Arts’ chances in a potential second meeting of the season vs. University could be enhanced since the Phoenix’s Adrienna Edwards - who had been the second member of the team’s powerful, late-season tandem of 6-footers in addition to 4-year starting forward Briana Holt through the ECT – had transferred from Hudson Catholic to University after the season had started which makes her ineligible for the state tournament according to NJSIAA rules.     

Red-hot and top-seeded West Orange (25-3), is the definite team to beat in North 1, Group 4 as it looks to defend its state sectional title. The Mountaineers extended their winning streak to 14 straight with Thursday's 80-33 first-round win vs. North Bergen.

Morristown is the No. 2 seed in N1G4 and the sectional final is scheduled for Friday, March 6, at the higher seed.

London Caldwell, who started her freshman year at St. Benedict’s before playing the next two seasons at Immaculate, became a 1,000-point career scorer late this season at West Orange where he is the team’s second-leading scorer (15.4 ppg) behind all-state junior guard Rhyan Watt.

Like Rivera, a change in school has coincided with a continuation in individual and team success at her new school.

“It doesn’t seem like a year since we won our state championship together for Immaculate and I miss those girls but we stay in touch and I’m glad that everyone is doing well this season,” said Caldwell. “What I do know is that I want to be back at Rutgers in a state championship game and I know we have the ability to get there again with this West Orange team that keeps getting better.”

The Mountaineers were edged by Hillsborough in last year’s overall Group 4 state final in Jersey Mike’s Arena.

The fourth junior on that memorable Immaculate team is Morris Catholic guard Jayah Curtis (11.5 ppg), who is the third-leading scorer on a deep and balanced fourth-ranked Crusaders team (22-5), which recently won another Morris County Tournament title and is the No. 1 seed and the favorite once again in Non-Public A.

Morris Catholic defeated West Orange, 76-35, back on Dec. 17 in a forgettable result for the Mountaineers who have played very well since then.

“I had a chip on my shoulder looking to win that game and my back-and-forth with Jayah was a little salty,” said Caldwell with a chuckle. “Her team got us that game, but we learned from that experience and we’re playing our best ball at the right time now as we seek a state championship.

“And, I wish Jayah the best with Morris Catholic as they look to win their state title.

“All us former Immaculate players stick together in the end and although we all miss the feeling we had last year when we won that state title together, we feel blessed to be playing now for our different teams and still with another chance to return to Rutgers in March!”                 

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