North 2 – Group 1

The bracket runs through Secaucus (23-2, 35.29 NJP), with Verona (20-2, 32.38), Bogota (19-4, 30.90), and Rutherford (18-5, 29.81) completing a heavyweight top four. That rating spread suggests roughly 25-20 per-set margins when the favorites are on, yet these programs play each other tight and know how to extend rallies.

Secaucus brings real balance, first contact through finish. The Patriots feature young talent like Ava D’Addetta on the pin and Zoe Donaldson in the back court, pieces that keep the offense in system and the defense organized. Verona counters with veteran poise, a serve-receive group that has held up all year, and enough tempo to stress single blocks. Bogota remains scrappy and fearless, with defenders like Lucy Villamar and scoring from Miranda Villamil to turn long rallies into points. Rutherford’s physicality at the net can flip momentum in a single rotation.

Depth beyond the top line is real. McNair (18-5, 25.14) defends hard and serves tough, Mountain Lakes (13-8, 22.92) keeps points alive, and Cedar Grove (13-11, 20.54) is battle tested. Expect noisy gyms and late-set drama through the quarters.

Probable semifinalists: Secaucus, Verona, Bogota, Rutherford.

Prediction: Secaucus rides ball control and transition scoring to the title, edging Verona in 5 sets.

North 2 – Group 2

Competitive depth defines this field. West Morris (14-5, 30.32 NJP) owns the top seed, with Hackettstown (22-4, 28.84), Parsippany Hills (15-6, 27.59), and Mendham (13-6, 26.70) right behind. Ratings imply a thin 25-22 per-set cushion for West Morris, so every serve run matters.

West Morris is steady in first contact and can win in multiple ways. Hackettstown brings a big record and rhythm from the service line. Parsippany Hills features an impact scorer in Amelia Wadolwoski, while Mendham has playoff savvy that shows up late in sets.

The middle seeds add real intrigue. Roxbury (11-9, 26.64) can block in bunches, West Essex (15-11, 25.80) has back-row glue in Ava Santana, and Lyndhurst (16-10, 24.14) is tough in transition.

Underdogs with punch include Science Park (20-3, 20.92) and Ridgefield Park (14-11, 20.40), both capable of pushing top seeds. Serve pressure will decide tight quarters.

Probable semifinalists: West Morris, Hackettstown, Parsippany Hills, Mendham.

Prediction: West Morris closes late, claiming the section over Hackettstown in a five-set finale.

North 2 – Group 3

This one is loaded with hallmark programs. Millburn (17-5, 30.93 NJP) takes the top line, followed by North Hunterdon (10-11, 28.52), Colonia (11-11, 25.18), and Ridge (13-7, 22.55). The two-point gap up top projects to about 25-22 sets, which is razor thin for a one-seed.

Millburn’s system is clean, side-out rate high, and back-row consistent. North Hunterdon is better than its record suggests, with schedule strength that travels. Colonia can heat up fast, and Ridge brings athletic middles and smart serve targets.

The middle tier is crowded. Chatham, Rahway, Carteret, Summit all have paths to the quarters, each with a different style that can trouble favorites, from block-defense to serve-run execution.

Depth seeds Iselin Kennedy, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Belleville, North Plainfield make this a true grinder, and late-set poise will separate contenders from semifinalists.

Probable semifinalists: Millburn, North Hunterdon, Colonia, Ridge.

Prediction: Millburn’s first-contact consistency carries the Millers to the crown. North Hunterdon can certainly surprise with pedigree and high SSF.

North 2 – Group 4

Big-school intensity from the opening whistle. Westfield (18-5, 29.55 NJP) anchors the one-line, with Union City (14-4, 27.37), Phillipsburg (12-8, 22.52), and Watchung Hills (6-14, 22.40) rounding the top four. On paper, that is a 25-21 edge for Westfield, yet Union City’s physicality makes the margin feel smaller.

Westfield wins with structure, serving lanes, and disciplined floor defense. Union City brings size, pace, and a tough first touch that travels. Phillipsburg has postseason DNA, and Watchung Hills has enough length to force longer rallies and late deuce points.

The second tier features East Orange (9-6, 22.30) and Bayonne (11-6, 21.67), both capable of springing an upset if they control service pressure. Expect several 26-24 finishes in this draw.

Match management will decide everything here, especially serve-receive under heat and out-of-system swings. The favorite holds a small but meaningful edge if first contact stays clean.

Probable semifinalists: Westfield, Union City, Phillipsburg, Watchung Hills.

Prediction: Westfield leans on ball control and composure to finish the job, topping Union City in three tight sets.