NJ and NY’s Top Players

The tri-state area has long been a hotbed for elite basketball talent, and this group of five standouts from New Jersey and New York is keeping that tradition alive.    Emily Mattson is a physical scorer who finishes strong around the rim and uses her body well to create space. She has a quick-release three-point shot and is effective attacking downhill, often initiating contact before finishing through it. Mattson also scores efficiently in the mid-range with high-arcing pull-up jumpers.     Katie Lane is a reliable perimeter shooter who spots up well from the wings and corners. She moves intelligently without the ball, consistently finding space through timing and backdoor cuts. Lane is also strong finishing through contact, frequently earning trips to the free-throw line.     Olivia Haslacher brings a lightning-quick release from beyond the arc, capable of scoring from well beyond the three-point line. She moves effectively off the ball to generate open looks and is a threat in catch-and-shoot situations. Defensively, she protects the rim well, using her length to contest and block shots.     Gianna Buchiere is an active, disruptive defender who applies consistent pressure to opposing ball handlers. Offensively, she is a capable mid-range and three-point shooter who can space the floor effectively. Buchiere also competes hard for loose balls, creating extra possessions through hustle plays.     Sihana Taipai is an energetic, athletic scorer who consistently impacts games at multiple levels. She is a true three-level threat capable of creating offense in transition or half-court situations. Playing for Team Lightning Melious across both 13U and 17U, Taipai finishes strong through contact and brings constant energy on both ends of the floor.

The tri-state area has long been a hotbed for elite basketball talent, and this group of five standouts from New Jersey and New York is keeping that tradition alive.