='1760183' first='Gianna' last='Loftis'] spearheads the offense and defense, with a team-leading 9.5 PPG &amp; 2.2 SPG, while 3-point specialist [player_tooltip player_id='1760196' first='Kaidan' last='Henry'] has burned opponents all year, averaging two triples per contest en-route to 8.6 PPG. Two-way contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='835826' first='Melannie' last='Noel'] (9.2 PPG &amp; 2.1 SPG) and reliable scoring from [player_tooltip player_id='672134' first='Riley' last='Mikiewicz'] (7.7 PPG) give this team several weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Group 4: (6) Atlantic City vs (11) Cherry Hill East</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A young but talented group, the Lady Vikings of Atlantic City set their sights on taking down the 6th seeded Cougars. [player_tooltip player_id='600904' first='Taison' last='Parker'] is one of just two seniors on the roster and leads them in scoring at 12.0 PPG, while senior [player_tooltip player_id='1275472' first='Peyton' last='Moore'] chips in 4.2 PPG &amp; 6.0 RPG. Electric guard and 3-point specialist Julia Marigliano is strong at the point, averaging 8.6 PPG &amp; 3.5 APG. She also leads this defensive-minded bunch in steals at just under 2.0 SPG. Freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='1634858' first='Laila' last='Muniir'] has tallied three double-doubles this season, leads the team in rebounding and averages 8.9 PPG &amp; 7.6 RPG. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1760285' first='Ayana' last='Frierson'] has contributed in a big way (7.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG &amp; 1.7 SPG) and could very well be their x-factor in this one. Lots of balance and depth on this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Non-Public A: (8) Union Catholic vs (9) Princeton Day</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers of Princeton are led by one of the state's most talented freshmen in [player_tooltip player_id='1278342' first='Alana' last='Williams']. The dynamic guard has stuffed stats sheets all year long, averaging 13.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.7 APG &amp; 4.1 SPG. Along with junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1760405' first='Juliana' last='Hartman'] (2.8 SPG), they've wreaked havoc on defense to turn opponents over at a high clip. Strong defense-to-offense conversion has helped Princeton to fifteen wins, including a 6-0 showing in the CVC Valley. Senior 3-point specialists [player_tooltip player_id='885242' first='Sophia' last='Rae Barber'] (2.2 threes per game) and [player_tooltip player_id='1760421' first='Nica' last='Martin'] (1.3 threes per game) boost the offense and pose a legit threat from the arc, especially off catch-and-shoot action. Freshman six-foot center [player_tooltip player_id='1760413' first='Reilly' last='Malin'] (7.7 RPG &amp; 1.0 BPG) will play a pivotal role in securing rebounds and protecting the rim. Second-chance points could be crucial! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->