Newcomers from North Jersey: 2022’s to Watch For

The rankings have been updated and there’s a ton of fresh faces to get familiar with. Let’s take a look at some players from northern New Jersey who are making our list for the first time. [player_tooltip player_id="318906" first="Paulina" last="Paris"]     Saddle River Day G 5’9" Despite leading her team in scoring with 25 points per game, the transfer from Rockland County went somewhat unnoticed last year. With Saddle River Day not playing their usual schedule, filled with nationally-ranked teams, Paulina didn’t get the attention she deserved. That all started to change as the summer rolled around. Due to an injury of another key player on her AAU squad, the crafty guard was forced to beat double and triple teams on a regular basis. This was no problem for her at all. Playing on this biggest stage, the EYBL circuit, she earned awards at almost every tournament she played. Including 2 MVPs and the leading scorer at Nike Nationals. https://x.com/BryanParis3/status/1390329914260348928 &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="319019" first="Ella" last="Madden"]     Park Ridge F 5’11" The forward from Park Ridge put up quite an impressive stat line last year. She had the highest double-double in the state with 21 points and 14 rebounds per game. She also contributed with 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 4 steals per game. She can score at the hoop and hit from three. Madden is just as versatile on defense. She has the power to matchup up down low and the speed to cover on the perimeter. She’s a great leader and as tough as they come. The sky is the limit for this Owl. [player_tooltip player_id="319017" first="Sophia" last="Berisha"]     Old Tappan G 5’9" There’s not much that Sophia doesn’t do well. She can finish at the basket, shoot from anywhere on the court, grab rebounds and get her teammates involved. She’s also a relentless defender who can lock down anyone in the backcourt. That’s how you put up close to 21 points 11 rebounds 4 assists 3 blocks and 3 steals a game. In addition to the stats, she has abilities that separate her from other players. She can take over a game and close it out in the clutch. Berisha is the glue that holds her team together. [player_tooltip player_id="319311" first="Jules" last="Vassallo"]     Pascack Valley G 5’9" Here’s a player I expect to take make a big jump this season. After suffering a season-ending ACL injury her sophomore year Vassallo bounced back with an impressive junior season. Not only did she average 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game but she established herself as the primary ball-handler for Pascack Valley. That combined with the ability to get to the rim and shoot from behind the arc makes her a match-up nightmare. Jules has improved defensively as well. If she managed to make that much progress in a short season, coming off an injury, just imagine what the future holds for her. <img class="size-medium wp-image-321177 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/08/IMG_2501-277x300.jpg" alt="" width="277" height="300" /> &nbsp;