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AMERICAN
MORRIS HILLS
Coach: Janel Jones, third season
Last year: 13-12, North 2 Group III first round.
Key losses: Melanie Marotta, Gina Aragona, Mackenzie Hestvold.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Kayla Fleming, Jr. F Casarah Morales, Sr. G Ashley Ferrante, Jr. G Lauren Sysyn, So. G Julia Catalano, Sr. C Maggie Munro.
Newcomers: Fr. F Megan Gaeb.
Outlook: Key returnees Morales (11 ppg.), Ferrante and a host of other experienced players should help Morris Hills show significant improvement over last season's showing.
MOUNT OLIVE
Coach: Patrick Morella, fifth season
Last year: 18-6, North 1 Group III first round.
Key losses: Morgan Tortenson, Sarah Fasino, Ashley Piekarz, Jess Piekarz, Kristen Scimeca, Angie Hopkins, Caitlin Peason.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Sarah Wells, Sr. F Katie Murray, Sr. G Lillie Rolsing, Sr. G Tina Portesy, Jr. G/F Sarah McEvoy.
Newcomers: Jr. G Frankie Pignataro, Jr. F Jennifer Ojukwu, So. G Alyssa Mathura, So. F Stefani Schaechter, Jr. G Kim Grace, Fr. F Olivia Timmermans, Fr. F Isabel Barbieri, Fr. G Gina Verrone.
Outlook: Seniors Sarah Wells and Katie Murray will be called upon to provide leadership to a bevy of underclassmen who are being counted on to fill the void left by seven graduated players. The development of the younger players, including two sophomores and three freshmen, will hold the key to Mount Olive's fortunes.
POPE JOHN
Coach: John Slackman, second season
Last year: 8-17, Non-Public North A quarterfinalist.
Key losses: none
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Jess Bolger, Sr. G Jess Moor, So. G Caitlyn Fitzmorris, Sr. G Abby Moore, Jr F Nicole Barnett, Sr. G Meghan Falk, Sr, G Hannah Martinez, Jr. G/F Kiersten Librizzi, So. G Kristyn Spetz.
Newcomers: Jr. G Jo DeProspo, So. F Maggie Miller, So. G Brielle Breheny.
Outlook: With their top two scorers returning in Falk and Barnett, a record of .500 or better is well within reach for the Lady Lions.
SPARTA
Coach: Catherine Wille, third season
Last year: 14-14, North 1 Group III semifinalist.
Key losses: Jamie Melville (Fairfield), Grace Miller.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. CMeghan Boryeskne, Sr. F Maggie Jent, Sr. G Michelle Keller, Sr. F Taryn Penna.
Newcomers: So. FJackie Dowd, So. G Emily Lake, Jr. G Gretchen Bowie, Jr. G Amanda Johnson.
Outlook: A strong nucleus of seniors led by Boryeskne (12 ppg., 8 rpg.) and Maguire (10 ppg.) appear to be poised and ready to unite their talent and experience to make Sparta a dangerous opponent.
VERNON
Coach: Bill Foley, 10th season
Last year: 2-20
Key losses: Amanda Rourke, Julie Cacace, Brooke Sabol, Rebecca Renna.
Returning letterwinners: Jr. G Courtney Furrey, Jr. F Kelsey Hall, So. F Julia Dehnert.
Newcomers: Jr. G Jenna MacDonald, Jr. G Taryn Schofield, Jr. F Kate Dulmer, So. G Victoria Gonzalez, So. G McKenzie Alter, So. G Brianna White, So. F Amber Paulison.
Outlook: This young and athletic group will have to go back to the basics to build from the ground up and should be more competitive this season.
NATIONAL
MORRIS KNOLLS
Coach: Sandy Feld, 17th season
Last year: 15-10, North 1 Group III first round.
Key losses: Jacie Cooper, Isabel Katz, Brianna Mott.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Jamie Barrett, Sr. F Caroline Dunn, So. G Alexis Grubel, So. F Krista Mitarotonda.
Newcomers: none
Outlook: The graduation of three senior starters will put the pressure on a bunch of young and inexperienced players pushed into the limelight. Seniors Dunn and Barrett should provide a steadying influence on these neophytes and should have the Golden Eagles in the thick of the division race.
PARSIPPANY HILLS
Coach: Van Johnson, second season
Last year: 11-14, North 2 Group III quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Danielle Russo, Mimi Hess, Jackie Wolf.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Cassie Fahy, Sr. G Veronica Serkowska, Jr. F Mikaela Dredden, Sr. F Christina Russo, Sr. G Briana Dance, Jr. G Kiki Santos, Jr. G Rochelle Blair, Jr. G Erin Fulmore, So. G Katie Kerrigan, So. F Tori Lombardi.
Newcomers: Sr. G Giana Pallis, Sr. G Alice Liang, So. G Prisha Patel, So. G Aura Gordon, Fr. F Jillian Rogers.
Outlook: Coming off an 11-14 season that included the Vikings winning a home state tournament game for the first time in 10 years could be just the springboard that the program needs to evolve into a contender with Serkowska, one of the premier guards in Morris County, leading the way.
RANDOLPH
Coach: Kristin Torres, seventh season
Last year: 20-9, North 1 Group IV semifinalist.
Key losses: Aliyah Huland El (Virginia).
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Cynthia Meringer, Sr. G Kelly McGinnis, Jr. G Kiera Cesareo, So. F Jennie Lamancuso.
Newcomers: Sr. F Caileen Mackovic, Jr. G Rachel Kral, So. G/F Alana Miniovich, So. G Courtney Whiting, So. G Sam Weixel, Fr. F Hanna Murphy, Fr. G Erin Corrigan, Fr. G Meghan Corrigan.
Outlook: Without Huland El, last year's All Daily Record Player of the Year, the Rams will emphasize defense and team play to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. If some of the youngsters can contribute significantly, look for Randolph to be the surprise team in the county. McGinniss is a steady guard with great 3-point range and could emerge as the team leader.
ROXBURY
Coach: Kevin Bewalder, eighth season
Last year: 6-17
Key losses: Ellyn Cryan, Angela Sandelli, Lauren Kornmann.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Jamie Katzenberg, Sr. F Sydney Clevenger, Jr. G Stephanie Bogdan, Jr. F Cristina LoBrace, Jr. F Bree Manzo, Jr. G Rachel Sclar, Jr. G Ryelle Sansone, So. G Jackie Katzenberger.
Newcomers: Jr. G Grace O'Donnell, So. F Giovanna Harrigan, Fr. G Sarah Olivero, Fr. G Grace Monaghan.
Outlook: The growing pains that this young club endured during a 6-17 campaign a year ago should pay dividends as many of the returning underclassmen who logged quality varsity minutes and return with savvy and skills necessary to get the team moving in a positive direction. Seniors Katzenberger and Clevenger, who both averaged five points and five rebounds a game, will lead this fledgling bunch that includes five juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen. The Gaels will sorely miss Kornmann, a junior, who will sit out the season to focus on volleyball.
WEST MORRIS
Coach: Fran Gavin, ninth season
Last year: 26-3, National Division champions, Morris County Tournament finalist, North 2 Group III champions, Group III finalist.
Key losses: Brielle Kelly (Mansfield University), Sydney Sapir, Paige Burton (Catholic University for lacrosse), Kendall Ballotti (Elon University for soccer), Emily Gerardi.
Returning letterwinners: Jr. G Ilissa Webb, Sr. F Sarah Singer, Sr. G Madison Williams, Sr. G Cassidy Buchanan, Jr. F Beni Emiliano, Jr. G Julia Driebe, Jr. G Kristin Hagopian, So. G Cassandra Montgomery, Sr. G/F Amanda Gross.
Newcomers: Sr. F Dakota Koop, Jr. F Kaitlyn Bridges, Jr. G Amanda Butynes, Jr. F Danielle Cevis.
Outlook: A lot will fall on Webb as the only starter from last year's Group III finalist, but the Wolfpack return a cadre of talented bench players including Singer, Emiliano, Williams and Buchanan who possess the talent to ascend into more prominent roles.
UNITED
CHATHAM
Coach: Joe Gaba, 18th season
Last year: 13-11, North 2 Group III finalist.
Key losses: Natalie Washuta, Colleen Mulvaney.
Returning letterwinners: Jr. G Cassandra Falone, Sr. F Morgan Monson, Sr. F Olivia Diaz-Saavedra, Sr. G Shea Matta, Sr. G Emily Walczyk, Jr. F Ava Fornaro, Jr. G Caroline Viscovich, So. G Liz Ford, So. G Michelle Connolly.
Newcomers: Jr. F Sarah Oliver, Jr. F Emma Kennedy, So. F Gia Mariano, Fr. G Chloe Blanc, Fr. G Camryn Davies, Fr. F Veronica Kelly.
Outlook: With nine of their top 11 players returning, including four starters, plus a gifted group of freshmen in the mix, the Cougars' stock is on the rise. Chatham's depth will allow Gaba to employ full court defensive pressure and an up-tempo offense. Falone, who led Chatham in scoring with 12.7 points per game as a sophomore last season will be a vital cog in running the offense and distributing the ball.
MENDHAM
Coach: Mark Gnapp, third season
Last year: 13-12, North 2 Group III first round.
Key losses: Aubrey Udell (Trinity), Jaclyn Walsh, Lauren Bohl.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Irene Margiotta, Sr. G Michelle Stanton, Sr. G Emma Spoldi, Jr. G Ashley Gehrin, Jr. G Julia Farina, Jr. C Courtney Bundschuh, Jr. G Grace Gaffney, Jr. Brittany Shortfall.
Newcomers: Sr. F Rachel Hiley, So. G Chloe Kong, So. C Emily Sullivan, So. F Hannah Pellegrino.
Outlook: As solid core of experienced players in Margiotta, Stanton, Spoldi, Gehrin and Bundschuch and a host of new talent should allow Mendham to overcome the loss of four-year starters Walsh and Udell.
MONTVILLE
Coach: Derek Lynn, sixth season
Last year: 16-10, North 1 Group III first round.
Key losses: Katie O'Reilly (Scranton), Tami Lake, Carly DeNigris, Sydney Strickland.
Returning letterwinners: Jr. G Kelly O'Reilly, Sr. F Jennie Lake, So. G Lauren Minardi, So. G Jane Beiermeister.
Newcomers: Jr. G Caroline Kelly, Jr. F Grace Hartnett, So. F Katie Tortorella, So. F Victoria Montemorano, Fr. G Jordan Strickland, Fr. F Amanda Gorski, Fr. G Bridget Kelly.
Outlook: The Mustangs' young and talented squad will be led by O'Reilly, a combo guard who turned in a tremendous sophomore season with a team best 16.6 points a game.
MORRISTOWN
Coach: Jim Pisciotta, second season
Last year: 5-17
Key losses: none
Returning letterwinners: Jr. F Jian Zamberlio, Jr. F/C Abby Schubiger, Sr. G Camille Carter, So. G/F Kim Calloway, Jr. G Riley Priano, Jr. F Olisha Walker.
Newcomers: So. C Kayla Busch, Sr. F Allie Ferrara, Fr. G Elizabeth Strambi.
Outlook: The Colonials will be strong in the middle with 6-foot-1 Schubiger and Busch, a 6-foot-2 transfer. Strambi will be thrown right into the fire and should provide lots of help in the backcourt. Morristown's success rests on how well the players adapt to Pisciotta's philosophy of tight defense, hardnosed play and a quick tempo.
FREEDOM
HACKETTSTOWN
Coach: Mona Ressaissi, third season
Last year: 4-19, North 2, Group II first round.
Key losses: Courtney Crawford, Ava Mitchell, Lindsay Hutton.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Raina Cerniglia, So. G Emma Standing, So. G Amber Sagan.
Newcomers: Jr. G Madison Kennedy, So. C Nicole Ivan.
Outlook: With the loss of its three top scorers from last season in Crawford, Mitchell and Hutton, Cerniglia, a three-year varsity player, should be poised to take over the leadership role. Although just sophomores, Standing and Sagan have the ability to make a substantial contribution for the Tigers.
HIGH POINT
Coach: Chris Dexter, 13th season
Last year: 13-14, North 1 Group II finalist.
Key losses: Erin Woop (Ithaca), Janine Hlavaty, Lanae Tallamy
Returning letterwinners: Sr. C April Peterson, Jr. G Madalyn Smith, Jr G Loree Tallamy, Jr. G Kayla Halloran, So. F Casey Lagenbach.
Newcomers: Jr. F Kate Morris, Jr. G/F Keeley McGregor, Jr. G Paige Heller, Fr. G Margo Peterson, Fr. G Emily Mulvoy, Fr. G Erin Peterson.
Outlook: High Point has two solid players in Smith (12 ppg.) and Peterson (13 ppg., 7 rpg.) to build around. The development of some solid role players from last season to fulfill more significant roles and a talented group of freshmen should have High Point competing for its eighth-straight division crown.
JEFFERSON
Coach: James McDermid, second season
Last year: 18-9, Freedom Division champions, North 1 Group III quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Imani Brown (East Stroudsburg).
Returning letterwinners: Jr. F Julia Murawinski, So. G Ashley Hutchinson, Jr. G Alyssa Soto.
Newcomers: Fr. G Taylor Langan, Jr. G/F Kelly Squier, Jr. G Emily Profaca, Sr. F Keira White, So. G Kayla Scherlacher.
Outlook: The Falcons are banking on depth, speed, defense, athleticism and depth to overcome inexperience and the loss of last year's leading scorer, Imani Brown. This guard-oriented club will push the tempo and could be dangerous with players at every position with the ability to score. Murawinski, who has verbally committed to Syracuse to play volleyball, returns after averaging 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds a year ago. A more challenging non-league schedule should help to prepare Jefferson for a run at the county title and in the state tournament.
LENAPE VALLEY
Coach: Jim Cressbaugh, first season
Last year: 9-13, North 1 Group II first round.
Key losses: Bri Simko, Marissa Quaglia, Katie Maeillo, Megan Buonpane, Ally Tufaro (injury).
Returning letterwinners: Jr. Maura Chozick, So. Rachel Samson, Jr. Eldina Kucevic, So. Danielle DeMassi, Jr. Antonia Vasquez.
Outlook: With the loss of Tufaro to injury, the burden of leadership will rest on the shoulders of Samson and Chozick as the only players that saw significant varsity time last season. Cresbaugh is banking on Vasquez, DeMassi and Kucevic to rise to the occasion.
SUSSEX TECH
Coach: Jessica Trotter, second season
Last year: 5-16
Key losses: Miranda Hnyda.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G/F Jill Blakeney, Sr. G Brittany Campanello, Jr. G/F Anna Fay, So. G Karleigh Noll.
Newcomers: Sr. G Desiree Dureny, So. G/F Amy Dehnert, Fr. F Kellie Godfrey, So. G Dena Janos, So. F Paige Kleiner, Fr. G Cee Cee Kofsky, Fr. G/F Lindsey Kopf, Jr. F Abigail Radler, Fr. G Isabella Rodriguez, Fr. G Olivia Wolz.
Outlook: Short in both size and experience, Sussex Tech's inaugural season in the NJAC will be a challenging one. The loss of Hnyda, who led the club in scoring and rebounding last year, will hurt, but Blakeney (4.6 ppg.), Noll (3.7 ppg.) and Fay (3.6 ppg.) are all capable of filling the void. The team will also receive a boost from Dureny, who returns to the floor after recovering from an ACL injury.
COLONIAL
HOPATCONG
Coach: Jamie Douglas, ninth season
Last year: 1-19
Key losses: Gina Costanza, Pam Hon.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Shannon Clarke, Sr. G Julia Brennan, Jr. F Gabby Acierno, Jr. G Jamie Kufta, Jr. F Danna Bibeault.
Newcomers: Jr. G Daniella Hulsman, Jr. G Sara Taddeo, So. F Alexa Yanko.
Outlook: A host of new personnel has coach Jaime Douglas optimistic about his club's chances to leave last year's 1-19 campaign in the rearview mirror.
KITTATINNY
Coach: Andrew Meyers
Last year: 12-12, North 1 Group II first round.
Key losses: Brooke Coletti, Marissa Coombs, Amanda Schoen, Camille Avarella, Cait Leppert, Alyn Fuchs.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. Jenn Makarevich, Jr. Jess Repasy, Jr. Ashley Brown, So. Melissa Schoen.
Newcomers: Sr. Rachel Van Gorden, Jr. Kristen Trusa, Jr. Calli Van Gorden, So. Olivia Manzer, So. Emma Zazzali, Fr. Kelly Insalaca.
Outlook: Youth will be served for Kittatinny, which returns just one senior starter. Makarevich and Zazzali are a solid duo at the guard spots but success is dependent upon significant contributions off the bench.
NEWTON
Coach: Whitney Dugan, fourth season
Last year: 25-4, North 1, Group II champion, Group II finalist.
Key losses: Hannah Buckley, Kayla Delnero, Morgan Euston, Kelsi Hosler, Anna Keimel (injury).
Returning letterwinners: Sr. Tara Lynch, Sr. Addi Hilliard, Sr. Kayla Chambliss, Sr. Emma Wermuth, Sr. July Schomp, Jr. Angelya Larson.
Newcomers: So. Jasmine Luciani, So. Amanda Nitting, So. IreLee Ferguson, So. Courtney McHale.
Outlook: Look for Newton's trademark smothering end-to-end defense to have the Braves in contention for a division title and a deep run in the state tournament. A balanced blend to experience and youth is led by Lynch, who has 920 career points.
NORTH WARREN
Coach: Jill Masker, seventh season
Last year: 14-11, North 1 Group II first round.
Key losses: Jaime Greene, Nicole Farrell (Wilkes), Jillian Chuddley (injury).
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Victoria Oliver, Jr. G Dominique Voitek, Jr. F Marissa DiRenzo, So. F Janell Chuddley, So. F Kelsey Kretsch, So. F Kelsey Thornton, So. F Jenny Sagan.
Newcomers: Fr. G Kelly Vuz, So. F Brianna Jones.
Outlook: Returning one starter, North Warren will need to overcome its inexperience. The Patriots will need to get past the growing pains and gel quickly in order to be competitive.
WALLKILL VALLEY
Coach: Ed Paiva
Last year: 10-14
Key losses: Alyxx Mangine.
Returning letterwinners: Jr. G Brielle Hibert, Jr. F Brittany Todd, So. F Randi Lyn Hornyak, So. F Katie Bertoa.
Newcomers: Fr. C Sara Grahm, Fr. G Caitlyn Masecki.
Outlook: Youth will be served for the Rangers this season, with a solid core of underclassmen that need to come of age as the season progresses.
INDEPENDENCE
BOONTON
Coach: Jim Drury, second season
Last year: 14-13, North 1 Group I quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Anna Lee Smith, Meghan Mollahan.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G/F Cyndia Green, Sr. G Sihanna Asani, Sr. G Meghan Maida, Jr. G Rhiannon Groll.
Newcomers: Jr. F Chelsea Davis, Jr. F Kasey Thomas, Jr. F Caitlyn Mollahan, Sr. G Emily Kelly, So. G Adriana Dika, Fr. F Karina Meyer.
Outlook: The Bombers feature a solid nucleus of Green (10 ppg., 9 rpg.), Asani (12 ppg., 67 3-pointers), Maida (4 ppg., 8 rpg., 4 spg.) and Groll that should be supplemented nicely by players like Kelly, who is back on the floor after a two-year absence due to injury. Davis, Thomas and Mollahan bring experience off the bench and Meyer has a tremendous upside.
BUTLER
Coach: Kim Wilson
Last year: 5-17, second season
Key losses: none
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Marlene Arabia, Sr. F Amber Haslett, Sr. C Victoria Santiago, Jr. G Sofia Martini, Jr. C Taylor Russnack, Jr. G Cielle Avena, So. F Samantha Flinn.
Newcomers: Fr. Caitlin Monahan, So. Tara Havrilla, So. Megan Dranow, So. Cassidy Connolly.
Outlook: A solid core of Arabia, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season, Haslett and Santiago will need to guide a large contingent of underclassmen to get Butler to present a challenge for all opponents.
KINNELON
Coach: Stephanie Finke, seventh season
Last year: 15-9, North 1 Group II quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Katie Coppa.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Dominique Wirsing.
Newcomers: Fr. G Alexa Saccomanno, So. G Calais Cronin, So. G Olivia Eckstein, So. G Katie Hinz, Jr. F Marissa Jacobia, So. G Jamie Lewit, Jr. F Michele Natale, Jr. F Kat Slyfield.
Outlook: A young and inexperienced club, Kinnelon will build around a cornerstone in Wirsing, the team's only senior who finished last season averaging 10.5 points and 9.6 rebounds a game with 114 blocked shots.
MORRIS CATHOLIC
Coach: Rich Fachet, seventh season
Last year: 25-2, NJAC-Independence champion, Morris County Tournament champion, Non-Public North B champion, Non-Public B finalist
Key losses: Alexis Guiliano (Columbia), Charlotte Schum (TCNJ), Anna Toke.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Kate Feeney, Sr. C Claire Johnson, Jr. G Rachel Mills, Jr. G Teresa Andolino, Jr. G/F Stella Johnson.
Newcomers: Fr. C Riley O'Dowd, Fr. G Emily Schum, Fr. G Hana Driscoll, So. G Haley Driscoll, Sr. G Amanda Hall, Jr. F/C Samantha Denboske, So. G Kristen Coleman, So. F Ashley Salazar, Jr. G Julia Rosetto, Jr. G/F Sophie Fischer.
Outlook: Mills, Stella Johnson, Claire Johnson and Feeney form a solid and talented nucleus that should allow the Crusaders to continue their dominance in Morris County. Size, speed and depth will have Morris Catholic positioned for a third consecutive Morris County title.
PEQUANNOCK
Coach: Peggy Bionde, 13th season
Last year: 19-8, North 1 Group II quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Kendall Machak (Stonybrook).
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Carly Hausleben, Jr. G Carly Klimek, Jr. G Emily Klepacki, Sr. F Taylor Tabakman, Jr. F Jess Oostdyk, Sr. G Taylor Cucci, Jr. G Kristen Aikey.
Newcomers: Fr. G Morgan Benscko.
Outlook: With a solid and experienced nucleus of Hausleben, Tabakman, Klimek and Klepacki, Pequannock will be a contender for the division title and should make a deep run in the state tournament.
ST. ELIZABETH
Coach: Bruce McCloud, first season
Last year: 6-14
Key losses: Megan Dowd, Stephanie Quinones, Eva Schofield.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Raquel Fajardo, Sr. C Alexis Fiore, Sr. G Mary Martine, Sr. F Sierra Armstrong, Jr. F Alyssa DiElmo, So. F Emma Corazza.
Newcomers: Sr. G Karenine Joubert, Fr. F Jayne Marie Muoio, Fr. G Clair McVicar, Fr. G Shannon Brown, Fr. G Bella Ferriso, Fr. G Caroline Neilson, Fr. F Ava Salerno, So. F Andrea Kuri.
Outlook: With a mainly inexperienced group, McCloud's objective in his first season is to establish the foundation on which to build the program.
WHIPPANY PARK
Coach: Tom Wilson, 33rd season
Last year: 18-9, North 2 Group II quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Mikel Dunbar, Sharon Ennis, Bhatki Patel, Nicole Dunbar, Juilie Peterson.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Kayla Wrigley, Sr. F Christine Jones, Jr. G Sabrina Ahmed, Jr. G Mayada Ahmed.
Newcomers: Fr. F Gwyneth Gaynor, Fr. F Jenna Holleran, Jr. F Chelsea Oliver, Sr. F Emily Taggart.
Outlook: Whippany Park will need to find a way to compensate for the 30 points a game it lost with the graduation of Mikel Dunbar (10.4), Peterson (5.6) Patel (3.5) and Ennis (3.3) and 7.2 points a game from Nicole Dunbar, who is pursuing winter track in lieu of basketball. The Wildcats will need to get back to the basics and rely on their defense to hold the fort until the offense can find its groove.
LIBERTY
DOVER
Coach: John McDonald, sixth season
Last year: 9-15, North 1, Group II first round.
Key losses: Andrea Morales.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Paulina Zuzock, Jr. G Kayla Beal, So. G Brittany White.
Newcomers: So. F Jeimy Castro, Jr. F Ashley Ordonez, Fr. F Christina Coranato.
Outlook: After turning in their best record in a decade with the help of 1,000 point scorer Andrea Morales, the Tigers will look to regroup. A very young club will be centered around returning varsity players Beal, White and Zuzock.
HANOVER PARK
Coach: Doug Wear, 14th season
Last year: 17-6, North 2 Group II first round.
Key losses: Rachel Mogavero, Meghan Maguire, Brielle Colgero (CCM), Shannon Walsh.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G/F Rachel Wilkinson, Sr. G Michaela Stricchiola, Sr. G Olivia Emposimato, Jr. F Alexa Cosenzo, So. G Ava Gammo, So. G Alexa Bursesse, So. G/F Emily Seymour, So. G Alexa Petrozzino.
Newcomers: So. G Amanda Hoberman, So. F Nicole Fortier.
Outlook: Wear will rely his triumvirate of seniors, Wilkinson, Emposimato and Stricchiola, to lead the way for a fledgling group of capable underclassmen whose development could have the Hornets in contention for the division title.
MADISON
Coach: Gene Melleno, fourth season
Last year: 10-13, North 2 Group II first round.
Key losses: none
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Gabby Conmy, So. F Catherine Crowley, Jr. F Sam DePoortere, Sr. C Gaby Fuchs, Jr. G Mackella Goodwin, Sr. G Paige Jacqmin, Jr. G Mika Leshem, Sr. G Kyra Mobley, Sr. C Kristina Qualben, Sr. F Sam White.
Newcomers: Fr. G Mitra Sharif.
Outlook: This veteran group should enable the Dodgers to finish above .500. Fuchs, a second team all conference selection, solidifies the middle.
MORRISTOWN-BEARD
Coach: Mike Sturgeon, 14th season
Last year: 19-8, NJAC-Liberty champion, Prep B semifinalist, Non-Public North B quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Devon Flinn, Kat Bregna, Bryair Alston, Meg Damstrom.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. F Morgan Bartner, Sr. G Katie Hunt, Sr. G Lizzie Hunt, Sr. F Sarina Morales.
Newcomers: Fr. G Katie Mackin, Fr. F Paige Williams, Fr. G Hailie Cadeau, Fr. F Julia Downey, So. G Jaime Sheppard, So. G Bay Naples, Jr. G Zaire Alston, So. F Jenna Racaniello.
Outlook: Strong up front with Bartner, one of the premier players in Morris County who averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds last season, and skillful twins Katie and Lizzie Hunt in the backcourt, the Crimson should be a factor in within their division and in the county tournament. The loss of Damstrom to a torn ACL is a setback that could be surmounted by the development of the younger players.
MOUNTAIN LAKES
Coach: Mike Killingsworth, 31st season
Last year: 8-14
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Hannah Cronk, Sr. G Natalie LeBeau, Sr. G Alyssa Sebesto, Sr. G Rachel Treweeke, Jr. G/F Jane Brennan, Jr. F Grainger Rosati.
Newcomers: So. F Jlia Aasma, So. G/F Krysta Rigby, So. F Holly Smith, So. G Jen Smith.
Outlook: It all starts with defense for Mountain Lakes, who will look to rebound from an uncharacteristic 8-14 campaign.
PARSIPPANY
Coach: Joe Kirk, first season
Last year: 2-20
Key losses: Robin Barthelus, Angeline Gano, Donna Herbst, Veronica Zoon, Courtney TerWaarbeek.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. G Jennifer Atherton, Sr. G Natalie Hall, So. G Salena LeDonne, Sr. G Rania Sawalhi, So. F Alexis Smith, Jr. G Karli Diaz.
Newcomers: Sr. G Alexis Panfile, Fr. G Louisa Barone, Fr. F Tia Ayton, Fr. G Ragan Kelly.
Outlook: Kirk is counting on his triumvirate of seniors, Atherton, Herbst and Hall, to lead the way and bring his group of talented but untested underclassmen into the mix.
VILLA WALSH
Coach: Margo Connors, eighth season
Last year: 13-11, Non-Public North B quarterfinalist.
Key losses: Veronica Manley, Emily Vincent.
Returning letterwinners: Sr. Anna Collett, Sr. Meghan Cullen, Sr. Maura Scully, Sr. Juliana Racanelli, Jr. Victoria Esposito.
Newcomers: So. Sophie Henderson, So. Morgan Powlen, So. Kiley Molnar, So. Erin Fischer, So. Cosette Bolanger, So. Shea McGuire, So. Brenna Riley.
Outlook: Speed and depth will carry Villa Walsh, which will receive a boost from a strong sophomore class fresh off of a successful campaign on the JV level.
INDEPENDENT
MORRIS TECH
Coach: Timothy Gordon, third season
Last year: 11-10
Key losses: Devon Donovan, Shannon Stewart.
Returning letterwinners:Sr. G Annie Jacobs, Sr. F Kim Kostrowski, Sr. G Marisa Lansing, Sr. F Darlene Noristz, Sr. G Maria Phoenix, Sr. G Claudia Sanchez, Jr. F Danielle Canning, So. F Taylor Rondanini, So. G Brielle Runfeldt, So. F Kristen Stevens, Fr. G Melissa Herforth, Fr. F Emma Sullivan.
Newcomers: Fr. G Melissa Herforth, Fr. F Emma Sullivan.
Outlook: Without the imposing presence of Devon Donovan (10 rebounds and nine blocks a game) Morris Tech will employ an up tempo look to compensate. Rondandini (8.3 ppg.) and Lansing (7.2 ppg.) will be counted on to ignite the offense.