A NORTH looks to be one of the most competitive divisions in the Shore Conference. They have two Top 10 teams and a host of talented young players entering the conference. They also have two of the best players in the overall Shore Conference. One of the best transfers and one of the best freshman in the state. This looks like a two horse but there are plenty of land mines in the way of the favorites. Nobody is having a walk though the division. This conference is loaded with rock star coaches who have won big games over the years.
THE FAVORITE in A NORTH appears to be Trinity Hall. This group is battle tested and has played in some big games vs big opponents. They have a star in the making in Grace Feeney and Whitney Hobson has emerged as a future D1 players. Her emerging play has helped soften the lost of Shore Conference POY of the year Nina Emnace. They have a future star in freshman Allison McAndrew. This is a deep team and their coach is one of the best in the business in Matt McCarthy. Trinity is hoping to win a Division. title for the 3rd straight season and make a deep run in the SCT. These are all possibilities but it won’t be easy. That’s because Ranney may be the favorite once Michelle Steele becomes eligible. Ranney has as good a starting five as any team in the Shore not named RBC and SJV. They certainly will have the best player in the division in Ashley Keriger who just may be a player of the year before her playing days are over. Shore Reg will not walk away without a fight. They have enough talent to beat either of the favorites on any night. Colts Neck is the team of the future because they have tons of young talent on their roster. They on the right night could surprise anyone in the division.
TRINITY HALL
They are deep team with a roster filled of players who have seen major mins. Non have been asked to play major scoring roles. That will change this season. They will all need to step up. None have made an All Shore team. So Trinity will be asking a number of players to move into prime time. They had an excellent fall league and good spring. The summer was as productive. This could be a Top 20 team. Coach Matt McCarthy is known for developing talent.. his players may not come in as stars, but they certainly are leaving as stars. That’s because his players are developing and maximizing their potential.
Head Coach- Matt McCarthy (Division Chip, Top 20 ranking, SCT semi finals State)
2023-24 Record
Overall–17-9
Conference – 9-1 in C South
Projected Division one players (3)
Gym Rat Count (2)
Nina Emnace– Shore Conference PLAYER OF YEAR and DEFENSE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. Leading scorer and assist leader
Siobhan Stapleton– 4 year starter
GRACE FEENEY–
Grace FEENEY has emerged into one of the very best players in the Shore Conference. She has been a scorer in her first two years. But it was mostly off jumpers step up by Nina Emnace. Now the seasoned junior has added getting to the rim to her game. She still has her deadly shooting touch to 25 feet. But it’s the ability to score off the bounce and in the paint that has taken her game to another level. She also is pounding the boards and shot blocking in the lane. She is a ALL SHORE 1ST TEAM type player these days. Feeney was flat out impressive all fall. In fact she was the best player in the Hoop Group fall league. She is confident and understands Trinity Hall is only going as far as she takes them.
WHITNEY HOBSON- JR- GUARD– She will handle the point guard role this season. She is one of the most improved players in the Shore Conference. She will knock down open jumpers and can score in the lane. She is a underrated rebounding guard. She is battle tested and a real GYM RAT. She will need to play lots of minutes and be the coach on the floor. She will need to stay out of foul trouble and provide scoring and leadership, two things that did not appear to be a problem this fall.
BRIDGET RIGNEY-JR- GUARD– She had a excellent spring. She will be asked to play a larger role this season. She’ll be expected to provide additional ball handling and shooting. She is a excellent shooter and is playing with much more confidence at this time of year compared to last year. She is athletic and can and should be a excellent defender.
NIAMH STAPLETON- JR- FORWARD– She was a full time starter last year and had some big moments on some big stages. She can score in the paint of from the three point line. She will need to be a stud on the glass this year. She is battle tested and will be looking to add more consistency this year. She is strong and a excellent post defender. She showed real flashes this summer as many coaches were asking to learn more about her. Trinity need a big year from Stapleton if they want to get to the next level
LIZ PAOLELLA- JR- SWING- She is a warrior and will give Trinity real toughness. She will be in the rotation this year. She is a tough hard nose defender and has reliable mid range game. She could have a major impact on the season as she has a chance to give Trinity a highly competitive player. She can set the tone this year off the bench
LILLY RIGGI-SR- FORWARD- She is another season returning starter. She is a blue collar player who is very capable of having big night both offensively and defensibly. Like many of her teammates she is battle tested and has played in big spots. She has had many big nights over the years. She committed to East Stroudsburg and was on many college coaches wish list. Trinity will need the senior to show up every night this season.
TEAGAN DRENNAN-JR- WING– She is the wild card for Trinity Hall. The former 1st team All Freshman has been out for over a year with a ACL torn. She hopes to be back come January. She will instantly give Trinity another big time scorer and rebounder. She can knock down three’s and has lots length and size. This is a player who brings a lot of intangibles to the table. She also makes Trinity Hall a major concern to all.
BREE KORCH- SR- WING– She can provide shooting if called upon. She has been in the program so she knows what is expected. She will be ready if called upon upon. Like all seniors her experience will matter late in the season.
MADDIE QUINN- JR- FORWARD– She is a classic team player. If her number is called she will be ready. She is not afraid to take advantage of her role.
LIZZY MCCARTHY- SR- GUARD– She has been around a lot of winning basketball. So she will know what is expected.
O’ MALLEY ELDRIDGE -Soph- SWING- The transfer has a chance to make a major impact on the team. She bring athleticism and toughness
ALLISON MCADREW- FR- SWING– She will be in the running for freshman of the year. She could end up in the Trinity Hall starting lineup at some point. She is athletic and quick, as well as a GYM RAT. She can score at all three levels and will be a serious issue in the Trinity half court trapping defense. She is very immature for a freshman as she is very confident. She is a player that could be the missing piece for Trinity in the games vs Elite competition.
SONIA DEROSA – FR- GUARD– She could be the sleeper of the 2028 class. She is as athletic freshman as there is in 2028 class. She plays hard and is competitive. She will gobble up lost balls and is an underrated shooter. She has a body and strength of an upperclassman. She is a nationally ranked squash player. She will be in the team rotation
CHOLE BARRETT-Fr- GUARD- She had an excellent summer had an excellent summer and showed she has a big future. She runs down 50/50 balls and is highly competitive. She like to be in the gym. The upside is very big. She will see valuable minutes
This is a seasoned group. The difference is now there have gone from role players to prime time players. Look for Grace FEENEY to do the heavy lifting in the scoring department. But they will have everyone chipping in now the Nina Emnace is gone. Look for there half court traps to provide points off turnovers. They will go 9 deep. They will run the flex offense and try to control pace.
Can they score enough. While they have a number of players expected to to step up. Until they do it. It will remain a question mark. Next thPoint guard position. Can Whitney Hobson handle the pressure. The turnovers were a major issue for the entire time. They must replace Nina Emnace, is that possible? Even by committee. Can the freshman impact the lineup? Finally the schedule while not as competitive as in the past year is still solid. Can they win the games against the legit competition?
RANNEY
Head Coach- Katelyn Linney
2023-24 Record
Overall– 15-11
Conference-2-3 in B Coastal
Projected Division one players (2)
GYM Rat Count(2)
Non of major impact
RANNEY has the best player in the Division in Ashley KREIGER. They get a big time transfer available in 20 days in Michelle Steele. This is a team that has an All Shore guard in Hayley who signed at D1 Lafayette University. This is a battle tested team with big time role players. In fact RANNEY is 2 weeks may be one of the most dangerous teams in the shore conference period.
Ashley KREIGER 6’3” – FORWARD– she just may be the best young post player in the Shore in over a decade. Her skills and talent already has P5 schools drooling. She can score from anywhere on the floor. She also is a point forward type player. She is not just dominate but elevates her teammates. She is a dynamic rebounder and plays as hard as any player in the Shore. She has the talent to be a PLAYER OF RHE YEAR. Ashley KREIGER is a major difference maker night in and night out . The FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds a game last season.
HAYLER POSNER– Sr- GUARD– the D1 commit is one of the best scorers in the Shore conference this despite double and triple teams. She is a lights out shooter and gets to the rim. She shoots a buckets of free throws every game.. she can do it all. She will make a run at FIRST TEAM ALL SHORE. She averaged 19 points a game last season
EMILY CAVANAUGH– SR- COMBO– If there is one player that could play a major role in the success of RANNEY getting over the hump it’s Emily Cavanaugh. RANNEY has been waiting for her to put it altogether. She was once viewed by many as a D1 player. If she can go back to the future. RANNEY becomes a legit Top 20 team in the state. She averaged 9 points a game last year and has the ability to double her stat line. Her talent is that big
LOLA MACRAE- Sr- FORWARD – She just may be the most under appreciated player in the Shore. She does all the little things and the dirty work. A classic “WINNER”. You cannot judge her value by stats alone. It when called about she put up stats. She has had multiple double figure scoring nights and is a box out Queen. She ability to guard all 5 spots makes insanity valuable. She takes care of the ball and is the classic glue player
KATIE RENAUD– SR- FORWARD– She is rock sold player. She has been in the wars. She averaged 4 points a game last season. She plays her role in a winning fashion. Expect much of the same this season
MICHELLE STEELE- SR- SWING– She gives RANNEY excellent minutes a legit scorer from all three levels. A big time rebounder and defender. The Holmdel transfer gives RANNEY a real legit all Shore type player. Not to mention her ball handling and passing skills. She sign with D2 Powerhouse and nationally ranked Jefferson University. She was 3 year starter at Holmdel who had multiple big scoring nights. She has played against the best of the best and shinned over the years.
mashed is one of the most versatile players in the Shore. She averaged 9 points…6 rebounds and 3 assists last season. She instantly makes RANNEY a TOP 5 team in the Shore Conference and Top 20 in the state
PEYTON ATNES – SOPHOMORE – COMBO- One of the most improved players on the roster. She gave RANNEY excellent minutes late in the season. She is a hard nosed defender capable of scoring when asked to do so. She looked very much ready for prime time this fall. Look for her to play a major role for RANNEY
CLAIRE DONAHUE- Jr- FORWARD
The 6ft forward gives RANNEY size and experience. She played valuable minutes last season. More importantly had big nights that included double doubles. She can score, rebound and defend. Look for her to start and come off the bench as well. She is a classic example of a kid buying into whatever role she is asked to play.
LEIGHANNA JONES- JR – GUARD
she played valuable minutes last year off the bench look for her to play a bigger role this season
CHLOE FORSTER, EMI COLELLA, GWYNETH WOLFSCHIEAGER, Jessica SOLOVEY, ALEXA HERBST… all hope to see their roles expanded this year
This team has as good as starting 5 there is in the Shore outside SJV and RBC. All roles will start with Ashley KREIGER on offense but POSNER and STEELE will give her plenty of of help. This will be an excellent rebounding and defensive team. They will play fast and score lots of points. This is a complete offensive team.
How long will it take to get Michelle Steele to mix with the team. Next the team depth vs the heavyweights could be a problem. Finally can they really play without a true point guard or is
PEYTON ANTES ready?
Coach– William Wishart
2023-24 Record
OVERALL- 18-12 ( Group 1 State final 2 straight years)
Conference – 4-1 in B CENTRAL
Projected division players – (0)
Gym Rats- (2)
Shore Reg will not win the division but they are very capable of beating anyone in the division.
Coach William Wishart has build a consistently competitive team. They have built a reputation for overachieving. It seems every year. We can blame that on quality coaching. Shore have established a culture of hard work and team work. The players embrace their roles. Seniors Kimi Sayson and REESE FIORE( shown picture )makes for a talented seasoned backcourt. They have played in and won big games over the years. They made it to the group one finals again last year for a 2nd time in a row . This despite losing the best player in the school history, RYLEE DRAHOS. This is a very dangerous team and program.
Coach NICK RUSSO has a team loaded with young talent and KATIE DICHTER. This combination could make very dangerous by the end of the season. Dichter, is a proven scorer who has had big nights. She is coming off a fantastic summer. Her leadership should be worth points. She committed to D2 power West Chester University. Emily Donahue is a young Sophia Sabino like, a pass first type point guard. JULIANNA “JULES” JASINA Is one of the best young forwards in the shore. She will battle for a spot on the All Freshman team. AVERY WALLACE has star written all over her. She is explosive and talented. This could be the team of the future. They could surprise one of the favorites by seasons end
They are in full blown rebuilding mode. The good news Freshman KENZIE KLATSKY is legit. She will most likely be one of the leading scorers in the shore as a freshman
They have lost the entire roster of points from the past 3 years. Finding wins will almost be impossible to find.
This is going to be a hard fought title for someone. That’s because any of the non favorites can beat anyone. Getting through the division unscathed is not going to happen. I say RANNEY has more proven “STAR” players. RANNEY WINS A NORTH
ALL DIVISION TEAM
PLAYER OF YEAR -ASHLEY KREIGER- RANNEY
GRACE FINNEY- TRINITY HALL
HAYLEY POSNER- RANNEY
REESE FIORE – SHORE REG
MICHELLE STEELE- RANNEY
WHITNEY HOBSON- TRINITY HALL
ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
FRESHMAN OF YEAR- KENZIE KLATSKY
ALLISON McANDREW- TRINITY HALL
JULIANNA “JULES” JASINA – COLTS NECK
AVERY WALLACE- COLTS NECK
EMILY DONAHUE- COLTS NECK
COACH OF THE YEAR– KATELYNN LINNEY- RANNEY
