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 →

There is a reality that kids who wish to play in college must face. The recruiting clock is ticking and its ticking loudly. That’s because the May 20th recruiting period is right around the corner. Unlike the April recruiting period … Continue reading →

I’m a old school cat, I 100% admit it. I like kids who play hard and who are respectful. I like kids who give it up for teammates and coaches. I like kids who represent their schools and families out … 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 is a list of all the best players or all the … Continue reading →

The 2026 class is the deepest class in the Shore since the 2011 over a decade ago. That class had 23 D1 players. I am not sure the 2026 class will match that number. But make no mistake the 2026 … Continue reading →

The LIVE recruiting period started this past weekend. I can honestly say in all my years, no weekend has ever delivered like this one did. There were kids playing all across the country. But none delivered like SPOOKY NOOK and … Continue reading →

It’s go time for some kids this weekend. It’s that time of year when coaches are trying to figure it all out. It’s a proving ground time of the year. That time when the great recruiters figure it out before … Continue reading →

Today I am going to give you some real advice before the recruiting period starts this weekend. Not about how to improve your game. That’s because you have run out of time in terms of getting ready. You are who … Continue reading →

We are getting closer to the first live recruiting period. Coaches are going to be still thinking about the portal in most cases when this live period does arrive. This early recruiting period is really for those kids who are … Continue reading →

Well NBS spring kicked off yesterday and it was full of surprises as usual. The talent in the gym was a coaches dream as it always is. But there were two stories that jumped of the page last night. One … Continue reading →

Todays SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE NEW JERSEY GEMZ U14 Team. This is a team packed with young talent. They also have players who could be household names in years to come. Now throw in the fact they have a player … Continue reading →

Today I am going give you a LONG talk about recruiting. That’s because right now too many kids are lost about how to navigate the process. The advice many kids are getting these days is shocking. But more importantly many … Continue reading →

Today’s Spotlight Team The 2026 NEW JERSEY SHORESHOTS (Liggio) Team. This is a collection of some of the best 2026’s in all of New Jersey. This is a team Division One coaches will follow Religiously for good reason. They are … Continue reading →

Today’s SPOTLIGHT TEAM is THE NJ RISE U14(Jenny Green) Team. This Rise team is a collection of future brand name players. There coach Jenny Green has molded this team into a powerhouse 2026 team. Formally known as the Belles the … Continue reading →

Tomorrow the the 2022 ALL SHORE TEAM and PLAYER of the year will be announced. These teams were submitted 24 hours after the Shore Conference Championship game. There will be be four teams this year. Like most years a number … Continue reading →

Today’s SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE EYBL NEW JERSEY GEMZ.. The Gemz are the newest EYBL team in New Jersey. There clearly have the go big or go hone approach. Thats because they are coached by the best in the business Dawn … Continue reading →

Today’s SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS The 2025 HGSL NEW JERSEY SHORESHOTS ( Carnan) Team. This is a collection of some of the best 2025’s in tbe state. This is a team made up of Division one talent at every position. They … Continue reading →

Today’s SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE NJ RISE MASONIOUS. The Rise may be a new name but Ellen Masonious is a brand name. Formally known as the Belles the NJ RISE is still a collection of talented players. This RISE team is … Continue reading →

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Tiny Green   Today’s SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE CENTRAL JERSEY HAWKS WESTROL U16. The CJ Hawks are still a brand name in AAU basketball, that means excellence. This team is a collection of 2025’s and 2026’s. This … Continue reading →

TEAM SPOTLIGHT: THE NEW JERSEY GYMZ U17 Select🏀  Todays SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE NEW JERSEY GEMZ U17 Select Team. This is a group made up of players from the former Team Rio organization and NJ BELLES. This is group of … Continue reading →

There is going to be a need to think differently, act differently and be differently these days. That’s of course if you want to make your dreams of playing college basketball come true. Players, coaches and parents will all have … Continue reading →

Soon the Shore Conference coaches All Division and ALL Shore Teams will come out. Like every year the coaches will try and share the wealth. They will try to make as many kids happy as possible in there programs. Some … Continue reading →

I have long said the hardest thing for kids to do is to get to the finish line. Thats the line at the end of the road before college starts. It’s the end of that long road a kid starts … Continue reading →

Nothing shocks me anymore these days. I’ve come to learn that expecting the unexpected is the norm. That is why it’s no surprise that we are entering the Settling Period. It’s that time of year when kids come to grips … Continue reading →

Next Week we will announce our first HOOP GROUP Postseason Awards. The DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM. There are a few things that you need to know about how I went about choosing the ALL DEFENSIVE … Continue reading →

Today I want to give advice to three different groups of players. First to those seniors moving on to college. Then to those returning to high school next year. Finally to those 8th graders going into high school. You would … Continue reading →

WINNING CHIPS is a big thing for any school. But when you win 8 STRAIGHT State Titles in a row. I think it’s safe to call that a dynasty. Lisa Kudoka has built something close to the Roman Empire. This … Continue reading →

To win a chip you must have a coach with a plan… You must have buy in from everyone… and of course your star must be a SUPERSTAR. When this happens great things happen. You make history and that’s exactly … Continue reading →

RENEE WELLS and her Middletown South teammates have been on a joy ride. The have surprised everyone except themselves this season and have had one of the best runs a team could dream making in the state tournament this year. … Continue reading →

RYLEE DRAHOS has always been quick to acknowledge her teammates. While its nice to be recognized for on court SUCESS. Rylee Drahos would rather just be part of something special. The problem is RYLEE DRAHOS herself is special and it’s … Continue reading →

IF YOUR PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL THIS TIME OF YEAR…. YOUR NOT JUST GOOD… YOUR BLESSED… and the Shore Conference is blessed with the best. So good look to the BIG 6 AND LET GO WE BRING IT ONE!!!

I have never written back to back blogs about a player, especially one in college. But when you play in one of the best college games we will see this year. Well your just a little different than most. Ariana … Continue reading →

Some stories you just can’t dream up. But, there so much better when you can live them and let others write about it and bathe in the moment. But as you you know every good story needs the hero who … Continue reading →

The past 10 days I have been writing about the incoming 2026 freshman classes in the Shore Conference. Yesterday I wrote about St. John Vianney. We all know that SJV is the gold standard in girls basketball these days. It’s the … Continue reading →

I have been called a lot of things. A genius is not one of them. But there is one thing I happen to know a lot more about than most folks and that’s the ability to evaluate talent. I can … Continue reading →

You hear it all the time, “it goes by by in the blink of an eye”. If there is any proof of that, it’s Kiley Capstraw of West Orange High school. It’s hard to believe KILEY played her last high … Continue reading →

Today I deliver some bad news unless you are part of Lancer nation. Better known as St John Vianney. Coach Karpell once again has one of the best freshman classes in the state of New Jersey moving in. This is … Continue reading →

There have been number great teams over the years, when you talk to shore basketball purists about the greatest teams they’ve ever seen. It’s the usually the same list of characters when this topic comes up. The Richardson, Davis teams … Continue reading →

SCT FINAL THOUGHTS

WHAT’S THEIR IDENTITY?

On Sunday, 4 seniors will play their last Shore Conference basketball game of their career TOGETHER! It will also be the last Shore Conference game of the season. That’s because it will be the SCT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. They will wrap … Continue reading →

Today I’m going to tell you why hype doesn’t matter. Today I’m going to give you some inside information. But first I want you to listen to want I’m about to say. Throw everything you hear about who the best … Continue reading →

This Sunday SJV will try to close the door on another SCT title. They will hope to add another banner in a gym stacked with championship banners. This one will be different than most. That’s because this could be the … Continue reading →

There are facts and then are truths and today I am going to give you a little of both. Today is going to be a chance for kids to learn a few things. Today you going to learn how to … Continue reading →

There is a change happening in the Shore Conference. That’s because there are programs that in the past lost their local players have gone to other more high profile schools. Now some public schools are now only just keeping their … Continue reading →

While RBC and SJV (Friday I will drop that list) are the cream of the crop when it comes to the incoming 2026 class. There is more talent, in this year’s class spread out throughout the shore. This years class … Continue reading →

RED BANK CATHOLIC vs. MANASQUAN HIGH SCHOOL TIP – 6:45PM WHERE- RWJBARNABAS ARENA

ST. JOHN VIANNEY VS RUMSON FAIR HAVEN TIP- 5:00 PM

Next year the Shore Conference will explode with talented babies. Next year will be the most talented group to enter the Shore in a decade. When you start talking about impact freshman, it gets everyone up in arms. But the … Continue reading →

THIS MONDAY… LETS GO!!!

When Nina Emnace and Siobhan Stapleton decided to take a chance on Trinity Hall two years ago. They were also putting there trust into coach Matt McCarthy something senior guard Haven Dora had already done three years earlier. These 4 … Continue reading →

The Shore Conference Tournament is going to pick up stream today. Tonight there’s going to be real excitement across the Shore Conference. This is when teams and players start to separate themselves from the crowd. This is when all the … Continue reading →

SCT 2ND ROUND GAME KEYS….SENIORS, SUPERSTARS, CLOSERS

The narrative in high school basketball changes this time of year. That’s because the attention shifts to winning and losing. That is the measuring stick. This time of year many players can feel the end of their careers and seasons … Continue reading →

This year is the weakest in Conference history. There is no denying that. It has opened the door for some teams to steal the spotlight. But after the 1st round of SCT what did we discover? The more things change … Continue reading →

SHORE CONFERENCE PREVIEW…. 20 MINS OF REAL TALK

In 4 weeks I will release this years ”GOLDEN DOZEN” it will list the 12 best freshman. Making the list this year will take some serious work. But if a kid makes the Golden Dozen there is a good chance … Continue reading →

Lots on the plate… so the final weekly awards and regular season rankings… SJV- unbeatable MANASQUAN- Out of chances to get better RBC- No Pissott still and a bad draw RFH- Can they beat a big girl team? RBR- Nobody … Continue reading →

The Shore seeding is done and all the talk is over. This year I felt the committee for the most part go it right. We all know that nobody can it it 100% correct when it comes to seeding. The … Continue reading →

SEEDING THOUGHTS… CHECK YOURSELF….IT’S YOUR BODY OF WORK THAT MATTERS