HCIAL: Top Players for Upcoming Season

Greg Patuto

November 25, 2020 @ 11:33 AM

The HCIAL has some of the top teams in the state. There is talent in both public and private schools heading into the season. Here are some of the top players in the conference for 2020-2021. [player_tooltip player_id="134618" first="Zanai" last="Jones"] (2021) | Hudson Catholic Jones is one of the best players in the state. She has a complete skillset on both ends of the floor. As a junior, Jones averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per contest. She also added nearly four steals per game. Jones is an elite prospect in New Jersey at the point guard position. [player_tooltip player_id="134634" first="Eniya" last="Scott"] (2022) | Bayonne Bayonne is losing [player_tooltip player_id="134601" first="Makoye" last="Diawara"] but Scott is a guard who can takeover. She was dynamic as a sophomore scoring 14 points per game. She was also one of the top passers in the conference with over six assists per contest. Scott can do it all on the offensive end. [player_tooltip player_id="155449" first="Maddie" last="Branigan"] (2023) | St. Dominic There were few freshman around the state that had better rookie years than Branigan. She came in and was ready to take over the frontcourt right away. She finished with a total of 370 points and did it in many ways. She was able to use her strength to finish with contact and get to the free throw line. Branigan will continue to mature her game over the years. Jakira Coar (2021) | Lincoln Lincoln is losing their top three scorers from their 20-win team of last season. This means Coar, who is the leading returning scorer, will have to take on an even bigger role. She is a scorer at all three levels and one that can keep Lincoln near the top of the conference. Kyra Rose (2022) | Marist Rose is a guard who needs to expand her game a bit but is intriguing nonetheless. She has the ability to extend near the three-point line, which is something we need to see more of. Expect Rose to take a huge step during her years as an upperclassman.