Every freshman who enters high school is hoping to make an impact. But that honor only goes to a few. In most cases those type freshman play for a brand name school. Kaitlyn Gibson plays at MIDDLETOWN NORTH. It’s not a brand name program. But they do have a brand name coach in Justin McGhee and Kaitlyn Gibson is making him look very smart these days. That because the freshman has been even better than advertised
Last year when the name Kaitlyn Gibson appeared on the 2027 Golden Dozen list. Many people were asking who is that? Coach Justin McGhee was not one of them. He knew Kaitlyn Gibson was a very good player. He also knew she was floating under the radar and was hoping it stayed that way. So when Gibson decided to attend Middletown North Coach McGhee was excited. He knew he had finally picked up a true impact baby. The type of baby Middletown North typically loses to the blue bloods. These days he and Kaitlyn Gibson are forming what just may be the cornerstone of something big.
Coach McGhee is not a good coach. He is a master coach. He is knowledgeable and has a gift for getting players to play above their natural ability. It’s why he was named Coach of the Year three years ago. He is also very smart. He gave Kaitlyn Gibson the keys to the car from day one this season. In return the freshman has rewarded him with her steady play and cool head under fire. The talented lefty who has a rock steady handle and great vision has natural leadership skills. Her quickness and ability to play in tight space is a gift. Just like her sweet feathery jumper. But it’s her play making skills that jump off the page. She is that rare freshman that makes those around her better. That’s because despite her inexperience and age, Kaitlyn Gibson is dripping with confidence. That’s because her Coach has total belief in her game.
Kaitlyn Gibson, just seems to get better each game. She is a typical Coach McGhee and Middletown North player. You may win the battle but you’ll know you have been in a war. Kaitlyn Gibson has already learned the Midd North philosophy. Play hard nosed defensive minded basketball. But when Middletown North lost two heart breakers to Freehold and TRS by less than 5 points it was surprising. But it was also a signal to Kaitlyn Gibson that she needed to score more. She watched her team get roughed up against RBC. But Gibson showed no fear though-out the game. She also became more aggressive offensively. She finished with 11 points, 3 dimes and 3 rebounds vs the #4 team in the state with all their D1 and P5 players. It was her way of saying, I can play with the best and can score if need be. Then against Donovan Catholic Kaitlyn Gibson went into her bag of tricks. She had 10 points, 4 dimes and 2 steals. She did not look like an ordinary freshman. Middletown North did not look ordinary either. They blew the doors off Donovan Catholic and Kaitlyn Gibson played the role of conductor to a “T”
Justin McGhee is a great coach. He hasn’t had the luxury of coaching superstar players. He has had to be creative and develop players and roles for them over the years. Now he finally has a future D1 player to work with. Now he has a chance to convince kids to stay home. Now he has a chance to close the talent gap just a little bit. KAITLYN GIBSON just may be the start of something special down the road. For now the two are just sticking together. Kaitlyn is working on a ALL FRESHMAN 1st Team season and her Coach is trying to once again exceed all expectations…. Sounds like a winning combination!
THIS SATURDAY… THE JOURNEY BEGINS!
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