Girls Basketball state tourney preview, 2026: Breaking down every North, Sect. 2 bracket

Welcome to the 2025-26 New Jersey girls basketball state tournament.

We’re just a few days away from the start to the sprint to the finish line. Sectional and group champions will be crowned over the coming weeks.

The girls basketball state tournament officially begins Wednesday and NJ.com is here to break down the entire field, bracket-by-bracket, across the state.

Here’s a complete breakdown, with favorites, contenders and more for North Jersey, Section 2:

FAVORITE

1-Arts

Top-seeded Arts already made history this season by winning the Newark Public Schools Holiday Tournament in December for the first time, and now this is its best chance to capture its initial sectional title as a program.

The 21-4 Jaguars also reached the semifinals of the Essex County Tournament earlier this month before falling to West Orange in a physical, competitive game.

Arts, which went 10-0 in the Super Essex Conference Independence Division, defeated the likes of Chatham, University, Mount St. Dominic, Newark Tech, Livingston, Paterson Eastside and Cranford this winter.

Nilah Rivera leads the way at point guard for the Jaguars as the team’s leader in points (17.1), assists (4.9) and steals (6.0). Harmoni Burgess (10.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg., 2.3 spg), Niaja Troutman (9 ppg., 7.5 rpg., 2 apg., 2.9 spg.) and Iyanah Lafontant (8.4 ppg., 2.7 rpg., 3 apg., 3.8 spg.) are three more key contributors.

CONTENDERS

2-University

The second-seeded Phoenix are an interesting case. University is coming off an appearance in the Essex County Tournament title game. Behind post players Briana Holt (16.2 ppg., 12.8 rpg) and Arielle Edwards, University upset top-seeded Caldwell in the semifinals, the same Caldwell team it had already lost to twice this season including by 23 the previous meeting. However, Edwards cannot play in the postseason due to transferring from Morris Catholic during the season.

University will still be a strong out with Holt in the paint, and Skylar Clark (5.4 ppg.), Danasia Downer (7.8 ppg) and Carryn Grand-Pierre (9 ppg., 5.5 rpg., 2.2 apg.) at the guard spots, but it does take a hit without Edwards.

3-Newark Tech

The third-seeded Terriers are relevant again under second-year head coach Derrick Johnson. After going 0-16 under the previous regime in 2023-24, Johnson helped Newark Tech to eight wins a year ago, and already has them at 22-4 this winter.

Newark Tech finished in second place in the Super Essex Conference Independence Division at 8-2, and it posted many standout wins on the season against East Orange, Pompton Lakes, American History, American Boro, Montclair Kimberley, Weequahic, Lawrenceville and High Point who all had winning records this season.

The Terriers enter the postseason with young talent including Kassidy Ahmad (12.6 ppg., 3.4 rpg., 3.4 apg., 5 spg.) and Ava Antoine (12.3 ppg., 3.7 rpg., 2 apg., 3.3 spg.) which will be put to the test. Yazmyn Scruggs (12.6 ppg., 7.4 rpg., 2 apg., 4.4 spg.) provides a veteran presense.

4-Glen Ridge

Fourth-seeded Glen Ridge won this section last season on the way to reaching the Group 1 championship game at Rutgers. Glen Ridge has a much different look this time around. Instead of relying heavily on one player who has since graduated, the Ridgers have spread the ball around and are led by seniors Annabel Koss-Defrank (9.5 ppg., 6 rpg., 2 apg. 2.8 spg.) and Alison Snyder (7.2 ppg., 8.2 rpg., 3.8 apg., 4.6 bpg., 2.1 spg.) and junior Caitlin Hood (11.4 ppg., 8.6 rpg.).

At 14-12, Glen Ridge is battle-tested coming out of the SEC American Division where it faced West orange, Caldwell, University, Mount St. Dominic and West Essex multiple times. Glen Ridge has won three of four coming into the postseason.

DARK HORSE

5-Verona

A five-seed being a dark horse is up for debate, but Verona will likely be on the road for the entirety of the tournament.

Verona is well-coached under the guidance of Pat Coyle. After starting the season 0-3 and 1-4, Verona is 16-3 since with wins over Columbia, Belvidere, Science Park, Livingston, Montclair, Millburn, Morris Knolls and Newark Academy.

A veteran team, the Hillbillies are led by Morgan Rossi (14.8 ppg., 6.2 rpg., 1.9 apg., 2.5 spg.), Taylor McClain (7.2 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 4 apg., 2.1 spg.) and Jada Bednar (9.3 ppg., 6.9 rpg., 3.8 apg., 2.5 bpg., 2.2 spg.), who recently had a triple-double against Columbia.

PROJECTED SECTIONAL FINAL

1-Arts vs. 2-University

1/52

FAVORITE

1-Caldwell

Top-seeded Caldwell was literally inches away from reaching its first-ever Essex County Tournament final as a last-second heave hit the backboard in its semifinals loss to an improved University team.

Led by strong scorers Addison Keenan 917.6 ppg., 4.8 rpg., 4.1 apg., 4 spg.) and Tea Fiore (17.5 ppg., 5.2 rpg., 3.4 apg., 3.3 spg.), Caldwell enters the playoffs 22-2 and is having one of its best seasons in program history. The Chiefs tied for first place in the Super Essex Conference American Division. They also started out the year 18-0 with wins over the likes of West Orange, Arts, University and a host of others.

Winners of three games in a row including against a strong team in Colts Neck, Caldwell won its only sectional title in 1996, and it reached the final last season. This is a chance for the Chiefs to rebound after a disappointing ending in the ECT.

CONTENDERS

2-Bernards

Second-seeded Bernards is 22-4 overall and captured the Skyland Conference Valley Division this winter with an 11-1 mark.

Bernards defeated the likes of West Essex, Mount St. Dominic, Voorhees, Somerville, Verona, Brearley, Hanover Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Immaculata and Hillsborough throughout the year.

Aletha Reynolds 914.8 ppg., 10.5 rpg., 2.3 apg., 2.5 spg.) is tops on the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks and steals. She can do it all, but she is flanked by strong players in Jasmine Kelleher (9.7 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 1.8 apg.) and Jane Freisen (10.5 ppg., 4.7 rpg.) allowing Bernards to not have to always rely on the senior.

Bernards reached the semifinals last season.

3-Madison

Third-seeded Madison graduated one of Morris County’s greats in Charlotte Tuhy, yet it has found a way to have another strong season. Sitting at 19-6 enter the playoffs, Madison has found balance throughout the lineup and has played tough defense.

Siena Notaro (11.3 ppg., 2 rpg., 2.2 apg., 2.5 spg.), Samantha Nielsen (8.5 ppg., 4.6 rpg., 1.2 bpg., 3.4 spg.), Cecelia Mariani (4.7 ppg., 4.2 rpg., 4.3 apg., 2.6 spg.) and Eva Bolstad (7.6 ppg., 7.2 rpg., 1.2 bpg.) all have scored over 100 points, Mariani has over 100 assists, and the team has close to 100 blocks on the year.

A Morris County Tournament semifinalist, Madison is postseason ready having already defeated the likes of Cranford, Chatham, Sparta, Randolph, Hanover Park, Mountain Lakes, West Essex and Mendham.

4-Voorhees

Fourth-seeded Voorhees, 16-8, advanced to the semifinals of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament, and was one of the better teams in the Skyland Conference this winter. The Vikings began the season 7-0 with wins over Mount Lakes, Jefferson, Roxbury and Immaculata.

They had a dip towards the end of January and into February, but responded with wins over Bernards and Watchung Hills and made a run to the HWST semifinals.

The Vikings are balanced with Madie Petak (10.4 ppg., 6.2 rpg., 1.8 apg., 2.1 bpg., 3.7 spg.), Gabriella LaMarca (8.5 ppg., 6.7 rpg., 2.1 bpg., 4.2 apg.) and Ryleigh Duggan (6.8 ppg.) all have produced.

5-Rutherford

Rutherford have been one of the better North Jersey Interscholastic Conference teams this winter. The Bulldogs are 18-8 and have won seven of eight entering the postseason. The one loss came to Bergen County Tournament finalist Ramapo. Rutherford itself reached the Round of 16 at the BCT. Mackenzie Vellis (14.4 ppg., 7.4 rpg., 1.9 spg.) is a standout scorer for the Bulldogs, while McKenzie Lewis (7.2 ppg., 6.6 rpg., 2.7 bpg. has generated 70 blocks.

Rutherford features a solid combination of players giving the Bulldogs a chance to make a run.

DARK HORSE

8-Snyder

Head coach Reggie Quinn was suspended for the season a few weeks back, and his players forfeited a game to stand up for him. After being disallowed to enter the Hudson County Tournament, Snyder, 12-7, figures to go all out in the playoffs.

Javaeh Agosto 99 ppg., 2.4rpg., 6.9 apg., 3.8 spg.) is among the top assist leaders in the state, Taleiyah Smith (16.1 ppg., 5.8 rpg., 3.2 apg., 3.4 spg.) has has provided standout scoring and Jadasia Davis (15.6 ppg., 14.6 rpg.) can control the paint with her scoring and rebounding. Add in Alasia Comick (7.7 ppg., 2.2 apg.) and Snyder is a dangerous eight-seed which can give Caldwell and others a game and make a deep run.

PROJECTED SECTIONAL FINAL

1-Caldwell vs. 2-Bernards

1/109

FAVORITE

5-Chatham

How can a five-seed be the favorite, you ask? Chatham’s history speaks for itself. The 14-12 Cougars have won the last two North 2, Group 3 sectional titles and have made the Group 3 final each time.

Chatham went 31-3 last season and graduated seven seniors and the majority of its production, and it took a long time for coach Joe Gaba’s group to get going this winter. Chatham was sitting at 5-11 on Jan. 23, but it has compiled a 9-1 record since. The one loss came at Morris Catholic in the Morris County Tournament semifinals.

Having faced a tough schedule, Chatham is battle-tested, and the likes of Ava Paone (15 ppg., 2.4 spg.) and Lucy Arps (11.8 ppg., 3.6 rpg., 2.1 spg.) and others should be up for the task even if they have to go on the road at times.

This is a more wide open bracket in general this season.

CONTENDERS

1-Somerville

Top-seeded Somerville reached the semifinals of this section in its first year since moving over from Central, Group 3.

Somerville has gone 19-6 so far this season and 9-3 in the Skyland Conference Valley Division. The Pioneers have downed Lawrence, Princeton Day, Watchung Hills, Voorhees and Spotswood this year, and enter the postseason winners of five of six. Kaylee Lauber (19.8 ppg., 5.9 rpg., 2.4 apg., 1.3 bpg., 4.9 spg.) is the team’s go-to scorer with 494 points, and she has the ability to turn defense into offense with 123 steals. Teams must stop her that play Somerville.

2-Colonia

Second-seeded Colonia reached the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament semifinals this past week before falling to eventual champion St. Thomas Aquinas. The Patriots are 19-3 on the season as they went 8-0 in the Red National Division, one year after going 7-20 overall and 2-12 in their division.

Ariana Sosa (12.6 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 2.3 apg., 2.8 spg.), Samantha Howell 910.4 ppg., 2.9 rpg., 2.1 apg., 2.1 spg.), Ivana Gidado (9.2 ppg., 6.4 rpg., 2.5 apg.,), Nashaelah Hooker (9.8 ppg., 13.4 rpg., 1.9 apg.) and Hailey Conklin (8.3 ppg., 7.3 rpg., 2.7 apg.,) make up a strong scoring quartet who are all still young.

Expect Colonia to make a deep run this year and for seasons to come.

4-Cranford

Fourth-seeded Cranford is better than its 12-14 record. The Cougars faced all of Union County’s best in New Providence, Westfield, Union Catholic and Plainfield. A UCT quarterfinalist, Cranford has played many close games, including taking a ranked Arts team down to the wire.

With home court advantage for two rounds, Cranford, which owns wins over Mendham, Madison and others, can go on a deep run and make the final. Lily Costello (16.9 ppg., 6.7 rpg., 2.9 apg., 2.1 spg.) has done it all for Cranford with over 400 points scored and almost 200 rebounds. Brooke Bentrewicz has flanked her with 9.3 ppg., 5.7 rpg. and 1.3 spg.

DARK HORSE

7-Mendham

Seventh-seeded Mendham enters the state tournament below .500 at 10-14, but playing in the American Division of the Northwest Jersey Athletic League will do that to you. Mendham reached the semifinals of the tournament each of the past two seasons and the final three years ago.

Lila Schoenfeld (11 ppg., 2.1 rpg., 2.3 apg., 1.5 spg.) leads a team that has six total players who have scored 100 or more points this year. With a mix of veterans and young talent, Mendham is a team to watch.

PROJECTED SECTIONAL FINAL

2-Colonia vs. 5-Chatham

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FAVORITE

1-Bayonne

Top-seeded Bayonne aims to capture the sectional title for the first time since winning the Group 4 state championship in the 2022-23 season.

The Hudson County Tournament champion is 22-4 on the year and unbeaten in the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League American Division. The Bees have posted wins this year over the likes of St. Rose, Saddle River Day, University, Snyder, Hudson Catholic and Hoboken. Bayonne has also tested itself with games against Gill St. Bernard’s, Immaculate Heart, West Orange and Teaneck.

Freshman Sophia Feeney (16.6 ppg., 3.6 rpg., 1.9 apg., 2.5 spg.) leads Bayonne in points and made 3-pointers and is near the top in steals. Charlize Olmo (7.7 ppg., 3.9 rpg.), Samara Porch (9.9 ppg., 3.9 rpg., 3.6 apg., 3.1 spg.) and Tatyanna Watson (11.5 ppg., 5.8 rpg., 3.1 apg., 2.6 spg.) will be called upon as veterans to keep the pressure off the rookie.

CONTENDERS

2-Westfield

Second-seeded Westfield took home the sectional crown last winter. Sophie Lane (17.9 ppg., 8 rpg., 1.6 bpg.) guided Westfield to the Union County tournament final this season as she leads the team in scoring with over 400 points. She’s also near the top in almost every other major stat.

Megan Logan (11.9 ppg., 8.2 rpg., 3.1 apg., 3.9 bpg., 1.9 spg.) also been able to use her size to her advantage this season with over 300 points, 200 rebounds and 100 blocks.

At 18-7, Westfield endured two rough patches this year, but it has otherwise defeated standout teams such as Union Catholic, Ramapo, Plainfield, St. Thomas Aquinas and Gill St. Bernard’s.

3-Piscataway

Third-seeded Piscataway reached the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament semifinals this year. The 16-8 Chiefs and head coach Brian Tuskan defeated the likes of Colonia, Spotswood, Woodbridge and others. They also tested themselves with a more recent game against state and national power, Red Bank Catholic.

Piscataway runs a quick, modern offense that shoots a lot of 3-pointers. Caelyn Cook (13.4 ppg., 2.2 rpg., 3 apg., 2 spg.), Violet Azcona (11.9 ppg., 4.3 rpg., 2.4 apg., 2.4 spg.) and Emeryl Azcona (8.8 ppg., 2.6 rpg.), all sophomores, have each made over 40 shots from behind the arc this season. Alyssa Iduh 911.3 ppg., 14.1 rpg., 2.8 bpg.) has been a force on the inside with over 300 rebounds and 60 blocks.

4-Plainfield

The fourth-seeded Cardinals are led by Piscataway transfer Sarae Croley-Battle, a junior. Croley-Battle (20 ppg., 9.2 rpg., 1.7 apg., 1 bpg., 3.1 spg.) leads Plainfield in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks and steals. Plainfield’s 13-11 record doesn’t jump off the page, but it reached the semifinals of the Union County Tournament and has won seven of its last nine games.

The Cardinals have wins over Paterson Eastside, Summit, Johnson, Union Catholic, Cranford and Roselle Catholic during the stretch. They also have competitive losses to Westfield, West Orange and New Providence the last couple of weeks. Plainfield is peaking at the right time ahead of the postseason.

DARK HORSE

5-Columbia

Fifth-seeded Columbia will likely be on the road for the whole state tournament, but it enters the postseason with a winning record in away games.

Columbia is 17-7 on the season as it reached the quarterfinals of the Essex County Tournament. With wins this winter over Montclair, Verona, Hasbrouck Heights and Watchung Hills, the Cougars will be a tough out. JoJo Yarde has dominated, averaging 20.1 ppg., 13.5 rpg., 2.7 apg., 1.4 bpg and 4.7 spg. Gabriella Ervin (11.9 ppg., 4.8 rpg., 4.7 apg., 2.1 spg.) and others will likely have to step up as teams will be keyed in on Yarde.

PROJECTED SECTIONAL FINAL

1-Bayonne vs. 2-Westfield