The 2024 Shore Conference kicks off and we saw a few exciting games to start this year’s chase for the SCT CHIP. We also saw some dominating performances. It’s clear the teams that challenged themselves with highly competitive schedules were rewarded yesterday. The games last night set up some interesting 2nd round games with lots of potential for upsets.
Holmdel jumped all over Shore Reg from the start as there three stars dominated Shore Reg. Allison Cannon, Mackenzie Teevan and Michelle Steele did as they pleased all night. This game got too fast for Shore Reg in a hurry. The score after one was 18-3 and then the half time score was 38-9 ending all thoughts that this could be a competitive game. More importantly the win allows Homdel a date with St. Rose on Thursday. The two teams played earlier this season with St. Rose coming away with the win. This could be asking a lot of Holmdel. Interestingly Holmdel who has had turnover issues all year. Took very good care of the ball last night.
In the only true upset of the night, forget the seeding. Neptune went on the road and sent Southern packing. Southern who had an excellent season was caught off guard by the speed and intensity of the game. Neptune ended Southern’s Shore season with a dominant performance. Christina Ramos continued her dream season with a double/double 19 points and 11 rebounds. Majiah Quarles chip in with 11 points and eight rebounds while Lana Ellington had nine points. But it was Bre Evans all around game that put the finishing touches on Southern. She had eight rebounds, four assists and eight steals. Neptune played a difficult schedule this season. It clearly prepared Coach John Brown’s team for last nights upset. This game was over after the first when Neptune went up 18-5 and then 38-15 at halftime. Neptune now has a date with Ocean Twp. A game that has the potential to be very interesting.
Colts Neck who snuck into the tournament on the last day. Last night they took out Point Boro and continued what could only be called a rough night for Ocean County teams. SAVANNAH BUTZ was sensational for Coach Nick Russo’s team, with 22 points. This has to be painful for Pt. Boro who was one of the few Ocean teams that did all the right things in the off season. They’ll have the states now to try and make a little noise. Meanwhile Nick Russo’s team take in the school whose program he built and won a SCT with, SJV. Not exactly a reward for winning.
In the best game of the night Jackson Memorial took out TRE in overtime. Jackson will now travel to RBC. Jackson which has played a light schedule will have it hands full on the road. This certainly will be a test for Jackson’s competitive nature.
MANCHESTER got a 9 point win last night against Monmouth as DEYVN QUIGLEY had 31 of there 52 points. Manchester takes on RBR next and this is a big game for one reason. If Manchester wins, it clearly throws Quigley into the PLAYER OF THE YEAR CONVERSATION. In these type games Manchester has not been competitive. They could all change on Thursday. RBR may not have the guards to stay in front of Quigley like Trinity did for example. This game has a sneaky chance to be interesting. The talent gap is not what people think because RBR can be pressured into turnovers.
RANNEY got another big night from who else but Haley Posner as they sent Brick on there merry way into the states. Ashley Kreiger is closing the door on FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR with 14 points, 12 rebounds and four dimes. Emily Cavanaugh continues her strong play with 14 points, three rebounds and three steals. Lola MacRae had 8 points and 5 rebounds. Katie Renaud had 7 dimes. Up next for Ranney is Manasquan. This is a bad break. Because of all the teams Ranney does not match up with, it’s Manasquan in my opinion.
Both RUMSON AND WALL won making the seeding issue a moot point. But setting up the best matchup for the 2nd round. Somewhere Coach TURHAN is smiling and thanking the good ole boys and girls club for helping him avoid this game. Wall best RFH early in the year by 15 points as everyone is so quick to remind people. Well both teams have a date now.
HOWELL sent Barnaget on home with an easy win. Leaving Ocean County with just two teams after the first round left in the SCT. Howell gets Trinity Hall next. In an interesting twist both teams were scheduled to play and it got snowed out. The power points lost by Trinity may cost them a home game in the state. Howell could not find a date to make up the game. But here we are Thursday in a very interesting game to say the least.
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