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 Tuesday, January 23rd.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
15- Trenton Catholic (12-1, 4-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Rancocas Valley
Key losses: Woodbridge (VA)
Analysis: Trenton Catholic has been one of the best surprises in the state this year. Defensively, they are one of the most aggressive teams in the state. This team has quickly emerged as a contender in South Jersey, Non-Public B.
14- Ewing (13-2, 3-0 in conference play)
Key wins:
Key losses: Cherokee, Toms River North
Analysis: Ewing hasn’t played a rigorous schedule thus far, but they clearly pass the eye test. Mya Grimes continues to play at a high level. The Blue Devils suffered a 42-36 loss to top #13 Cherokee at their gym. They bounced back with a solid win against Allentown. Mya Grimes was sensational in the contest, posting a guardy stat-line of 19 points and 20 rebounds in the contest.
13- Cherokee (9-1,4-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Ewing, Shawnee, Lenape
Key losses:Caravel (Delaware)
Analysis: Cherokee pulled off their first win against a top 15 team in the state last week, beating Ewings 42-36. Ava Theiren was stellar down the stretch, scoring 7 of her game high 19 points in the fourth quarter. Freshman Alexa Therrien has been productive in her first year as well. Look for her to take her game to another level as well as the season progresses.
12-Newark Tech (8-5, 4-1 in conference play)
Key wins: Morristown, West Orange,
Key losses: University, Neumann Goretti (PA), Mary Louis Academy (NY), Franklin
Analysis: One could argue that Newark Tech has played one of the toughest schedules in the state thus far. While they have had their fair share of losses, they have also beat a couple quality opponents in Morristown and West Orange. It will be interesting to see them play University in a couple weeks at their gym. Junior center Mariah Perez is as good as advertised. Perez has a wide array of moves down low and is a beast on the glass. She has all-state potential for sure.
11-Manchester Township (14-0,8-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Toms River North, Rumson-Fair Haven
Key losses:
Analysis: With a strong win this weekend against Rumson-Fair Haven, it’s clear that Manchester Township is legit.
10- Franklin (5-6,3-2 in conference play)
Key wins: Newark Tech,
Key losses: Rutgers Prep (Twice), Rumson Fair Haven, St. John’s Vianney,
Analysis: Franklin is another team that had an unreal out of conference schedule to start the season. While the team has suffered some tough early losses, all of those games were away and/or against top 10 opponents. Franklin seems to have found their footing as of late, putting together a strong 20 point win against Newark Tech. Better days are ahead for this talented team led by coach Taylor.
9- University (13-1, 6-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Chatham, Lodi Immaculate, West Orange, Newark Tech
Key losses: St. John’s Vianney,
Analysis: University has shown in the past two weeks that they are a legit contender to win in it all. They nearly beat St. John Vianney in a tough out of conference matchup. They have reeled off impressive wins against Lodi Immaculate, West Orange and defending ECT winner Newark Tech. This could be the beginning of an incredible journey this year for the Lady Phoenix.
8-Saddle River Day (10-2, 1-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Life Center, Lenape, Rancocas Valley
Key losses: Manasquan, Albertus Magnus (NY),
Analysis: SDR has taken steps forward in regards to playing a more rigorous schedule this year. Since their loss to Manasquan during the christmas tournament, the team has found their stride, winning six straight games. Long Island Lutheran transfer Jaida Patrick has been incredible this year. She looks like a player who deserves All-State recognition thus far.
102 Likes, 1 Comments - Thedribbledrop (@thedribbledrop) on Instagram: "#Strapped cc: @torihyduke"
7-Rumson Fair Haven (8-4, 5-1 in conference play)
Key wins: Chatham, Franklin
Key losses: Rutgers Prep, St. John Vianney, Manchester Township, Pascack Valley
Analysis: Rumson-Fair Haven is one of the most exciting teams to watch in New Jersey. The team is lead by George Washington commit, Tori Hyduke. The sensational senior is leading the state in scoring thus far. In for Rumson to take the next step, their young cast must be more consistent on the offensive side of the floor. Look for coach Callahan to get them caught up to speed come tournament time.
6-Red Bank Catholic (10-3, 7-1 in conference play)
Key wins:
Key losses: Manasquan, St.John Vianney,
Analysis: Red Bank has performed at a high level thus far. It seems like they are taking steps forward. It only a matter of time before they knock off one of the top 5 teams in the state this year. RBC gave St. John Vianney a scare, as they narrowly escaped with the win 47-40. RBC has another big game this week against rival Manasquan at home.
5- Pascack Valley (13-0, 5-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Old Tappan, Immaculate Heart, Rumson Fair Haven
Key losses:
Analysis: Pascack Valley still remain in the land of the unbeaten heading into February. PV posted a stellar win last week, beating Rumson-Fair Haven in overtime. This team has the talent to make it to T.O.C. for sure. They are well coached, defend hard and shoot the ball at a high level from behind the arc.
4-Rutgers Prep (10-2, 5-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Gill St. Bernards, Franklin (twice), Rumson Fair-Haven,
Key losses: St. John Vianney, St. Rose
Analysis: The Prep may have lost to St. Rose last week, but they won’t drop much in the standings in my book. The game against St. Rose was close until the end. It was also at St. Rose and it was Jahsyi Knight’s first game back. It will be great to see them play down the stretch with all pieces on deck. On another note, The Prep have another star in the making in Olivia Mullins. This girl has division one potential for sure. The Prep have a chance to make some noise this week when they play #1 ranked Manasquan.
3-St. Rose (12-1, 8-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Rutgers Prep
Key losses: Pickerington Central (Ohio)
Analysis: St. Rose has played the weakest non-conference schedule of all the top five teams, but they clearly pass the eye test in regards to talent. Last week they showed they belong amongst the elite teams as well, winning a tough game against Rutgers Prep 48-41. Columbia commit Mikayla Markham is one of the best floor generals in the state. Monmouth commit Lucy Adams also plays with great poise.
2-St. John Vianney (12-0, 7-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Rutgers Prep, Rumson-Fair Haven, Red Bank Catholic, Franklin, University
Key losses:
Analysis: The Lady Lancers are DIFFERENT! I love the way they defend. They apply relentless pressure on the ball and can turn their defense and offense in a heartbeat. Junior forward Brelynn Bellamy is coming along strong. Bellamy looks like a high level division one play for sure thus far.
1-Manasquan (11-1, 7-0 in conference play)
Key wins: Red Bank Catholic, Lodi Immaculate, Life Center, Saddle River Day,
Key losses: Paul VI (Virginia)
Analysis: Manasquan continues to roll on as the top ranked team in the Garden State. Junior Lola Mullaney has found her stride as of late, scoring 15 or more in four of the past five games. The Shore based team has their biggest in-state challenge thus far coming up this weekend when they play Rutgers Prep.