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South Plainfield High School Girls\’ Basketball Season Preview

Girls' Basketball
Winter Recap 2025 Play1
Wed, June 18, 2025 at 01:06 AM . New Jersey

South Plainfield Girls' Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Resurgent Year Led by Grit, Growth, and Greatness

The 2025 season marked a transformative chapter for the South Plainfield High School Girls' Varsity Basketball team, and under the leadership of Coach Alexandra DeVivo, the Lady Tigers made a compelling statement: South Plainfield basketball is back. With a blend of seasoned leadership, rising talent, and a relentless team-first mentality, the Tigers achieved their best record since 2014, advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2016, and pulled off several thrilling upsets against higher-ranked opponents. “This team showed what happens when heart, hustle, and hard work come together,” said Coach DeVivo. “They set goals, faced adversity, and pushed themselves to make history for this program.”

Key Contributors Who Defined the Season

South Plainfield’s success was built on the backs of several standout players who brought consistency and intensity night after night: Stella Sweeney, a senior and one of the team’s leaders, was the driving force on offense, averaging 14 points per game. Her highlight moment came in a game against JP Stevens, where she reached the 1,000-point milestone, a historic feat that electrified the program and community. Samantha Moench, a junior, emerged as one of the county’s top defenders and a major two-way player. She jumped from 97 points as a sophomore to 243 this year, and her presence on defense was undeniable, averaging four steals per game and totaling 174 rebounds. Her growth defined the team’s second-half surge. MaKenzie Harris and Olivia Kapolka were dual threats on both ends of the floor, each averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds per game. Their versatility gave the Tigers a dependable interior presence and a strong rebounding edge in key matchups. “These girls stepped up when it mattered most,” said Coach DeVivo. “They showed up in the big moments, and that’s what fueled our success.”

Season Highlights: Milestones, Upsets, and Momentum

From the opening tip to the final buzzer of the playoffs, the 2025 season was packed with highlights: The Tigers finished 4th in the White Division, behind traditionally strong programs like Middlesex, Spotswood, and Edison. But what stood out most was their ability to upset teams outside of their division, including a surprise win against a Red Division powerhouse—a first in recent memory. South Plainfield also secured third place in a competitive winter tournament against much larger schools, proving they could go toe-to-toe with top-tier talent. Perhaps the biggest individual moment came when Stella Sweeney reached 1,000 career points, an emotional and proud achievement for the program during a high-profile matchup against JP Stevens.

Turning Points and Defining Games

Coach DeVivo pointed to two major turning points that shaped the team’s trajectory: Season Opener vs JP Stevens – Although it was a tough loss, it served as a wake-up call. “After that game, the girls changed their mindset,” DeVivo said. “They started paying closer attention to the little things and pushed themselves even harder.” Comeback Win Against Edison – In their second meeting of the year, the Tigers trailed at halftime but rallied for a dramatic come-from-behind win. It was a testament to their grit and belief in each other. Throughout the season, the Tigers employed an up-tempo, transition-heavy style, taking advantage of every dead ball to launch fast breaks and press their opponents. This relentless pace led to quick scores off steals, wore down opponents, and often gave South Plainfield the upper hand in close contests.

Emerging Talent and Rising Stars

One of the most exciting elements of the 2025 season was the development of players stepping into larger roles. Chief among them was Samantha Moench, who evolved into a complete player on both ends of the floor. “She’s one of the best defenders in the county,” said DeVivo. “To see her triple her scoring and quadruple her rebounding in one year—it’s a testament to her work ethic and basketball IQ.” Looking ahead, South Plainfield has a promising core returning, including MaKenzie Harris, Jiselle Lennon, Aaliyah Spaulding, Ava Aneses, and Julia Adenau. With Moench poised to take over as a senior leader, the future is bright.

Leadership and the Legacy of the Senior Class

The 2025 senior class made a lasting impact on the program, both in performance and leadership: Stella Sweeney, Olivia Kapolka, and Emily Davis served as team captains, leading by example and fostering a culture of unity. Olivia was described as “an amazing leader,” while Emily brought “constant energy” both on and off the court. “These seniors were mentors as much as they were players,” said Coach DeVivo. “They guided our younger players, kept the energy up, and always gave everything for the team.” Their efforts created a supportive and driven team environment that laid the foundation for continued success.

Responding to Adversity

Like all great teams, the Tigers had their share of challenges, but they never backed down: In a game against Oak Knoll, the team was missing both of their centers, leaving them at a size disadvantage. The guards stepped up, playing tough, full-court minutes to keep the game competitive. After a tough loss to Spotswood, the team was visibly shaken, but used that disappointment as fuel, channeling their energy into an inspired run during the state playoffs. “They always rose to the occasion,” DeVivo said. “They never made excuses—they just worked harder.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of South Plainfield Basketball

The momentum built in 2025 is just the beginning. With a group of talented underclassmen gaining valuable experience, Coach DeVivo is excited about what’s next. “We’re building something special,” she said. “Next season, we’ll focus on developing more players, expanding our depth, and continuing to grow this program.” Offseason work will center around skill development, conditioning, and team chemistry, with the goal of building on this season’s success and competing even deeper into the state playoffs.

Conclusion: A Season of Revival and Resilience

The 2025 season wasn’t just a return to form for the South Plainfield Girls’ Basketball team—it was the spark of a new era. Fueled by determined seniors, ascending stars, and a coaching staff that believed in every player, the Tigers redefined what was possible for the program. From thrilling upsets to emotional milestones, the season will be remembered as a turning point—and a promise of even greater things to come. For more stats and player performances, visit: South Plainfield Girls Basketball on NJ.com
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