There is much to talk about that in this RANDOM THOUGHTS. It’s been a interesting summer and fall that has got us to this point. The Hoop Group training sessions for grammar school kids are in full swing. I always love … Continue reading →

Your team identity is a culmination of the beliefs your team holds about their past, the thoughts they have about the present and what they as a group envisage the future will look like. Well its here, the first official day … Continue reading →

The High School season has started. Many kids will begin chasing a chip, a dream or just an experience. But there is another group of kids getting ready to set the wheels in motion that may secure there future as … Continue reading →

It’s the best time of the year.  Everyone  is unbeaten and everyone has high hopes and dreams. Some are hoping for a winning season. Some are hoping for national ranking, while other are just hoping to be ranked anywhere. Some … Continue reading →

… They say you never know when your going to get a surprise. Yesterday the state of New Jersey and the Shore Conference got a big one. That’s because one of the best guards in all of New Jersey has … Continue reading →

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

Some decisions are harder than most. But some decisions kids get right or in the case of Julia Shane’s “PERFECTLY RIGHT”. Today Julia Shane’s will sign a Letter of Intent, not to play basketball. But to rather run like the … Continue reading →

There is nothing like a player who shows up at a gym with no protection. You know when there is nobody in the gym to get your back. Nobody knows your name or game. A place surrounded by ALPHA FEMALES. … Continue reading →

Kristen Connors decided to attend NBS on Saturday’s only as the high school season approaches; I don’t like it. But these days, I like everything else Kristen Connors has done. In fact, I like everything Kristen Connors has done the … Continue reading →

With fall leagues coming to a end. There is only one thing a kid hoping to make a impact this season can do. That is to take care of their game. Now is the time for a kid to put … Continue reading →

Today the Hoop Group fall league and No Boyz comes to a close later in the week. The fall summer league certainly means more to some teams than it does to other teams. For some teams it been all about … Continue reading →

These days the more talented a player is, the more they expect everyone to bend to their every desire. These days the parents of these kids feel that there should be different rules for their kids. You see these are … Continue reading →

There is too much to discuss these days. But here is what I know right now. There are some kids and teams stepping up in a major way. I also know that we are racing towards the start of the … Continue reading →

Now I wrote a blog about Siobhan Stapleton just two months ago. Now you may say what can be new in two month’s, what has changed? Well there is a lot more Siobhan Stapleton is doing these days to prove … Continue reading →

There is nothing more shocking to be me than kids lack of preparation these days . In most cases it’s do to a lack of knowledge. So today I am going to drop a little knowledge. I am going to … Continue reading →

There are kids that slide under the radar. These days there very easy to spot weather by choice or not. There are many reasons why kids are under the radar. It could be there not talented enough, not a good … Continue reading →

There is a countdown that has started for every single girls basketball player in New Jersey. In roughly 6 weeks the high school basketball season will start. It will be another season of kids making memories that last a lifetime. … Continue reading →

Today I am going to give you some advice. I believe advice is only valuable if you can apply it to yourself. So my topic today is a very important one, the topic being your INNER CIRCLE. Your INNER CIRCLE … Continue reading →

You have to be willing to listen to knowledgeable people. You must understand that this recruiting game has changed again. You can’t make bad moves and think it’s all going to work out in the end. SO I PRAY YOU … Continue reading →

I have no idea who the coach at Adelphi University was that recruited ISABELLA ASENCIO was. I just know that she is not a only a good recruiter but she is good real good at knowing talent. That’s because if … Continue reading →

This fall there have been some very impressive Freshman across the state. Many have received D1 offers. Many are bathing in the hype that comes with this. Many are trying to drag up their status up though hype and social … Continue reading →

There are lots of things right now I am pretty sure about these days. The fall paints such a good picture before the season starts. You learn so much about teams and players as we inch closer to the start … Continue reading →

The Triple B Effect in full force. That’s because MIKAELA HUBBARD has Beauty, Brains and she is a Baller. I guess we could make it four B’s because she is truly a Black Beauty. Both on the court and in … Continue reading →

Where do you start when you talk about Trinity Hall’s Nina Emnace? Do you start with the fact she just may be the best student athlete in the state of New Jersey? Do you start with that, she is one … Continue reading →

Its just a fall league game, so the fact the Ocean Twp lost to RBC by 2 points and 5 points were not put on the score board late in the game does not matter. The fall league is about … Continue reading →

TOMORROW COLLEGE COACHES WHO HUSTLE CAN MAKE THERE REPUTATIONS as recruiters. It will take time and yes work. It will be a long day the might feel like the summer recruiting period. That’s because the Shore Conference is HAVING a … Continue reading →

The AAU Merry Go Round has started. It’s that time of year everyone is making moves in secrecy and in the dark of the night. It’s the time everyone is trying to best position themselves for up coming AAU season. … Continue reading →

So who are the best players by position and class? Well it’s the Shore Conference and that means there is a lot to choose from but here you go the starting lineups by position in each class. The freshman class … Continue reading →

Today we give college coaches and Shore Conference fans the Top 5 players at each postion in the Shore Conference… BASED ON COLLEGE POTENTIAL ONLY. Meaning which players games transfer to the next level best. We have taken these 5 … Continue reading →

There are some things that I do not understand these days. The decision making of some folks is just downright scary when it comes to basketball. In most cases it’s do to a lack of understanding of parents . In … Continue reading →

There were some great games at the HOOP GROUP FALL LEAGUE last night. It was a night that saw some great matchups. We saw some big time players, perform in a big time manner. The games had a real edge … Continue reading →

So it may seem like the season is miles away but the high school basketball season is right around the corner. They are some things that are becoming very clear at least to me. The fall AAU season for the … Continue reading →

Leadership and the work ethic of seniors are so important to winning teams. Too often when players become seniors or commit to a college. Then start to run on cruise control. In many cases it leads to a disappointing senior … Continue reading →

There are so many Random Thoughts running though my head. I really don’t know where to start. This has been a interesting week in so many ways The entire open gym period has been a mess; thanks to the NJISSA. … Continue reading →

There are kids and families that sit back and wish upon a star. Then there are kids and families that make dreams come true. It takes bravery and sacrifice sometimes. There is often pain and tears along the way. There … Continue reading →

Today I am going to give the names of the 5 biggest POWER BROKERS in the Shore Conference. These are the people, when they call everyone is available to take there call. There are always want to be power brokers……BUT … Continue reading →

I have not seen much of KATIE COLLINS since the AAU season started last spring. But I saw enough of this weekend to know; the 2024, 6’2″ junior is on her way to a monster season. This weekend at NBS, … Continue reading →

Tomorrow NBS kicks off the Fall 2022 session. The amount of talent in the gym is a coaches dream. It’s really no surprise because for the past 20 years, NBS has been the home of hundreds of great players. Each … Continue reading →

I watched Janie Bachmann this spring with her new EYBL team, the New Jersey Gemz and thought, something is not right. I couldn’t understand why she was not playing more. So I did what ever overbearing trainer does. I went … Continue reading →

This blog is really for College Coaches only. In fact for high major D1 schools only. Today I am going to give you some real insight on Ella KREUZER of Chatham High School. I am going to explain to you … Continue reading →

Now I have two major rants today. FIRST THE NJSIAA AND THEN KIDS workout habits. Both have me thinking I’m living in the dam TWLIGHT ZONE. Both have the same things in common lack of knowledge and shear laziness. Let … Continue reading →

It’s go time for everyone right now. Everyone is hopefully settled into school. The pre season now takes full effect. The debate abput rhe best players and teams go full circle. The Open Gyms Taking are a chance for kids … Continue reading →

Siobhan Stapleton is a big time student. She can walk though the front door of any University in the country. She also is the ultimate Swiss Knife on a basketball court. She seems to do a little of everything for … Continue reading →

There are kids who listen and kids who don’t. There are kids who take advantage of there opportunities and kids who watch them slip by. Then there are kids who develop and kids who step up. ALLISON CANNON of Holmdel … Continue reading →

When you think about Ocean Township High School basketball is not the first thing that comes to mind. It’s probably because you are not playing close attention. You may not understand that the Ocean Township Spartans most likely will start … Continue reading →

The JUST US GIRLS EVENT is this weekend. This is the 10th year of the event that has raised over 40 thousand dollars for women with cancer. Donations have been made to Jaqueline Wilentz foundation at Monmouth Medical Center and … Continue reading →

There have been some talented freshman over the years to enter the Shore Cobference. In my time the best entering class I’ve seen is the 2012 SJV class. That’s because not only were they talented. The were talented at every … Continue reading →

So today I am going not a RANT. Today I am going to try and past along a little knowledge and hope a few people will listen. Today I am going to talk about why so many kids are not … Continue reading →

Its the first week of the new school year. It’s a sign that the summer madness has come to end. Its also a time to remind us of how quickly we can forget . We leave so much in our … Continue reading →

Gil Bernard is going to have there 1st open gym on September 12. . And if your a college coach and even more importantly a D1 basketball coach, you better make Reservations ASAP. Because Coach Gnapp has something special brewing. … Continue reading →

🐐🐐In the last four years a number of NBS point guards, too many to count have gone on to play Division One basketball. They have all been excellent players, among the best in the state. There are probably 10-12 D1 … Continue reading →

CHATHAM HIGH SCHOOL may be a mystery to some. But they will not be a mystery for long and certainly not to college coaches. There long time coach Joe Gaba is one of the very best teachers in New Jersey. … Continue reading →

There are high school Coaches who think SJV is beatable. They will brag about losing close or even beating them if they get lucky enough … IN A SUMMER LEAGUE GAME.. LOL. So I do agree and there is no … Continue reading →

Last year Cassidy Kruesi of St. Rose did something few freshman are asked to do. Start for one of the best programs in the state of New Jersey and play the role of defensive stopper. But while she was playing … Continue reading →

Last year Christina Liggio at times carried the RBC offense. When Justine Pissott got hurt she was the teams go to and most reliable player. She also was the best freshman in the shore conference by a country mile. She … Continue reading →

The spring and summer months are so important to a kids development as a player. It’s a time when a player can grow in so many ways, if they understand how to take advantage of there opportunities. I do not … Continue reading →

The summer is coming to a close. The AAU season saw one of it’s most interesting years ever. Like every year some kids made there mark. We saw some organizations deliver in a big way for kids. We saw the … Continue reading →

This is the time of year seniors start packing up there dreams. It’s that time of year some kids now just hope to find a good school. This is the time of year that often finds seniors paying for there … Continue reading →

Gabbie  D’Agostino is a name you know very little about. That’s because the hype machine has not caught up with her. She is from New Hope, PA and will be a freshman this year at New Hope Solebury high school … Continue reading →

Someone said to me a few days ago “these kids need a break”. I never laughed so hard in my life. Well maybe Justine Pissott needs a break that I can buy. Maybe Nina Emnace is tired I can buy … Continue reading →

So many have asked me what’s going on with the 2027 class. Some believe the Shore basketball is in deep trouble after watching the collapse of the 2023 class. This time of year we usually have an idea of who … Continue reading →

The WAR AT THE FORT kicked off last Thursday and it was a direct hit. The Fort Facility is not just beautiful it has all the bells and whistles. Prefect lighting, great seating and lots of space for everyone to … Continue reading →

There is a story and lesson to be learned today. The story is about making dreams come true. The lesson is, don’t believe everyone understands your journey and how important it is to you. The dream is the easy part. … Continue reading →

It doesn’t get much better than this tonight. Im talking about the WAR AT THE FORT. Thats because as many as 8 pf the states Top 20 pre season Top 20 teams are going to give us a peek into … Continue reading →

Yesterday NBS 2 kicked off. As usually I tired to put as much pressure on everyone in the gym as possible. I believe you must teach kids to compete and play hard. I believe kids have to learn how to … Continue reading →

I have a message college coaches. Its a simple one. A message that hopefully will help you keep your gig. As a former college coach take this as a message of love. That’s because your job has gotten harder than … Continue reading →

So the recruiting period is over. Now reality will begin to kick in for many seniors. Juniors will begin to feel left out and underclassmen will wonder how are freshman getting D1 offers before playing a single game. This is … Continue reading →

Do you know who Logan McCarthy is? I doubt it. She plays for NJ RISE 2026 (Green)team. She is part of one of the best 2026 AAU teams in the state. A lot of kids on team and across the … Continue reading →

Coaches as you get ready to hit the road. I want to tell you a little something that just might help you. Too often I have told coaches to recruit a kid early and hard especially at low and mid … Continue reading →

Its no secret the 2027 class will be the most challenged class in Shore history. It will be a chance for the rest of the state to finally catch up with Shore girls basketball. But the state has a problem … Continue reading →

The Academic Elite will wrap the 2022 live Period up with a bang. Once a small event for local coaches and players. It now is the best one day recruiting event on the East Coast. Like every year it will be … Continue reading →

When it comes to the Shore Conference and the better players in the state. I don’t miss them very often. I can tell you the last time I missed a lock D1 entering freshman has been never. Now some kids … Continue reading →

I walk into the Hoop Group gym and there she is, like she everyday. She has a ball in her hand. She always has this look of determination on her face. When i look in eyes eyes I see this … Continue reading →

As everyone takes a break from the 1st round of the recruiting period. Nobody should really be surprised where they stand. Its not like everyone hasn’t been told what they needed to do and what to expect. It’s this part … Continue reading →

The first week of the Live Period is a wrap. There certainly were plenty of surprises. Some good, some great and some disappointing. That’s just the way the live period goes. Some kids prepared beautifully and others made mistakes in … Continue reading →

RYLYN ORLANDO, plays for the NJ GEMZ SELECT. She is in the mist of wrapping up her AAU Career. Tonight in Spooky Nook she will kick off the 2nd leg of the live recruiting. She also will continue one of … Continue reading →

Four years ago a talented group of freshman entered RFH. Many believed it was one of the schools best classes ever. They seemed to be ready to carry on the Rumson Fair Haven girls basketball tradition. The most unheralded member … Continue reading →

The summer high school basketball season has started. The freshman are working with their future teams. Coaches are trying to learn as much as they can about their teams. Some teams will join summer leagues or go to team camps. … Continue reading →

If you follow me on twitter you know by now that Justine Pissott and Team USA won the gold on Sunday. For Justine Pissott it capped off what has been a dream ending to her Scholastic career. Now she is … Continue reading →

I was talking recruiting with a good friend of mind yesterday. She is a Division one Head Coach. The conversation was about a talented senior. She was asking all the usual questions, like is she a good kid? What have … Continue reading →

Sometimes we love to form opinions of kids. We love to make assumptions about kids; often based on there athletic talent. Sometimes we miss the true greatness of kids. Sometimes we really don’t know what kids are capable until we … Continue reading →

Im so quick to always have something negative to say about AAU. That’s because it easy to point a finger and find a scapegoat in AAU. Its easy to blame AAU for all the problems in yourh athletics. But its … Continue reading →

I really don’t know where to start with today’s RANT. i guess the best way to start is by saying all kids have a dream. They all want to be successful on the court and hope that someone notices them. … Continue reading →

In what was one of the most productive weekends of AAU basketball. We got to see high level competition, new faces, a peek into the future and break out performances. You can’t start talking about the weekend without bringing up … Continue reading →

The live recruiting period is coming around the corner. First up will be the NBS CAMP in three weeks and it will be a great chance for some kids to make a name for themselves and watch their stock rise. Coaches are going … Continue reading →

Now today your going to get a recruiting lesson. Now it’s your choice to listen or not. That is a personal choice each parent and player must make. There are always folks who want to be educated and led by … Continue reading →

I want to rant about social media today. It’s something that many people debate about. Not me, because social media is here to stay…like it or not. When it comes to sports it is a powerful weapon and if used … Continue reading →

Hear are dates to 25 CURRENT ELITE CAMP DATES…. I WILL UPDATE THIS LIST DAILY…. SO CHECK BACK EACH DAY…..(COPY AND PASTE THE LINK) NBS CAMP SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.…

This is always the most interesting time of the year for me. That’s because there is so much truth in the statement that champions are made in the off season. It’s also a time of year a player can improve … Continue reading →

The spring AAU basketball season is officially over. Soon the high school summer basketball season will gain the attention of the incoming freshman and returning players. The pressure of AAU is on the back burner for now. Now is the … Continue reading →

I was talking to a college coach about the Shore Conference 2026 class. We were discussing how the’26 class may be the biggest Division One class in Shore history. But he may have heard those words before. That’s because 4 … Continue reading →

Since some on social media are asking, my thoughts on Rutgers hiring of COQUESE WASHINGTON. My answer to that question is, I have no idea. I do not believe I have ever met Coach Washington. That is because in all … Continue reading →

The May Live period was a hit in two many ways to list. So I will make it quick and easy and talk about the three things that stood put most in my eyes. Daniela Maletsky… Grace Feeney … and … Continue reading →

I have been watching kids go though the recruiting process for years. I know the stress and pain that it may cause. I know what its like to see kids told by adults that there dreams are unrealistic. I have … Continue reading →

This weekend there’ll be tons of talent on display. We all know the big names but there are some TRUE SLEEPERS out there who just may make there mark this weekend. I love gym rats because they can always play … Continue reading →

This weekend Coaches across the country are going to try and find the hardest thing in basketball. There rarely seen. There like a UFO and are priceless if you can find one. I am talking about senior impact post players … Continue reading →

The 2nd wave of the transfer portal is coming to a close for the most part. Kids are returning home from college campuses. College coaches now have to look at there rosters and make hard decisions. Starting this weekend those … Continue reading →

The next chapter in a lot of players athletic careers will begin soon. It’s a wonderful and exciting time for most. KATHERINE MARTINI and SAM SLOFKISS are two players getting ready to embark on that journey called college basketball. They … Continue reading →

Folks I am going to take a second and brag. I told college coaches last year. If you are a mid major school, recruit Casey Prior hard. I told you she would began to develop physically in the coming year. … Continue reading →

There is a peeking order in high school basketball. There is also a waiting game that takes place at the best high schools. Often times when a young lady is choosing a high school they have to consider all things. … Continue reading →