A 5th grader told me yesterday I was “glazing” Addy Nyemchek of RBC. As I needled him along the way. He made his case for Jada Lynch being the best player in the SHORE CONFERENCE. He mentioned how I give Addy Nyemchek all the credit but rarely mention Jada Lynch. He used the old line that been around for years. “You train Addy, so you favor her”. Now for the record, that’s the first time I have heard those words in 25 years( LOL). St Rose folks are very passionate about their team and players. They also at times feel like 2nd class citizens, this despite all the success they have had this year and in the past.
As the state tournament gets read to kick off. St. Rose is hoping for one more chance to prove they are as good as any team in the state. They were one play away from winning the Chip of Chips this year. But they stole the hearts of basketball fans around the state with a magical performance vs RBC. They proved to the world they were a special group that could step up big when the stakes are at their highest. They showed us all, what the word team really means. They showed everyone there are so many possibilities that still remain this season.
In the past St. Rose has been a rough and tumble job. The parents were a handful and it was well known in college circles and though out the Shore Conference. But in so many ways that has changed in the last year. The parents at St. Rose these days are fully supportive of their kids and Coach Chrissy Hatfield. It has led to a smooth and rewarding season. They have watched their children blossom. They watched their children play one of the best schedules in the state and come out shining. They watched St. Rose beat RBC and SJV in the same year, something unheard of. They watched as their kids got revenge vs Rutgers Prep. The St. Rose parents did something that all winning parents do, they TRUSTED and taught their kids to do the same by example.
When the 5th grader and St. Rose’s biggest supporter of Jada Lynch was making his case as to why Jada Lynch is the best player in the Shore. He brought up points. He talked about her 40 point game vs RBC. He complained how I “glazed” Addy Nyemchek but not Jada. There is no doubt he has heard that from adults. But I egged him anyway and debated him. But like all good debaters he stuck to his guns. But the one point he was missing in his argument was this, Jada Lynch is evolving into a superstar. See there are stars and then there are superstars. Jada played her most complete game of career in the SCT on the biggest stage. She was only concerned with one thing “ winning” and she almost pulled it off vs RBC. Her big three late in the game appeared to be the dagger. Then late in the game she drove past no other than Addy Nyemchek for a bucket that seemed to be the final straw for RBC at the time. Jada’s unselfish play that was so exceptional. She elevated her teammates on the biggest stage in girls basketball. Jada Lynch proved that she is worthy of being called the best player in the Shore and you won’t find one St. Rose player or parent that doesn’t believe that with their heart.
Belle Alvarado bleeds purple. She has been the heart and soul of St. Rose. Nobody mentioned that it was her that set up Brooke Missry for the big three’s late in the game. Nobody has mentioned her running down loose balls. Nobody will mention how for most of the game she hounded and harassed the RBC guards. Nobody will acknowledge she is one of the best defenders in the Shore. You see it’s been that way for Belle her entire career. Nobody understands the dedication and time she spends in the gym. You see Belle is a winner and not a normal teammate, she is a super teammate. St. Rose would be nowhere and I mean nowhere without Belle Alvarado. She is the neat and potatoes of St. Rose.
BROOKE MISSRY has D1 offers sitting on the table. She just doesn’t brag about it. Her parents are winning parents. The type college coaches dream about. If you have to name the best parents in the Shore Conference they’d win the goal medal. You see Brooke plays the right way always. This season at times St. Rose forgot how special she was on offense. So rather than complain and be a pain in the ass, she did others things. She played defense, rebounded, set screens and passed. In other words she helped make St. Rose a winning culture. In the SCT final, she put St. Rose on her back. Brooke single, handily tired to bring St. Rose the SCT chip back home. Brooke started the night out with the first bucket of the game and never looked back. She made big shot after big shot. She got big rebound after big rebound. She was magical on a night that St. Rose desperately needed her. Brooke Missry is the missing link for St. ROSE. The player that we forget about way to often.
CASSIDY KRUESI, will attend TAMPA UNIVERSITY a D2 school. But everyone knows she is a D1 player. She has proven to everyone she is at her best in big moments. She was spectacular vs SJV and magnificent vs RBC. She got her 1000th point in the SCT final. Who would ever believe 4 years ago Cassidy would score 1000 points. But here she is in the history books. Cassidy has grown over the years. She has willed herself to a great player. A All Shore player. She has helped take St. Rose to heights nobody thought was possible this year. She has been the backbone all season. It only seems right that she’ll have a chance to win a state title.
CAROLINE CONFORTI, has been the least appreciated player on a top team. She has been the St. ROSE big surprise, night in and night out. Her defense and work on the glass cannot be put into words. She isn’t playing for a scholarship or get the attention of college coaches. She is simply playing for her teammates, coaches and school. She has no interest in playing basketball in college. Her moment is now and she is taking full advance of her moment. Caroline is enjoying the ride and she hopes it doesn’t end anytime soon.
Lizzy Mitchell and Gianna Rodriguez both have had to find a way back to the light. Both missed last season with injuries. Both made it back this year. St Rose needed them both in the worst way and both have delivered. Their presence is a reminder to all not take anything for granted. They are a reminder to the coaching staff, that kids are still willing to fight. There is no doubt both had to question their future. There is no doubt both I’m sure wanted more minutes. That’s because when you come back for the depths of hell. You want it a little more than most. Lissy and Gianna both.have been invaluable. Now the seniors have unfinished business.
Callie Decker has a big future. She may not know this right now. That’s because young players on good teams often have to wait. Callie has had to wait this season. But she got a PHD watching some big moments this year. Her time is coming and when it does, she point back to this season.
CHRISSY HATFIELD ran her team all summer and fall. She also was demanding and held everyone accountable. She made it cool to work hard year round at St. Rose. She didn’t let her ego get in the way, while building her team. She invited coaches from the outside to help her team. She begged, borrowed and stole from everyone like all good coaches do. She did what can only be called a remarkable job. She was one big basket or stop away from winning the SCT, when nobody thought her team had a chance. Chrissy Hatfield could be coach of the year and if she is, nobody will be more happier than the St. Rose community.
ST. ROSE often feels disrespected. They want and feel they have earned same respect as a RBC or SJV. Considering everything they have accomplished this year, they have earned the right to feel that way. There parents have a chip on their shoulders. Their players feel they don’t get the credit they deserve. But guess what? This all serves as fuel for them. It’s what makes them work a little harder and why they are all so connected. So while the Tiny Green’s of the world are “glazing” up others… ST. ROSE IS BLAZING THEIR WAY TO THE STATES WITH BAD INTENTIONS … and truly believe and trust each other!
ST ROSE IS NOT DONE YET!
NBS CAMP DATES AND EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS ARE TAKING PLACE NOW
