5 Players Expected to Make A Big Jump

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new season of high school basketball is just around the corner and I'm putting the spotlight on these five hoopers who are expected to make a tremendous impact for their respective teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1199229' first='Ariana' last='Wissen'] | Brick Township</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an incredible freshman campaign, Ari worked her tail off with the Shoreshots this summer and carried that momentum over to Fall League with the Green Dragons. Her impact has gone above and beyond just 3-point, which she's well-known for. Her commitment to defense and hounding the perimeter continues to pay dividends. After sinking clutch 3's and making important stops on the AAU circuit, she displayed dominance in preseason HS matchups vs Manalapan (22 points &amp; 3 steals), Colts Neck (19 points &amp; 3 steals), Howell (20 points on six 3;s) and Red Bank Regional (21 points &amp; 3 steals). After leading the way in scoring for Brick Twp in Year 1, she's expected to take on an even bigger role with the departure of impact seniors Riley Nausedas and CiCi Weatherspool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='667787' first='Jacqueline' last='Edelman'] | Morris Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is Jax's team now and she's ready to let everyone know exactly who she is and what she's capable of. For those living under a rock, Jax has proven to be one of NJ's most versatile players and devastating 3-point shooters. In fact, I believe she is the most well-prepared player in the state heading into the 2025-2026 season. This summer, showed the nation her elite skillset competing with Exodus NYC on the EYBL circuit and this Fall, took her talent to the international stage representing Colombia at the FIBA U17 South American Championship in Asuncion, Paraguay. She has been named MVP countless times while leading Colombia in scoring (11.3 PPG) and steals (1.8 SPG), while ranking second in rebounds (7.8 RPG) and blocks (1.3 BPG). This productivity and confidence heading into her junior season is just what the doctor ordered!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='719416' first='Scarlet' last='LeVake'] | Red Bank Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After coming off the bench in her first season at RBC as a backup big for Tessa Carman &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='559084' first='Sophie' last='Smith'], she heads into her senior year as the primary option to dominate the post. In just one year, her game has grown tremendously, evolving her face-up game and getting more aggressive on the glass. On a team loaded with next-level talent, she could emerge as one to watch as the Caseys set their sights on a Non-Public A title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordyn Taylor | Teaneck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordyn has put the work in since her freshman season came to a close. Whether it was on the EYCL circuit with the Gemz or competing at The Fort/No Boyz Allowed in the high school tune up, her commitment to developing her game has been undeniable. I've seen growth both in her skillset and her confidence, which should make for a very productive Year 2. One of her biggest weapons is the ability to play both sides of the ball with the same intensity. She doesn't limit herself to just one thing, but instead fills in and helps out her team in any way she can. A player willing to be multi-faceted and coachable like Jordyn is bound for success. I love a hard worker!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913890' first='Damiya' last='Carter'] | Wildwood Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the future of Wildwood Catholic is uncertain, one thing definitely isn't: Damiya's game! The progress she has shown since last year is phenomenal. She's on an upward trend and isn't slowing down any time soon, backed by her first D1 offer this summer from UMBC. She played tough with BBA this summer and rode a wave of momentum heading to The Fort where she racked up MVP honors in a win over Marlboro. Her ability to control the pace, keep the ball on a string and be a tiger on defense has paved the way for what should be a huge sophomore campaign. With leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1350396' first='Lola' last='McGonigle'] out for the season with injury and a few other players transferring, Damiya will take on a bigger role. Her ability to transition seamlessly between the 1 and 2 is her biggest weapon. She fills any and all voids in the back court and does it with some added flash, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->