SHORE CONFERENCE “A” NORTH PREVIEW

A NORTH is the strongest Division in the state. It loaded with traditional powers. The Conference has the two best teams in the state along with a state champion. The conference has some of the very best coaches in the state who have won multiple SCT and STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THE FAVORITE:

RED BANK CATHOLIC

COACH: JOE MONTANO

RBC will start the season as the team to beat. They are the defending SCT CHAMPIONS. They have experience, size, shooters and ball handlers. They can play any style due to having such a deep flexible roster.

THE LINE UP:

TESSA LIGGIO-Sr – POINT GUARD- she is the one player RBC cannot afford to lose. She is the leader and backbone of the team

KATIE LIGGIO- Sr- SHOOTING GUARD- She is the best shooter in the Shore with parking lot range. Her ability to to score at every level presents problems for all opponents and opens up opportunities for her teammates even when she is not scoring.

DANIELA MALETSKY- Sr- WING- She may be the most underrated player in the Shore. Her dribble drive passing and scoring ability has no match. Her rebounding and defense goes unappreciated. She could make a run at First Team All Shore

ADDY NYEMCHEK-Sr- SWING- She is the best player in the State. She is the most versatile player in the state. She is the best defender in the state. Simply put everything at RBC starts right here with the “BAD WOMAN”

SOPHIA SMITH- Sr- FORWARD- She has been battling injuries this fall and recently sprained her ankle again. She has made a reputation for playing her best in big games. RBC will need a consistent year from her this season. Sophia Smith is now in a prime time role-

SCARLET LEVAKE- Sr- FORWARD- She is one of the most improved players in the state. She is big, strong and physical. She is an excellent rebounder and defender. She can play the role as a starter of off the bench.

LOLA GIORDANO- Sr- COMBO- She is the jock of all trades. She can play all three guards positions equally well. She is a lock down defender. She is a sneaky scorer especially in big moments on big stages

ABBY STURM- Soph- FORWARD- She has elevated her game to the point Coach Montano has full trust in her. She can score in the post or step away and knock down jumpers. Her role will expand this year.

THE FRESHMAN

SUMAIYAH LASHLEY- 5’10”- SWING- She will see minutes this season and join the rotation . She is big strong and athletic. She is the most gifted player in the freshman class in the Shore.

NAT WHITEHEAD- 5’5”- WING- She is a deadly shooter who can get to the rim. She may see spot minutes at times

DANIELLA BARAZOTTI- 5’3” – COMBO- She is highly skilled with a scoring mentality. She has a big future

AVERY GOLDFEDER 5’8”- COMBO- She has a high IQ and has real leadership skills. She is an excellent ball handler with great vision. She has a big future ahead of her.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Everything at RBC starts with defense. They are the best defensive team in the Shore Conference. They have speed, shot blockers and play great team defense both on and off the ball. Their offense is explosive because they score in a variety of ways. They are far and away the best shooting team in the shore. But they also can score in the paint and use there full court pressure to create offense. They gang rebound and are always looking to run.

THE QUESTIONS?

Losing Tessa Carman and Christina Liggio is bigger lost than most realize. Both scored 1000 thousand points and brought a real physical presence and leadership. Replacing them will not be an easy task. Next while seniors give you an advantage on most nights. The question is can this group of seniors remain tight and block out the drama and others expectations. Finally like every year it seems. How does Coach Montano keep 9 players happy

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This is a team stacked with D1 talent. The core seniors have won everything and done everything. If the play for each other they have a chance to leave a legacy as one of the best 4 year runs in RBC history

THE CONTENDER:

SJV will most likely start the year as the #2 team in the State and Shore. They have been trying to get over the hump the pass two years. Last year losing to RBC twice in hotly contested games. This year things could be very different if a very role players can make that step up-

THE COACH: DAWN KARPELL

THE SJV BIG THREE Madison Kocis, Stella Lockhart and Taylor Solfilkanick is as good as it gets. All three can take over games and put SJV on their back at anytime. All three have been in big games and have won SCT chips. They know what it takes. SJV has length size and strength. They also have something you can’t measure… PRIDE AND TRADITION!

THE LINE UP

MADISON KOCIS- Sr- COMBO- She will play the point guard position on most nights to start games. She is insanely efficient and polished. She is a deadly shooter. The First Team All Shore member will want to go out with another SCT CHIP

STELLA LOCKHART- Sr- FORWARD- She is very versatile and score in every way at every level. She has added something to her game each year. She is a excellent passer and underrated defender. Do not be surprised if Stella makes a run at the PLAYER OF THE YEAR

TAYLOR SOLFILKANICK- Sr- FORWARD- She is the most dominant post player in the Shore. She demands a double team anytime she has the ball. She is physical and extremely unselfish. She is the X factor because there is no true matchup for her.

TATUM SHARPE- SOPH- SWING- She is the most important player if SJV hopes to get over the hump. Tatum is capable of turning the lights out at multiple positions on defense. She is long and athletic. Rumored to have turned herself into an excellent deep ball shooter. If she brings additional scoring to the table. All bets are off and SJV becomes a serious problem.

LISSY LYONS- Sr- FORWARD- Once thought to be the Class goat. She showed real flashes this summer. Her shooting has improved and so has her motor. She will be asked to step into a pride time role this season. A big season could be on tap.

ANTONIA JACKSON- Soph- COMBO- She was thrown into the fire last year in big high pressured moments. She is a future star. She is strong, athletic, can pass, score and defend. Not only has she stepped up her game this fall. She has become a real leader. SJV will count on her in big moments. Expect a monster season from Antonia.

GIANNA SANO- Soph- COMBO- She is just what the doctor ordered for SJV. She brings quickness and speed. Two things SJV will welcome. She is deadly and creative with ball. She brings a real scoring mentality to the table. She is a true difference maker in every way. This is a future All Shore and All State player. Gianna Sano may be a big reason the SCT TROPHY may return to SJV

AVERY BARTH- Jr- COMBO- she has been waiting for her chance and this looks like the year she will get it. She has made dynamic improvement in her game. Her quickness and speed have been harness. She is a reliable shooter and scorer now. She is a major upgrade off the bench.

THE FRESHMAN:

BROOKE SOFILKANICH- 6’1″- FORWARD- She has size and plays with a real edge. She could see valuable minutes before the season is over

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Look for the big three to carry the offense. SJV may return to full time pressing. They have additional foot speed and are more experienced. The high/low action between Lockhart and Solfilkanick will be in full display. Madison Kocis will stretch the defenses with her three-point shooting.. but it’s the role players that Coach Karpell has to be excited about. Sharpe, Jackson, Sano, Lyons and Barth all have real upsides

THE QUESTIONS?

Can you ask so many role players to become prime time players at once? Who is the 3rd scorer? Can they stay healthy?

FINAL THOUGHTS

The pieces are in place for SJV. Moving Madison Kocis to the point to start games is an excellent move by Coach Karpell. I believe Antonia Jackson and Gianna Sano will give SJV a real energy lift. But in the end it will come down to will Tatum Sharpe and Lissy Lyons finally fulfill their promise. If they do in a lot of ways SJV is the favorite

THE FIELD

The fact of the matter is you don’t want to be in this division. But Manasquan has a real chance to play the spoiler role. They have speed and quickness . They are a difficult matchup as they play all guards and they all can score and defend. St. ROSE has proven over the years they fear no one. They have a deep roster with proven players. RFH and RBR simply do not have enough to win the division. The real question is who will finish 3rd in A NORTH

MY PICK