State Tournament: Group 2 Breakdown
We have finally reached the our last group of our State Tournament Breakdown. Last but certainly not least we have Group 2. Let’s take a look and enjoy the tournament! North 1 Section The North 1 Section of Group 2…
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Continue ReadingWe have finally reached the our last group of our State Tournament Breakdown. Last but certainly not least we have Group 2. Let’s take a look and enjoy the tournament!
North 1 Section
The North 1 Section of Group 2 features 13 squads. Sparta is the top seed in this section.
Players to Watch
Mackenzie Wiggins Mackenzie Wiggins 5'11" | OH Sparta | 2021 State NJ (Sparta)
If you are looking for someone to watch that will make your mouth drop. Wiggins is that. She can do it all and makes the correct play every time. She has 171 kills on the year. Expect her to eclipse 200.
Olivia Cammalleri Olivia Cammalleri S Demarest | 2022 State NJ (Demarest)
Cammalleri leaves her fingerprint on every game. At the setter position, she has 232 assists. She makes it look effortless at times on the court. Every pass in on target in the perfect spot.
Olivia ’Liv’ Bereza (Westwood)
Bereza is one who has flown under the radar for most of the season but she is an all-around talent. She can rack up kills like no tomorrow and be lethal from anywhere on the court. Watch out for her.
Prediction
Sparta over Demarest
North 2
The North 2 section of Group 2 features 11 teams with Madison as the top seed in the bracket.
Players to Watch
Erica Maloney (Caldwell)
Maloney is a phenomenal backrow player. She understands where she needs to be on the court to ensure she can make a play. Her court awareness and anticipation create her dig opportunities and normally she will make the play.
Ashley Carkhuff Ashley Carkhuff OH Hackettstown | 2021 State NJ (Hackettstown)
Carkhuff is the player in this section where she can take a lower seed like Hackettstown to the championship. She has all of the shots and knows how to create angles for herself. She could easily take over this tournament.
Mia Gonzalez (Bergenfield)
Gonzalez has put her name on the map for the next couple years. She has been the best player for Bergenfield as a freshman. She’s still a bit raw but her athleticism is what makes her great.
Prediction
Fort Lee over Hackettstown
Central
The Central section in Group 2 has 10 teams with Wall as the overall top seed.
Players to Watch
Kristina Hotaling (Wall)
Hotaling is the go-to option for Wall and for good reason. The outside hitter has a great swing and a high volleyball IQ to ensure she is making the best play for the team. You see her as a decoy a fair amount of time too.
Sarah O’Leary (Raritan)
O’Leary’s numbers may not jump off the page but she does all the little things a team needs to win. Her blocks are not high but she effects many the opponents shot more often than not. Her court presence has her in the correct spot at all times.
Corrina Weyrich (Hopewell Valley)
Weyrich is the catalyst for Hopewell Valley. Her precision with her setting is spot-on and she always knows who should be getting the ball, who has the hot hand, etc. She does not shy away from the moment.
Prediction
Wall over Voorhees
South
Lastly, we have the South section that features 12 teams with Oakcrest as the overall top seed.
Players to Watch
Sarah Goodrich (Cedar Creek)
Goodrich has stepped up this season for Cedar Creek. She has become the intricate piece for them. She has 144 assists and 68 digs leading her to be the glue of this team. Watch for her to impact every game.
Kaitlyn Mulligan (Cinnaminson)
Mulligan is an all-around outside for Cinnaminson. She has a great swing with a live arm and gives opposing teams fits. The team will ride her as far as she can take them.
Olivia Anderson (Pinelands)
Anderson may not have had a season many expected. But her ability on the outside is unquestioned. She has an excellent swing and if she gets going, watch out for Pinelands to make a potential run.
Prediction
Cinnaminson over Sterling