Lady Blue Jays Standout to Join Older Brother at Wilkes University
MIDDLESEX, NJ—Another member of Middlesex’s Robel Family is headed to Wilkes University. Former Blue Jays boys basketball standout and 1,000 point scorer, Jake Robel, is already playing for the Colonels men’s hoops program. Starting in September, Jake will be joined by another Blue Jays hoops standout, his younger sister. Recently, Madison Robel announced her commitment to attend Wilkes University.
Robel, a four year varsity girls basketball player at Middlesex High School, recently played in the 2022 GMCBCA Senior Girls All-Star Game. Although she was known more for playing down low during her career, Robel demonstrated tremendous playmaking prowess in the showcase. She finished with 8 assists along with 6 points for Team White in an 82-59 loss to Team Black at Woodbridge High School on March 29th.
During the 2021-22 season, Robel guided the Lady Blue Jays to a 21-5 overall record including a 13-0 mark in the GMC Blue. The Blue Division champions advanced to the 2022 GMCT Girls Elite Eight as the sixth seed before falling to 3rd seeded Colonia (56-34). Following a first round win over Metuchen (65-38), the Lady Jays lost to Holmdel in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 2 Quarterfinals (67-53).
According to stats compiled at NJ.com, Madison Robel played in all 26 games for Middlesex. She made 91 total field goals and 43 foul shots for 225 points. In addition, Robel led the team with 277 rebounds while also collecting 72 assists, 55 steals, and a team high 26 blocks. She averaged 8.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Over Robel’s four years at Middlesex, the Lady Blue Jays garnered an overall mark of 81-15 including a perfect 45-0 in the GMC Blue. Middlesex also reached the GMCT Semifinals twice, and the GMCT Elite Eight three times. The Lady Jays also earned the top seed in the 2021 GMC Girls Championship Pod. Unfortunately, Middlesex was unable to compete due to COVID.
Furthermore, Middlesex also made back to back appearances in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 Championship Game. In the 2022 GMCT Round of 16, the sixth seeded Lady Jays defeated South River, 43-34 to give head coach Kevin Harper his 700th career victory. Robel helped lead the way with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
During her varsity career, Robel played in 93 games, made 244 total field goals and 113 foul shots for 611 points. The 5’11” center also grabbed 769 rebounds, handed out 140 assists, swiped 139 steals, and blocked 78 shots. She averaged 6.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest.
Robel still managed to have 19 career double-doubles despite not having any during her freshman or junior years. Twice this past season, Robel had a career high of 16 points. First time was during a 53-16 win over Dunellen on January 14th. The next time was in a 63-49 win at Highland Park on February 4th.
Sixteen was also the big number in terms of rebounds for Robel. Coming into this season, Robel had a career high of 15 rebounds on a couple of occasions her sophomore year. She managed to surpass that mark with 16 boards in two contests in 2021-22. The first time was during a 58-48 loss versus East Brunswick on January 15th. The second time was in a hard fought 43-41 win against South Plainfield on February 23rd.
Madison Robel is the third in her family to play hoops at Middlesex. In addition to her brother Jake, Madison’s older sister, Olivia also played four years of varsity basketball for the Lady Jays. Combined, the three Robels scored a total of 2,146 points, 1,944 rebounds, 452 assists, 500 steals, and 305 blocks. Robel will be joining a Wilkes women’s basketball program looking to improve.
This past season, the Lady Colonels finished 8-15 overall including a 7-9 mark in the MAC Freedom Conference. A year ago, Wilkes finished 3-7 overall in a COVID shortened season. Over the past four seasons, the Lady Colonels have finished below .500 each year. During that span, Wilkes has a combined overall mark of 28-55 including a 15-36 record in conference play.
There is a silver lining to Wilkes’ struggles though. The Lady Colonels have improved in conference play. After finishing a combined 4-17 the previous two years, Wilkes nearly doubled that win total this season. Congratulations Madison, and best of luck at the next level.