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 →

The Hoop Group Fall League brought some interesting thoughts to the table for me last night. Everyone knows who wins and loses in a fall league game really does mean very much. But finding out what players appear to be … Continue reading →

If you heard me talk about players in the past. Two words always comes up.. IMPROVEMENT CURVE. It’s that thing that so often determines the future of young players. Right now NO YOUNG PLAYER has had a bigger improvement curve … Continue reading →

Today’s rant will not be filled with pictures just words. Today’s rant is about truth, it’s about honesty and people’s livelihoods and kids futures. Today I am going to talk about a uncomfortable topic. It’s a topic that is talked … Continue reading →

NBS, Is a place for kids to challenge themselves. It’s a place where a player can truly gain the respect of their peers and of course college coaches. This year like every year has been a banner season in terms … Continue reading →

These days Manasquan High school coach Lisa Kukoda should be very happy. In the past 3 years Manasquan has been banging on the SCT AND TOC chip door. It’s something Lisa Kukoda’s program has been use to since she was … Continue reading →

There was a book written recently that said a kid needed to put in 10,000 hours in order to master a sport. It also talked about being in the right time and place. This book talked about how your background and opportunities … Continue reading →

Writing about 8th graders is not exactly something I do very often. But sometimes you get a player that is not exactly like everyone else. There are always exceptions to the rules. That’s because there are always that rare player … Continue reading →

I honestly feel some kids roads are different. The odds are stacked against some kids because of their environment or their culture and sometimes there ego. There was a time not long ago we could say. If your good enough … Continue reading →

Well I have a few random thoughts today. It seems so much has happened in the last 2 weeks. But one think is starting to become very clear to me. This is going to be a interesting year. it kind … Continue reading →

They say size matters. They say length matters. But you know want really matters? Talent and skill. Want to know something else? When that size, length and talent collide with elite coaching and competition. It can be a very scary … Continue reading →

For some kids it easy. For some kids the breaks just seem to always keep coming. It’s easy to see the light when you get all the breaks. The hard work is just a little easier when everyone is behind … Continue reading →

These were a rash of verbal commitments last week. Four players decided they have found the schools that matched what they were looking for. It’s not often and in fact I cannot remember 4 kids all committing on the same … Continue reading →

There are a few schools that when they come calling you stop dead in your tracks. There are a few schools that make you jump for joy. You know those schools that have a certain cache. They carry more weight … Continue reading →

This weekend something big happen. Something we don’t see very often happened this weekend. A great player and a better person came off the recruiting board. A talented played who had offers from high major schools. A player who best … Continue reading →

Potential can be dangerous thing to a coaches future. That’s because the word potential stands for someone who has yet to fulfill their talent. There is nothing worst than betting on someone who doesn’t eventually fulfill there talent. It usually … Continue reading →

Get ready for a new star to emerge in the Shore Conference. Get ready for a new sensation. The only problem with those statements is this… there is nothing new about GABBY ROSS. That’s because she’s been a star since … Continue reading →

There are challenges kids face all the time. Especially when it comes to sports. It could be about size, talent, lack of opportunity and so many other things that get in the way of a player Achieving the goal of … Continue reading →

Today, I will tell you who are currently the top players in each class. Remember development plays a big role here. A kid one year could be at the top of this list and in another year can fall off the … Continue reading →

There was something interesting that happened this weekend that most paid little attention too. That’s because it may seem like old news to most. That’s because GIA PISSOTT committed to the Naval Academy last spring during the height of the … Continue reading →

This weekend the JUST US GIRLS “play for a cure” Event will take place at Hoop Group in Neptune. This will be the 9th year of the highly competitive event. More importantly it is for a wonderful cause in the battle against … Continue reading →

Many kids start school this week. Its great to see kids actually on the street walking outside schools again. I hope everyone has a great year. More importantly I hope everyone meets a new friend and his safe. Today I … Continue reading →

It takes awhile for a kid to grab my attention as a player. That’s because I have basically seen it all at this point. I never pay attention when people tell me how good a kid is, that’s because usually … Continue reading →

When I think of Emma Carman, the first thing word that comes to mind is FRIEND! That’s because Emma Carman is a kid that believes there is enough light for everyone to shine. She is that kid who can root … Continue reading →

This is different for some reasons to explain fully. This week a dream came true that was in the making for years. But to make a dream come true, sometimes you get tested. Your ego is tested, your reputations is … Continue reading →

NBS CAMP summer Camp #2 delivered in a big way last week. As players from the Tri state area made the trip to Hoop Group in Neptune to take  on some of the best competition on the East Coast. The … Continue reading →

This week a robbery took place. It may have been one of the biggest heist of the year. This robbery was different than most. That’s because this robbery took place in broad daylight in front of so many who were … Continue reading →

If your a college coach, there is only one place that should have your undivided attention these days. That place is the NBS camp starting this Monday at Hoop Group headquarters in Neptune. Trying to evaluate players these days is … Continue reading →

Right now there are kids getting ready to settle. They have watched many of there peers, celebrating making there dreams come true. While their dreams have stalled for now. They now have those around them, trying to convince them that … Continue reading →

NEPTUNE HIGH SCHOOL, has a tradition of turning out great guards. The names read like a who’s who in the past decade alone. They’ve all had a few things in common. There quick, athletic and seem to always play on … Continue reading →

The spring and summer is when we find out who the up and coming players of the future are. We also learn of a few players that have found the spotlight . Long gone are the days of coaches discovering … Continue reading →

There is a struggle that all kids and families must face during the recruiting process. It can be both painful and joyful all at one time. Sometimes it’s feast of fathom and that change can happen overnight for a player. … Continue reading →

There are always kids who seem to have a harder road than most. It seems nothing comes easy for them. No matter how talented they are or how hard they work. But the good news is that when things finally … Continue reading →

The fact of the matter is I watch more basketball this July than any other live period in recent years. So many players had big moments. So many great players had terrific summers. But the fact of the matter is … Continue reading →

The Summer has brought to light as to what the fall could bring. We got a look at the stars returning. The incoming freshman. The transfers and the injuries. It has been a eye opening summer to this point. Some … Continue reading →

Well the live period has come to an end. It was first time for college coaches had a chance to see kids in over a year. It was a chance for kids to show they belong at the next level. … Continue reading →

One thing is clear as day to anyone who knows anything about basketball… and that is Mary Donnelly of Manasquan High School is one of the best basketball players in the state of New Jersey. Another thing just became crystal … Continue reading →

There are some events that do more for kids than others. One such event is Academic Elite and once again it delivered in a big way. While so many kids choose to spend the final day of the recruiting period … Continue reading →

Georgia Heine is now part of the U PENN basketball program. I’m really happy about this for too many reasons to list. None bigger that the fact she is going to play for one of the best people in all … Continue reading →

Like everything Georgia Heine has ever done as a athlete, choosing a college did not come easy. But like everything else, Georgia Heine has never settled. She has never allowed roadblocks to stop her. So when she went though the … Continue reading →

Here are a list of elite camps. Please check back daily as we will update this list everyday. Stevens Tech University- September 26th (New Jersey) St. Peters- August 7th (Jersey City) University of Penn- August 7th & August 14th (Pennsylvania) … Continue reading →

The first thing everyone must remember is the recruiting process did not start in July and didn’t end yesterday. There is much a young lady can do right now, after this grueling July recruiting period to help themselves. Start by … Continue reading →

Let me start out by saying this, I do not know Maddie Scheier, in fact I have never met Maddie Scheier. All I know about Maddie Scheier, is that she is my kind of player. I stumbled across her on … Continue reading →

Often times a player may comes out of nowhere and shine brightly. They don’t have a big reputation and then one day they are the toast of the town. That is exactly what happen to Rylee Drahos two years ago. … Continue reading →

The first round of the early recruiting period has come to a end. It was certainly nice to see college coaches and fans back watching the action. There was much anticipation for this moment. There were lots of questions for … Continue reading →

It’s been over a year since players have played a game in front of college coaches. It was the first time coaches got a chance to see their favorite recruits live. You would think everyone would be feeling the pressure. … Continue reading →

A few things are going to happen during the July recruiting period. Coaches will be out for the first time in over a year. Kids will play with more energy and excitement than ever before. Parents and fans will be … Continue reading →

NBS 2021 CAMP RECAP! The NBS CAMP this week was just like every other year. You had parents complaining about what court there kids were on. Kids quitting camp after finding the competition was too much to handle or having … Continue reading →

NBS DAY like every year started with lots of surprises. Ciara Norman we knew was good. We just didn’t know how good. Ciara Norman stole the show today with the best debut in NBS summer camp history. But she was … Continue reading →

Tomorrow 96 young ladies will walk through the Hoop Group doors and into the most competitive basketball environment they will see all year. That’s because the NBS SUMMER CAMP will be taking place. There will be players who are household … Continue reading →

The live recruiting period is right around the corner. First up will be the NBS CAMP next week and it will be a great chance for some kids to make a name for themselves and watch their stock rise. More … Continue reading →

I feel like I have been writing the same thing for 5 years when it comes to Dorothy Loffredo. Every time she does something special we all act surprised. Well at this point nobody really should be surprised. What we … Continue reading →

There a storm building these days. This storm coming your way is going to be filled with lots of pressure for everyone. This storm has been building for over a year now. It’s called the start of the high school … Continue reading →

There are kids that make you JUMP OUT YOUR SEAT, the first time you see them. They have that swag you cannot teach. In many cases they have an ability to dominate a gym. That is exactly what happen the … Continue reading →

The summer recruiting season is right around the corner. There is no doubt the July recruiting period will bring the pressure it brings on all kids once again. While there are many kids in the 2022 class committed to D1 … Continue reading →

I don’t have the answer to why but all I know is this …there are a boat load of kids injured right now. I can’t think of the last time so many kids have been out with injuries. We are … Continue reading →

I want to give you some information regarding recruiting today. Keep in mind information is KING during the recruiting process. You are going to be given lots advice by people who DO NOT UNDERSTAND how the process works. You will … Continue reading →

I have known Georgia Heine since she was in 4th grade. I have watched her grow into a beautiful young lady and wonderful basketball player. When I tell you this has been a journey for her and her family… it’s … Continue reading →

To say Ginny Boggess and her Monmouth staff are off to a flying start is a major understatement. That’s because she has hit the floor running since taking over the head coaching duties at Monmouth University. Last week she added … Continue reading →

We are moving towards the first day of high school summer practices. It’s always the most exciting time for so many 8th graders moving on to high school. There’s no doubt it’s an adjustment for all kids. Not just the … Continue reading →

We are now in the meat of the recruiting season. It’s also a time for me to talk about the things I have noticed around the Shore area. Now let me start by saying this, I see most of the most … Continue reading →

Last night Emma Von Essen showed up at NBS and did exactly what I thought she’d do.. confirm that is one of the smartest and most talented point guards I know. But of course I knew this two summers ago … Continue reading →

There are kids with an ability to dream big but more importantly play big. There are kids who believe in themselves when few others do. There are some kids who simply refuse to lose faith. They simply cannot surrender to … Continue reading →

Todays Spotlight team is filled with more potential than any team currently in the Belles organization. THE MASONIUS/PRIOR 2023 BELLES This is a team loaded with size, shooters, ball handlers and special young talent. They have 3 current of former … Continue reading →

There is a recruiting shutdown across the country until Sunday. College coaches cannot speak, text, email or contact a player. But college coaches can read and watch and that’s what they better be doing when it comes to “Cracking”  ROSIE … Continue reading →

The Shoreshots Showdown was exactly that this weekend. Some of the best AAU teams and players in New Jersey did battle. The event was stacked with top players and coaches and did not disappoint. Big Push was on hand so … Continue reading →

I have a few Random thoughts today. These are my thoughts about everything from players, coaches, recruiting, parents and anything else that comes to mind. New Monmouth women’s basketball coach Ginny Boggess is not playing around folks. She is covering … Continue reading →

Today’s Spotlight team should be dubbed the team with a little something for everyone. THE FAGAN BELLES are a blend of talented loyal players who all hope to have a breakout summer. They are a team that is loaded with … Continue reading →

“Under the radar” The team with players nobody wanted, but is becoming the team nobody wants to play!! Todays SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE TRUHAN NJ BELLES. To put it simply they are NOT the most recruited group by a long shot. But are … Continue reading →

I worked out the Shoreshots u16 and U17s yesterday. It’s always fun to train teams in a closed setting. You learn so much more about kids. Like there work ethic, attitude and relationships with peers. Yesterday we had had two … Continue reading →

Here is why recruiting these days is so much harder for college coaches, especially at the D1 level. Casey Prior last weekend went 7 for 7 from the three point line. Now that, is no question a eye opener. But … Continue reading →

Sometimes the stress, the waiting and doubting is not worth chasing a dream. Sometimes when others don’t believe in your dream. It’s hard to keep dreaming. But there are still those kids and families who bet on themselves . Their … Continue reading →

There was a press conference yesterday at Monmouth University. Ginny Boggess was introduced as the 9th Women’s Basketball Coach. She will be new Athletic Director Jeff Stapleton’s first hire. The two will be tied to the hip from here on … Continue reading →

Today, you get the EARLY BIRD D1 LIST. This is a list of potential D1 players, key word potential that coaches are hoping to sign one day. This list is by no means a list of all the best players or … Continue reading →

This pass weekend I made a discovery. No it was not that the HGSL is going to be a college coaches dream. What I discovered was the best keep secret in the state of New Jersey’s freshman class…and she isn’t … Continue reading →

There is a little thing I always pay very close to when evaluating a player’s future development. It’s called the improvement curve. That curve for me is everything. It tells me, if a kid is just full of potential or if … Continue reading →

If you have been around the Hoop Group the past week, no doubt you noticed a tall lanky girl shooting and dunking a basketball. The young lady’s name is Paula Schmidt, if the name sounds  familiar to you, there is a reason.  She is … Continue reading →

Today kids too often talk about how hard they are working. How there putting in work on their own. I hear kids say just because you don’t see me doesn’t mean I am not working. All of that may be … Continue reading →

So who are the players with most college DIVISION ONE potential in Shore? Now notice I said college potential? Not who the best high school players are. You have to understand being the best high school player does not make … Continue reading →

This years Golden Dozen is one of the deepest groups in recent years. This group of players represent the players who will have the biggest impacts on their high schools next year. They also represent many of the kids who … Continue reading →

The best Mid Major job on the east coast is available. Now the question is who should Monmouth University hire? Well let me start with this, you don’t know as a outsider what a school is looking for in terms … Continue reading →

Sometimes you wonder what a kid must do to get attention from college coaches. Sometimes things are just not fair and dead wrong. But there is a solution to this problem. Don’t stop and never give up. Even when all … Continue reading →

AMonmouth University made a coaching change yesterday. They just don’t know what the change will look like yet. But one thing is clear, everyone will want a chance to get this program back on track. It’s been 8 years since … Continue reading →

Well we’re right were everyone knew we’d be this year. RBC vs SJV. These two teams were head and shoulders above the rest of the Shore and now they get to settle it all on the court. But no way … Continue reading →

The pretenders are all gone in each POD. Tonight the SCT truly takes center stage. Each Pod will be left with two teams standing, playing for a SCT CHIP. A chance to go into history. All the talking is over. … Continue reading →

Maggie Cavanaugh was a talented freshman who saw minor minutes in big games last year. She played behind veteran players. She learned a lot from those vets. She also learned a lot of things not to do. St Rose was … Continue reading →