The first live weekend was filled with hopes and dreams. Many players shined and improved their recruiting stock. One thing that was clear is that there is lots of talent available across every level of play. There are a few things I learned about the first LIVE PERIOD
Katie Liggio of the Shoreshots HGSL team, was in Spooky Nook and she put on a show. Liggio proved she is maybe the most explosive shooter in New Jersey. Her shooting range and ability to get defenders off balance is remarkable. She clearly is in heavy demand. My guess a decision by the RBC guard is not far away.
Taylor Solfilkanick was unstoppable at BOO WILLIAMS. The Gemz forward simply dominated in the paint. She scored it seemed anytime the GEMZ guards found a way to get her the ball. She displayed elite footwork and an ability to get on the glass. Truthfully she didn’t get the ball enough. But it didn’t matter. As one D1 coach said “whoever taught her how to play in the post deserves a raise” good news for the Karpell family I guess.
One game certainly doesn’t make you the MVP of an event. But Toni Pernetti of the Untied U17 team on Saturday was off the charts good. The RAMAPO guard displayed almost every skill set. She showed a sweet shooting stroke, great court vision as well as an ability to defend at every level on the floor. She was sensational and no question improved her recruiting status.
Tessa Liggio once again proved she is the best pure point guard in New Jersey by a country mile. The floor general was on top of her game all weekend. Not only does she run the show. She cannot be pressured and never coughs up the ball. Now throw in the fact she is a deadly shooter. It will be interesting to see where she attends college. There are schools trying to recruit both she and her sister.
The two players college coaches were talking about most in terms of improving their stock. Madison Kocis and Sam Grella. Both had weekends that caught the eyes of coaches. It’s seems every coach I spoke to brought up both their names. They both have multiple D1 offers on the table. They clearly will be picking up a few more.
Addy Nyemchek told me “ I am happy with my schools right now. The do it all RBC guard plays for the Philly Rise. She sounds like someone who may be very happy to make a decision before the July period. Bad news for those schools still trying to get in the mix.
The New Jersey Rise is the most underrated crew by far. Grace Feeney had a super human performance on Friday. She just dominated the opening game of the Live Period. Daniela Maletsky is flat out in my opinion a game changer in the Patriot League. The RBC guard is explosive and the best dribble drive passer I have seen. It was nice to hear coaches asking about her. She’ll have a number offers come July. She currently holds D1 offers.
The United U16 team led by Lissy Lyons and Tatum Sharpe had some moments during the weekend. Coach by Jimmy 0, team showed flashes that they have lots of potential, too be a surprise team this summer.
Jen Liggio proved why she just may be the best in the business right now. She made her U16 Shoreshots play U17 during the live period. Not worrying about wins and losses but rather exposure. The result 15-25 coaches at every game. You have to be happy for St. Rose GYM RAT, Callie Decker, who now is receiving D1 interest and seems to have caught the eye of coaches. Brilliant job by Coach Liggio.
Just found out from a college coaches. I coached ALENH SUNKINS dad. He played a year for me at FDU. He was athletic and gifted. It seems his daughter has picked up his genes. She currently plays for the gauchos and is a D1 player.
TEAGAN DRENNAN made her return to the live period after sitting the entire high school season out with an injury. She wasted little time reminding us the she was once a All Freshman First Team player for Trinity Hall. She lit up the three point line. The CJ Hawks had the sidelines packed with college coaches. Randy Westrol just seems to deliver every year for his players and the first live period was a great example.
How good is the Gemz 2028 team? In a word “ marvelous” they are just stacked with talent. Gianna Sano, Isla Fry , Antonia Jackson, AVA CATANHO. I mean I could go on forever this group is the future. More importantly they share the ball and play the right way. They are a college coaches dream team.
How about Colt’s Neck’s, Allison McAndrew, right now. She right now can make a case as the most improved freshman in the state. She is dominating the competition and the Live Period was her official breakout. She displayed a complete game on both sides of the ball. Her shooting has gone next level. But it’s her rebounding and defense which has shocked folks. There is no question she will pick up a D1 offer this summer.
CAMDEN EPSTEIN, of RAMAPO plays for the Gemz. Many kids pick the wrong AAU team. Some coaches thought she was one of those kids. Well it seems Miss Epstein had a great EYBL debut. The word from college coaches is that she played great and in fact at least two mentioned. She deserves more playing time. Bravo for that young lady.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BELLE ALVARADO. The young lady really earned this opportunity. A fee education and gets to play with many of her Shore friends
Catie Klemm once again showed out. The NJ PANTHERS guard is going to find a number of D1 schools love her game. She has gone from a sleeper to a player that many are discovering is special.
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Team Sharpe’s U17 team is just loaded. They are picking up D1 offers it seems every minute. They had tons of coaches watching them play. Jordan Barnes is so under appreciated it’s nuts.
Finally it’s amazing how so many fathers think they understand the recruiting process. It’s really shocking. They move their kids from team to team. Everything in many cases are driven by ego. It’s sad to watch and more importantly. They don’t understand coaches are saying unflattering things about them. Dad’s you need to stop living though your daughters.
TOMORROW THE 2026 EARLY BIRD D1 LIST
