By Greg Tartaglia / NJ,Com  (article edited to reflect only NJIC schools)
Emerson’s early excellence
In search of their first winning record in three years, the Cavos took a 6-4 record into Wednesday’s NJIC Patriot showdown with Park Ridge.
Emerson played in two holiday events, winning the Hawthorne Tournament behind MVP Gabby Micucci (33 points, 8 steals in two games) and splitting a pair at the Butller Classic. At the latter, Micucci went for a season-high 28 points, and Kylie Grompone posted her second double-double in three games.
Waldwick’s winning ways
The Warriors opened 5-0 for their best start since the 2018-19 team began 5-1. Included in the streak were wins at the prestigious Joe Poli Tournament over Secaucus and host Pascack Valley.
Although a three-game losing streak followed, Waldwick responded by improving to 7-3 with victories against Dumont (47-38 at Saturday’s Adopt-A-Soldier Showcase) and Emerson (60-53 in Monday’s NJIC Patriot clash).
Junior guard Lyla Stokes has been the top scorer throughout, and a trio of teammates hit double digits in the most recent game: Hailey Zirpoli (15 points), Lucy Castaneda (14) and Kyra Rahulatharan (14)
Scoring milestones
► Senior guard Allie Shenloogian became the all-time leading scorer in Park Ridge High School history (boys and girls combined) against Paramus Catholic on Dec. 22. She scored 22 points to raise her four-year total to 1,747 and surpass 2008 graduate Vince Richmond (1,734). Shenloogian’s accomplishment was formally recognized the next time the Owls played at home, Jan. 3 against Waldwick
.► Saddle River Day senior Faith Williamson needed just one point to reach 1K when the season began, and she got it at the foul line early in the Rebels’ 68-63 win at Ranney on Dec. 14. Through a 6-2 start, Williamson also drained 24 of the team’s North Jersey-leading 77 three-pointers.
