We are here, the start of a new season. Everyone is excited and everyone has dreams and hopes. There are going to be some be surprises and of course some disappointments. But if we’re all truthful we know the chip chase all started months ago. It comes down to who truly put the work in. They say champions are made in the off season and I believe that is not only true but a fact. So before I drop my pre season preview let’s wrap up the off season.
There are lots of kids that worked hard this off season but none have developed like Katie Collins. It all started during her first game of the EYBL season when she put on a show in her first game. She hasn’t looked back since. Katie Collins was by far the best player in the Hoop Group fall league. She also trained with purpose all fall. She right now for my my money is the most improved senior and best player going into the Shore season. Will that result in a player of the year award? Who knows but it certainly sets her up for a great season.
While many players have a bigger reputation. Make no mistake, Allison Cannon has emerged into one of the best players in the Shore. She is clearly on track to make a run at 1st Team All Shore. Few guards are in her class these days. Her targeted training and development has been massive.
Mackenzie Teevan established herself as one of the most recruited players in the 2025 class, not because of her 6’4” height. But rather because her total commitment towards her development. She has gone from a player with potential to a player that is highly effective. Credit her hard work. Look for a breakout season.
What more can I say about Christina Liggio. She just may be a Player of Year contender before this all shakes out. The sacrifices and dedication this fall reminded me of no other than Justine Pissott. She has left no stone unturned and has taken her game to another level. Whoever is the lucky school that wins the recruiting war is getting a special player.
Well the four Horsewomen Eli Clark, Jineen Ayyash, Kayden Clark and Camela Betton had a fall for the ages. The gym rats proved they are ready to to take the next step, a state title. Maybe a SCT chip just may be in the cards. They are dangerous and play the game the way we wish all teams played.
Camryn Gardner of RBR is not just a special player but she is a leader and is going to have a dream season. She has done all any kid could do to get ready for a season. She may be the reason RBR is the best dark horse around. Her game has exploded this fall.
Hayley Poser is exactly what the doctor ordered. She is going to be sensational at the next level. The future D1 guard was outstanding in the fall league and has proved she is a walking bucket. There is no doubt she is one of the best guards in the shore. Her work ethic and commitment was a thing of beauty to watch
If Katie Collins is the POY favorite coming out the fall. She better not look over her shoulder. That’s because the current FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR, ADDY NYEMCHECK is climbing up her back. Nyemcheck simply was a beast all fall. She too trained with purpose and took no shortcuts. She could be the 2nd sophomore in Shore history to win the POY. She has proven to be on a different level than just about anyone.
Keira MCKOWN of Howell just may be the biggest discovery this fall. She proved she is an elite player in the Shore and a future D1 player. She is athletic, skilled, tough with a competitive nature. She could have been the best story of the fall. A great season awaits the 6’O” junior.
It’s hard not to see what freshman Ashley Kreiger will be this year. The freshman of the year award is a wrap. But I have a good feeling about Tatum Sharpe of SJV. The improved shooting and strength just may mean at worst an All Freshman Team Award. But the one freshman I believe that may one day be a wonderful story is Avery Barth. This is a kid who just may shock everyone before her playing days are over. Look for a healthy Sam Orlando to be the backbone of Middletown South’s future.
Synai Blychanton of RBR showed there just may be a new star on the horizon. Given the opportunity this fall to prove she was special. Synai did just that. The explosive guard showed she just might be the missing piece to the RBR puzzle.
Call me crazy but Stella Lockhart looks like a future rock star at SJV already. The young lady has been a dream like player for the Lancers since arriving. I’m not sure there is anyone in the shore with her package, size and skill set. Now pair her with another newcomer Daniella MATUS and you have two dream line transfers and P5 future studs.
I have a feeling St. Rose could be a real surprise this season. They had some nice moments this fall. The injuries have certainly hurt their chances of contending for the SCT CHIP. But IF Jada Lynch has matured, if Cassidy Kruise has expanded her game and if Belle Alvardo can lead. This crew can made some noise it proved that this fall.
Trinity Hall without their leader Matt McCarthy had a rough fall. They were a hard working g tight group last year. But it’s a new year and a new fall. They took some serious beat downs including losing to a 8th grade team with their entire roster on hand. But don’t worry because I say they’re still a serious contender for the SCT CHIP the moment McCarthy starts calling the shots!
So who won the fall you ask? The players and teams they were most consistent in their preparation. The players who trained with purpose and the teams that stuck together like glue.
So here are my teams that were most tight this fall and worked the hardest as a group
1. SJV
2. RBC
3. Ocean
4. St. Rose
5. Manasquan
6. Ranney
7. Trinity Hall
8. RBR
9. HOWELL
10. Pt. Boro
HERE ARE THE PLAYERS WHO GOT THE MOST OF THERE FALL… in terms of development
1. Katie Collins- Manasquan
2. Christina Liggio- RBC
3. ALLISON Cannon- Homdel(monster fall)
4. Addy Nyemcheck- RBC
5. Stella Lockhart-SJV
6. Cassidy Kruise- St. Rose
7. Mackenzie Teevan- HOMDEL
8. Camryn Gardner- RBR
9. Nina EMNACE- Trinity Hall
10. Katie Liggio- RBC
The fall sets the table for the season. It always has and always will. That’s because SCT CHIPS are won in the off season.
GOOD LUCK AND THE SEASON PREVIEWS WILL DROP NEXT WEEK!
