These Five Could See A State Tournament Breakout

EJ Arocho February 16, 2026 @ 03:58 PM

The following five hoopers have had solid seasons thus far, but are primed for strong performances come the commencement of postseason play next week. Their confidence is budding and their game is ready to soar.   [player_tooltip player_id='1754265' first='Alexandra' last='Batista'] | Hudson Catholic   We've seen flashes of strong guard play from the freshman, especially in a late December game against Ranney where she scored 14 points. She's a "scorer on the go," as I like to call it, doing a lot of scoring in transition. There's something to be said for a rookie who comes into a team with strong players with so much poise and fearlessness. After two other double-digit performances against Memorial and McNair (10 points each), I think Alex is ready to show out in Non-Public B. If either leading scorers Schwindt or Gentile get in foul trouble or go cold, it could be her moment to shine.   [player_tooltip player_id='913907' first='Alexa' last='Racobaldo'] | Bishop Eustace   With a solid all-around skillset, Racobaldo is giving Eustace a boost in multiple aspects. She has seven games in double-figure scoring, three of those part of double-double outings, yet she hasn't scored over 13 points in a single game this season. Confidence-boosting performances this month vs Paul VI (8 points, 5 rebounds) and Gloucester Catholic (10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals) are sure to give the six-foot wing the belief to help the Crusaders make a deep run.   [player_tooltip player_id='651477' first='Lissy' last='Lyons'] | St. John Vianney   Lyons has shown bits and flashes of the impressive player I saw this summer in AAU. When Coach Karpell has called her number, she's shown up and contributed across the board. Against both out-of-state and in-state teams, she's chipped in and put her versatile skillset on display; vs Virginia Academy (5 points, 2 assists, 3 steals), Xaverian (5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals), Morris Catholic (5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) and Thrive Charter (10 points, 2 steals). She brings a lot of depth to this Lady Lancers squad and is capable of going off at any given moment!   [player_tooltip player_id='1754301' first='Payton' last='Smith'] | Howell   The senior guard could be saving her very best for last as Howell looks to go deep in Group 4. She has already put together the best season of her high school career, with highs in points and assists. Smith tallied six double-digit games, but hasn't scored more than 5 points in a game this month... yet! That will surely change as the regular season winds down and the postseason begins. If either Beam or Marino go cold from the field, she will look to come up big for the Rebels and keep them in "survive and advance" mode.   [player_tooltip player_id='1754315' first='Maddie' last='Frame'] | Bernards   A hot February has seen Frame record a career-high 18 points against Immaculata. She's playing her best basketball at the right time with N2G2 just around the corner! She's been a reliable and consistent scoring threat through twenty-three games, averaging 6.5 PPG and stepping up in big moments, like in that career day against Immaculata, but also vs Brearley, Hillsborough, North Hunterdon and Hasbrouck Heights. She's made an impact on the glass and finding teammates on the cut or in the post. When the stakes are high, she steps up.

The following five hoopers have had solid seasons thus far, but are primed for strong performances come the commencement of postseason play next week. Their confidence is budding and their game is ready to soar.