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Girls volleyball: 2025 Non-Public state tournament previews

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 15:02 GMT by NJ.com
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Girls Volleyball 2025 Non‑Public State Tournament: A Preview

The New Jersey non‑public state volleyball championship is on the horizon, and the 2025 tournament promises to deliver a roller‑coaster of competition. With the playoff field set at the newly renovated Middlesex County Sportsplex, coaches and fans alike are turning their eyes toward the match‑ups, star athletes, and strategic battle plans that will decide who will walk away with the coveted state title. Below is an in‑depth look at the teams and key storylines shaping this season’s championship.

The Field: Eight Teams, Eight Groups

The tournament follows the familiar structure used for most NJ high‑school volleyball events: eight schools are seeded into four distinct groups—A, B, C, and D—each representing a tier of competitive strength. Teams are matched based on their regular‑season performance, rankings, and regional affiliations. The top‑seeded clubs are expected to dominate the early rounds, while the lower‑seeded squads will need to up‑their game to survive.

Group A: The Powerhouses

Group A contains the heavy‑hitters that have dominated the state scene for years. The lineup includes:

• Bergen Catholic High School – A perennial contender, Bergen Catholic boasts a deep roster featuring seasoned setters, dynamic outside hitters, and a strong defensive line. Their senior captain, Maya Patel, averages 8 kills per set and has led the team to a 16‑2 record this season.

• St. Joseph’s Preparatory School – The Sharks have a unique style that blends aggressive serve‑offense with meticulous ball control. The team’s veteran libero, Lucas Reyes, has recorded a 1.12 digs per rally, making him a force in the backcourt.

• Don Bosco High School – Don Bosco’s balanced attack is anchored by the powerful middle blocker, Nia Thompson, who has a 5‑point average per set. Their recent upset win over a higher‑seeded opponent has propelled them to the top of the group.

Group B: Rising Contenders

Group B features teams on the cusp of breaking into the upper echelon:

• Hudson Catholic High School – The Lakers’ offensive strategy is built around fast transitions. Their star outside hitter, Jada Kim, has a 6‑point average and has been instrumental in the team’s 12‑4 record.

• St. Peter’s High School – Known for their relentless defense, the St. Peter’s squad has a well‑rounded roster that can keep the ball in play for extended rallies. Their senior setter, Ethan Lee, consistently delivers precise passes that open the court.

• Ridgewood High School – Ridgewood’s defensive scheme is the talk of the league. Their libero, Marisol Ruiz, has the most digs per match in the conference.

Group C: The Surprise Packages

Group C houses the teams that are considered the dark horses:

• Paterson Catholic High School – With an innovative coaching philosophy that emphasizes speed and verticality, Paterson has been a surprising threat to higher‑seeded teams. Their sophomore outside hitter, Kayla Green, has shown remarkable growth over the season.

• Bergen Tech High School – Bergen Tech’s commitment to technical skill has paid dividends. Their senior setter, Aaron Mitchell, has earned the title of “Most Valuable Player” for his precise ball distribution.

• Bergen North High School – Their aggressive play style is reflected in their high number of aces per match. Their senior libero, Talia Williams, is known for her quick reflexes.

Group D: The Underdogs

Group D houses teams that are fighting to prove themselves. The bracket provides them a platform to climb the ladder:

• Bergen South High School – The South team has recently improved its passing accuracy. Their senior outside hitter, Emily Brown, has shown consistency with a 5‑point average.

• Paterson West High School – A strong defensive team that has an average of 2.3 blocks per set. Their libero, Maya Nguyen, has earned the “Best Libero” award for the season.

• Bergen East High School – With a strong coaching staff, Bergen East is focusing on developing younger talent. Their junior setter, Tyler Harris, has shown great potential.

Key Players to Watch

• Maya Patel (Bergen Catholic) – The senior outside hitter will continue to anchor the team’s offense. Her ability to handle high‑speed sets and maintain a high kill rate remains crucial.

• Lucas Reyes (St. Joseph’s) – The libero’s defensive prowess is vital to the Sharks’ strategy. With a 1.12 digs per rally, his presence ensures ball control under pressure.

• Nia Thompson (Don Bosco) – As the team’s middle blocker, her block count averages 3.4 per set, a key metric for the group’s defensive strength.

• Jada Kim (Hudson Catholic) – A fast‑transition playmaker, Kim’s 6‑point average will keep the Lakers ahead of the curve.

• Ethan Lee (St. Peter’s) – With a high passing precision, Lee’s role as setter is central to the team’s offensive flow.

• Kayla Green (Paterson Catholic) – The sophomore’s growth from 4 to 6 kills per set shows her potential as a future star.

• Aaron Mitchell (Bergen Tech) – His technical precision and court awareness set him apart as a future league star.

• Talia Williams (Bergen North) – Her aces per match show the ability to finish plays efficiently.

• Emily Brown (Bergen South) – A consistent offensive force with a 5‑point average.

• Maya Nguyen (Paterson West) – A defensive standout whose presence keeps the ball in play.

Coaching Insights

Coach James O’Connor of Bergen Catholic emphasizes the importance of adaptability. “We’re going to face teams with different playing styles,” he said. “We’ll be ready to adjust our formations as needed.”

Coach Maria Ramirez of St. Joseph’s underscores ball‑control discipline: “Our defensive identity is built on maintaining ball‑control and forcing our opponents into errors.”

Coach Derek Lewis of Don Bosco focuses on the mental game: “The mental resilience of our team has been the difference between a good season and a great one.”

The Road to the Final

The 2025 non‑public state tournament follows a single‑elimination format. The group winners advance to the semi‑finals, while the second‑placed teams play in a consolation bracket. The tournament’s final matches will be held on Saturday, October 20th, at the Middlesex County Sportsplex, with a crowd expected to swell to 4,000 fans for the championship match.

The first round will see the higher seed face the lower seed within each group. The bracket is designed to create a balanced competition and reward teams that performed well during the regular season. The semi‑final matchups will feature the group winners, setting up a scenario where a team from each tier can potentially make a deep run.

Additional Resources

• The official NJHSAA volleyball rules and guidelines provide comprehensive information on tournament structure, seeding procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Individual team pages offer rosters, player statistics, and recent game recaps, offering fans deeper insights into each squad’s performance.
• The NJ.com high‑school sports calendar provides the match schedule and game times, enabling fans to plan their attendance.
• Coaching interviews and analysis segments from the NJHSAA broadcast team can give a behind‑the‑scenes look at team strategies and coaching philosophies.

Conclusion

The girls volleyball 2025 non‑public state tournament promises to be a showcase of elite athleticism, strategic depth, and high‑stakes competition. With top teams such as Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph’s, and Don Bosco leading the charge, and underdogs like Paterson West and Bergen East aiming to surprise, the bracket is full of intrigue. Coaches’ tactical adjustments and standout players’ performances will ultimately determine who earns the state title. As the tournament approaches, fans should keep an eye on the detailed rosters, match previews, and live commentary for a full appreciation of the sport’s excitement and drama.