This was an interesting week. The Hoop Group Fall League kicked off. Open Gyms were in full affect and the fall basketball season is official off and running. So there are a few things I know right now.
The Hoop Group Fall kicked off last week. There were a few things that became very clear to me. Everyone has a different approach in preparing for the season. Some schools are all in and playing to win. Then some teams are trying to give kids playing team and using the event to build chemistry. Personally I think there has to be a balance.
Speaking of the fall league here are 3 things that I know to be true. RBC without Tessa Liggio doesn’t look right as a group. RBR is going to be way better than anyone realizes. I say Camryn Gardner has a monster season. I say Kristen CONNERS is their most improved player. Neptune is going to surprise a few people.
The OPEN GYM period has been interesting. That’s because everyone is trying to find that sweet spot that works for college coaches. I know right now RBC and Holmdel both have figured out the recipe. They have had anywhere from 15- 20+ coaches at there open gyms. It seems Saturday’s are the day’s that work best. But the truth of the matter is RBC is simply stacked with D1 talent and Mackenzie Teevan is shaping up as everyone’s must see player.
Ocean Twp is just so impressive to watch. There four horsewomen. Jineen Ayyash, Eli Clarke, Kayden Clarke and Gamila Betton are as good as any four in the Shore. There chemistry is special.
MIDDLETOWN SOUTH is going to be interesting. While they may not have overwhelming talent. There are some good young players on the roster. It’s big that they are in the fall league as it will give them a chance to gain some experience and spend time in the gym as a group.
Right now I know RBC’s RAQUELLE MCMULLIN is looking more and more like the missing piece to RBC’s run towards a SCT title. Her versatility and ability to be a glue player is huge. I won’t say she is going to be in the starting lineup. But look for Joe Montano to call on her quickly and often this season.
There really isn’t a freshman yet that has made any big noise. The fact of the matter is few freshman this year will receive major playing time. It should serve as a message to the 2o28 class. The 2027 class was done a major disservice this summer. Few got in the gym and most spent the summer playing games and now there are paying an awful price.
How good was Katie Collins last week? Let’s just say this, she in my humble opinion the only thing in-between NINA EMNACE picking up the POY year award in the Shore.
So who is the best team in Ocean Twp. The answer to the question is easy. Pt. Borough is far and away the most complete team. They have experienced players that are battle tested. Outside of Point, Ocean girls basketball is a train wreck and the coaches and AD’s need to come up with a game plan to get kids playing and training again.
ST. ROSE, takes the fall league games like a SCT CHIP game. They play to win and shorten their rotation. But losing two starters may change everything. They may need to get some kids some additional minutes now before the season starts.
RANNEY has some weapons and Emily Cavanaugh is a big addition to the lineup. I know the fall league may help this team more than any other. They have good guards and a developing talented post player. There dangerous.
What’s the biggest complaint to date from coaches regarding the open gyms? Kids not running hard enough. That is disappointing to hear but guess what? You been told kids. Just like you been told to attend point guard school…you’ll be sorry in the end if you don’t start to listen.
MY TOP 10 may Shock you.. but hey it’s the fall
1. SJV- I’m convinced
2. RBC- There deep but what’s the rotation
3. OCEAN TWP- love there chemistry but where’s the bench ?
4. TRINITY HALL- something is missing, don’t ask me what.
5. MANASQUAN- The leadership and commitment?
6. RBR- if they get in the gym, scary!
7. ST. ROSE- things can change on the dime and they have!
8. RFH- who knows, wait till January
9. HOMDEL- 2 D1 players so you have to rank them… I GUESS!
10. Pt BORO- Ocean’s only chance at a Top 10
MY ALL SHORE LOOKS LINE THIS RIGHT NOW…
NINA EMNACE- Trinity- POY
KATIE COLLINS- Manasquan
JULIA KARPELL- SJV
ADDY NYEMCHECK- RBC
DEYVN QUIGLEY- Manchester
TESSA CARMAN- RBC
TRAINING CHANGE… until further notice!
AFTER SCHOOL SHOOTING today is for those attending Point Guard school only. Unless you have a valid excuse…. NO EXCEPTIONS !
