Take a look below to view the changes to this week's ranking – which includes an extension from top 10 to now top 15. The ranking is based on games played through Sunday, Dec. 31st.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
15-Trenton Catholic (Record 5-0)
Wins against: Cinnamonson, Marist, Northern Burlington, King's Christian, Moorestown
Losses against: n/a
Analysis: While the strength of schedule isn't there thus far, this is a team that has a new coach that is building this team the right way. They play hard and they play fast. There has been rave reviews about this team so far. This is a team that can hang for sure.
14- Morristown (3-1)
Wins against: Union, Sparta, Montclair Immaculate
Losses against: Newark Tech
Analysis: Morristown had a strong start to the season, which has led to their placement on our top 15 list. Morristown may have loss to Newark Tech, but it was a good showing for this team. They are gritty on defense and looked fluid offensively against a tough opponent. This team has the potential to make a deep run in the Group 4 tournament.
13- University (5-1)
Wins against: Montclair, Chatham, West Orange, Shabazz, Science Park
Losses against: St. John Vianney
Analysis: University got off to a good start, reeling off dominant performances against, Shabazz, Montclair and Science Park. They also beat a tough team in West Orange. University had a chance to make some serious noise as they had St. John Vianney on the ropes for most of the game. Sadly University ran out of gas and lost 60-58.
12-Ewing (6-0)
Wins against: Atlantic City, Lawrence, Point Pleasant Boro, Hamilton West, Marlboro, Hightstown
Losses against: n/a
Analysis: Ewing hasn’t played the highest level of competition so far, but they clearly have passed the eye test. They have a nice rotation of upperclassmen and look like a team early on who has the potential to crack the top 10 in the very near future.
11-Cherokee (2-1)
Wins against: Shawnee, Lenape
Losses against: Caravel (DE)
Analysis: Cherokee pulled a nice win against Shawnee and an always solid Lenape. We’re not going to take anything away from them due to a loss to an out of state opponent. There has been a lot of talk about the dynamic duo of Alexa and Ava Thieren. Lets see how they fair this week in division play.
10- Red Bank Catholic (3-1)
Wins against: Middletown North, Wall, Caesar Rodney
Losses against: Manasquan
Analysis: Red Bank is a team that many people think that can make some noise come March. Over the past couple of years they have had a nice influx of talent. Katie Rice had a strong junior year and looks ready to take her game to another level this year. Let's not hold the loss to Manasquan against them too much. Manasquan was at home and shot the ball extremely well.
9-Pascack Valley (6-0)
Wins against: Teaneck, Demarest, Lakeland, Old Tappan, Northern Highlands, Holy Angels
Losses against: n/a
Analysis: PV is one of the best teams in the state that people often overlook. That time has come to an end. Pascack Valley returned two All-Group 3 players in Brianna Smith and Brianna Wong. While they haven’t blown anyone away with the quality of opponents they have faced so far, they pass the eye test and have looked strong each time out.
8- Saddle River Day (4-2)
Wins against: Lenape, Cresskill, Montclair Immaculate, Life Center
Losses against: Albertus Magnus (NY) , Manasquan
Analysis: Saddle River Day started out the year with a pretty rigorous out of conference schedule. While the team posted solid wins against Life Center and Lenape, they lost a close one to a NY based team in Albertus Magnus. SDR also lost a shootout against #1 ranked Manasquan in the Lady Knights Showcase. While The Rebels lost the game, they passed the eye test in regards to a clear display of talent and depth. Look for SDR to tighten things up on the defensive end and pull a couple solid victories this week in the Sparks Showcase.
7-St. Rose(5-1)
Wins against: Asbury Park, Keyport, Point Pleasant Beach, St. Anthony’s, Ursuline (DE)
Losses against: Pickerington
Analysis: While St. Rose hasn’t played any tough opponents yet in state, it’s clear this team has the talent to make a deep run. Monmouth commit Lucy Thomas has been sensational in the early part of the season and has All-State potential.
6-Franklin (1-3)
Wins against: Hunterdon Central
Losses against: Rutgers Prep, St. John Vianney, Rumson Fair Haven
Analysis: Trust the process. Franklin is off to a rough start, but they probably had the toughest first five game schedule in New Jersey. The played three top 6 teams in a week. With that being said, they were in position to win each game and lost all three games by 3 points or less. Look for Franklin to bounce back this week for sure.
5- Rumson Fair Haven (4-1)
Wins against: Chatham, Matawan, Raritan, Franklin
Losses against: Rutgers Prep
Analysis: Tori Hyduke is a PROBLEM. Like she’s different for real. Combine that with a young but talented supporting cast and Rumson Fair-Haven has everything they need to make a deep run. For those questioning their talent, they played well against Rutgers Prep and pulled off a strong victory against Franklin.
4- Newark Tech (4-2)
Wins against: Millburn, Bloomfield, Paterson Kennedy, Morristown
Losses against: Neumann Goretti (PA), Life Center
Analysis: Newark Tech may have two losses but one was against an out of state opponent in N.Goretti (who is ranked #17 in the U.S.) The Lady Terriers are well coached and are tough as nails defensively.
3- Rutgers Prep(4-1)
Wins against: Immaculata, Gil St. Bernards, Rumson Fair Haven, Franklin
Losses against: St. John Vianney
Analysis: The Prep have looked amazing in the first five games. All-State guard Leilani Correa has an unreal skill set. Forward Chiara Thibbit has a wide array of post moves and is a great passer from the high post. Guard Olivia Mullins also shows a lot of promise. Mullins is a strong defender and does a great job causing havoc in the paint with her ball handling. The Argonauts loss a tough one on SJV floor, but they only loss by 3 points. Better times are ahead.
2-St. John Vianney (6-0)
Wins against: Raritan, Red Bank Regional, University, Holmdel, Franklin, Rutgers Prep
Losses against: n/a
Analysis: The Lady Lancers hit the ground running to start the 2018 season. SJV proved that defense travels well, pulling off a strong road win against a tough University team. The Lancers was also sensational against Franklin and Rutgers Prep during the holiday tournament. They have strong guard play and great depth. They love to press and can generate easy points off of turnovers. Right now they look like a team that could compete for a T.O.C. title.
1- Manasquan (6-0)
Wins against: Ocean Township, Red Bank Catholic, Long Branch, Lodi Immaculate, Life Center, Saddle River Day
Losses against: n/a
Analysis: Manasquan looks like a team ready to go all the way this year. They may not be deep, but the players that log heavy minutes have great synergy and are dynamic offensively. Faith Masionus has taken her game to another level offensively this year. Her post game is stellar and she handles the ball like wing. Lola Mullaney has looked strong in spots and has division one potential. Oh and they have Garden State P.O.Y. Dara Mabrey. Dara has carried her sensational summer on the circuit into this season offensively. Against #8 Saddle River Day Mabrey dropped a career high 38 points. The scary part of it all is that this team can only get better.