Today starts the first day of practice across the state. Everyone is undefeated and everyone is hoping their team cones up roses. There certainly a number of questions that must get answered before we start crowning a champion. So before the season kicks off I’ll take you though a few of them.
WHO WILL START THE YEAR AT #1?
There is an old saying to be the champ you must beat the champ. Right now until someone knocks Morris Catholic off there still the team to beat. Sure they loss some pieces. But they still have the Pauldo sister and Daniella Matus has retuned. She’ll have to sit 30 days. But that should affect them comes states. They have an emerging star in sophomore sensationJAX EDELMAN. So there is more than enough talent. There were lots of questions regarding the Pauldo twins future. But both are back and while they have a new coach in Rahim Huland E. He was Billy Lovett’s( now an asst at Siena) right hand man. He coached Morris Catholic to a BEST OF MARYLAND chip this summer.
WHO ARE THE CONTENDERS?
RBIC has to be the biggest threat to Morris Catholic. They’re the only team with more talent and they’re a year older. Gil Bernard certainly has the talent and size that present a problem for anyone especially with the arrival of the Platt sisters. Addy Platt is one of the best additions any team made this season. Montclair IMMACULATE and Jimmy Krie has everything a team needs to win the chip. SJV has to be considered a threat as well. They have lots of talent and experience.
IS THERE A SLEEPER TEAM THAT MAY SURPRISE?
I think Franklin has a chance to cause real problems for teams. Manasquan is proving they may a real sleeper and St. Thomas aquinas. has a chance to finally get over the hump vs elite teams. They have at least 2-3 potential D1 players. RANNEY becomes a Top 20 team, the moment Michelle Steele is eligible
WHO ARE THE FRESHMAN THAT WILL MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACTS?
ISLA FRY, of RAMAPO has a chance to be special. Her impact will be felt from day one. Ari Wissen of Brick is going to be special. She just may be the best freshman in the Shore Conference this year. SJV has two future stars in Gianna Sano and Antonia Jackson. Both will push the upperclassmen for playing time this season. Ava Catahno of East Brunswick High School Is a future mega star. She will be one of the best player in Middlesex county from day one. Finally HAYLEY DEKOK of Hightstown high school just may be the freshman of the year in New Jersey when this is all said and done. Either way the freshman class is a special group this year
WHO ARE THE DARK HORSE STARS?
GRACE FINNEY of Trinity Hall is the best D1 player nobody knows about. FEENEY has stepped up her game this fall. She could easily fine herself on a ALL STATE TEAM. Brooke Missry of St. Rose is clearly one of the best players in the Shore and the state. While she doesn’t get the hype. She has the game and is one of the most consistent players in the state.
Jordan Barnes of St Thomas Aquinas (in photo )has quietly been a dominant player. She has proven she can play against top competition outside of Middlesex county.. ALEAH SUNKINS of Franklin, is going to have a breakthrough season I believe. She will finally get her due this year. BRE ALBA of CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL is now showing everyone how special is really is these days. The 5’10 and still growing wing but on 18 pounds of muscle. She is going to show folks she is one of the very best in New Jersey. EL-ANITA JOE-SAMUELof Lenape is flat out a rock star. While D1 coaches know her. She is not a household name. That is about to change.
WHO ARE THE TOP 10 TEAMS TO START THE YEAR?
I say 1- Morris Catholic , 2- RBC, 3- Montclair Immaculate , 4- SJV, 5- Gil Bernard , 6-RutgersPrep 7- CHATHAM, 8- Lenape 9- Manasquan, 10- St. Rose
WHO WILL BE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
I believe GANDY MANU MANEL of Gil Bernard is far and away the most dominant player. Mya Pauldo of Morris Catholic is the best player on the best team. Addy Nymchek of RBC is the most valuable. Madison Kocis of SJV is the dark horse. I believe this four, start the year has the leading candidates.