Arts celebrates winning their 2026 NJSIAA Group 1 Girls Basketball semifinal game. — (Photo by Christopher Shannon/OnNJ Sports)

March 11, 2026

IMAGES: Rivera, Troutman Lead No. 20 Arts to First Group 1 Girls Basketball Championship Game

Arts , basketball , high school basketball , high school sports , Mountain Lakes , Niaja Troutman , Nilah Rivera , NJ sports , NJISS , playoffs , Postseason , Shea Sutter

2026 NJSIAA Group 1 Girls Basketball Semifinals - Arts vs. Mountain Lakes

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Action from a 2026 NJSIAA Group 1 Girls Basketball semifinal game between Arts and Mountain Lakes. (Photo by Christopher Shannon/OnNJ Sports)

Nilah Rivera and Niaja Troutman helped No. 20 Arts turn what was a close contest after one quarter into a 56-38 runaway victory over Mountain Lakes in the 2026 NJSIAA Group 1 Girls Basketball semifinals on March 11 at Franklin High School.

Rivera had an all-around strong game for the Jaguars, scoring 16 points, dishing out six assists, and wreaking havoc defensively with eight steals. Meanwhile, Troutman recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Harmoni Burgess and Iyanah Lafontant also reached double-digits scoring for Arts with 10 points apiece.

Shea Sutter and Siena Bednar led the Lakers. Sutter dropped in 13 points for Mountain Lakes, and Bednar added 10.

With the win, Arts advances to their first state title game, where they will take on defending champion, New Providence, in the Group 1 State Championship on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. inside Jersey Mike’s Arena.

About the Author

Christopher Shannon

Photo Editor

Christopher is the Photo Editor at OnNJ Sports. You can often find Christopher along the sidelines at sporting events in Northern Jersey, or at West Point photographing athletic, and other, events there. Christopher’s favorite events that he has had the opportunity to cover, so far in his career, include Penn State football White Out games and Army-Navy football games. While Christopher enjoys photographing a wide variety of sports, his favorite to cover include football, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and lacrosse.