WEEK ONE FILLED WITH STORYLINES

The first week of the high school season is behind us and we had the perfect start to the season. There were so many storylines from stars to babies. We have a week of exciting games. So I thought I give my observations.

The video of the games could not have been any better. Howell High School wins the award for best presentation. They had an announcer and more importantly a clear picture of the scoreboard. The RBR and RFH was on New Jersey Sport Network and that gave the game so much more energy from home. A few schools didn’t show the score and that was a real bummer for those trying to watch from home. My guess is that all the schools will get better each week.

The game of the week had to be state #13 St. Rose vs #7 Manasquan. Manasquan beat St. Rose on the road as St. Rose watch a buzzer tying shot go in and out. But St. Rose got revenge 2 nights later. The Abby Antognoli and Rosie Scognamiglio backcourt was sensation. Abby had 30 points and Cracklin Rosie had 23 points and 8 rebounds. But what was forgotten was the play of Layla Laws and Mo Stapleton, the real keys to St. Rose getting a split. Both played every minute and did so many things that do not show up in a box score. Avery Morgan was great as well, she made few mistakes and never hurt St. Rose at any point. It was a great win for St. Rose, who around this time last year was losing such games… it’s called chemistry. St. Rose beat Manasquan without being at full strength. In fact were missing two starters… Mary Beth Chambers can coach folks

Speaking of Manasquan, Mary Donnelly was unstoppable in the 2nd half on her way to 26 points in game two vs St. Rose. Georgia Heine was unstoppable in the first half, had 15 points. These two are going to be serious problem all year. But the key to Manasquan season is going to be Dorothy Loffredo and Rylyn Orlando. Both are the teams best defenders and had great starts to the season. Freshman Hope Masonius made her high school debut and had 4 points. Freshman Mckenna Karlsson shows she could handle the big stage as well. She gave Manasquan some solid minutes and more importantly, Coach Kukoda had her on the floor late in the game…

Gabbie Ross was sensation on opening night with 26 points and carried Donovan Catholic in a win over Freehold. Then in the game 2 of vs Freehold Twp another transfer took center stage as Kay Joseph had 18 points. But what got lost in all the excitement is Olivia Conroy getting a double/ double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Jansen has to be excited about his teams 2-0 start.

First Courtland McBarron had 22 points and 14 rebounds in game one to lead RFH to a win over RBR. Then in game 2 Grace Munt went off with 31 points and 6 dimes. As RFH came back from down 14 points to get a 71-68 win. When will we ever learn never to count Dave Callahan out. RFH started the season unranked. But clearly they are a Top 20 team. The real question is are they a Top 10 team.

RBR Coach JT once again is trying to work his magic. Chloe Teter is simply not 100% and Caitlin Decker will need a few weeks to get in basketball shape. Amelia Mendollar was sensational with 23 points in game two. But Coach Truhan has a future star in Camryn Gardner who won the Rookie of the Week honors. Everyone knows Coach Truhan team will be a tough out. But the shorten season really hurts this team because Coach Truhan offense and defense takes time to develop. RBC could very easily be 2-0 right now!

Middletown North is 2-0 and just doing what they always do… play defense and make the game ugly. Justine McGhee is up to his old tricks of getting his kids to play above their talent level. VICTORIA PALLADINO flat out is stuffing the box score. She is getting help it seems from everywhere. Like 16 points from Patricia Walsh and 13 points from Ronni Brucato. But what I like is this, they won game won vs Matawan by 7 points. Then won the 2nd game by 29 points..

Jackson Memorial opened with a 77-41 win over Brick. Rachel Capua has 24 points and transfer Lexi Linton has 20 points. But what Coach Rachel Goodale must be most happy about is Zoie Maffei’s 14 points 6 rebounds Amber Williams with 10 rebounds. In two weeks they get Donovan Catholic. For now their will enjoy their time in the Shore Conference Top 10

RBC had a nice warm up with two wins over Long Branch. They played without Sophia Sabino and Molly Kelly more than ran the show. Sabino will be back this week.

Holmdel got off to a flying start with two wins over Colts Neck. Seniors Olivia Palmer and Ryann Taylor led the way. They have a big game this week with Middletown North.

Destiny Adams was special on opening night. She has 28 points and 16 rebounds. Then backed it up with another 28 point game. Manchester rolled over Jackson Liberty twice. Amaya Bray and Myah Hourigan both had double figure scoring weekends. Baby Devyn Quigley has 14 rebounds in game one.

Madison LaRosa scored 23 points in Shore’s opener, including the 1,000th point of her career..CONGRATS MADISON…. and Shore got the win! 

For teams that have very little time to prepare, the basketball was surprisingly played at a high level. This is week we get our first look at SJV vs RFH. That is going to be a war folks. SJV was just allowed to practice last week after dealing with Covid 19. RFH has a big head star on the Lancers in having been able to not just practice but having two games under their belt.

I am excited to see Toms River North this week. They are a sleeper team. But have been shut down because of Covid. So Coach Gillen will be playing catch up right out the game. They get Manchester to open the season. Not exactly a easy way to start.

Marlboro hopes to open up this week….