Gaining momentum

Sophomore Jessica Lane , who leads the team with 65 steals, dribbles past a defender.

BY ANALISE SAINVIL

After competing through a demanding stretch of games, the girls basketball team won three out of the last four, including an 85-76 victory over Woodbridge, to improve to 12-13 as the girls prepare for the NJSIAA State Tournament.

In one of their strongest offensive performances of the season, the girls scored 85 points in a fast-paced matchup to secure the win on February 21. “Going into states after winning games is a great feeling to have,” said senior Julia Remotti.

On Tuesday, January 27, the team earned a 54-48 road win over North Plainfield to build momentum. “Everyone was able to chip in, we played together and stuck with each other till the end,” said junior Marilyn Togun.

The girls followed that performance with a dominant 57-27 victory against Matawan, showcasing defensive pressure from the opening tip. “It felt good because most of us know people on the team on Matawan and have played with or against many of their players,” said sophomore Jessica Lane.

Sophomore Amy Valazza plays tight defense while attempting to steal the ball from her opponent.

The team ended a three-game losing streak with a commanding 47-12 win over South Amboy, which highlighted the team’s ability to respond with energy and focus. “When our team plays together, we can do really good things on the court,” said Lane.

The girls strengthened the team’s postseason positioning with a 58-52 victory over Manalapan on February 14. “[It] felt really good to play together as a team and be able to get power points for our state tournament,” said Lane.

Junior Marilyn Togun , who leads the team in points(281), rebounds(206), and blocked shots(28), takes a foul shot.

The girls also secured a 47-42 road win over South Plainfield in a tightly contested game on Wednesday, February 18. “It felt good to come away with the win, especially because it took a team effort,” said junior Zoe Chin.

Despite the recent success, the season has included difficult losses against strong opponents that tested the team’s consistency. “The challenges and our growth really showed throughout the season,” said Togun.

During the year, players emphasized that stronger bonds off the court translated into better communication during games. “Definitely off the court we made connections and bonds that were stronger than at the beginning of the season which translates to the court,” said Lane.

Sophomore Amira Farag, who has scored 112 points, rises above the defense to take a jump shot in the lane.

The phrase “genuine connections” became a defining theme for the group as they worked to build trust and unity. “This year taught us how important genuine connections really are,” said Chin.

Heading into the NJSIAA State Tournament, the girls look to carry their momentum forward while continuing to build confidence. They face Princeton on the road at 4pm tomorrow.

Posted on February 25, 2026

Senior Payton Kmiec, who has scored 170 points this season, dribbles the ball up the court, scanning for passing opportunities.
Junior Marilyn Togun, who scored 24 points against Woodbridge, controls the ball in transition.
Sophomore Jessica Lane advances the ball up the court under defensive pressure.