North 1, Group 1
Tuesday, 7 p.m.
(4) Emerson (23-6) at (2) Cedar Grove (17-9)
Outlook: What makes Emerson so dangerous is the number of weapons it has. Junior center Jenna Cooper posted double-doubles all season long, while senior G Devin Riker has the ability to knock down threes from seemingly any distance. Junior G Carly Petrower is a versatile scoring threat, and senior G Nadia Itani has given the Cavos another consistent shooter. Cedar Grove, which defeated No. 6 Saddle Brook by one point in the semifinals, is a solid defensive team, but Emerson will present a challenge.
North 2, Group 1
Tuesday, 6 p.m. (The NJSIAA Bracket has 4pm listed – this is incorrect)
(7) University (20-7) at (1) Secaucus (26-3)
Outlook: This is a matchup of two strong offenses. The Patriots have dominated all season behind the shooting of sophomore G Amanda Ulrich and junior F Lindsey Mack. Freshman PG Damaris Rodriguez, an excellent ball-handler, was stellar at the start of the season, and she’s continued to get better. Secaucus doesn’t have any seniors, but it’s a scrappy team that’s going to fight on every possession.
North Non-Public B
Semifinals
(3) Marist (23-1) at (2) Saddle River Day (23-6), Monday, 4 p.m.
Outlook: The defending North Non-Public B champion Rebels have gotten better and better. They’re outstanding defensively, they can attack offenses in a variety of ways and sophomore G Michelle Sidor is always capable of delivering a clutch three-pointer. Saddle River Day has been without sophomore C Jenna Jordan the last two games because of an injury, but she’s expected to be ready to play in this game.
(4) Queen of Peace (15-6) at (1) Immaculate Conception (20-5), Monday, 5:30 p.m.
Outlook: Immaculate Conception has beaten Queen of Peace twice this season. The Blue Wolves are led by senior G Breyenne Bellerand, who can completely take over a game if she needs to. Senior C Danielle Deoul has not only been a dominant presence in the paint, but she’s also capable of knocking down shots from the perimeter. The Golden Griffins lack depth, but senior C Raven Farley-Clark and junior G Sydney Watkins will give Queen of Peace a chance in every game.
