There are six matches remaining in the 2023 girls high school volleyball season. Six games will decide the 6 group champions of New Jersey as well as give us insight into which team shall be determined as the NJP #1 team in the state for the Fall season.

Here is the schedule for Championship Sunday at Franklin:

Paul VI vs. Immaculate Heart: (Championship match predicted by NJP) This is a sensational match up of the two best non-public teams in New Jersey. After running all of the scenarios, NJP’s #1 team will remain as NJP’s top team and be the overall state champion with a win. IHA has had another amazing season with their only loss coming at the hands of Sparta who was upset in the playoffs by River Dell. These two teams have matched up for the Championship game for the third year in a row. A win by Paul VI will unravel to rankings and possibly leave the door open for both Princeton and Southern who have tallied wins against the Eagles this season, as well as Morristown. Paul VI could end up overall state champs if they win convincingly over IHA and Princeton and Morristown lose. This North/South rivalry is expected to once again go three sets . The math favors IHA 2-1 (26-24, 23-25, 27-25).

Rutgers Prep vs St. Mary’s (Rutherford): (Championship match predicted by NJP): It’s been one of those crazy years for St. Mary’s with late season wins driving them to the Championship finals. We have them ahead of Rutgers Prep but not by much. We give this one to the Gaels 2-0 (25-23, 25-20)

Delaware Valley vs Verona: (Championship match predicted by NJP) The math loves the Hillbillies to take this matchup for the Group State Championship. Delaware Valley had had a great season but NJP sees them falling just short against a very strong Verona squad. Verona 2-0 (25-21, 25-20)

Demarest vs Governor Livingston: (NJP predicted Governor Livingston to advance to final) It would be a fitting ending for NJ’s best player Taylor Miller to go out in style, winning a group Championship and taking the NJP Player of the Year at the same time. GL brings an 8-game win streak into this match but Demarest is at a different level. We give this match to Demarest 2-0 (25-22, 25-20)

Princeton vs Millburn: (NJP predicted Princeton to advance to Championship match) What a great run for the Millers to get this far in the tournament. Just a sensational year for them. We did not expect them to survive the test of Northern Highlands in the semi-final. Princeton still has a chance to win an overall state championship if all the cards fall perfectly together. Their only loss this year was a heartbreaking three setter to Williamstown. They will need IHA and Morristown to lose, coupled with their win and its still going to be close. But we think the Tigers will leave no doubt 2-0 (25-16, 25-18)

Morristown vs. Southern: (NJP predicted Morristown to advance to Finals) We expected Williamstown to prevail over our Pre-season #1 Rams but Southern again shows their toughness in late season games. This will be a true test for undefeated Motown. Southern is used to playing undefeated teams in big games like this so their experience will be a factor. The algorithm slightly favors the Cinderella Colonials to come away a Group Championship and possibly an overall state championship, if all the pieces fall together. If IHA loses and Princeton loses, a Motown win could mean an overall state championship. Southern could still the overall crown if IHA loses, Princeton loses, and they win against Morristown, but it will be a close calculation. NJP picks Morristown in three sets (25-20, 24-26, 25-22)

The NJP Predictor has been over the top accurate this season and in state playoff games. But who we pick in these last 6 games doesn’t matter at all. Sit back and enjoy the games if you are lucky enough to attend and take in some of the best volleyball the state has to offer.

We will have post season coverage, year end awards, and of course our final ranking to crown the NJP #1 team in the state after the dust settles. Congratulations to all players and coaches who have come this far and best of luck in your last game of 2023.