Group Championships Preview | Picks and Predictions

NJ State Meet Coverage
Robert Kellert

PREDICTIONTABLES

Boys Individual

Girls Individual

Boys Team

Girls Team

Girls Individual Predictions


Robert KellertPat MontferratAndrew Stranieri


GirlsGirlsGirlsGirls
Group 1

Annika Merkh
Haddon Twp

Alana Sasdelli
Buena Regional

Alana Sasdelli
Buena Regional

Group 2

Briana Gess
Haddonfield

Lauren Kroepfl
Robbinsville

Briana Gess
Haddonfield

Group 3

Alyssa Aldridge
Mainland Regional

Alyssa Aldridge
Mainland Regional

Alyssa Aldridge
Mainland Regional

Group 4

Olympia Martin
Ridgewood

Ellie DiMarcello
North Hunterdon

Olympia Martin
Ridgewood

NP A

Mackenzie Hughes
Academy of Holy Angels

Anna Campbell
Pope John XXIII

Mackenzie Hughes
Academy of Holy Angels

NP B

Sophie Henderson
Villa Walsh Academy

Sophie Henderson
Villa Walsh Academy

Sophie Henderson
Villa Walsh Academy

Group 1 Conversation Notes

  • Kellert | This was a tough one to pick with all the sectional winners coming together, could be an exciting finish to the line. 
  • Stranieri | This will a close race between Alana Sasdelli of Buena Reg. HS and Annika Merkh of Haddon Twp. HS. Either could win this, but I'll go with Sasdelli. However, don't be surprised to see someone else not named Merkh or Sasdelli come away with the upset and grab the win.

Group 2 Conversation Notes

  • Kellert | Lauren Kroepfl has made a case all season and Lauren Wagner of Voorhees has come onto the scene, but Briana Gess the two time Group 2 champion is my pick to bring home her third title. We haven't seen Gess as much this season with her official college visits going on, she showed up looking strong at the South Sectionals last weekend.
  • Stranieri | Should be an interesting race between Briana Gess of Haddonfield Mem. HS, Lauren Kroepfl of Robbinsville, Rachel Kenny of Matawan, and Lauren Wagner of Voorhees. I like Gess for the win.

Group 3 Conversation Notes

  • Kellert | Alyssa Aldridge riding the momentum off a strong individual and team win at Sectionals. The defending Group 3 and Meet of Champions winner should be taking home gold here. 
  • Stranieri | I'll take defending MOC champ Alyssa Aldrige of Mainland Reg. HS for the win in this race.

Group 4 Conversation Notes

  • Kellert | Went back and forth between Ellie DiMarcello and Olympia Martin a few times on this one, both are having great fall seasons. While DiMarcello has become a sophomore power in the state, I don't think Martin has shown any reason not to believe she can defend her Group 4 title. She was also the runner up at the Meet of Champions last year.  
  • Stranieri | This will be a close battle between veteran Olympia Martin of Ridgewood and newcomer Jade Tricomy of Toms River North. Tricomy will take the lead early and try to run away from Martin, but I think Martin, the veteran, will use her experience to reel Tricomy back in and grab the win.

Non Public A Conversation Notes

  • Kellert | Sophomore Mackenzie Hughes and senior Anna Campbell are the real toss for my top two finishers, going with Hughes coming off her solid Bergen County performances. 
  • Stranieri | It'll be a close race between Nora Honrath of St. John Vianney and Mackenzie Hughes of Academy of the Holy Angels. I give Hughes the slight edge.

Non Public B Conversation Notes

  • Kellert | The Villa Walsh Academy junior Sophie Henderson should get that one card for her team on their way to a NPB championship. 

ll