SHORE CONFERENCE PREVIEW: “B” CENTRAL IS A ONE HORSE RACE!

B CENTRAL appears to be a one team race once again. Now that honor will belong to RANNEY HIGH SCHOOL. When Ranney went out and hired Kaitlyn Linney they quickly became one of the fastest growing programs in the state. The problem is quickly becoming the talk of the Shore as many talented grammar schools kids have shown great interest in the school. Ranney is the big dog in “B” Central and hoping to be a big dog in the Shore Conference

Last Season Ranney started 3 freshman and a transfer. They surprised everyone with their competitive style of play. It was clear coach Linney’s crew had a big future. They had guards, size, quickness, speed and dedicated players. It was a real reversal of the past. It also was sign that Ranney basketball was her to stay. The players played in competitive AAU setting and then played as a team in the fall. Coach Linney has flipped the entire culture at Ranney high school and now she hopes to take it to another level as her program continues to grow.

LAST YEAR

Coach Linney

Overall– 7-7

Conference– Lost in 1st Round POD 7

Last Season Ranney started 4 freshman and a transfer. They surprised everyone with their competitive style of play. It was clear coach Linney’s crew had a big future. They had guards, size, quickness, speed and dedicated players. It was a real reversal of the past. It also was sign that Ranney basketball was here to stay. The year the players have played in competitive AAU setting and then played as a team in the fall. Coach Linney has flipped the entire culture at Ranney high school and now she hopes to take it to another level as her program continues to grow. Coach Linney has put together a competitive non division schedule that includes SADDLE RIVER DAY, HOLMDEL AND RUMSON. She clearly once again as she did last year is testing her teams limits. She clearly believes her team is the team of the future. She has backed up last years outstanding freshman class with other one.

**ELLA** **INACIO** was a starter last year and a big scorer for Ranney. She was expected to play a major role this year. She has transferred to RED BANK CATHOLIC

SARAH HUGHES- 5’6” JR- PG– She started every game last season and is the unspoken leader of the team. Played AAU for the Chambers ShoreShots this summer and was nothing short of sensational. She is a living walking defensive nightmare for opposing guards. Her quickness and speed leave you’re breathless these days. That’s because she has harnessed these gifts. Just like she has elevated her passing and shooting skills. Unselfish to a fault, Sarah Hughes is quickly becoming one of the best guards in the shore and that’s not hype. That is real development and improvement. She has taken her game to a new level. Her timing can not be any better. That’s because without her RANNEY is going nowhere because it is she who controls the show. She makes sure everyone eats and she is a full extension of Coach Linney. Do not be surprised if they year, college coaches are flocking to her door step. The shooting range is elite, the handle is elite and the leadership is right on point… just like her game these days.

Carlie Lapinski – 6’1 Junior Forward– Played for NJ Belles(now called the NJ RISE) in the Spring and summer. Giving her a summer of quality competition and elite coaching. She is a monster rebounder who is long and mobile. She is physically tough and highly competitive. She is rim protector and true effort player. Dirty work is not a problem. She had a season high 17 points vs Wall proving she can be a big scorer on any night. She has improved around the basket and will be more dominant in the paint this year. Played in every game last year. Her upside is off the charts. Look for a “B” NORTH Player of The Year type season. She clearly has D1 potential.

CARISSA FREDERICK– 6’1”- Sophomore -. She got valuable minutes in every game last year as a freshman. She finished the season on a her note with 11 points vs Jackson Liberty. Size matters and she has lots of it and length. She gives Ranney an player who can take up space in the lane. She gained serious experience against top competition. She has been injured this fall but is expected back for game one of the season. She could be a very important and valuable part of this years team especially If she can build on last year’s experience. Nothing would make Coach Linney happier!

MORGAN LAPINSKI – 5’6 – Senior Guard– Another returning starter. The Manasquan transfer finally got her chance and proved what many already knew. She is a talent and can really shoot the ball. She had 6 threes vs Holmdel in a near upset and 10 points vs Top 10 in the state St. Rose. Proving she loves the big moments and spotlights. This pre season she has been sensational in the scrimmages. She has shown the ability to rebound, handle pressure and has been a calming factor for the young Ranney team. A first class kid and winner, she is the ultimate teammate. Expect a monster year out of Morgan Lapinski.

BELLA SANTULLI – Junior- Guard– She has played lots of minutes the past two years. She started as a freshman. Her role has changed in the past year. She is a excellent shooter and smart player. She is someone Coach Linney can count on because of her reliability and experience.

RAQUEL GUIDETTI– 5’8” –Senior -Wing.-She is a wonderful athletic type with quickness and real strength. She has deep shooting range, she has a excellent handle and gets by opponents. She plays competitive AAU in the summer. Raquel is a natural scorer with a excellent feel for the game. Her passing skills are woefully underrated and under appreciated. She had multiple big scoring nights last year. She had double figures in every game except three. Proof of her consistency and impressive stuff for a freshman. She is a excellent rebounder who has the potential to be a lockdown defender. This is a possible D1 player one and future ALL SHORE TYPE GUARD. The upside is that big. Ranney needs a big year out of Raquel Guidetti if they expect to go big this year.

They have talented babies to back up last years excellent class. These are babies who not only will have a impact from day one. But they are freshman who play competitive AAU and where with the team all summer and fall. These babies are difference makers.

Brooklyn Taylor- 5’6″- Combo– She can play either the point or the shooting guard. She will be a impact player from day one. She has excellent vision and has played against top competition. She will knock down three’s and make plays for teammates. She is that rare freshman who is physically ready to play . She is one of the most competitive young players I saw last year. She will give Ranney more ball handling and a creative scorer in the lane. She also will get them unscripted tough points. Don’t be surprised to see her on the ALL FRESHMAN TEAM.

Hailey Poser- 5’8″- Wing– She is fearless and smart. She plays with total confidence. She is a excellent shooter and reliable ball handler. She was very impressive in Ranney scrimmage against St. Rose. She is a excellent baby to add to the already young talented RANNEY roster. She too could be in the All Freshman Team conversation.

Lola McRae–Wing– she is tough as nails and is a competitor. She could be the sleeper of the 2025 class. She is a excellent defender and gets on the glass. She gives Ranney and highly skilled impact freshman. She is a GYM RAT… sleeper baby

Katie Renaud– another impact baby who will see lots in big games. She is another mega talented baby.

This is a very talented group. It’s a team with big time quickness and scoring ability in the backcourt. They have a excellent frontline with Carlie Lapinski leading the charge. She is capable of averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds this season. Then they have off the charts young talent to give them energy and more depth, something they didn’t have last year. They have 4 battle tested players back. They can pressure teams or play solid half court man to man because of their athletic ability and overall team quickness. This is a smart, extremely well coached group who play with a EDGE! This team will roll though the B Central. But they have bigger fish to fry and have lofty goals.

There are a number of questions, like how do stay ready when you may play so many non competitive divisional games. This is still a very young team, can they cut down on the mistakes? Who is there go to player?. Next while the team is loaded with talent what was the basketball improvement over the summer and fall? Why is that important? Look at the schedule, they are playing teams with TOTAL GYM RATS IN NON CONFERENCE GAMES. Being competitive will help but it won’t solve the basketball issues. Finally what are the goals of the team. B Central is a given but is this group trying to get to the next level? The coach certainly is but what about the players?

Look when you beat teams by a average of 30 points in the division…. and this is exactly what RANNEY is looking at most nights… they are not a lot of contenders

Ranney will win the division. The question is will anybody be competitive against them. Mater Dei is always well coached and capable of a surprise like when they beat Trinity Hall when they were in the division. ….RANNEY goes undefeated and WINS B CENTRAL