Pope John girls’ basketball eyes title contention

With an enthusiastic coaching staff and a powerful roster full of talented athletes, the Pope John High School girls basketball program is prepared for all of the challenges they’ll face during the 2025-26 regular season.

“Our main goal is to just get better game by game, practice by practice,’’ Pope John coach Peter Torres said. “We always want to be in contention for our Conference (Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division), Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex County Championship and (NJSIAA) State Section.:

The Lions are scheduled to host Mendham on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

“Our team will go as far as our defense will take us,” Torres said. “This group needs to learn how to play together and put the team first and foremost. If that occurs, we will have a chance to have a successful season.’’

Among the key returning players are Mia Washington (senior, guard), Cailey Fitzmorris (senior, forward) and Natalija Novkovic (sophomore, guard).

Promising newcomers include Ashley Williams (junior, guard), Rylee Mendrzycki (junior, forward), Nia Fisher (sophomore, guard), Rose Kraus (freshman, guard) and LeAnne Racpan (freshman, forward).

Strong leadership could prove to be a key component in favor of Pope John this winter season.

“Our leaders will be our captains, led by Mia Washington, Cailey Fitzmorris and Natalija Novkovic,’’ Torres said. “My two seniors have been with me for three years now, so they know what I want and hope for in our program. They will need to show and lead our young group this year.’’

The Lions posted an overall record of 21-7 with a mark of 8-2 in the NJAC American Division last year. They also advanced to the championship round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Non Public A Sectional Tournament as the No. 2 seed before being defeated by No. 1 seed and eventual state champion Morris Catholic. Pope John topped Oak Knoll (quarterfinal round) and Immaculate Heart (semifinal round) in the sectionals last season.

This season, the Lions compete in the American Division along with Randolph, Chatham, Morris Knolls, Mendham and Morristown.

“Most teams lost many top level players,’’ Torres said. “I feel we should have the best player on the floor in Mia Washington, so that should give us an opportunity every night in our Division. I truly feel our Conference is up for grabs this year.”

NOTES: Through December 19, Pope John already had a 2-0 record with victories over Morris Knolls and Chatham.