AAU Analysis: NJ Panthers 17U Black

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continuing on with our AAU analysis pieces, we head over to the [program_tooltip program_id='774068' first='NJ' last='Panthers'], a program with four teams across three age levels this spring and summer. This article will focus NJ prospects from the 17U Black team, one of two 17U teams for [program_tooltip program_id='774068' first='NJ' last='Panthers'] and arguably the featured team during this AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='333350' first='Gianna' last='Modica'] - 5-4 PG, Immaculate Heart (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Modica has had a limited role on one of New Jersey's best non-public teams in recent years, but the door is going to fly open for her next season as a senior. We know that the talent is there because we've seen it, a vocal leader at the top of the key. Able to make shots from just about anywhere, Modica's sweet-spot is her midrange game and in, but she's going to take her fair share of threes if she's open too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='414349' first='Bella' last='Curanovic'] - 5-10 G, Cranford (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, Curanovic is "listed" as a guard, but she doesn't quite play like one and that starts with her defense. When she's playing down low, she's a rather undersized big, but that hasn't stopped her at all from being a rim protector and 1-on-1 pest. Just as her defense has thrived, her offense has thrived near the basket, able to use her body to her advantage, get to the foul line and just make high-percentage shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='583951' first='Brooke' last='Braen'] - 5-5 G, Saddle River Day (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Braen has a golden opportunity as a senior with Saddle River Day to be a superstar. This is a program known for producing top talent, college-ready talent, and Braen seems to be no exception to the rule. Her three-point game has given her the most success in recent years, really breaking out from the perimeter as a junior. Also, what an incredible passer Braen was last season, a strong facilitator using her vision to her advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='636210' first='Kacie' last='Bush'] - PF, Morristown (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morristown needs production next season, there's no doubt about it. Losing four senior starters and nearly all offense and defensive production, players will need to step up. Bush certainly showed she's capable of being a leader for the Colonials and now, this summer is her time to hone in leadership traits to take that next step in the winter. Consistent shooter, confident scorer and a complementary defensive skillset to accompany that offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='870863' first='Arden' last='Alvarez'] - 5-8 SG, Chatham (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chatham has prided itself on perimeter shooting in recent years so it's no surprise the Cougars nearly drained six threes a game last season. Alvarez was part of the shooting brigade, but her game extends way past that. She's as good if not better of a defender than she is offensively, which is saying quite a bit. Impressive rebounder as a guard, boxes out well and gets teammates involved offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='583763' first='Riley' last='O'Sullivan'] - 6-1 PF, Glen Ridge (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you have a 6-1 forward on your team, you have the blessing of size on your side. O'Sullivan is an agile, active forward, really great mobility for a big and able to move around the court well. It's not surprising that she's averaged a double-double in high school the past two seasons just based on her aggression on the glass alone. Kudos to her offensive skills as well with a really soft touch around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gabby Ziegenbalg - PG/SG, Union Catholic (2025)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ziegenbalg certainly turned some heads as a sophomore, knocking down 2.5 threes a game, but that was child's play compared to her junior year, hitting 82 threes or 3.3 per game, in 25 games. Able to shoot from just about anywhere from distance. Quick release, effortless finish. Strong off-ball and on-ball movement and whether it's in transition, catch-and-shoot or her creating her own shot, she's lethal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->