Teams Capable of Causing Shocking Upsets This Season

The usual suspects are locked and loaded, ready to assert their dominance. Teams like Red Bank Catholic, Rutgers Prep are St. John Vianney are always in the conversation when talking about the very best teams in New Jersey However, with so much talent spread out across the state, there are a number of teams who have some pretty solid rosters, looking to upset some of the top dogs. Let's dive in and explore who these teams are and the X-Factors who could make a difference.   Bound Brook   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='831940' first='Lauren' last='Polakiewicz']   Bound Brook may have graduated five seniors in June but four starters return. A run to the CJG1 semis was a solid showing, but next year could see the Crusaders compete for a sectional title. One of those returning starters is sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='831940' first='Lauren' last='Polakiewicz']. Her 3-point shooting lifted this team to quality wins, including one over Roselle Park in the postseason.   Middlesex   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='987722' first='Avery' last='Iskra']   Middlesex lost a close one to eventual champ New Providence in the CJG1 semis but have a lot to look forward to. While they'll be without the top two scoring leaders from a season ago (Jessica Devine & [player_tooltip player_id='601282' first='Mallory' last='Gianchiglia']), they still have plenty of weapons to make some noise. Versatile guard/wing [player_tooltip player_id='987722' first='Avery' last='Iskra'] will have an elevated role in Year 2 as she looks to lead this team past tough competition. At 5'10", her length is lethal off the catch and she does a great job rebounding out-of-position.   Holmdel   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='913962' first='Claire' last='Gillespie']   One of the youngest teams in the state, Holmdel's starting lineup will likely consist of five sophomores. After being under Mackenzie Teevan's wing last season as a freshman, Claire heads into Year 2 with added confidence and dominance in the post. She is quickly emerging as one of the most reliable bigs in the state, with excellent footwork and stout defense around the basket.   Franklin   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='964995' first='Gianna' last='Mattia']   After an underwhelming 2024-2025 season, the Lady Warriors look to start fresh with [former Montclair Immaculate] head coach Jimmy Kreie at the helm. This team not only has the talent to upset the top teams, they have the talent to BE a top team. Point guard [player_tooltip player_id='964995' first='Gianna' last='Mattia'] is equipped with 20/20 court vision, aggressive defense and a reliable 3-point shot. She can be counted on to drill a big bucket or get a crucial stop in crunch time.   Morris Catholic   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1157963' first='Ashley' last='LaBeach']   People have mixed feelings about MC this season. On one hand, they're considered a "rebuilding roster" because they lost superstars Mia Pauldo, Mya Pauldo and Daniella Matus who made up 57% of their scoring. On the other hand, they are still stacked with some of the best talent in the state at multiple positions. One of those talents is [player_tooltip player_id='1157963' first='Ashley' last='LaBeach'], an often overlooked guard who can compete with the best of them. Shifty off the bounce and high-flying on the boards, Ashley could be the one to guide MC to big time dubs over top teams.   Leonia   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1194608' first='Celeste' last='Garzon']   The Lady Lions have one of the best two-way backcourt duos in the Garden State in [player_tooltip player_id='835219' first='Dani' last='Daproza'] and [player_tooltip player_id='601403' first='Angelica' last='Do']. They had a lot of success last season and will look to build on that with the help of [player_tooltip player_id='1194608' first='Celeste' last='Garzon']. The 5'5" guard brings yet another two-way threat to the court, being a reliable third scoring option and wreaking havoc on defense. If one of those aforementioned two get in foul trouble, Garzon can be counted on to keep points on the board and force turnovers.   Wildwood   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='677602' first='Joelle' last='Murphy']   Wildwood has something they haven't had in many, many years: a true big! 6'2" [player_tooltip player_id='677602' first='Joelle' last='Murphy'] has transferred over from crosstown rival Wildwood Catholic for her junior year and gives this team a legitimate back-to-the-basket scoring threat. The Warriors will be seeking a new identity having graduated Macie McCracken, one of the best players and most prolific scorers in program history. Murphy will establish position in the post and tally lots of points, rebounds and blocks. She can expect lots of entry passes from guards [player_tooltip player_id='1314783' first='Laila' last='Fathi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='601414' first='Angela' last='Wilber'].   Our Lady of Mercy   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1198653' first='Muffin' last='Bethea']   Muffin has put in the work this off-season to elevate her game and become more of a stretch 4. This added skillset can help guide OLMA to new heights as they look to navigate through the CAL this season. She is an excellent complement to [player_tooltip player_id='831437' first='Khalia' last='Lewis'] in the frontcourt, crashing the glass with authority and muscling up tough shots around the rim.   Union Catholic   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='601282' first='Mallory' last='Gianchiglia']   UC lost five seniors to graduation, including leading scorer Gabrielle Ziegenbalg, but gain another star in Mal. A strong addition to a young and talented core in [player_tooltip player_id='816416' first='Emily' last='Mattson'], [player_tooltip player_id='865913' first='Hailey' last='Mullaney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1202366' first='Sophie' last='Peterson'], the Vikings have the firepower to cause some shockwaves in the UCC and beyond. Gianchiglia boasts an undeniable all-court game, including strong 3-point shooting, fearless rebounding and hard-nosed on-ball defense.   Stuart Day   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='914269' first='Carmela' last='Arana']   The Tartans will look to rebound from an underwhelming season that resulted in a 6-15 record. They return dynamic scoring duo [player_tooltip player_id='666733' first='Taylor' last='States'] and [player_tooltip player_id='913909' first='Lia' last='States'] while adding newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='914269' first='Carmela' last='Arana'] from Edison. Arana enjoyed a stellar freshman campaign last season, leading the Eagles in scoring and 3-point shooting while making strong contributions in assists and steals. With her commanding the point, it'll open up the court for everyone to tally points. Her court vision and pass-first mentality could be exactly what this team was missing a year ago.

The usual suspects are locked and loaded, ready to assert their dominance. Teams like Red Bank Catholic, Rutgers Prep are St. John Vianney are always in the conversation when talking about the very best teams in New Jersey However, with so much talent spread out across the state, there are a number of teams who have some pretty solid rosters, looking to upset some of the top dogs. Let's dive in and explore who these teams are and the X-Factors who could make a difference.