SHORE CONFERENCE PREVIEW

There will be some real battles for Shore Conference titles this season. No question the toughest conference not only in New Jersey but maybe in the country is A Central which is loaded with superstar coaches, players and schools with a history of mega success. But when you take a look at B north that added RBC you realize that they have state title winner from last year in Colts Neck and Neptune. This could wind up being a interesting race for the title. B South has Monsignor Catholic and John Truhan’s Central looking like the teams to beat. St. Rose again will be in B central and the real battle is who will come in 2nd place. St. Rose will need to win a few big non- conference games to gain the respect that worked so hard to earn since Joe Whalen took over. I’m sure most people are assuming A North is a wrap with Tom Brennan’s Middletown South team. I say be very careful for two reasons, one is Freehold Twp that can match them talent wise and two there are 3 teams who cannot win it in my opinion but on any night can beat the favorites. A South should be Southern’s to lose this year and if things break right this team could be a great season for Southern Reg kids…

A CENTRAL-

Nobody can match the SJV front-court

This conference is loaded folks… SJV for my money after watching them this weekend is the most complete team in the division. They have everything; shooters, size, quickness, experience and a deep bench. The Lancers have matured physically as well, almost every player looks taller and stronger. The Kellyville backcourt is as good as it gets and they have the best front line in the shore by a long shot with Kimi Evans, Zoe Pero and Gigi Caponergo. Here is the big question…who is closing close games?

RFH has the ultimate closer in Stant!

The most talented team in the Shore is Rumson, they have no less than 8 D1 players on there roster. They have a serious different maker in mega closer Grace Stant. RFH has seniors and there is nothing nicer than having seniors. The real question is going to be chemistry and that comes down to this….how do you keep 12 talented players happy? Emma Miller and Tori Hyduke are major additions to this seasons roster.

THE CHAMPS ARE HERE…THE CHAMPS ARE HERE!

Manasquan has super woman and Marina Mabrey trumps everything on any given night. They are asking basically an entire time to go from role players to prime time players. Victoria Galvan will be asked to replace Hoop Group First Team Sam Sullivan. She saw few minutes last year and this may come back to bite Manasqaun early. But make no mistake she has real ability both around the basketball and outside. Dara Mabrey will need to special in order for this to team to even think about repeating, a tall order for young inexperienced player. But squan does have a proven star in the making in Stella Clark. Courtney Hagaman has already proved she plays her best in big games. Her late season run has almost been forgotten. There is a real case to be made she was the 2nd best player in the SCT. But the real question is where is the bench? Addie Masonious will need to step up and Gillian Black almost certainly have to give them the shooting and solid play all teams need off the bench. In the end it really comes down to two things for Manasquan…Can they score enough when Marina Mabrey is not going off? and can their speed compensate for the huge disadvantage physically they will give away to the elite teams?

MORGAN GRAZIANO IS A REAL PROBLEM FOR EVERYONE!

Holmdel has a starting line with 4 D1 starters in Morgan Graziano, Mia Ehling, Sidney Caffano and the most exciting player to enter the shore in years in Christina Antonkakis. Caffaro and Antonakakis will need to grow up in a hurry because this division is loaded with stud guards. Jen Inman gives Holmdel a serious 5th starter and that makes them a threat to every team in the division. This is not a team you want to see on a bad shooting night. The real question is do they have enough of a bench? If Graziano gets into foul trouble where do they go next? Holmdel is a very dangerous team folks…good enough to win the division? My guess is no…good enough to knock out a team that can? NO DOUBT!

PREDICTION-

She will play your team…ANY PLACE..ANY TIME…ANY WHERE!

This is a 4 team race folks and I believe Holmdel holds the key to everything. Why? Because Holmdel is going to knock somebody off, who I don’t know. But its going to happen. With that being said on paper …SJV WINS A CENTRAL But I would not discount RFH or Manasquan.

PRE-SEASON AWARD WINNERS-

PLAYER OF THE YEAR– MARINA MABREY

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR– CHRISTINA ANTONAKAKIS

COACH OF THE YEAR– DAWN KARPELL