THE GREATEST FRESHMAN CLASS IN SHORE HISTORY… THE RBC 2016 BABIES!
Four years ago a group of freshman arrived on the RBC campus. This group was unlike any one group to enter a school at one time. They created a buzz like no other group before them. There were those who were not happy about the alliance. There were those who said they were overrated. There were those who said there would not be enough basketballs. But the greatest freshman class in SHORE history has proven them all wrong.
Addy Nyemchek, Tessa Liggio, Katie Liggio, Lola Giordano, Daniela Maletsky, Sophia Smith and Synai Blychanton will be remembered for years to come as the magnificent seven. The group that helped RBC make it to the SCT FINAL as freshman and almost shock the NJ basketball world before Madison Kocis and SJV defeated them in one of the best Shore conference tournament finals in history. They would soon get their revenge. Lost in all this was the magnificent job legendary Coach Joe Montano did all season. Somehow Coach Montano convinced a talented group to be patient and share time with his group of talented seniors. Coach Montano implemented a five in and five out strategy and pressed opponents all season. The strategy allowed him to play 10 players and more importantly kept his entire roster happy. He figured out that nobody was going to totally happy but winning takes care of everything and his team won and they won a lot.
If you want to know what made the RBC Magnificent seven special. You must understand a few things about them. First they all were gym rats. They lived in the gym 24/7 and they embraced tough coaching. None of them took shorts cuts along the way. They were hungry and dedicated. Next they were willing to accept their roles and play as a group vs being individuals. They gave up personal glory and attention for wins and a legacy that will never be forgotten. The RBC MAGNIFICENT SEVEN have far exceeded every expectation along the way.
It was at the Fort Summer League when it was clear this group was special. You see the haters only come out when they feel greatness knocking on the door. I heard them say Addy Nyemchek was too thin and to weak, Katie Liggio couldn’t defend, Tessa Liggio was too small, Sophia Smith will never play, Lola Giordano was overrated, Daniella Maletsky was a one handed bandit. They said Joe Montano will never keep them all happy. Well in fact they all were happy and only Synai Blychanton left. She packed her bags and has gone on to star at RBR. Meanwhile the RBC 2016 class.have all gone on to sign D1 scholarships with Lola GIORDANO signing a full scholarship to division two East Stroudsburg. In other words, the RBC 2016 freshman class of four years ago have more than fulfilled their promise.
It was over a decade ago when RBC won its last SCT title and state title. If you didn’t know better, you would think that could not be true. But it was a fact until the RBC magnificent seven arrived and that all changed. Since they have arrived RBC has won its first SCT in a decade, won its first State title and been nationally ranked. They are once again the measuring stick for all high school programs. They are the YANKEES of New Jersey girls basketball. Not just because of wins and losses. They are the measuring stick because how their program is run. They do it with class and every player in the program understands it’s about the name on the front not the back. There players all go to college, not just ordinary colleges, but the special ones the great academic institutions who play high level basketball. Their players are more prepared than just about any other freshman across the country. The magnificent seven has just reminded us of what greatness looks like. They have been great on and off the court. They have proven one ball is enough when everyone is on the same page with the same goals.
When you break down the RBC freshman class of 4 years ago. You realize besides them exceeding every expectation. They all had special gifts in there own way.
ADDY NYEMCHEK has become one of the best players in the entire country. She clearly is the best player in the state if NJ. But it was her humbleness and ability to rise the level of her teammates that truly made her special. Her willingness is shared the spotlight allowed everyone to shine. Addy’s next stop is Indiana University and the McDonald’s all American game.
TESSA LIGGIO. is the best pure point guard these eyes has ever seen. She is a player that understands the moment and throughout her career, she has shined brightly and in the biggest moments. Her leadership skills cannot be matched and her mental toughness is 2nd to none. Next year, she will play at Bucknell University and instantly become one of the best gods in the patriot league.
KATIE LIGGIO is the best big game and deep ball shooter in the state of New Jersey. They told her she could not defend and now she has turned herself into an excellent defender, but it’s her basketball IQ that has led her to her next stop Rhode Island University of the Atlantic 10 conference. She is a future All State player. Her development over the years has been dynamic.
SOPHIA SMITH. simply call her Big Game Sophia. If not for Sophie Smith, there is no state title and no Shore conference titles. She has been the special sauce for Red bank Catholic over the years. Sophia has overcome so many obstacles along the way . It has made her stronger and taught her adversity builds character, and strength. Harvard University has a player that just may surprise everyone.
LOLA GIORDANO IT’S IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO LIKE LOLA. SHE IS THE ULTIMATE TEAMMATE AND CAPTAIN. SHE IS A PLAYER COACHES DREAM ABOUT…..she does all the little things both on and off the court. She has played every role from point guard to forward to defensive stopper. She does the winning shit. East Stroudsburg is the luckiest D2 school in the country, right now.
DANIELLA MALETSKY is so talented and gifted it’s often got lost over the years. I truly believe First Team All Shore may be in her future. She has done all the dirty work over the years. She has been that glue for RBC. No player has ever given more of themselves and been so unappreciated. Her passing and rebounding ability will be welcomed at WEST POINT
Synai Blychanton transferred to RBR and has become a star for them. She had a breakout season last year and her future looks bright.
There is not more left to say about the RBC 2016 magnificent seven. They have accomplished so much in their time. They each have given up so much personal Glory for the good of the cause. They won’t be remembered for awards and stats. But rather for the CHIPS and how each one sacrifice for each other for the betterment of the team. That is so rare today when it’s about hype and status. None of them cared about Credit. Joe Montano has to be given a big thumbs up. . When you have so much talent it often leads to drama and in fighting. But the Hall of Fame Coach managed to keep this group together. Now they are seniors, they will start the year out as the #1 team in the state. With that comes pressure and expectations. But the RBC MAGNIFICENT SEVEN has had to deal with that, the moment they arrived on campus 4 years ago. Now they hope to write the final chapter of what has been a remarkable story from day one!
