New Jersey 5s Ascend to the Top of Major League Pickleball Standings

The New Jersey 5s have made a stunning ascent to the top of the Major League Pickleball standings after a series of impressive victories, including a recent triumph at MLP Austin. With a 12-match unbeaten streak, the team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, overcoming early setbacks. Key players like Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson have been instrumental in their success, maintaining perfect records. Despite some inconsistencies in men's doubles, the team's overall strength has solidified their position as title contenders. Read on to learn more about their journey and what lies ahead for the New Jersey 5s.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 12:29 IST

New Jersey 5s' Remarkable Rise in MLP

The New Jersey 5s have surged to the forefront of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) rankings following their recent success at MLP Austin. After a challenging start that placed them in fourth position, the team has quickly turned their season around, showcasing their prowess at MLP Austin.

Currently, the 5s are enjoying a remarkable unbeaten streak of 12 matches across their last two tournaments, which has propelled them to the top of the league with a total of 62 points. Their latest victory at MLP Austin saw them triumph 3-1 against Columbus, marking their second event title of the season and avenging an earlier defeat to the same team in Week 1.

Key Players Driving Success

Interestingly, the New Jersey 5s' ascent has not been solely due to overwhelming dominance in every match-up. Their men's doubles team has shown some inconsistency, with Will Howells and Noe Khlif holding a 9-8 record this season, making it the team's most vulnerable area. However, the overall strength of the squad has compensated for this, with exceptional performances in other pairings that have decisively influenced match outcomes.

Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson have been particularly impressive, maintaining an unblemished 17-0 record together. The duo of Khlif and Waters has also been effective with a 15-2 record, while Howells and Johnson have contributed significantly with an 11-5 record. A notable improvement has been observed in mixed doubles, where the team has refined their execution since MLP Dallas in Week 1. Both the Khlif-Waters and Howells-Johnson pairings have excelled, each achieving a 9-1 record in their last 10 matches, which has been pivotal in their recent success.

Despite some inconsistencies in specific pairings, the collective strength of the team has been the hallmark of their resurgence. Their depth and flexibility have enabled them to bounce back from early challenges and re-establish themselves as serious contenders for the title. “We have an extremely supportive team,” Howells remarked after their victory on Sunday. “It really comes down to just leaning on each and every one of us - that’s how we got it done.”