North Star Academy downs Newark East Side in Essex Invit. semis

Girls basketball recap shows North Star Academy's victory over Newark East Side.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Anise Burwell recorded a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds as 16th-seeded North Star Academy defeated 20th-seeded Newark East Side 34-30 in the semifinals of the Essex County Invitational girls basketball tournament in Newark, New Jersey.

Why it matters

This matchup between two lower-seeded teams in the Essex Invitational highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and the opportunity for lesser-known programs to make a deep run.

The details

North Star Academy was led by Anise Burwell's 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. Bree Witherspoon added 8 points and 4 rebounds for NSA. For Newark East Side, Jazlyn Fabre-Hidalgo scored 13 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists, while Ciani Beaton posted a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists.

  • The semifinal game took place on February 15, 2026.
  • The Essex County Invitational championship game is scheduled for Saturday.

The players

Anise Burwell

A player for 16th-seeded North Star Academy who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds in the semifinal game.

Bree Witherspoon

A player for 16th-seeded North Star Academy who scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.

Jazlyn Fabre-Hidalgo

A player for 20th-seeded Newark East Side who scored 13 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

Ciani Beaton

A player for 20th-seeded Newark East Side who posted a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists.

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What’s next

The 16th-seeded North Star Academy will face 18th-seeded Newark Collegiate in the Essex County Invitational championship game on Saturday.

The takeaway

This semifinal matchup between two lower-seeded teams showcases the competitive balance and opportunity for upsets in the Essex County Invitational girls basketball tournament.