THE 2029 GOLDEN DOZEN
This 2029 GOLDEN DOZEN is as impressive as it gets. This class is loaded with talented players with big futures. Many will make immediate impacts at their high schools. In most years a class that starts with 6 or more D1 players is impressive. The year the 2029 Golden Class may have up to 7 D1 locks right out the gate. This class is loaded with shooters and play-makers. But there are some things about this class you want to play close attention too. This group is a group that has many players who are chasing hype. This is rare for rising Freshman, also the parents in this class present a different type of problem that we have not seen in recent years(Coaches you be wise to do your homework). So how this will all play out in 4 years will be interesting to say the least. One thing is clear, this class has a chance to be exceptional.
THERE ARE FEW THING YOU MUST KNOW
*** When you see the above logo next to a players name. That means unless a player has a injury or incident. They are considered a D1 lock and on the Early Bird D1 list. If the D1 logo does not appear, it does not mean a player is not D1, it just means that have not been discovered by coaches yet. Making this list will certainly rise their profile.
*** When you see the above logo it means a player is a GYM RAT. Now understand that if a player does not have this logo. It does not mean they are not hard workers in the gym most days. The different is Gym Rats never have excuses. They play hard daily and are master of their own faith and future. Remember GYM RATS always can play a level above their ability and improve your teams culture
RED BANK CATHOLIC clearly are the winners in this years incoming class. They have a army of talented players on the way including the class GOAT. But make no mistake Trinity Hall has picked up a nice group as well. SJV picked up a player that could be a dominant force. These three schools are in the driver’s seat for now. But remember their is two major players that may decided the balance in the Shore Conference coming along next year in the 2030 class. Sophia Rude and Cam Begley many be the two best 2030’s in the entire state.
Finally the list of player who did not make the Golden Dozen that have gone on to sensational careers is too long to list. So too those players who have not made the list. Use this disappointment as fuel to prove me and other wrong….
SUMAIYAH LASHLEY- RED BANK CATHOLIC- 5’10”- WING
She will enter the summer as the 2029 CLASS GOAT. There is no question in my mind that she is the most talented entering freshman in the state. She is the best two way player entering the Shore. She is a future D1 player and certainly a possible FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR. She is a rare talent, who is blessed with physical strength and quickness. She has the potential to be a dominating force in the game in all areas. She is evoling into a complete player as she has improved her three point shooting and balling handling. She is a excellent passer and a off the charts teammate. This is an impact player for RBC from day one. She has a chance to see major minutes on the Nationally Ranked RBC team.
ELLA KRAYL- TRINITY HALL-5’8″- COMBO
She is the odds on favorite to be the FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR. That’s because she is a elite shooter and next level passer right now. Ella Krayl is a gym rat and most importantly has seen her improvement curve grown each year. In fact her improvement curve is the best in this class.The combo guard has shooting range to 30 feet. She also has a competitive nature that will serve her well. She also has played against older competition all her life. High school basketball will not be a shock to this future D1 guards system at all. She is talented with a serious work ethic. Another highly skilled and mega talented baby. If her future Trinity Hall teammates embrace her. She will give Trinity an elite scorer and playmaker from day one. She is a future 1000 point scorer. This is a possible 4 year starter.
BROOKE SOFILKANICH- SJV-6’0″- FORWARD
Like her sister 4 years ago. No player in the freshman class has her upside…She has size, strength and is athletic. She runs the floor and is super . competitive. Now throw in she will be in one of the best teaching environments in the country like her sisters and greatness awaits. D1 College coaches will beg for her services. She has soft hands to play in the post and she can step away from the basket and shoot. This is a highly skilled player. She is smart and coachable. This could be the best post player in the Shore before her high school days are over.
NATALIE WHITEHEAD- RBC- SHOOTING GUARD
She is the most explosive scorer in this class. She has range to 30 feet and most importantly can get to the rim and score. She has a creative offensive package. The gym rat has played against the best of the best. She checks every box as a pure shooter off screens and handoffs. She is that rare pure shooter who is creative OFF THE BOUNCE. More importantly she will have the perfect mentor in Katie Liggio, the best shooter in the state. Do not be surprised if she finds her way on the court next season. Simply because of her ability to score. She is a future All shore type guard. Her physical growth in the last 6 months make her even more of a problem. She has gotten stronger physically. This could one day be one of the leading scorers in the Shore Conference one day.
PEYTON CLARK – TBS- POINT GUARD
There is no question her rise to the status as one of the best entering pure point guard in the the entire state, has gone almost unknown class. A true Testament to her insane work ethic and family not caught up in hype and brand names. She is one the most compete entering POINT GUARD in New Jersey. Her rise is mostly due to her competitive, tough minded and creative style. She is almost unguard-able off the dribble. her handle is a ball on string filled with hesitations, change of pace and dirty moves. The future D1 guard has all the necessary requirements to be the best point guard in New Jersey one day. Strong but true words.
VANESSA VOWTERAS- MANASQUAN- COMBO
Her sister was named FIRST TEAM ALL FRESHMAN year ago. Vanessa has a good chance to make it two in a row. The combo guard is lighting quick with a masterful handle. She can also knock down jumpers. She is a handful in transition and a hard nose defender. This is a player with a full package. Do not be surprised to check back in 4 years and see that this is one of the best players in the 2029 class. Her improvement curve, IQ, length and talent are what coaches crave. The is competitive, a true teammate and winner. She will certainly wear a D1 uniform. She will be in the 1st Team All Freshman Conversation. This is a player with a Ferocious quite competitive nature… she is an intangible queen. Another Manasquan baby that will impact from day one.
https://x.com/newjerseyrise/status/1907040364206211518
MONTANA KNOELLER- SHORE REG- 5’6″- COMBO
This is a interesting pick to our 2029 Golden Dozen. She has not seen the older elite competition so this is a flyer pick. But she has shown real flashes that she could be the sleeper of this class. She has an ability to knock down the three and her. handle is solid as a rock. There is a real upside here. Especially since she is attending Shore Reg where she will get lots of mins and shots. She has nice quickness and her body has the potential to fill out in the next every year.
KATHERINE McCARTHY- TRINITY HALL 5’8″- SWING
She is another player with a massive with upside. She is easily the best passer entering the in the Shore next season. her vision and basketball IQ is a classic example of a coaches daughter. She has stepped up her offensive game and could find herself getting real meaningful minutes next season with a good summer of player of development. This is a Swiss Knife who can move around and play multiple positions. I believe she could be that swing player with enough talent to impact Trinity in a big way if can get focused. She has size, length, skills and feel for the game. The upside for McCarthy is unlimited and she could be a missing piece for Trinity.
NAIMA MORALES SOLIVAN- GIL BERNARD- 5’10”- SWING
Now this is a strange choice because she is not from the Shore Conference. But she does all her training at the Shore. She will call her Shore adopted in the case. Make no mistake if she played in the Shore, she would be my choice for Pre-Season Freshman of the Year. No player in the 2029 class had made the jump that this young lady has made. She is blessed with a work ethic from the gods. The lefty is not only highly skilled, she understands how to play. She has master both her post game and shooting game. Now throw in that she is not only the most fundamentally sound defender in the class by a mile. She is a excellent rebounder and passer. This is will one day be a ALL STATE PLAYER
AVERY “THE WORKHORSE” GOLDFEDER – RBC- 5’8″- COMBO
The physical growth in the last two years has been remarkable. But it’s her game that has closed the gap on many hyped up freshman. RBC is getting not only a future starter. They are getting culture player as well. There is a reason her nickname is the “workhorse”. That’s because nobody works as hard as she does in the 2029 class. More importantly her production is as good as it gets. Folks the video don’t lie. She is a warrior of warriors. She will instantly give RBC defensive toughness, ball handling and reliable scoring. Her 50/50 count will be massive. Do not be surprised to see this young lady in a D1 uniform one day. The work ethic says the odds are in her favor. She is a classic combo guard in that she can play any guard position equally well. She has a WINNING PERSONALITY!
GIANNA SCHORR- TRINITY HALL- 5’9″- SWING
Three weeks ago, she would not have appeared on this list. But a few things have happened. Her confidence is soaring and she has become a legit scorer and rebounder without fanfare. She also is showing up more and more in the gym. This has lead to a major gym in her status. Her growth spurt has come into play as well. Do not be surprise if she becomes a 6ft shooting guard. She is a deadly three point shooter with a nice mid range game. But it’s her sneaky offensive rebounding that is everyone is missing. She also has shown a knack for hitting big shots. She could be a massive surprise for Trinity hall this season.
DANIELLA BARAZOTTI- 5″4″- RBC- COMBO
She is a deadly shooter to 25 feet and another player with a real feel for the game. She is a excellent passer and teammate. She understands how to play off handoffs or to use screens. She is a vastly underrated 50/50 ball winner. She has a legit handle in transition or against pressure. She is blessed with elite footwork and timing. She has developed every pivot move along the way. She is by far the most crafty player in this class. Barazotti plays way bigger than her size. She knows how to use her body and IQ to gain an advantage over opponents. She has a big personality and a big future.
TINY GREEN CAMP DATES….. EARLY BIRD ENDS NEXT WEEK!
