Today we Preview SOUTH “B” DIVISION. This is a very interesting division because there is a team trying to get over the hump and another program that is on the move up. The division has two of the best players in the Shore Conference. The division has the best player in Ocean County and some rock solid programs have emerged . BARNEGAT is hoping to have a banner season. Meanwhile Brick Twp is one of true up and coming programs. Meanwhile, Lacy Twp could throw a wrinkle into everyone championship plans. Toms River South and Pinelands are hoping to reboot their programs this year.
The favorite on paper in SOUTH “B” is Barnegat. They have been trying to close the deal on a chip for years. They have been trying to advance in the SCT and win a few state games. This may be their best chance in years. They have two stars in Emma Thornton and Riley Fitzpatrick. Both are two of the best players in the division. They have a number of experienced players who have played major roles. This a team with a nice blend of upperclassmen and underclassmen who are led by two outstanding seniors and gym rats
Barnegat Coach Tammy Nicolini has the best player in the division and she has stud shooting guard in Riley Fitzpatrick. She picked up a stud rebounder and defender in Mirhn Enalls. Madysen Piescho and the other role players will want to make a statement this season. The tools are in place for this crew to win the division.
BARNEGAT
Head Coach- Tammy Nicolini
2023-24 Record
Overall– 11-14
Conference – 4-1 in B South
Projected Division one players (0)
P5 Players-(0)
Gym Rat Count (2)
EMMA THORNTON- SENIOR- FORWARD
She is far and away the best player in Ocean County. Her numbers over the years look cartoonish. She has scored over 1200 points already going into her senior. She has 977 rebounds already and will be part of the tiny club of players with 1000 points and 1000 rebounds. She signed with East Stroudsburg in November. This after spending the summer on one the best AAU teams on the east coast in the New Jersey ShoreShots u17 HGSL. It has prepared her for a great finishing senior year before she moves on to college. Look for her to be a 4 year starter at ESU. What should worry everyone in the Shore Conference is the improved jump shot and improved ball handling skills. Emma is the ultimate warrior and can dominate games. Like her 20 point, 22 rebound game last year. She plays with a motor that can rarely be matched. She runs the floor and seems to get her hands on every rebound. She is an underrated passer both in transition and out the post as well. Emma, can single handily beat an opponent on any given night. She is the one advantage that no other team in the division can match. One day Emma Thornton will see her name and Jersey hanging up in the BARNEGAT gym and the words will say “THE BEST EVER”
RILEY FITZPATRICK- SENIOR- GUARD
After having a big summer, college coaches were calling Riley Fitzpatrick. That because she is a talented scorer and one of the most improved players in the entire Shore Conference. She has lived up to all her promise as a player. Now she is a prime time guard who hopes to close out her senior year with a bang. If you think her 314 points…137 rebounds…66 assists and 54 steals was off the charts last year. You haven’t seen nothing yet. That’s because Riley Fitzpatrick is on a mission these days. She had a masterful summer with the CJ HAWKS WESTROL and has not stop since. Her shooting range has been nothing short of dynamic, but it’s ball handling and getting to the rim that is so exciting these days. Fitzpatrick is a top flight defender, she had 14 block shots from the shooting guard position. She is a big time shot maker, who can also slide to the point guard position. She gives Barnegat a true two way player and someone that can change a game at the drop of a dime. She is one of the best guards in the division and one of the best guards in the entire county. She is sitting on a monster type season. She signed with STOCKTON STATE IN NOVEMBER
MIRHN ENALLS- SENIOR- FORWARD
She is a major pickup for Barnegat and makes them a serious Top 10 contender. She is 6’0+ and a rebounding machine. She also is a top flight defender. She is big and strong and plays hard. She is the perfect addition to the team. She giveS them another impact player. She played AAU for team swish, so competition is nothing. new to her. She makes Barnegat very tough to handle up from. Their one two punch on the front line gives Barnegat a huge advantage over other teams in the division
MADYSEN PLESCHO- JUNIOR- SWING
She had a rock solid year last season. She is battle tested as she has played major mins her first two seasons. She has 153 points and 28 threes over the past two years. She plays her role to perfection and this season look for her to see her stat line improve even more. She is a model of consistency. She will play a major role in how far Barnegat goes this season
ELIZABETH MEDINA- JR- POINT GUARD
She is on 5’4″ but she plays with a serious motor and and is a joy to watch play. She gives you everything when she is on the floor. Last season getting spot mins, she had 16 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals. She is going to play an even bigger role this season with the added experience under belt. She is a true energy player and pit bull on defense
SIDNEY COLLINS- SENIOR- SWING
She is the team sleeper and more importantly a glue player. She is all about the intangibles. Her 13 three’s…70 points…57 rebounds..24 assists and 13 steals as a sophomore tells you everything. Last year she was injured and missed most of the season. But she is back this year and gives Barnegat a major shot in the arm. She will do what ever it takes to help her team win. She does the winning things game in and game out. She is battle tested and has played in big games over the years. This is a major return to the starting lineup. She is a true difference maker.
RACHEL BONHARD- JUNIOR- FORWARD
She is coming off an outstanding sophomore season and should be dripping in confidence. Last season she had 46 points..36 rebounds and 10 assists. Not mind blowing stats but rock solid and there is no reason to believe she won’t better those stats this year. As a freshman she played in one game. So her stats are very impressive and goes to her development and commitment. She will battle for a starting spot.
JAYLA DUFF- SR- FORWARD
She had a productive season last year. She 53 points and 56 rebounds along with 18 assists. She also had 4 three shots made. She provided real depth off the bench and she brings senior leadership and experience
AVERY JASTRZEBSKI-SOPHMORE- GUARD
She is just a sophomore and hopes to get some time off the bench this season.
KASEY SAULINA- SENIOR- FORWAD
She has been around and knows what is expected as a senior. She’ll be ready if called upon
GIANA GERMANO- SENIOR- SWING
Another senior with experience off the bench
THERE ARE NO FRESHMAN OF IMPACT
The offense will run though Emma Thornton and Riley Fitzpatrick. Then the rest of the team will spread out and chip in. Tammy Nicolini has seen it all over the years. Her teams are always prepared and play with purpose
Will they close the deal? The are the best team in the Division and will they punish opponents and not have let ups?
Head Coach- Kevin Stockhoff
2023-24 Record
Overall–7-18
Conference – 1-4 in B South
Projected Division one players (3-2)
P5 Players-(0)
Gym Rat Count (3)
Brick Township won 7 games last year. But that was last year. They say what a difference a year makes. That because Brick has the best Freshman class to enter the school in recent memory. They have one of the best players in Ocean County returning for her senior year. They have the leading candidate for freshman of the year. Brick returns almost it’s it entire roster from a year ago. They have size, shooters, ball handlers and gym rats in the program now. In many ways they are the future of Ocean County basketball. They upgraded their schedule, training and talent. They have 2 future Division one players and they’re both are freshman. This is a program on the rise and Barnegat would be wise not to sleep on them. This is a dangerous team and serious threat to all.
When you go 7-18, you don’t exactly miss anyone.
RILEY NAUSEDAS- SENIOR- GUARD
She is one of the best guards in Ocean county and the best guard in the division. Despite a rough season for Brick last season. Riley was outstanding. She averaged 13.4 points a game.. scored 334 points…5.2 rebounds with 130 rebounds in total.. 2.36 assists a game with 59 dimes. In a word she was sensational. Riley signed with East Stroudsburg in November. She is explosive and taking over games from either guard position. She is both quick and fast, she is a physical defender. She will set the tone for Brick this season both on offense and defense. She has played major minutes for Brick her entire career and will score her 1000th point this season. She scored every way possible over the years. She 33 three’s and took a mind blowing 114 free throws and scored off steals as she had 56, proving last year she is a two way player. ESU got a good one and BRICK has a great one for at least one more year. Everything for Brick starts right here with Miss Nausedas!
SUMMER FENWICK- SENIOR-GUARD
She is a reliable guard and is got valuable experience last season and checked in with 36 points , 48 rebounds and 26 assists in just 17 games. The may bold well for her this coming season. She has quickness and is capable of being a top flight defender coming off the bench. She has showed an ability to score and is a willing passer. the potential for a big season is there. Taking care the ball will be a must for her to get extended playing time.
ANNACLAIRE STAUDT – SOPHOMORE- FORWARD
She is a hard nose, confident senior who is a rebounding forward. She had an eye popping 225 rebounds last season. But she is more than just a rebounder. She had 77 points and 35 block shots. She is the blood and guts forward on the team. She brings toughness and a player who doesn’t look to score but can and has proved it on a number of occasions. She make layups and has good hands. She is a very important key for Brick Twp. as a seasoned young talented post player. She will be an All Division player one day.
KAITLYN WILSON-JR- GUARD
She spot minutes last season and took advantage of the opportunity. She has 33 points and 24 rebounds in 9 games. She will should see her time increase coming off the bench and giving the team a lift. She has real chance to impact this young team and make her presence felt.
CICI WEATHERSPOOL- JUNIOR- FORWARD-
This is a massive pickup for Brick. She did not play last season for personal reasons but she is back and with her comes a ton of impact.
As a Sophomore 2 years go, she averaged, 6.6 points a game and 7 rebounds. She brings size, strength, experience and talent. She will set screens for the guard and roll for layups. She will take up space in the lane. Her ability to play defense in the paint is exactly what the doctor ordered. There is no reason to believe is can’t be a double/double type player. If she does watch out and game on.
The Brick Freshman class is one of the best Freshman classes in the Shore. There is so much talent it amazing to think about what the future will bring. One thing for sure they will change the entire Brick Culture. Many of them are gym rats. Something BRICK has not had in the past
ARI WISSEN- GUARD- She is the leading candidate for Freshman of the Year in the Shore Conference. She is a future D1 lock player. Ari, is the type of Freshman the usually winds up at RBC or SJV. She is lighting quick and a deadly shooter. Along with Riley Nausedas, she will be expected to provide the bulk of Brick’s scoring load. She will score from behind the tree point line or break down defenders to score in the lane or set up teammates. She is a once in a lifetime player for Brick. She will be a 4 year starter and play both point or shooting guard, depending on what is needed. She had a 30 point scoring game in the Fort Summer League and multiple 20 games in the Hoop Group Fall League.
KENDALL FREDRICKSEN- GUARD– She is a deadly shooter to 25 feet. She too must likely will be a 4 year starter. She has a very high IQ and has nice size and is highly skilled. She is a next level passer. She also is a future Division one player. She is a excellent player and very confident and mature for such a young player. She will provide scoring and a player who is highly competitive. Kendall is a future All Shore Player. She too will make a run at FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR.
IIYANI POZO GUARD– She is highly skilled and lives in the gym. She is 5’3″ but that is a non factor. Because she is a excellent shooter and plays very smart. She too could very easily find herself in the starting lineup as well. She is an excellent ball handler and an excellent passer. She is a wonderful decision maker in transition. She will make a case for the ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
CHASE STANSBURY- GUARD– She is another freshman who should see impactful minutes this season. She is a excellent hard nose defender and a reliable shooter. Once she gains confidence and adjusts to the high school game. She is going to very important to Brick especially around tournament time.
Brick, just got a serious injection of talent. Riley Nausedas will still be the backbone of the offense. But she will have a massive amount of help from the freshman, especially from Wissen and Fredricksen. The return of Weatherspoon makes Brick a very serious crew and upgrades their post defense in a big way. They have 3 legit post players. Expect Brick to play fast and shoot quick. Do not be surprise to see them press teams and get up in passing lanes.
The the biggest question is can you really depend on so many freshman? Then the elephant in the room. How will he coaches handle seniors watching freshman take their minutes away? Surely you will have parents and kids jealous with all the attention the freshman will receive. Next what will be the style of play? Finally BRICK really struggled against pressure last summer, can they get the solved before the season gets serious?
LACEY HIGH SCHOOL
If Barnegat or Brick think this is going to be a two team race, they better think again. That’s because Lacey is as dangerous it gets. Last season Lacey went 11-14 and 3- 1 in B SOUTH. Now the scary part for the division. The team is loaded with experience and have every single player back with the exception of one player. REECE PAGET, is one of the very best players in the division. Last season she had 206 points, an insane 309 rebounds and 78 assists. Those are player of year in the division numbers. But she is not alone because Marissa Ford is back and all see did was score 93 points, grab 43 rebounds and have 55 assists. But it gets even more scary for the favorites. BROOKLYN BELL, had 191 points, 156 rebounds and 43 blocks. Lacey has more than enough to spoil the party. Their role players are also battle tested. The group could shock everyone in the end.
TOMS RIVER SOUTH is in rebuilding mode as their roster was hit hard with graduation. They do have talent senior in CARLY HELMSTETTER,
KASSIDY COLANGELO, SOPHIA WIERCINSKI, MADELINE KROHN, HANNAH PUGLISI. …They give Toms River South a punchers chance
PINELANDS IS IN FULL BLOWN REBUILDING MODE
This division is a three team race. Brick, Barnegat has the best player in the division in Emma Thornton. So they have the odds on their side and I believe Lacey is going to knock off one of the favorite off during the season and that will determine who doesn’t win the division…..
BARNEGAT WINS SOUTH “B’ DIVISION
2024-25 SOUTH “B” PRE- SEASON ALL DIVISIONS
FIRST TEAM ALL DIVISION
PLAYER OF THE YEAR-EMMA THORNTON– SR- BARNEGAT
Riley Fitzpatrick- Sr- BARNEGAT
Reece Paget-Sr- LACEY
Riley Nausedas- Sr- BRICK TWP
Brooklyn Bell- Jr- Lacey
ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR- ARI WISSEN– BRICK
KENDALL FREDRICKSEN- BRICK
IIYANI POZO GUARD-BRICK
TBA
TBA
