I like good kids, that’s because they always make your culture better. When their talented as well I like them even more. I like kids who work hard and develop year to year. I really like that because then I know they will fulfill their talent. I like kids who are skilled but get more excited when they know how to use those skills, it hard not to like a kid who does this. But what I really like more is when a kid has Rock Star ability and a chance to one of the best players in the Shore Conference. You see I love players like ‘2027 Sophomore ASHLEY KREIGER of Ranney High School.
There have been a lot of great young forwards to come though the Shore Conference. Once in a lifetime type players like RBC’s Christina Danella who was dominate as Sophomore. Recently Faith Masonious of Manasquan was as dominate as they come for a young frontline payer. ASHLEY KREIGER, is looking like the next great young dominate forward not in the Shore but in all of New Jersey. She is one of the rare ones. She was freshman of the year last season in the Shore Conference. She helped Ranney High School crawl back to respectability and now has them looking like a Top 5 team in the Shore. You see Ashley Kreiger is a different type of star and yes, she is already a star. What makes her different is that, she is all about enjoying the ride. This is a young is a rock star teammate. She is that kid that cheers for teammates and doesn’t make it all about her. She actually tries to be just like everyone else on the team. When you see her, she is always smiling and has a friendly greeting for all. She is so sweet, it’s almost impossible to believe kids like this exist that are so talented. That’s because these days kids like Ashley are usually spoiled and filled with ego by the time they enter high school. Yet Ashley Kreiger, doesn’t need or want to suck up all the attention in the gym. She too busy enjoying her family and teammates. But the truth of the matter is that she is instant must see when she steps on the court. That’s because we have not seen many kids this talented at such a young age, who is so humble and graceful on the court. So I say why not enjoy the ride because she’s only here for a short while.
The 2027 class is not exactly a tribute to Shore basketball. But ASHLEY KREIGER has single handily made the class relevant. Last year she was spectacular in her Shore debut. But she did pay a price for it. That’s because in my 25 years watching Shore basketball I have never seen a player so beaten up and abused by opponents night in and night out. It really shocked me that one she didn’t receive a technical and Coach Linney didn’t lose her mind. I was shocked that such a young player could keep her composure. But then again most young players are not ASHLEY KREIGER. Her way of getting back at folks was with her game. Let me give you some shocking stats from a year ago.
10 points and 18 rebounds vs St. Thomas Aquinas
18 points-10 rebounds vs Holmdel vs 6’4″ D1 bound Mackenzie Teevan
14 points-10 rebounds vs SJV the Shore Champions
24 points-11 rebound vs Holy Cross Prep
12 points nd 10 rebounds vs Wildwood Cath
15 points and 7 rebound vs St. Rose a Top 20 team
Folks these are not exactly the weak sister of New Jersey. These are the powerhouse programs she did it against last year. ASHLEY KREIGER, put together one of the most impressive freshman seasons we have seen in years. It’s why she was easily the FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR. And remember she did all this without stat padding, taking bad shots and not being a team player. She did all this by doing it the right way. Maybe that why she is one of the most well liked young stars.
Now US HOOPS is what many believe is one of the best teaching environments in New Jersey. Rich Leary, was Ashley Kreiger’s mentor. He along with Tom Flaherty are most responsible for helping Ashley become this full blow problem for everyone in the Shore Conference. When Rich Leary passed away, Coach Flaherty took on full time training duties. He and Ashley, don’t train in the comforts of a new cozy gym. They do in the old fashion way, no frills or easy stuff, they go to park. It’s there Ashley Kreiger does her running. She is like a deer in transition. It’s their she works on her footwork. Nobody in the entire state who plays the position has better footwork. It’s there where she has perfected her sweet mid range game that has now expanded to the three point line. Her overall improvement from a year is flat out dynamic in so many ways. That’s because she willing to do the work. She isn’t about faking it, she is all about working at it.
There is no doubt ASHLEY KREIGER is going to land on the All Shore Team this year. Just like there is no doubt at some point she is going to be a serious PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE, just like their is not doubt, she will be the most recruited player in the 2028 class in the state of New Jersey. The 6’3″ forward has it all, talent, the skills, the work ethic, the composure, the right attitude and competitive nature. But most of all…she is so easy to root for!!!…
FOLKS ENJOY THIS ONE….BECAUSE THEY DON’T COME AROUND OFTEN
