SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
PHOTOS COURTESY KYLE STEELE
The New Jersey High School Athletic Association, better known as the NJSIAA, held their first ever girls high school flag football North-South All Star Game at Kean University in union this past Sunday.
In a fast paced contest, the North All Stars beat the South All Stars 38-12. Leading the way for the North was Irvington High School senior Janasia Wilson, who scored a whopping 5 touchdowns on her way to MVP honors. Her HIS teammate Brianna Hertilien had 2 TDs of her own. Lita Hattje caught a TD pass to put the game on ice, while Rebecca Sardinha led the North defense.
“I’m excited for this opportunity and very humble. We as a team worked together for the victory,” said Wilson after the win.
Head coach Kyle Steele, who coached Wilson all four years at Irvington and recently added to the Hall of Fame, said, “She is the best player in the country.”
Wilson competed in the 2024 All Star game in Texas, and played in the US Army Bowl American All Star game back in December, and Wilson was the MVP in that game also.
In tackle football, the 2024 Phil Simms North-South All Star Game also recently took place at Kean University, and featured All Star players throughout the area. Among those featured was Orange High’s Maurice Williams and senior Kryee Fisher from East Orange Campus. The game featured players from Newark, Irvington, West Orange, Irvington, Montclair and Seton Hall Prep, with the North beating the South 20-18.
Elsewhere in the sports world, New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has retired due to health issues. Finally, UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley has opted to stay with the Huskies after rejecting a 6-year, $70 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.
