BY CAMILLE JOHNSON
Following an 11-15 season, a quarterfinal loss to North Plainfield in the GMC Tournament, and the loss of several standout seniors, the girls basketball team returns for the upcoming season with strength and momentum for a successful season ahead.
Seniors Payton Kmiec, Zoe Chin, and Julia Remotti return ready to lead the team to success in their final season with the program. “For myself, I just want to play with full confidence and finish my high school career on a good note,” said Kmiec, who finished last season fourth in points(104) and second in assists(46).
The team also returns a wide variety of underclassmen, including the second-highest scorer of the 2024-2025 season, Marilyn Togun, who contributed 230 points. “My expectations for this season are to improve my skills and to contribute to my team’s success this season, so we can win as many games as possible this year,” said Togun.
Sophomores Jessica Lane and Amy Valazza also look to further contribute to the team’s success. As freshmen, Lane put up 97 points and 82 rebounds, the third highest on the team, while Valazza added 60 points. “My expectation for the team this season is to definitely show up more for every single game and not just the important ones,” explained Lane.
Summer practices and fall conditioning and weightroom workouts helped the girls prepare during the offseason. They have also improved vital skills in their summer training. “Throughout the offseason, from the weight room to the gym, we focused on working on ball handling, defense, shooting, and team chemistry,” said senior Zoe Chin, who contributed 38 points last season.
The team also worked to improve their defensive stratefies, which they hope will lead the team to success. “I think that our press defense will definitely improve to get us easy points in transition,” noted Valazza.
The girls have high hopes for their team chemistry and believe it will positively affect them. “My expectation for the team this season is for us to really bond, not just as teammates but as a family,” said Chin. “[I] hope that we will trust each other and play with heart.”
Come out to support the team at their home opener against Middlesex on December 16 at 5:30pm in a double-header with the boys team.
Posted on December 15, 2025
Photos by Analise Sainvil
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