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UNC Basketball: Paulina Paris leads Saddle River Day to county title

By Nick Delahanty

Paulina Paris of Saddle River Day drives to the basket against Ashley Belous of Old Tappan as Saddle River Day played Old Tappan, part of the Bergen County girls basketball tournament played at Old Tappan HS February 5, 2022.Saddle River Day Played Old Tappan Part Of The Bergen County Girls Basketball Tournament Played At Old Tappan Hs February 5 2022
Paulina Paris of Saddle River Day drives to the basket against Ashley Belous of Old Tappan as Saddle River Day played Old Tappan, part of the Bergen County girls basketball tournament played at Old Tappan HS February 5, 2022.Saddle River Day Played Old Tappan Part Of The Bergen County Girls Basketball Tournament Played At Old Tappan Hs February 5 2022 /
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UNC women’s basketball commit Paulina Paris is tearing it up for her high school team, as she led the program to their sixth straight county championship.

The Saddle River Day girls basketball program has become a powerhouse throughout the state of New Jersey.

Over the last couple of seasons, the private high school located in Saddle River, New Jersey has had a handful of Division I caliber players come through their door, as they’ve helped build the program to a place where they are not only among the upper echelon of their state but are considered among the nations’ best as well.

This year is no different, as this year’s squad is led by senior Paulina Paris. The four-star point guard, who is ranked as the No. 27 player in her class and the No. 2 overall player in New Jersey according to ESPN HoopGurlz Recruiting, will be taking her talents to Chapel Hill to be a part of the UNC women’s basketball program.

Before she arrives on campus, Paris has some unfinished business to take care of with the Rebels. One of those items on the agenda was to bring home another county championship, something that has become a trend of dominance for the program.

In the Bergen County girls basketball championship on Thursday night at Fair Lawn High School, the Rebels, led by Paris’ game-high 34 points, defeated the No. 3 seed Immaculate Heart Academy 72-60. The win captured Saddle River Day’s sixth consecutive county title in a row, which is a new record for the tournament’s history.

Saddle River Day had to wait some time to defend its title, as the tournament was canceled during the 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paris was a spectator in attendance as the Rebels won the championship in 2020, as she was enrolled at Albertus Magnus in Rockland County, New York.

After her sophomore year, Paris decided to transfer to Saddle River Day in hopes of helping continue the school’s dominance but had to wait until her senior year for the opportunity. When the time came, the future Tar Heel was ready for the challenge.

In an interview after the game with Varsity Aces, Paris talked about how she was excited to be a part of this experience:

"“I went to their county championship two years ago against IHA, and being able to see it was amazing. Last year, all the girls were telling me that it was a big experience. And I’m so glad that we were able to win, because this is even more amazing.”"

When asked about the future Tar Heel, Saddle River Day head coach Danny Brown was quoted as saying “she’s the real deal.” Since she joined the program, Paris has been instrumental in helping them maintain the success that they have become accustomed to.

The Rebels will now focus their attention on the upcoming state playoffs. Before she leaves Saddle River for Chapel Hill, Paulina Paris has some more unfinished business to take care of.

Next. Two Tar Heel recruits named All-American finalists. dark

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Paulina Paris and the UNC women’s basketball program.

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