B SOUTH CONTENDERS
B South gives out two champions and an overall Champion. There will be a Public Winner and a Parochial Winner. Unless there is a major upset along the way, Central Regional led by Coach John Truhan and Donovan Catholic led by Coach Bruno are the clear favorites.
PUBLIC SCHOOL FAVORITE-
Coach Truhan and his Central Crew hopes the Holidays come early this year!
When you talk about Central Regional you have to start with one man John Truhan. JT as he is known to most has a track record of success that is almost unmatched. While at Tom River he won 2 sectional titles in 5 years and was in the Group 3 finals. Then he moved over to Colts Neck where he won a SCT Championship, appeared in the TOC and won the Group 4 state title. So what does he do after losing in the TOC final with his ENTIRE TEAM returning the next year? He leaves to go coach Central Regional, who had not won anything since George Washington was president. Central Regional has won the Division Title 3 out 4 years since his arrival. In the schools history they had won the division twice once in 1984 and again in 1990. He has been to the sectional semi final twice. Now you know why the man who has had 3 unbeaten division titles at 3 different schools is called the Bill Parcells of the Shore. OH! by the way his team have won the Ocean County Sportsmanship Award in 2012-14…
JT has been a winner everywhere he had been
“Katelyn Kuster will need a Chiropractor at the end of the season” Those are the words of Coach Truhan talking about his Division 1 bound swing player. Mt. St. Mary’s will need to wait a year before Kuster takes her offensive arsenal to college. The 5’10” athletic wing player would be a household name if she played at one of the big 3 schools. Her shooting range is unmatched by any player in the shore. He ability to put the ball on the floor and get by opponents is magical. Coach JT is right, the fate and the success of his program starts and ends with Katelyn Kuster. But this season Miss Kuster will have some real help folks and maybe this year Central can close the deal and win a sectional title.
Kuster will need to carry much of the load!
Sam Wilbur may not be a household name. But last year she had 32 three’s and shot 42% from the arc. She also was one of the best defenders in the conference. She doesn’t make mistakes and is hungry. Sam Wilbur has had big moments in her short career and this could be a coming out party this year. Joining Wilbur in the back-court will be South Carolina transfer Megan Spring who is 5’10” and has had a major impact on the team this fall and in scrimmages. She can shoot the ball and she can handle it as well. Springs is only a sophomore and a welcome addition.
Wibur gives Central a talented tested player!
Coach Truhan will have more senior leadership he can count on. Jackie Bobinski is in the top 5% of her class. Maybe that’s why she rarely makes mistakes and is just what the doctor ordered for Central. She is a hard worker and willing to do the dirty work. Jt has player he knows he can count on and is battle tested. There is more good news for Central. Senior, Adrina Dejesus who was out all season last year is back and will give this team a added jolt of talent. The senior has experience and will want her senior to be one to remember…no question this young lady is hungry. But the key to this entire thing just may be with the development and rapidly improving Alexis Monguso who at 6’2” gives Central size, defense and rebounding.
John Truhan is a master builder of teams and programs. He has done it again and has put Central in position to a win the A South again for a 4 time in 5 years.
PAROCHIAL FAVORITE-
DONAVON CATHOLIC WILL TRY AND REPLACE A SUPERSTAR
Replacing Dana Carbone is not happening. She was First Team All Shore in every publication known to mankind. Next she provided offense, defense, rebound and leadership. Now throw in the fact she was one of the best teammates on planet earth and you realize Donovan Catholic lost a once in a lifetime player. Coach Bruno will need to find a new path to success if he hopes to repeat as overall Champions. Central is not going to make it easy on Donovan Catholic. But Donovan folks has some weapons and I mean some big ones.
Crowe is planning on a big season
Chelsea Crowe is one of the most underrated players in the state these days. If Donovan is going anywhere they will need her to step it up on the offensive end. Crowe who has deadly three- point shooting range can do a little bit of everything. She can get to the rim, make the pass and defend. He ability to stay cool under pressure is something she will need to display all season. She won’t be alone this year, because Kaityn Borghesi, folks is developing into a real impact player. The 5’6” guard is as smart as they come with the ball and she plays with a passion that is rare in kids today. Watch as she makes the right pass and play every time down the floor. Borghesi on defense is a flat out beast folks; 50/50 balls are hers for the taking. This young lady is a real factor for this team. College coaches here is a kid you better start watching…I LOVE HER GAME!
Borghesi is a total warrior!
Freshman Molly Collins just may be the best freshman in the shore this year. Her court vision and ability to knock down three point shots off the dribble or behind screens is 2nd to no other point guard in the shore, REGARDLESS OF CLASS. The future Division guard and All Shore player will ease some of the pain of losing Carbone’s offense. Molly Collins biggest strength may be this…SHE MAKES HER TEAMMATES BETTER. The freshman’s passing ability for such a young player is simply off the charts….
Collins could be the best freshman in the Shore
PREDICTION-
The overall B SOUTH Champion will earn it this season. Donovan Catholic lost a great player. But added a special freshman and have real senior leadership in Chelsea Crowe. But Central Regional has JT and he is the wild card. He will have his team prepared and give Donovan Catholic a war this season. My guess is that Molly Collins gives Coach Bruno the edge…Donovan Catholic wins B north.
A PRE-SEASON NORTH AWARD WINNERS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR– KATELYN KUSTER
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR– MOLLY COLLINS
COACH OF THE YEAR– JOHN TRUHAN
