Today’s PREVIEW IS “A” CENTRAL DIVISION. This is the most competitive division in the Shore Conference. There are 4 Top 10 teams in this Division. There are D1 players up and down the division. This is a division with proven stars and battle tested players. It’s also a division with not only up and coming players but talented babies as well. Trying to pick the winner in A CENTRAL is difficult. That’s because there is no clear favorite. No less than 4 teams can win this division.
(Lizzy Mitchell and Gianna Rodriguez both returned this season for St. ROSE)
The favorite in the Division appears to be St. Rose. That’s because their starting 5 is as good as any team in the Division. Then they have two stars in Brooke Missry and Jada Lynch. The supporting cast around them are all season seniors or upperclassmen. They return two missing players from a year ago that were projected starters before suffering from season ending injuries. Lizzy Mitchell returns and that will be a big addition returning. St Rose like everyone in the division is going to have a difficult road to win “A” CENTRAL. Manasquan has a roster of talented upperclassmen, Howell is capable of beating anyone as they have the best frontline. Neptune has two stars and can the roll of spoiler in a big way. Jax Memorial will take a step up in competition and could surprise everyone.
ST. ROSE
This team has talent and are fully battled tested. They have a little bit of everything. They have shooters, ball handlers, scorers and quickness. While they lack size, they make up for it by rebounding as a group and excellent game planning to neutralize opposing post players. Like every year they play a demanding schedule. That has not changed under Coach CHRISSY HATFIELD. St. Rose will most likely start the year in the state TOP 20. This group put major work in together all summer and in the fall. They ran a ton all summer in fall. So there is a case to be made, they are the most conditioned team in the SHORE CONFERENCE. Coach Hatfield, has done a wonderful job of changing the St. Rose culture in holding players accountable and while giving each player a role.
Head Coach- CHRISSY HATFIELD (Division Chip, Top 20 ranking, Shore Top 5 ranking)
2023-24 Record
Overall–19-10
Conference – 5-0 in B Coastal
Projected Division one players (3)
P5 Players-(0)
Gym Rat Count (4)
They did not lose a impactful player.
JADA LYNCH – JR- SWING/ GUARD
Jada Lynch took a major step forward last year. She improved in almost every area of her game. She most importantly made her teammates better. Her maturity clearly showed on the court and in her practice habits. Her explosiveness has no comparison in the conference. She scores at all three levels. But what people miss are two areas she excels at. She is an elite passer, she had an eye popping 91 assists lat year. She is an excellent game planning post defender for a guard. She constantly is called upon to guard post players and bigs! Jada Lynch is 205 points away from 1000 points. Her post up game is next level for a guard and her jump shot is deadly to 23 feet. Last season she scored over 400 points and grabbed 185 rebounds. Those numbers were good enough to land her on the Coaches All Shore 1st Team. Jada Lynch may be gearing up to make a run at Player of The Year. Look for to take another giant step this season. She clearly now is much concerned with winning and elevating her teammates game.
LIZZY MITCHELL- SR- GUARD– Two years ago she was one of the best returning freshman in the Shore. Then she had a season ending injury. But now she is back 100%. She is a deadly shooter and a top notch defender on and off the ball. Her ability to score in bunches makes St Rose an offensive juggernaut. She is very capable of big nights, like the 26 points as a freshman in one game. She is a proven scorer and won’t flinch to take big shots. She makes St. ROSE dangerous to every team in the state. Lizzy committed to Misericordia University
CASSIDY KRUESI – SR- GUARD- Once know as Top defender. She has become an offensive minded scorer first. She had 49 threes and scored 260 points with 54 assists. Kruesi is battle tested and has played against every single top guard in the state over the years. She signed with D2 powerhouse U OF TAMPA. She was on the HOOP GROUP All DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM as a Sophomore and was on the Shore Sports Network Defensive Team last season Cassidy Kruesi, has made a reputation for playing her best against the best teams and when the stakes are highest. She has been in the starting lineup since her freshman year. Look for Kruesi to go out with a bang. She wants a SCT TITLE and A CENTRAL chip in her final year
CAROLINE CONFORTI- SR- FORWARD- Caroline it seems has been around forever. She has been a on and off stater since her freshman. She has suffered through numerous injuries. But seems to always fight back. She is a pillar on defense and is an excellent passer. She had 39 assists for center spot and 26 steals as well. She had 99 rebounds and 88 points last season. She is ultra competitive and players her role to a “T”. Look for her to have a banner season her senior year. She does the winning stuff!
BROOKE MISSRY- JR- SWING- Brooke Missry has blown into a full blown star. She is one of the most consistent players in the Shore Conference. She simply does everything. She is one of the most complete players in the state and that is not an exaggeration. She will make a run at the ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM. That’s because she is the best off ball defender in the Shore by a mile. She is also one of the smartest players in the state. But make no mistake, if St. Rose needs a big shot. She is taking it. Nobody is better than shooter in a big spot. She is insanely efficient. Missry scored over 200 points.. 100 rebounds.. 39 threes…. Close to 40 assist..and 20 steals. I think you get the picture. It’s clear BROOKE MISSRY will be in the hunt for 1st Team All Shore.
BELLE ALVARADO – SR- POINT GUARD– She is the floor general. She also is Coach Hatfield’s only true point guard. She sets up teammates and is a one women press breaker. The gym rat may be the best on ball defender in the Shore. She is a proven scorer who picks her spots. Belle is the team energizer bunny. She plays hard and is a true leader. Always positive and prepared to play. She is the most competitive player on the St. Rose roster. Her stats will never tell how valuable she is to the success of St ROSE. She can handle all levels of pressure without coughing up the ball. She 74 assists and 36 steals last season. St. Rose is going nowhere without Belle. She is the heart and soul of St. Rose these days!
GIANA RODRIGUEZ- SR- 5’10”– A year ago many believed she would give St. Rose a true starting post player. But then she suffered a season ending injury. But she is back this year. She didn’t play in the fall for precautions reasons as she has been slow to heal. Giana could hold the key to everything for St. Rose. She makes them a deeper team, more experienced and gives them size. She has strength and can rebound. She is an excellent passer and motivated defender. She could put St. ROSE over the top.
CALLIE DECKER- SOPH- COMBO– she got valuable mins last year. This season she hopes to break into the rotation. The talented guard spent the entire summer and fall under the tutelage and watchful eye of Patti Mabrey. She is a reliable and improving shooting. She also is an excellent ball handler and willing passer. She is quick and brings a defensive presence. She could have a breakout season. She was has made real progress in the past 2 years.
THERE ARE NO FRESHMAN OF IMPACT
This team is loaded with shooters and scorers. They have a point in Alvarado who will push the ball and find all those Shooter. But look for St Rose to move the ball as all 5 of their starters are excellent passers and ball handlers. They will have Jada Lynch yo lean on when points come hard to get. She can create for herself or teammates. If they need a big shot, they have the best in the business in Missry. Finally they have a chance to be an exciting defensive team. Especially if KRUESI returns to her All Defensive form of 2 years ago. Last year St. ROSE over achieved and Chrissy Hatfield was many folks COACH OF THE YEAR. Don’t expect much to change this year. She was a beast in the summer and fall in getting her team ready this season. Expect a Top 20 team in the state. Maybe Top 8 with a few breaks.
They really are two questions. Are they deep enough? How healthy is Gianna Rodriguez? The talent is there. The coaching is there. But they are one injury away from away from going into a scramble mode.
Head Coach- Lisa Kukoda( multi SCT, state and Division titles)
2023-24 Record
Overall– 26-5
Conference- 4-1 in B Coastal
Projected Division one players (3)
Power 5 players (0)
GYM Rat Count(3)
Manasquan returns lots of talent from an year ago. Most of them were role players. But make no mistake. This is far from a rebuilding season. This is a group of battle tested players who have seen a massive amount of winning and winning big. They knocked off RBC last year to make it to the SCT final last season. Then went on to win the Group 2 title. Lisa Kukoda has won everything over the years. Manasquan will be disciple and share the ball as group. They are going to score lots of points this coming season.
They lost three division one players of impact and had a possible starter transfer
KATIE COLLINS- There most valuable player. Leading rebounder, 1st Team All Shore
HOPE MASONIUS- 1000 point scorer, 3 year starter, All Shore 1st Team
MCKENNA KARLSON- 2 year starter, first team All Defense
AVA FRITH- Possible starter transfered to Rutgers Prep
OLIVIA SHAUGHNESSY – SR- POINT GUARD– She is the ultimate point that can do it all. She can run her team, score in multiple ways. She is a next level passer and defender. She had a lights out summer and then fall. She is among the best point guards in the state. She signed with LOYOLA UNIVERSITY of the Patriot League. The lighting quick guard started every game last year for Manasquan’s Group 2 state championship team. Last season she did it all, she 28 threes, 200 points 93 rebounds, 50+ assists, and 23 steals all from the point guard spot most nights. She is a lock down defender and the most experienced player on the Manasquan roster. Her leadership skills are undeniable and she leads both on and off the court. She gave us a peek what to expect this year in the Hoop Group fall league. She showed she is ready to pick up the scoring that has moved on to college. She was explosive this fall at times. Year elevated the games of her teammates. She is unselfish and a natural leader. There is no doubt she will make a serious run for both 1st TEAM ALL SHORE AND PLAYER OF THE YEAR this season. If Manasquan hopes to win another Group 2 title, Olivia Shaughnessy holds the keys to that goal be accomplished.
KAYDEN CLARK- SR- COMBO– She signed with D1 LeMoyne University and will join her sister Eli next season. She was ALL DEFENSIVE 1ST TEAM last season. She averaged 14 points a game last season for Top 20 Ocean Twp and was on the Ocean team that beat Manasquan last year. She is the best two player in the Shore and a deadly shooter. She had 50 three’s last season with 70 rebound and 70 dimes… she is the best shot blocking guard in all of New Jersey, she had 16 block shots and 64 steals as well. She is the complete guard that makes Manasquan very dangerous. She will certainly be hoping to win the DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD and be 1st TEAM ALL SHORE. She is a massive pickup for Manasquan who will have to wait 20 days before she can play in a game. She played in the same backcourt as Olivia Shaughnessy as a member of the powerhouse D1 ShoreShots HGSL team
SHANNON HEINE- SR- WING- She could be the biggest sleeper on the season. She is the ultimate gym rat. She had D2 offers and told schools no for one reason. SHE IS A D1 PLAYER, despite the many doubters. She has turned herself into a knock down shooter though hard work. She is a next level passer. The most underrated defender, is masterful off the ball on defense. She can play all three guard positions on the floor. She is great in the lane on offensive as she is crafty and smart. Heine is tough as nails with a serious competitive nature. She more than anyone may be the secret sauce Manasquan is looking for to make it back to the SCT finals.
SHEA DONNELY – SR- SWING– She is someone that does all the dirty work. She is a true Swiss knife. She is a big time three point shooter who also gets to the foul line. She was a major boost of the bench last season. That because she gave Manasquan scoring when they needed it or defense. She saved the Manasquan on Multiple occasions with her play off the bench. She is a physical rebounder and is a true glue player. She does all the intangibles. Now she will play an even bigger role this season. But she also has been in the wars and will not back fold under the pressure. She is battle tested right down to her very core. She had 22 threes.. scored 135 points… 60 rebounds..20 assists.. and 24 steals. Those numbers may be impressive but more importantly it’s how is accomplished these thing. Meaning great shot selection and being prepared night and night out. She committed to COLBY UNIVERSITY proving she is a true student athlete
GRACE LOVE- SR- WING– She had a monster summer and didn’t miss a beat in the fall. She now has proven she is a big shot taker and maker. Grace Love is looking like an excellent offensive weapon. She also is a very unappreciated rebounder. She get out in transition and fill lanes for easy buckets. She is a physical defender and is playing with a massive amount of confidence. She got spot minutes last season but always took advantage of the minutes and it has served her well. She committed to STEVENS TECH.
JORDYN HOLLAWELL – JR- COMBO– She was a starting guard last year and had some very big moments as she made some big shots. She is a hard nose defender who can also score in many fashions. She played this summer for the NJ RISE powerhouse AAU team. She is lighting quick and very competitive. She is an excellent three point shooter who is murder in transition and at the rim. She is vey aggressive on both sides of the ball. She is battle tested and brings a seasoned player in the backcourt who has been in the wars. Her numbers may shock you from last year. She had 136 points …72 rebounds..69 assists and 44 steals. That along is super impressive on its own. She did all his as a Sophomore against real competition. There is no reason to believe she will not improve on those numbers. Another big year for Hollawell could mean this division is a wrap and SCT finals is a real possibility.
SHANNON LOONEY- JR- GUARD- She is the wild card on this roster. This is a player that has stepped her game up in a big way. Shannon Looney was not good this summer and fall. She downright sensational in every area of the game. She is going to play major minutes this season if the fall was any indication of what is coming. She scored on three’s and at the rim with crafty finishing moves. She never has in never turns the ball over. But what she did better than anyone on this roster was turn defense into offensive by stepping in passing lanes and pressuring ball handlers. She got spot minutes last year. But has just been waiting for a chance to get extended minutes. This is a player that could shake up not only the division but the Shore Conference in general. She is talented and hungry a dangerous combination if you not playing for Manasquan. Shannon Looney could be the MOST IMPROVED AWARD clubhouse leader going into the season.
LOGAN McCARTHY- JR- COMBO– She very reliable and smart. She also is a knock it down shooter to 23 feet. She has a high IQ and can play the point or shooting guard. She is no stranger to high level competition. She too played for the New Jersey Rise. Logan is a true teammate and player who will work hard and be prepared when called upon. She knows the Manasquan system and will do whatever, she is called upon to do. This is a player who has been part of winning teams her entire life.
CALISTA VOWTERAS – MANASQUAN- 5’8”- COMBO
She blistering quick with a wire like strong body right now. She is one of the best entering freshman combo guards. She will give Manasquan instant quickness and on ball defense. She is a rapidly improving three point shooter. She has excellent handle and is very explosive getting to the rim. She has an excellent pull up and mid range game. She is an excellent passer in both transition and in guard penetration in the half court. She has “excellent” vision. She could end up playing valuable mins this season. She is a future D1 player and All Shore player. She could be different maker at times for Manasquan this season off the bench.
They are going to play basically with 5 guard every-night. This really is not an issue because Manasquan has big strong guards who are quick and aggressive. They are all excellent rebounding guards. They have shooters on top of shooters and serious quickness. This is a team loaded with upperclassmen and they all I have seen the court along the way. Like every year they are going to move the ball and push the ball in transition. They will shoot three’s but make no mistake the players on this team can get to the rim and will. Olivia Shaughnessy will handle the ball 80% of the time and she knows what Coach Kukoda wants and expects.
The question of depth is a serious one vs the top teams. Can you play the Top teams without a post player? These are two questions most teams not named RBC and SJV. The good news is that nobody in the division is SJV and RBC and are in the same boat. Finally with the exception of Shaughnessy none of the players on this roster has been asked to carry this team at any point in their career. She is the only one who has been a true full time starter. Brooke Hollawell became a starter last year. Can so many players be asked to step up at one time?
HEAD COACH: Joe Santopietro
2023-24 Record
Overall: 20-8
Conference: 5-4 in Shore in A North
Projected D1 players (1)
Power 5 players (0)
Gym Rats– (2)
GABRIELLE CARPENTER was starting shooting guard
Howell won a state game last season. Most of that team is back this season. This is a team that knocked off then Top 20 ranked Red Bang Reg. They had a big season last year finishing in the Top 10. Coach Joe Santopietro has built a winning culture and a team trying to get to the next level. He certainly has some pieces to upset the apple cart as they say. That’s because his club has the best frontline in the division. A freshman guard who should impact the team and battle tested players.
KIERA MCKNOWN- SR- FORWARD– She is the most athletic forward in the division. She exploded this summer and became the recruiting target of a number of college coaches. She decided to sign with EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY. Last season she was dynamic at times on both sides of the ball. She is an elite shot blocker and post defender. She has a shocking number of block shots with 91 and not counting the many shots she changed. She was a one women lane protector. She also had 286 rebounds and close to 400 points. She was dominate all season regardless who the opponent happen to be. There is a case to be made Kiera McKnown will be one of the best two way forwards in the entire Shore Conference this coming season. There is no question she has elevated her game and is a big reason Howell finds itself in most Pre Season Top 10 polls.
KYLEE BREAM- SOPH- FORWARD– She was named Hoop Group 1st Team ALL FRESHMAN last season. But that was last year, before we discovered this future D1 player. Last season she as a lock down defender and rebounding force. She scored over 220 points and over 225 rebounds. Combined that with her defense and you have a future star on your hands. She did not the season in the starting lineup either. Her performance in the state tournament against Highstown and current D1 player Abbey Minster is the stuff dreams are made of these days. She helped Howell get it biggest win in recent times. She thew Minster in the Ice Freezer and then posted a double/double. These days she has turned herself into a deadly shooter and has worked herself to the bone. She is certainly a gym rat. She is in elite shape and out played a number of big name post players this fall. She is without a question a future All Shore Player. She was name SHORE SPORTS NETWORK….FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR last season
ASHLEY SMITH- SR- SWING– The starting point guard was nice surprise last season as she had multiple games in double figures. She also was rock solid on defense. She has a mind blowing 87 assists last season to go along with 54 steals. Making her 86 point and 96 rebounds look like icing on the cake. She was not only consistence all year. It was in big games that she seemed to play at her best. This season expect more great things from Abby who seems to ready for a show stopping season
PAYTON SMITH JR- COMBO- She has rock solid season last year. She scored 152 points with 35 rebounds and 18 assists. She is battle tested and will be looking to be even more productive this season after such an excellent sophomore year. She could be in the starting lineup this season.
MACKENZIE MALONEY- JR- COMBO– every game she scored in last year except two. She played a very important role last season. She may move into a more impactful role this year after being thrown into the fire season. She had a sold 60 point and 36 rebounds last season as a sophomore. She was reliable all season last year.
BELLAROSE MARINO – SOPHOMORE- COMBO- There is a real case to made that BellaRose should have been on the ALL FRESHMAN team. She was outstanding last season. She score in double figures 6 times last season. She has a 20 point game vs Freehold Twp. Her performance against RBR was special. She had 11 points, 5 rebounds and played outstanding defense the entire evening. She was one of the most consistence players on Howell all season. She had 181 points… 96 rebounds… 25 assists and 18 steals. I say that deserved some ALL FRESHMAN CONSIDERATION. Look for her to build on her outstanding freshman year
KENDALL BLEAKLEY- JR- FORWARD- She will be the first post player of the bench for Howell. She is a hard worker that is going to help out on the boards and play defense in the lane. She is experinced and willing to play her role
LEILA SHAW-JR- GUARD– The Manalapan transfer will give Howell another high energy player who will bring toughness and play into the Howell culture of defense
OLIVIA QUINONES- FRESHMAN- COMBO/POINT GUARD– She is going to make an immediate impact. She give Howell additional ball handing and scoring at the rim and from the three point line. She is quick and highly skilled. This is a player who is already a gym rat and very competitive. Look for her to get major minutes this season in some big games during the season, once she gets some experience.
This team will be defensive driven as they have the two best defender in the post. The guards are intense and play with a motor. This team is not super deep but their is more than enough of a rotation to go 8-9 deep. Look for Howell to run their offense though McKown and Beam. But they have shooters who are not afraid. This is a veteran group who has tasted winning big games. So they will continue with defense and shot selection as the backbone of the team. They share ball wonderfully and are committed to each other.
Can they get to the next level? That means believing the can win the division? Next have they as a group seen enough next level competition? They only have a few kids that train or play in competitive environments. This division is loaded with D1 and next level players. Finally can Beam and Mckown dominate playing this level of competition? If not who will step up to help them? There are lots of questions for Howell to answer.
JACKSON MEMORIAL take a giant step forward in terms of competition. Rather than play one two competitive games. They will play no less than 6 game vs real next level competition. Last season they made it to the SCT tourney and had to face RBC. They clearly were not ready for that type of competition and there star freshman CALI BROWN was injured. But don’t get it twisted for a second, this team is a Top 10 team and with a few breaks could be a Top 20 team. That’s because this team is loaded with talent up and down the roster. Brown was 1st Team All Freshman last season and at times sensational. She had 44 three balls… 238 points… 40 rebounds… and 32 assists. She has been given the keys to the car and everything for Jax Memorial starts right here. Avery Brooks, had 178 .. points and 142 rebounds. She had 39 three’s as well. The junior is battle tested and year older. She could surprise everyone. Kaylee Ambos, had a rock solid freshman year with over 100 points last season. MADISON FAGLIARONE was very reliable all season has a freshman and 35 assists as well. . She had 89 rebounds last season. KAYLA MATOSE is one of the best incoming freshman in the Shore. She has a mature body and is very explosive. She has also shown signs of being a reliable three point shooter. She just may start as a freshman and bring lots of defense to the table with her scoring. While all the attention may be about Jackson Memorial young and up coming studs. Isabella Finer could be the key to everything. She had 178…189…34 blocks and 34 assists last season. She is a throwback Jackson Memorial type player. She’ll fight you tooth and nail with no quit. JULIANNA OLD is another warrior, she had 210 rebounds to go along with 140 points. Coach Rachel Goodale is hoping her team can build on last years season, with a year more of experience under their belt. Playing a tough schedule may hurt early. But late in the season it could be a blessing. I believe Jackson can win the division. I also believe without question, there are going to take one of the favorites out. This team is capable of beating anyone in the division. This group is talented and play hard as in real hard.
NEPTUNE is a very dangerous team. John Brown is one of the best coaches in Shore history. He seems to have his teams ready every year. Last year Neptune shocked some people. This year many are going to be in for a surprise. Christa Ramos is a ALL SHORE player . Bre Evans is a deadly shooter and very talented. Both scored over 300 points. Both had over 150 rebounds. Both are D1 talents and should have huge years. Lana Ellington had a monster freshman season. She had 248 points …54 rebounds and 64 steals. How she was not all freshman is a mystery. MAJIAH QUARLES is a proven scorer having scored over 150 points last season. JACENIA FURMAN had 13 three’s last season. But the buzz surrounding this team is TY HOWARD who is the best freshman to enter Neptune in over 20 years. She is explosive, mega athletic and insanely talented. She knee injury that keep her out for 7 months. But she is now back. She without question is the most talented freshman to enter Shore Conference in recent years. She is going to be PLAYER OF THE YEAR type player. Neptune may be the surprise of the division. I think they can win it as well. Stranger things have happened and Ty Howard is a game changer.
WALL IS IN FULL REBUILDING MODE, with a new coach and they were hit hard by graduation
Trying to pick the winner of the this division is dam near impossible. The teams are close in talent and all have big time coaching. Nobody is going undefeated. I believe every team in the division can beat each other with exception of Wall. The one thing I believe is going to be the difference maker is home court advantage and senior leadership
MANASQUAN “A” CENTRAL DIVISION
“A” CENTRAL PRE -SEASON ALL DIVISION FIRST TEAM
PLAYER OF THE YEAR- OLIVIA SHAUGHNESSY– SR- MANASQUAN
Jada Lynch-Jr St. Rose
Kiera McKnown- Sr. – Howell
Kayden Clark-Sr- Manasquan
Brooke Missry- Jr- St. Rose
Christa Ramos-Sr- Neptune
“A” CENTRAL PRE SEASON ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR– TY HOWARD– NEPTUNE
OLIVIA QUINONES- HOWELL
CALISTA VOWTERAS– MANASQUAN
LANEY KROSNOWSKI- St. ROSE
KAYLA MATOSE- JACKSON MEMORIAL