Nothing But Skills

Tomorrow the Shore Conference will have a new champion for the first time in 6 years. ST. ROSE and RBC will both do battle to win the most prestigious of all TITLES. No chip carry more weight than the SHORE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE HISTORY

St Rose defeated RBC early this season, 61-54. Jada Lynch scored 40 points. It was St Rose first win over RBC since 2020. St Rose was the only Shore team to beat RBC this season.Meanwhile RBC is currently on a 17 game winning streak.

THE MATCHUPS

STYLE

ST. ROSE– They are a tough gritty team. They rely on Cassidy Kruesi and Jada Lynch to carry the scoring load. Brooke Missy is a proven shot maker. Caroline Conforti has been sensational both on the glass and defensively all season. Bella Alvarado has been the floor general and one of the best defensive players in the conference. Lissy Mitchell will provide scoring and defense of the bench from the guard position. Gianna Rodriguez will give them size and toughness off the bench in the front court. They have played a monster schedule.

RBC– They are a very deep team. They can go 9 deep if called upon to do so. They have elite size and shot blockers up front. All 5 starters Christina Liggio ( NAVY), Tessa Carman(MONMOUTH), Addy Nymchek, Tessa Liggio and Christina Liggio all have committed to D1 schools or have multiple offers on the table. They have D1 players off the bench. The heavily recruited Forward Sophia Smith, Guards Daniela MALETSKY, Lola Giordano and if need be Scarlet LeVake. They are a defensive juggernaut with multiple scorers at each position.

THE PLAYER MATCHUPS

POINT THE GUARDS

ST ROSE

Bella Alvarado is the leader and sets the tone for St. Rose emotionally. She is a vastly under appreciate defender and a reliable three point shooter. When she is at her best St. Rose goes to a different level as a team

RBC

Tessa Liggio is the best pure point guard in the state of New Jersey. The future D1 guard runs the show and when she is not on the floor. RBC takes on a different look and struggles at times. She is a deadly shooter that can also get to the rim

ADVANTAGE– RBC

THE WINGS

ST. ROSE

Cassidy Kruesi has been off the charts good. She has big shot making ability and can get to the rim. She also has the potential to be a big time defender at times. She has an excellent handle and has been in big games and thrived. She is fearless, she is extremely confident.

Brooke Missry is very capable of stealing the show. She is a high percentage shooter with the best shot selection on the St. Rose roster. She is an underrated defender and rebounder. When St Rose involves her more on offense they get a very scary look. She has a high IQ and will not fold under pressure. She has a real track record for making big shots.

RBC

Christina Liggio has been lights out all season. She is a deadly three point shooter who can get to the rim and finish. She also can post up guards. The Navy bound senior has been here before. Could she steal the Shore Conference POY with a big performance? Maybe

Katie Liggio is the best shooter in the Shore Conference. She is capable of of breaking games wide open. Her ability to to use shot fakes and get in the lane are priceless. The future D1 guard has to be accounted for at all times. She stretches defenses and has parking lot range

EDGE– RBC

THE FORWARDS/SWINGS

ST ROSE

JADA LYNCH is a scoring machine both from inside of behind the line. She is a willing passer and an excellent in traffic rebounder. She lives at the free throw line. She will guard all 5 positions. Lynch is very capable of taking over a game and putting her team in her back. St. Rose goes nowhere without Jada Lynch.

Caroline Conforti is one of the best keep secrets in the Shore this season. She has been nothing short of sensational. She has played her defensive role and rebounding role to a tee. She has been masterful on the offensive glass. She is a vastly underrated passer. She is physically tough and will not back down to anyone

RBC

Addy Nymchek is one of the best players in the country and trying to make a run at the state player of the year. Her competitive nature is off the charts. She can post up or shoot three’s. She has a history of showing up big in the biggest games. She is arguably the best passer in the state of New Jersey.

ITessa Carman, when she comes to play she is an unstoppable force. She is a rebounding, shot blocking machine. She is a handful in the post. Her ability to shoot the three can be a weapon at times. She is a very difficult matchup for St Rose because of her size and strength. She is a underrated passer

ADVANTAGE– RBC

THE BENCH

ST. ROSE

Lizzy Mitchell is very capable of making an impact with her shooting and defense. She is high IQ and reliable rebounder off the bench. She could be a real factor.

Marissa Rodriguez she has size and toughness. She will come off the bench and provide physical defense, rebounding and is capable of of scoring in the lane

Callie Decker gives St. Rose a player off the bench who has saw meaningful mins. Decker is quick and can provide additional ball handling. She is a reliable shooter and is biting at the bit for a opportunity vs RBC

RBC

Future D1 forward Sophia Smith is a problem. She can shoot threes. Post up and get out in transition. She is an elite shot blocker as well. She seems to always show up when the lights get bright

Lola Giordano can play either guard position. She was off the charts in the semi final with 14 points She is a pit bull in defense and can get to the rim and finish or play playmaker. The future D1 guard has played in big games

DANIELA MALETSKY is a menace on the offensive boards. She is the best dribble drive passer in the Shore Conference. She scores in the lane on aggressive drives. She is a harassing defender. She is another D1 player in the roster

Scarlett LeVake, if need be coach Montano can go deep into his bench. LeVake is big and strong. She rebounds in traffic and can score She would start for most teams in the Shore Conference. The future D1 player is proven her worth on multiple occasions

INTANGIBLES

St. Rose hustles in every play. They are a sneaky excellent offensive rebounding team. They are all happy to play their roles and do not care about credit. They have excellent ball handlers and are extremely confident.

RBC is in a groove right now. They are fully connected. There passing and shot blocking has been on another level. There rotations have been masterful lately as Joe Montano has found the magic touch

WEAKNESS

St. Rose to put it bluntly are bad in late game decision making. It is puzzling at times.. Next St. Rose lacks size up front, foul trouble would be devastating vs RBC.

RBC has shown they can get three point shooting happy. It’s been a problem at times. Loose balls has been a major problem. When Tessa Liggio is not on the floor running offense gets shady..

KEYS TO VICTORY

ST. ROSE