By now you know the best entering Freshman class maybe in Shore history will take place next year. It is a deep class and throw back group from years gone by. Meaning gym rats with lots of talent and skill. … Continue reading →

RBC played its first game without Justine Pissott last night. When most teams lose a player of this caliber they either… Step up or fall apart. There is no middle ground. Ally Carman has recently stepped up her game. She … Continue reading →

Core Skills kicked into full gear last week. The best class in 10 years were out in full force. This Sunday evening College coaches you’ll get your first peek at the 2026 and 2027 classes as you will receive the … Continue reading →

There are so many changes getting ready to happen in the best basketball conference in America. The transfers are going to change the landscape in the Top 10 for sure. There is no question this is the year to make … Continue reading →

TWITTER UPDATE- Still in the process of getting my account restored Last night the Shore made its first steps towards the changing of the guards this season. Last night we found out what makes the Shore Conference different than everyone … Continue reading →

There is some news coming down the pipe the next few weeks. We are talking transfers, injuries and 8th graders effecting the future of the Shore. When the state told Josie Munson that she had to sit 30 days it … Continue reading →

This week we saw little change in the Top 10. But there is news regarding transfers and major injuries that will change the balance in the Top 10 come next week. Come this time next week this Top 10 will … Continue reading →

It was a wild week in the Shore. There were some great moments and let’s say some not so great moments. But one thing for sure is we are in for a wild finish the next 2 months. The week … Continue reading →

We’re going to lace them up for week 2 of Core Skills tomorrow. The talent in that gym tomorrow is going to get real thick. Some kids are going to keep moving forward little by little. Some kids are going … Continue reading →

Last night RBC beat Rumson Fair Haven. I could talk about how Julia Cosentino was on top of her game. I could talk about how RFH freshman SYLVIE NOTINE looked like anything but a freshman. She was spectacular last night. All … Continue reading →

There is a game tonight few will be talking much about. It’s a game with two teams who are total opposites. One team has been part of the Shore and states elite. The other has never approached those heights. One … Continue reading →

I can tell you there are kids that the moment you put eyes on them, you get a good feeling about them. They usually have a competitive nature, are coachable and most of all talented. This past Saturday I watched … Continue reading →

Well as the picture gets clearer and clearer there are a few things I know right now. Some may change and some things are here to stay. One thing I know right now is that no team is capable of … Continue reading →

There is a game today that most don’t believe is going to be much of a game. RED BANK CATHOLIC travels to Holmdel. It’s a battle of two teams that look nothing like they did 3 weeks ago. It’s a … Continue reading →

I guess it true what they say about hanging around. I guess it’s also true that every year like clockwork a surprise shows up at Saturday Core Skills. But this one is a little different than most. That’s because this … Continue reading →

This weeks Top 10 is shocking in some ways. Marlboro and Rumson are not ranked. Worst they are in serious danger of missing the SCT. Ranney and Trinity Hall two years ago were that laughing stocks of the Shore Conference. … Continue reading →

Tonight’s blog I am writing for college coaches. This blog is not for all college coaches. Tonight blog is for just those college coaches who are good at their job. Tonight’s blog is for the recruiters that are killers. Who … Continue reading →

Trinity Hall got all their troops back last week. It couldn’t have come at a better time. After shaking off some rust in a lost to Holmdel. Trinity Hall has turned up the heat. They have won two games in … Continue reading →

The best backcourt in the country resides in the Shore conference. Madison St. Rose and Zoe Brooks are on a different level than everyone else. So the real question is who is the best backcourt n the Shore after this … Continue reading →

It’s almost here, SATURDAY CORE SKILLS. It’s a big peek into the future. It’s the one place kids get to play on a even playing field. It’s the place a kid doesn’t have to worry about reputations having influence. It’s … Continue reading →

So some people are upset that TUBBY SMITH is calling out kids for wanting to transfer so easily these days. He used the term Quit. So many jumped on the use of word as an excuse for kids transferring. The … Continue reading →

When Nina Emance knocked down a long jumper to give Trinty Hall a 3-0 lead. It seems all was right at Trinity Hall once again. They had returned 6 varsity players to their roster. It appeared that Trinity Hall was … Continue reading →

Everyone knows I don’t leave the Shore to watch much basketball. But there are always teams and players who find there way to the Shore. There are always kids and coaches who want that competition. They want to test their … Continue reading →

This weeks Top 10 comes with some inside information that will certainly change the landscape in the Shore Conference Top 10. ST. JOHN VIANNEY– They are on track for a possible triple crown run. They went 3-0 with win over … Continue reading →

Make no mistake SJV is positioning themselves to make a run at the TRIPLE CROWN of girls basketball…by winning THE SCT… TOC AND THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CHIPS. The Lancers are currently 2-0 in Florida’s big girl Brackett with wins over … Continue reading →

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to do your job. Maybe that’s to take care of the ball like it’s worth a million bucks. Maybe it’s your job to set the tone for all in the building. Maybe … Continue reading →

It’s early but tonight it’s going to get late real early for either MANASQUAN OR RED BANK CATHOLIC. That’s because tonight both will be hoping for a WOBM chip. The winner is going to feel real good about the possibilities … Continue reading →

There is a passion that arrives in the early part of every basketball season. It’s comes with a test for just about every team. It’s a test that too often determines the fate of a season. It’s a test that … Continue reading →

WEEK TWO TOP 10… we have Covid effect some games. But things get clear this week as lots of big games on TAP! ST. JOHN VIANNEY–There on Cruise control until they get to FlA and play other nationally ranked teams. … Continue reading →

You see I told Mary Beth Chambers, Head Coach at St. Rose. You are in for a long season. I told her her team was physical not mature enough. I told her she was too inexperienced as a group. I … Continue reading →

We are heading for a Showdown at the WOBM. No not RBC vs Manasquan. We are talking about RBR vs DONOVAN CATHOLIC tomorrow morning at 10am. That’s because tomorrow’s game is big for so many reasons. None bigger than a … Continue reading →

It’s but there are some early season surprises and questions that must answered. The holiday season is going to get to all that as teams get deeper in the season. More practice time, two sport players finding there basketball legs … Continue reading →

Ding Dong did you hear who is back? Neptune High school that’s who! That’s because last night John Brown’s club went back to the future and knocked off TOMS RIVER NORTH on the road. His team lead from start to … Continue reading →

There is only one event in the winter that prepares a young player for high school and starts the recruiting process like no other. Next Saturday “CORE SKILLS” (Coop@hoopgroup.com)training kicks of. It’s the most competitive teaching event available for grammar … Continue reading →

The amount of pressure I apply to Christina Liggio during the off season borders on crazy world. She has heard it all from how she turns the ball over to much. How she over dribbles, how she can’t shoot, how … Continue reading →

Right now the biggest holiday gifts being delivered are the ones being exchanged at RED BANK REG. Iris Azcona is giving Red Bank the gift of baller. RBR is giving Iris Azcona a platform to show all how gifted she … Continue reading →

When Brooke Hollawell tore her ACL last season everything about it was wrong. The timing was as bad as it gets. She had just hit the game saving three at the buzzer that allowed Manasquan to beat RFH in overtime. … Continue reading →

The first weekend of the high school season is in the bag and its was the best and most competitive opening weekend in all my years thanks to the super games. There where a first things I knew going into … Continue reading →

In what was the most exciting opening week in years. We saw some great performances. A few surprises and of course the usual . There is plenty of movement in the TOP 10 after week one ST. JOHN VIANNEY– Right … Continue reading →

#18 RUMSON FAIR HAVEN VS #2 SPARTA HIGH SCHOOL CURRENTLY RANKED 18TH in the State STRENGTHS SPARTA is the best team in Sussex County. There are currently ranked #7 in the state of New Jersey. Last year they finished 13th … Continue reading →

Amaya Bray will lace them up this weekend at the WOBM tournament for the last time. She has never lost a game in the tournament. That because Manchester has won the last two Championships. Amaya Bray has done a lot … Continue reading →

Tomorrow it all kicks off the first real high school season in two years. It going to be a fun time for all. It’s also the start of hopes and dreams for so many teams, kids, coaches, fans and parents. … Continue reading →

ST. JOHN VIANNEY– The clear favorite at #1. They have playmakers at every position including off the bench. They are currently ranked #11 in the country. Madison St. Rose is a once in a life time player and Coach Karpell … Continue reading →

A NORTH will start the year the same way it has for the last 4 years with Marlboro and Middletown South as the favorites. They played wars against against each other in recent years.  Freehold Twp star Hannah Orloff has packed … Continue reading →

B CENTRAL appears to be a one team race once again. Now that honor will belong to RANNEY HIGH SCHOOL. When Ranney went out and hired Kaitlyn Linney they quickly became one of the fastest growing programs in the state. The … Continue reading →

“B” NORTH division gets little if any respect because of the presence of St. John Vianney. But “B” North is a division loaded with talented players. How loaded do you as ask? How about 18 D1 players. The Division also has … Continue reading →

A SOUTH will clearly have a new look this year. Now that two of the best players in Ocean County recently have moved on. Lexi Linton and Rachel Capua were two of the best players in the division. The “A” SOUTH title now is … Continue reading →

B SOUTH has been a wrap the last 3 years before the season even started. Manchester has dominated Ocean County since the arrival Destiny Adams. But now that Destiny Adams is gone it has opened the door to other teams. This … Continue reading →

There really isn’t any issue as to who is going to win the C NORTH title. The only real discussion is which teams will make it to the SCT tournament and the state tournament. The chance of anyone outside of MANASQUAN winning … Continue reading →

The A CENTRAL Division could have 4 teams ranked in the TOP 10, including 2 teams in the Top 20 and a GROUP 1 state favorite. This division is full of landmines and each game poses threats. This division has … Continue reading →

Today I am going to tell you a story. Today I am going to tell you why high school basketball is special. Today I am going to show it’s not always how you do it sometimes. But rather who you … Continue reading →

Yesterday RBR, Wall and Shore Reg had a scrimmage. They are three teams fighting for respect. Three teams with talented players. These are teams hoping to make there mark this season. They hope to have breakout seasons. There were also … Continue reading →

We are closing in on the start of the. season. A real full season for the first time in two years. It’s got everyone excited. There are a few things I know before I release Mondays Pre Season package. Which … Continue reading →

The last time SJV lost a game in the state of New Jersey was three years ago. What is even more remarkable about this streak is who they have beaten… EVERYONE! There is simply nobody left at this point. In … Continue reading →

Next week teams all across New Jersey will start playing scrimmages. Coaches in New Jersey know they start later than other schools across the country. They also know NJ schools don’t have a lot of time from the first day … Continue reading →

Next week I will start the Shore Conference Previews. It will cover each division in the Shore Conference. It will give you a break down of each team in each division. I will highlight the best players and I will … Continue reading →

Whenever I hear a youth coach, parent or someone not very knowledgeable advising parents about their kids athletic future I cringe. Nothing makes me cringe more than when I hear adults tell a kid. “You have to make a decision … Continue reading →

Practices are heating up as everyone is excited to get to next weeks scrimmages. I told you on Monday, they say championships are made in the off season. But there is a word that is being used more and more … Continue reading →

As we get ready to start the 2021-22 basketball season, there are lots of questions. There will be debates about who are the best teams, the best coaches and players. Everyone will have there opinions and the reasons as to … Continue reading →

Everyone has heard the words spoken by the late great Tennessee Coach, Pat Summitt. “CHAMPIONS ARE MADE IN THE OFF SEASON.” Today, the first day of practice will take place across the state of New Jersey. Today is when true … Continue reading →

Tomorrow morning 75 middle school players will make their way to Hoop Group in Neptune. There they will be part of the MIDDLE SCHOOL COMBINE. It will be a chance for kids to learn more about where there game stands … Continue reading →

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and  the best girls basketball conference in AMERICA has a lot to be THANKFUL about…. THE SHORE CONFERENCE fans should never take their GREAT coaches for granted. One day Joe Montano and John Truhan may be gone. These … Continue reading →

There is a opportunity for kids to get information, have fun and improve this entire weekend. There is a opportunity for those who really enjoy playing basketball. The because the two events that will take place are taylor made for … Continue reading →

It’s rare that I miss the best young players in the Shore conference . That’s why going into this years first day of practice is so very interesting at DONOVAN CATHOLIC. That’s because they have one of the best sophomore guards … Continue reading →

Today I am going to RANT about a topic that is becoming a problem. It’s really a problem that seems to be getting more out of control each year. I’m am talking about fall AAU basketball. It’s now finding its … Continue reading →

I like to think that if a young lady is from the Shore and is a good player, I know them. I at least have seen them play at some point. Now understand if a player is a Division one … Continue reading →

On Weekends before NBS starts there is always one car in the parking lot waiting for me. In that car sits the hardest working Senior in New Jersey, Abby Ferguson. She jumps out of her car hustles in the gym … Continue reading →

There are those rare players who some how manage to overcome the odds. Those players who simply out work the masses. They have everything going against them. Yet somehow figure out a way to overcome all the Obstacles. ELI CLARKE … Continue reading →

Recently there is talk that the state may eliminate the State basketball tournament (TOC). The reason being some coaches say it only benefits a few teams. Mostly non public school teams. Now this doesn’t surprise me. That’s because I can’t … Continue reading →

This weekend was one of the most interesting weekends to date this fall. There seemed to be so much going on. You could feel the energy and the excitement of the season building. There is no question in my mind … Continue reading →

The first day of trouts is next week and practice starts in two weeks. As we enter day one of try-outs their are some real glowing things that I have picked up before the real practices and season starts. Which … Continue reading →

Yesterday the signing period kicked off with a bang as kids across the state, signed their letters of intent. This is the signal for the final count down to the basketball season. Now the two sport players start getting ready. … Continue reading →

There are going to be a few broken hearts today. There will be kids today thinking there dreams have passed them by. Well I am here to deliver a message to them. THAT DREAM HAS NOT SLIPPED AWAY. You still … Continue reading →

Tomorrow is a big day. That’s because it’s the National signing day. For so many families, it’s a day kids, parents, coaches and friends celebrate. It’s a day filled with so much joy and happiness. It’s a day were smiles … Continue reading →

This Wednesday dreams are going to be fulfilled. Hard work and commitment will be rewarded. Wednesday all the sacrifices, that were made over the years, will result in one of the happiest days in a basketball players life. Wednesday players … Continue reading →

Well it’s a big week for kids all across the country this week. A kind of fields of dreams coming true week. That’s because on Wednesday the signing period begins. It’s the day kids get rewarded for working hard and … Continue reading →

Next Wednesday will begin the 2022 signing period. It will for many be the crowning day for years of hard work. There will also be kids who will not have that feeling of making there dreams come true. There will … Continue reading →

Let me deliver a message to college coaches today. “Do your homework” it’s a simple message and that’s because these days kids get overlooked for too many reasons to count. It can be from playing on a AAU team that … Continue reading →

Here is what I know right now. Things are starting to heat up. I know that some players are getting locked in. I know coaches are preparing for the season and fighting up loose ends. I know that two sport … Continue reading →

I’m going to try and answer this question with the shortest blog perhaps I’ve ever written. What should 8th graders being doing to prepare for the next 6 months. If your 8th grader is advanced get them in front of … Continue reading →

Molly Kelly most likely will be the starting point guard for RBC this up coming season. She will be replacing one of the best pure points guards in the state from a year ago in Sophia Sabino. She knows with … Continue reading →

It’s been a rough fall for RBR this year. There future star forward has been injured. Star freshman, Caroline Polloway has been out of action. There Star Freshman from a year ago Camryn Gardner,has also suffered injures. Too boot both … Continue reading →

#1 Questions for you today… so let’s get right to it Can Anyone Beat SJV? The answer may shock you. Yes, the team with the best chance is Manasquan. That’s because they can match SJV’s talent level top to bottom. … Continue reading →

Joe Fagan is what I like to call a lifer. He is one of those people who wakes up every day with basketball on the mind. It may be why he is one of the best teachers of the game … Continue reading →

I have a question to ask. It will certainly perk up old school shore fans. It’s a question that nobody can say they are 100% correct in answering. That’s because we all have our opinions. My question is a simple … Continue reading →

There seems to be some stories developing in the last few weeks around the entire state. Teams, players, AAU and of course in the recruiting world. So today I have a few Random Thoughts to start the week. Well it’s … Continue reading →

It time for the lead up to the 2021 -22 basketball season. In 5 weeks the first day of practice will take place. Some teams will be ready from day one. While other teams will use the first month trying … Continue reading →

Sometimes the hardest thing for people to do is to be led. Sometimes the hardest thing for people to do is to listen. Sometimes the hardest thing for kids to do is make sacrifices. These things sound so easy, until … Continue reading →

Yesterday Maggie Cavanaugh gave a verbal commitment to UNH. She is part of a group of players who are all on there way to college. She is also a part of a group that nobody thought would be where they … Continue reading →

Another member of the New Jersey SHORESHOTS has come rolling off the board, this time right into the arms of the UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. That’s because one of the best true combo guards in all of New Jersey, MAGGIE … Continue reading →

I f there is one team this fall that has surprised everyone this fall, it’s TOMS RIVER NORTH. Not because they have yet to lose in the Hoop Group Fall league. What is impressive is how hard they play as … Continue reading →

Last year Nina Emance of TRINITY HALL sat in my office crying. Why was she crying? Because she was confused as to what AAU team she should play for. She asked me if she should play for the NJ BELLES … Continue reading →

Justine Pissott is on her official visit to the University of Tennessee this weekend. She is going to get her first real taste of big time athletics. She will see things that she didn’t know existed. She will see facilities … Continue reading →

Sometimes kids have to be a little stronger than most. Adversity can sometimes make us a little stronger. It can also cause doubt. That doubt, that can put a dream on pause. It’s during these times a kid and a … Continue reading →

There are kids you root for and cheer a little harder for than most. There are kids everyone likes and respects. There are kids who constantly do the right things. There are kids whose character is unapologetic special as result … Continue reading →

Now it’s just a fall game and everyone knows fall game scores don’t mean a hell of a lot. That’s because the rotations and Substitution patterns look nothing like a real game. But last nights RBC vs SJV game was … Continue reading →

There has always been something different about kids whose number one goal is to get better. I have always said that kids willing to sacrifice always seem to improve your team morale and culture. Now it certainly doesn’t hurt when … Continue reading →

When a player is blessed with all the natural gifts. Everyone has a opinion of what that players the end game will look like one day. They often try to predict what is in in store for the future. It’s … Continue reading →

Last year Matt McCarthy told me he had one of the best freshman in the state of New Jersey on his roster. I quickly reminded him that Nina Emance has been training with me since 3rd grade. That is when … Continue reading →

Today I want to give parents and kids out there a little lesson. The lesson is really quite simple. Keep your mouth shut, work hard and be ready when your opportunity arrives. That is exactly what Jineen Ayyash of RED … Continue reading →