Freshman Contributors: Big North Conference
Each year the Big North Conference gives fans some of the biggest shocks and surprises of the season just because of how many great teams are in the conference. Players rise up the ranks and others start to really make a name for themselves due to the level of competition they are up against, this year will be no different. Already we have seen some younger players step up for their teams which is incredibly important especially in such an odd year. Not only a month into the season some freshman have played big roles on their teams, these are the first year players who have impressed in short order.
Marissa LaVarghetta, Mahwah: In the early portion of the season Mahwah has had their ups and downs as a team. Through six games their record stands at 3-3, they have relied heavily on two freshman so a .500 record is more than alright in a tough conference. One of the players who has become a go to option is freshman Marissa LaVarghetta, the multi-level threat is already a handful for defenses. LaVarghetta is averaging 7.6 points per game so far and has shown that she is more than a one trick pony. She’s made three shots from three point range and while that isn’t her first option offensively she does look like she’s growing more comfortable from outside. A freshman leading an offense is a tall order for anyone but LaVarghetta seems up to the task thanks to her high energy.
Cayla Menicola, Mahwah: The other freshman for Mahwah that is turning heads early on this season is Cayla Menicola. Having played in five games Menicola already leads the team in scoring, averaging 9.8 points per game for a team trying to surprise a lot of people just based on how young the roster is. Menicola focuses on what she does best, fight inside and make tough shots, not force bad shots from long range. She hasn’t made a three pointer this season because she knows she is at her best when down low fighting through contact and heading to the free throw line. Her play style is the type that wins ballgames. Menicola doesn’t care about it looking easy, she fights for her points and is the type of player that winning teams build around.
Cristina Parrella, Demarest: So far this year Demarest has had to rely on a handful of players that have the coaching staffs complete trust, so a freshman like Cristina Parrella wasn’t expected to make an immediate impact like she has. Parrella took the opportunity given to her and ran with it to start the year, she is already averaging 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 assists per game. She is a major threat from the three point line, already averaging three makes from deep each time out. Being a proficient shooter is not all that Parrella does well though, she also uses that threat of an outside shot to her advantage by faking out defenses and driving in for mid range jumpers and layups. Because of how deep her bag of tricks is defenses have to gamble in order to defend her, putting those defenses in bad positions and letting Parrella make even more plays. Freshman don’t usually look this comfortable this early, so this could be just the tip of the iceberg for the impressive rookie.
Jhy’Deisha Stewart, Paterson Eastside: One of the most well rounded players so far this season in the Big North Conference happens to be a first year player, something that Jhy’Deisha Stewart should be very proud of. The Paterson Eastside freshman has been a game changer in all facets of the game this year, averaging 2.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. While none of those numbers are eye popping when you realize she does all of that in each game as a new member of the team it looks a lot more impressive. Stewart has shown the willingness to shoot the ball from deep and play down low, something not many power forwards or centers are able to do. In just five games Stewart has had her fingerprints all over every Paterson Eastside box score, she does a bit of everything and makes her team one to watch for the rest of the season.
Selena Cieszko, Immaculate Heart: Once again Immaculate Heart looks like one of the favorites in the Big North Conference, and you can look at the teams depth as one of the reasons why. In three games Selena Cieszko has already impressed enough to be implemented in Immaculate Heart’s game plan, and while she is still a role player it wouldn’t be surprising if she made a push to be one of the focal points of the team by seasons end. Cieszko is averaging six points per game and has shown a knack for being a reliable catch and shoot option from deep. The more minutes Selena Cieszko gets throughout the season the more people will start to look at her as a future building block of the program.