As winter 2026 unfolds, New Jersey high school athletics continue to deliver thrilling action, remarkable individual achievements, and milestone performances across ice hockey, wrestling, basketball, and indoor track. From record-breaking saves on the ice to dominant duals on the mat and landmark scoring achievements on the hardwood, local student-athletes are showcasing their talent, determination, and skill while making a mark in statewide competition.

Boys Ice Hockey: Record-Breaking Nets and Comback Wins
Bergen County’s semifinals on January 20 offered high-stakes matchups with playoff implications. No. 2 Don Bosco Prep overpowered No. 7 Ridgewood with a commanding 7-1 victory, powered by sophomore forward Preston Ferro, who netted a hat trick to highlight an offensive showcase. In the other semifinal, No. 3 St. Joseph (Montclair) defeated No. 19 Northern Highlands 5-3, demonstrating disciplined defensive play and opportunistic scoring.

Several individual milestones punctuated the early season. Morristown-Beard goaltender Nicholas Hriczov set a new career saves record in a dominant 7-2 win over Paul VI on January 20. Meanwhile, teammate Evan Redman notched five assists in the same contest, surpassing 100 career points and solidifying his status as one of the program’s top contributors.

In Union County, No. 10 Westfield rebounded from an early deficit to secure a 4-1 comeback victory against Governor Livingston on January 14 at Warinanco Ice Rink. Junior forward Andrew Lisnock was central to the comeback effort, scoring a goal and assisting on two others, exemplifying his offensive vision and clutch performance in pivotal moments.

Wrestling: Dominance in Duals and Tournament Success
New Jersey wrestling continues to feature standout performances from top-ranked programs. No. 3 Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) flexed its depth in a January 14 dual against No. 11 St. Joseph (Metuchen), posting a decisive 50-23 victory. The Colts recorded eight pins, including a stunning 10-second fall from 144-pounder Bobby Duffy, highlighting both skill and aggressive technique. Following the duals, CBA participated in Pennsylvania’s prestigious Escape the Rock Tournament, finishing fifth as a team, with junior Paul Kenny (127 lbs) capturing an individual championship.

Elsewhere, Hopewell Valley leveraged a late surge in lightweight bouts to secure a dramatic win over Steinert on January 20. These results underscore the competitive parity across New Jersey, where individual matches can swing overall outcomes and provide valuable experience for wrestlers at every level.

Basketball: Scoring Milestones and Ranking Battles
High school basketball in New Jersey remains a proving ground for both emerging talent and veteran leadership. No. 1 Plainfield showcased dominance against Union Catholic, led by standout performances from senior Gordon, whose scoring and defensive presence anchored the team’s victory. In another key matchup, Seton Hall Prep earned a 22-point triumph over Delbarton on January 17, demonstrating depth and balanced scoring across multiple positions.

Career milestones also made headlines during the week. Shaw of Bayonne and Amelia Crowe of Pentucket each reached the 1,000-point threshold on January 20, a rare achievement reflecting consistency, longevity, and elite scoring ability. Additionally, Hightstown girls basketball celebrated a program landmark as their head coach earned a 100th career win with a victory over Peddie, cementing her impact on the team and the broader community.

Indoor Track: Relays and Team Championships
Indoor track teams competed fiercely at state relays, with Christian Brothers Academy topping the boys’ field at the Bennett Center on January 19 with 78 points, outpacing St. Peter’s Prep, which finished second at 50 points. On the girls’ side, Union Catholic asserted dominance with an 86-point performance, showcasing speed, endurance, and team depth across sprints, distance events, and relays. These results highlight the growing strength of New Jersey’s track programs and the development of athletes poised to excel in outdoor competition later in the season.

Across New Jersey, winter sports continue to captivate fans with fast-paced action, strategic brilliance, and memorable individual achievements. From the ice rinks of Union County to wrestling mats in Bergen and beyond, these student-athletes exemplify commitment, athleticism, and the competitive spirit that defines high school sports in the Garden State. Families, students, and fans looking to follow emerging talent, team rankings, and milestone achievements can explore more comprehensive coverage of New Jersey high school sports, highlighting programs, standout athletes, and the events that shape the state’s vibrant athletic community.

The 2026 winter season is well underway, and with playoffs approaching in ice hockey, wrestling, and basketball, as well as indoor track championships on the horizon, New Jersey high school athletes are setting the stage for a memorable season filled with thrilling competition, historic milestones, and performances that will resonate in the state’s sports history for years to come.