JERSEY LIVE A HIT… RECAP!

JERSEY LIVE was a great success this weekend. You can start with the organizers of the event. They hit a total home run. The games ran on time, the officiating was excellent. The score keepers responsible and the facilities outstanding. This was as well run event as you will see this entire summer. It makes you wonder why AAU cannot do the same.

The talent this weekend was outstanding and there were some outstanding performances. Julia Scott put on a show vs RBC on Friday. Many coaches stated it was the best they had ever seen the nationally ranked player preform. Scott showed an ability to step away from the basket with a variety of moves. Step backs, threes and shot fakes to open up drives. All this to go allow with her dynamic post game and rebounding. She certainly send a message to all watching. They she has not been living off hype and still improving.

KATIE LIGGIO, who recently committed to RHODE ISLAND was once again sensational. She was not just hitting shots from the parking lot but her floor game and defense has been exceptional. It’s clear Katie Liggio is throwing her name in the Player of The Year sweepstakes. She has not been just good but of one the most consistent players this spring in the state.

For those who think Morris Catholic is going away. That is wishful thinking. That’s because JAX EDELMAN is a legit star. The 6’0” wing showed she is one of the best 2027’s in the state. She is not just versatile and highly skilled, she is super competitive. There is no question she will be one of the most recruited players in New Jersey next year. But what really makes Morris Catholic a special team is JAYAH CURTIS. The unselfish wing is a deadly shooter, plays with a high IQ and is one of the most efficient players in the state. She is a special talent and has 1st Team All State written all over her, she is that good. Morris Catholic looks like a Top 5 team in the state still.

TRINITY HALL got off to a slow start but picked up the last two days. Whitney Hobson continues to shine. She has been a model of consistency and rock all spring. Coaches saw her knock down the three, get to the rim and play turnover free basketball. She is the ultimate utility guard. Grace FEENEY, showed why you must see players in their high school setting. She had 5 threes on Friday and 23 points. She also caught the eye of a number of Patriot and Ivy schools. Her stock is clear up after the weekend.

Danny Malesky, picked up more D1 offers this weekend. She was outstanding for RBC. The athletic Malesky once again proved she is an elite defender and rock star dribble drive passer. Her teammate Scarlett LeVake continues to show why coaches are dropping offers to her left and right. She is a great example of a unselfish player getting rewarded

You cannot talk about the weekend with bringing up the performance’s of Addy Nyemchek of RBC and Madison Kocis of SJV. Nyemchek had a breakout game on Saturday. She simply played her best game I have seen her play in a very long time. She was unstoppable on offense and then took over the game on defense. She simply was in a different level on Saturday. But not to be outdone Madison Kocis put on a performance the reminded everyone of her SCT CHAMPIONSHIP performance as a freshman. She had 5 threes in the first half. Not to mention electrifying drives to the basket. She had easily the best half of basketball I have seen this spring. Her passing is almost taken for granted. She was not just on another level. She was on a different level planet.

Speaking of SJV, there is no question in my mind as of today they are the #1 team in the state. The development of Lissy Lyons and Tatum Sharpe has been a hit. Both will wear D1 uniforms. Coaches were buzzing about both juniors. SJV played without Taylor Solfilkanick and the backcourt of Gianna Sano and Antonia Jackson and still blew out everyone in their way. Stella Lockhart is going to make a claim for POY and All State. She looks in tip top shape. This crew is scary to say the least.

Ava Lamonica and Ava Frith were outstanding all three days. Both players are primed to chase a State title after they sign at D1 schools. But what makes Rutgers Prep special is one name, HAILEY BENBOW. The most exciting and gifted player in the event. There’s zero question in my mind, she is a future Mega Star. She has Mickey D All American written all over her. There is nothing Hailey Benbow can’t do with a basketball. RUTGERS PREP is easily a Top 5 team in the state.

LOLA McGONIGLE of Wildwood Catholic showed why size doesn’t matter. The crafty guard showed she can impact the game on both sides of the ball and more importantly elevate her teammates. The term coach on the floor is too often over used. But clearly not in this case. Young lady GET TO THE NBS CAMP.

GIGI BURGESS plays at DePaul high school and I have only one word to say “SHOCKING”. Folks this is a whole different animal. The quickness, speed and handle are next level. She certainly has to be considered one of the best young guards in the state.

CHATHAM was one of the real surprise teams of the weekend. Grace Cloud was outstanding. The 6’0” wing just grows on you and now coaches are taking notice.

What else can you say about the spring Allison McAndrew has had this year. The rising sophomore from Colts Neck dropped 24 points and continued her masterpiece of a spring at Jersey Live

5 MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAYERS

HAILEY BENBOW– RUTGERS PREP

MADISON KOCIS– SJV

KATIE LIGGIO– RBC

ADDY NYEMCHEK– RBC

JAYAH CURTIS– MORRIS CATHOLIC

Just a quick note to parents.. your reputations are catching up to you. You are causing coaches to hesitate regarding your children… PLEASE STOP

CAMP DATES!