Young Girls Basketball Team in a Rebuilding Season

After graduating key contributors from last year’s squad, the Nutley High School girls basketball team has entered a new era defined by youth, development, and long-term growth. While the win-loss column may not reflect the program's potential, the foundation being built this winter could shape the Raiders’ future for seasons to come.

Sophomore Madison Heal thinks youth is one of the factors that challenge them this year: “We definitely communicate more and help each other out on the court, but it is such a young team so we are all building on that.”

 From experience to inexperience

A year ago, Nutley finished the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 11-16, competing in the challenging SEC Liberty division. The Raiders remained competitive throughout the year, leaning on experienced leadership and balanced scoring.

Leading the way was Kaitlyn Nellegar, who averaged double digits in scoring and was among the team’s top rebounders. Her consistency helped stabilize the team in tight contests. But with graduation reshaping the roster, this season has required a different mindset and a willingness to grow through adversity.

As captain of the team, Nellegar had to overcome some setbacks and challenges, but felt that her attitude made a big difference. “It definitely took me some time to learn this, but I've realized that staying positive is really important. If I let a bad outcome affect my attitude, the team will also feel it and let it affect how we play. So I try to focus on moving forward and learning from it rather than sitting in disappointment,” she said.

Nellegar, one of the team’s young veteran voices despite only being a junior, leads the Raiders 14-16 points per game while also pacing the team in rebounds.

Young core steps forward

The 2025-2026 Raiders rely heavily on the underclassmen with many of them starting. The first string lineup for this team is Captain and junior Kaitlyn Nellegar, sophomore Ellie Oldak, sophomore Jiana Maldonado, sophomore Madison Heal, and freshman Sydney Hanley. The young squad is having an adjustment period right now with a record of 4-21 in the SEC Colonial division.

“Being one of the youngest on the team, all the older girls, especially the captain, have been very welcoming and kind in practices and tough games,” Hanley said.

Other young contributors have taken on larger responsibilities this season, gaining valuable varsity experience with each game. The team’s confidence and chemistry have gradually improved since their season has gone further along.

The Process of it all

With such a young lineup, development has become the central theme of the season. Practices have emphasized fundamentals, situational awareness, and late game execution, areas that often separate experienced teams from developing ones.