I KNOW THIS… RIGHT NOW

This week I was caught off guard by a few things. That’s because like every fall you discover who is looking like there going to have a big season. There is no question, I know a few things.

Last night in the Hoop Group Fall league. Grace Feeney put on a show. She was toying with the St. Rose defenders. She was burying jumpers like a grave digger. She was by far the best player in gym last. She has continued to light up just about anyone that dares to try and take her on. The Shore is filled with kids with big reputations. Grace Feeney may not be one of them. But I know this, she is going to be in the hunt for 1st Team All Shore, if this keeps up.

Speaking of St. Rose, they are playing the fall games with one goal to WIN! They basically played 5 1/2 half players last night. There is no question they are taking the fall league games more serious than anyone else. Brooke Missry is maybe there most complete player these days. Her defense is ALL SHORE like, the passing is simple and insanely effective and the shooting you ask? Lets just say she is one of the best in the building. Cassidy Kruise once known as a defensive stopper is now an offensive juggernaut. Jada Lynch look like she is rounding into form. I know St. Rose is good, I just don’t know their ceiling.

Red Bank Regional celebrates after winning the WOBM Christmas Classic Ray Cervino Bracket girls basketball game between Red Bank Regional and Wall at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena at Toms River High School North in Toms River, NJ on Saturday, December 30, 2023.

RED BANK REG got a lesson in speed and defense last night. RBC took them to the woodshed. But RBR had some real positives and that’s what the fall is all about. They did a wonderful job of handling the RBC press for most of the night. Synai BLYCHANTON is so talented is jumps off the page. The explosive junior guard has attracted lots of interest from D1 schools. When she learns to stop or pull up for mid range shots. The D1 offers will come rolling in non stop. Kristen Conners was a real bright spot as well. RBR lives and dies with the three and there Princeton offense. But I know there going to have to be a little more creative and competitive if they want to make real noise this year. Pay attention to their schedule, rather than piling up wins, they need some competition to toughen them up.

BRICK TWP continues to let the Shore Conference know, they may be the next Ocean Twp. There babies are the real deal. They have true competitive nature’s and are not afraid of competition or the gym. I know Ari Wissen is the leading candidate for FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR. KENDALL FREDRICKSEN No question will be in the All shore Conversation.

MY UP TO THE MINUTE 1st Team ALL SHORE… not status or crowning here…

ADDY NYMECHEK- RBC

CHRISTINA LIGGIO- RBC

MADISON KOCIS- SJV

TAYLOR SOLFAKANICK- SJV

GRACE FEENY- TRINITY HALL

HOWELL is moving up the ladder in my opinion. Now the lack of kids getting in the gym like the RBC and SJV’s of the world may prevent them from taking that next step. But Keira MCKNOWN and KYLEE BEAN are as good of a frontline there is not named RBC or SJV. I know HOWELL can take out anyone besides the two super powers.

I mean how good is Tatum Sharpe these days? Let me help you out. Real good as in get ready for her to not just have a breakout season. But a impactful one. I know that Tatum Sharpe is going to be highly recruited. She is a high major player these days…. FACTS!

I know the NCAA doing away with letter of intent is going to lead to some very crazy recruiting stories and lots of problems for kids and schools. Each school will have their own personal letter of intent. A letter of Intent that will be symbolic only for all practical purposes.

Last night something interesting happened. The shooting in the fall league was exceptional. I have not seen that type of efficiency in two years. I know if this keeps up there are going to be some exciting games in the Shore

HERE IS MY UP TO THE MINUTE TOP 10

1. RBC

2. SJV

3. St. ROSE

4. TRINITY HALL

5. MANASQUAN

6. RANNEY

7. HOWELL

8. RBR

9. JACKSON MEM

10. RFH

RFH saw the return of ERIN RIED last night. She looked like she ready to have a big year. But the real story is GRACE SMITH and BROOKE JAENICKE. Both were outstanding yet again last night. I know if these two continue to preform, RFH, like it seems every year, will make me eat my ranking.

I know kids who skip there training sessions to save their legs for a fall league game is a sign of not understanding what it takes. I know ABBY STRUM of RBC understands this, she did all her training yesterday. Then stepped it up last night in games. She played great last night. She is thinking long term. She also is now just a bit taller than 6th

I know trainers need to stop bragging about kids they train in order to draw in other kids. Parents and kids are so gullible. They also play politics versus focusing on improving… oh well that’s a old story.

I know the AAU dance has started. Kids sneaking around and going to open gyms playing with other teams. It a reminder, AAU brings out the worst in everyone. Here is some advice, check the track record because that never lie. The best predictor of the future is the past…. Not that complicated folks.

MY CURRENT LIST OF TOP 5 FRESHMAN

GAINNA SANO- SJV

ANTONIA JACKSON- SJV

ARI WISSEN – BRICK

ALLISON MCANDREW- TRINITY HALL

CASEY ZAMMIT- HOWELL

CALISTA VOWTERAS – MANASQUAN

Now a number of kids have elevated the games this fall. . But what people forget. It’s starts in August when most kids are sleeping on the job

AUGUST is where you’re never an underdog, if you’re a PLAYER with potential. Emerging players can steal the spotlight because top players are not playing attention and those weaker players as usual are taking time off.