Ridge 6th Grade Girls Basketball Team Clinches Second Consecutive JBL Championship

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Ridge 6th-grade girls basketball team won the JBL Championship at the Morristown Beard School on Saturday, defeating Branchburg 42-16.

This is the team's second consecutive league title.

Ridge finished the 2025-2026 season with a 17-1 record, building on a two-year performance that includes an overall record of 35-1.

The team established control from the opening tip by utilizing strong defensive play and quick ball movement. Ridge maintained a consistent lead throughout the contest, limiting Branchburg’s scoring opportunities while executing a balanced offensive strategy.

Paige Salmon led the Ridge offense with 19 points, while Reagan Donley contributed 12 points to the team’s total.

Additional scoring came from Julia Naulty with 5 points, and Saylor Harben, Charlotte Anderson, and Abby DeSanti each added 2 points to the final score.

The team also demonstrated strength on the boards, with Saylor Harben, Greta McCarthy, Briana Kasmi, and Elia Bleazey securing rebounds that helped Ridge maintain possession and momentum.

Head Coach Tim Salmon attributed the program’s sustained success to the players’ dedication and collaborative spirit.

"This group of girls has worked incredibly hard over the past two seasons," Salmon said. "What makes them special isn’t just the wins — it’s the way they support each other, play unselfishly, and compete every time they step on the court. Winning back-to-back championships is something they should be really proud of. I am so lucky to get to coach this amazing group."

By prioritizing disciplined play and team defense, the squad established a high standard for youth basketball in the area. The players successfully executed their game plan during the final matchup to pull away early and maintain control until the final buzzer.

With the trophy secured, the team celebrates a two-year span of dominance that has solidified their reputation within the league.