Players to Watch: South Jersey Girls Finals
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After the boys sectional champions were crowned on Saturday, it will be the girls turn to decide who will be representing South Jersey in the final two rounds of NJSIAA state championships in games being played later today. Here’s a…
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Continue ReadingAfter the boys sectional champions were crowned on Saturday, it will be the girls turn to decide who will be representing South Jersey in the final two rounds of NJSIAA state championships in games being played later today.
Here’s a look at some players to watch.
Group 4 Final: Central Regional vs Kingsway, 3:30 p.m.
A first-time sectional champion will be crowned at the conclusion of this one.
Central is led by senior captain Emma Harmon Emma Harmon M Central Regional (NJ) | 2024 State NJ , who is a treat to watch as a midfielder who is shifty on the ball, can shoot from distance and is good at setting up chances for teammates. Senior forward Arianna Chidiac is also a handful in the attack for the Golden Eagles and senior goalkeeper Erika Kangas leads the team from the back.
Kingsway has a very balanced team from front to back with seniors Brianna Lewis and Hannah Ferris anchoring a strong back line and central midfield. Senior midfielder Emma Nugyen is a crafty midfielder with a good left foot and a dangerous dead ball. Junior forward Cailon Burlingame leads the team in goals and senior Maddie Hicks does a little bit of everything in the final third. Sophomore goalkeeper Mackenzie Barry might end up being the most important player for the Dragons in this one. She’s recorded clean sheets in each of Kingsway’s last four games.
Group 3 Final: Ocean City vs Shawnee, 2 p.m.
This is going to be a fun battle between the 1 and 2 seeds. Both teams were on the losing end of semifinals at the South Jersey Coaches Cup but showed their class in each game.
Ocean City junior forward Naomi Nnewihe and senior Mckenna Chisholm are both lightning in the attack. Nnewihe has speed to get behind and is solid in the air while Chisholm can beat you in a variety of ways with and without the ball, scoring goals with her head off set pieces, in transition and from distance while also dominating on the defensive side of the ball. Other players to watch include junior attacker Kati Maxwell, who is good on the half turn and at crosses, sophomore forward Jaida Dooley and junior Coryn McDonnell. Junior defender Brooke Liebrand and senior Ashley Rhodes are also players to be mindful of.
Senior Mackenzie McCready (pictured at top) is the veteran leader of the squad who has an incredible work rate and ability to create going forward. Sophomore Madelynn Sadusky Madelynn Sadusky F NJ has had a breakout year on the offensive end after contributing as a first-year player as an outside back. Junior goalkeeper Mackenzie Borbi is a gamer who will definitely be tested against Ocean City. Junior defenders Joellie Giquinto and Erin Doyle make a formidable center back pairing in front of Borbi. Junior Eva Matesich along with first-year forward Caitlin Olkowski and sophomores Tori Tepes, Courtney Davis and Avery Kornafel Avery Kornafel M Shawnee | 2026 NJ also contribute to a team that continues to have young players breaking through.
Group 2 Final: Seneca vs Cinnaminson, 2 p.m.
Seniors Gabby Miller and Ava Palladino Ava Palladino M NJ are a formidable attacking pair going forward. Both are technically sound and have multiple ways to beat you. Junior midfielder Caydence Feehan pulls the strings for a team that has outscored 17-2 en route to the sectional final.
Cinnaminson is led by super sophomore Shiloh Moore Shiloh Moore F NJ , who is a pacy, smooth and clinical forward with excellent ball control and finishing ability in the final third. Her brace in the semifinal ended Sterling’s unbeaten season. She combines well in the final third with junior Bailey Coston Bailey Coston D NJ . Sophomore goalkeeper Norah Quinn Norah Quinn 5'9" | GK NJ backstops a defense that hasn’t conceded through three tournament games.
Group 1 Final: Audubon vs Schalick, 3 p.m.
Audubon has gotten a lot of contributions from underclassmen this season with junior Makenna Ammon leading the team in scoring and sophomores Molly Sullivan, Brooke Felli and first-year standout Morgan Wiltsey all standing out. Senior Maddy Carter leads a stingy back line for the Green Wave.
Kerri Jackson leaving gave way to another record-breaking goal scorer this season with senior Emily Miller shattering Jackson’s record. Miller broke Jackson’s record of 43 goals in a season and is now just three shy of 50. Senior goalkeeper Carly Hayman has been key to the team’s run too but there a number of underclassmen contributing as well with sophomores Abby Willoughby, Cali Fisler and Quinn Berger and first-year Karlie Bakley all having solid seasons.
Non-Public B Final: Bishop Eustace at Rutgers Prep, Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Bishop Eustace will be looking to knock off defending sectional champs Rutgers Prep to win the school’s first sectional championship since 2017. They are led by Clemson-bound senior Allie Serlenga Allie Serlenga F Bishop Eustace Preparatory | 2024 State #206 Nation NJ and junior midfielder Mia Abbey Mia Abbey 5'1" | F Bishop Eustace | 2025 State NJ in the midfield going forward and in the back by juniors Ace Higgins and Hayley Noonan in the back in front of junior goalkeeper Izzy Serano.
Rutgers Prep is loaded with D1 talent with the likes of junior Virginia commit Addison Halpern Addison Halpern null | M Rutgers Prep (NJ) | 2025 State #8 Nation NJ closing in on 40 goals, junior Virginia Tech commit Ellie Robertson Ellie Robertson null | M State NJ and senior goalkeeper and UConn commit Syrai Parker Syrai Parker GK Rutgers Prep | 2024 NJ . Promising underclassmen in the squad include sophomore playmaker Alexa Lee Alexa Lee 5'4" | M Rutgers Preparatory School | 2026 State NJ and sophomore midfielder Nyla Lopez Nyla Lopez F NJ .