Some kids dream of playing Division one basketball. That dream sometimes is not what they expected, when it does come true. Often a player does not get the playing time they hoped for. They sometimes play in empty cold gyms. The administration sometimes treats the team like 2nd class citizens. But worse, sometimes the team does not win and basketball ceases to be fun. For Three former Shore players all their dreams are coming true at Montclair State University...and basketball is not just fun…but a lifetime experience not to be forgotten.
The Jr. is working on a All American career.
Zoe Curtis has been part of big moments her entire career!
Rachel Krauss has been a big shot maker her entire career.
Sometime in the next few weeks I will make a trip to Montclair State University. I will grab a seat in there little arena. Unlike at some Division one schools, there will be folks fighting for the those seats. The crowd will be made up of students, family members and old timers. The radio crew led by a former Shore guy himself, Sean Martin and crew will be pumped. The cheering and excitement will be a real energy rush. The mascot and cheerleaders will have fun working the crowd up. It will be a good night, because most likely Montclair State University will win. It’s what they do at MSU…WIN. The #11 team in the country will also have the SHORE THREE, leading the charge. Seniors Captain Zoe Curtis, 2nd leading scorer Rachel Krauss, and Jr. Superstar Katie Sire. They have been part of why, MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY just may be the most successful college basketball team in all of New Jersey and that’s not just talk.
NCAA TOURNAMENT BIDS AND FINAL FOURS ARE THE NORM.
Some kids choose a college for their ego to be massaged. Rachel Krauss, Zoe Curtis and Katie Sire choose a college for a different reason; to be part of something special. They made a wise choice because what these girls have experienced in their college basketball careers is nothing short of amazing. All three have played in a Final Four…been ranked Nationally…won Conference titles, played in front of packed houses and of course on TV. Their careers have been nothing but big moments on top of big moments. This year is no different, all three are having dreams seasons, in an effort to get back to the FINAL FOUR. You see at Montclair State University the goals are different. The expectations are different. They are one of the best programs in the country. They are the measuring stick, they only take the best students and people. Then they put them on a basketball court and watch them kick butt. Not many programs at any level have combined the academic success and athletic success of MSU.
Coach Harvey has done more than win games…she has created a family atmosphere
Coach Karin Harvey has been insanely successful at Montclair State University. She has done just about all their is at the school. Her track record of success this side of Vivian Stringer of Rutgers cannot be matched by any other college coach in the state. But it’s when you watch her teams play, that makes you shake your head. You are truly shocked to believe Division 3 basketball could be played at this level. NO DIVISION ONE school in New Jersey would dare put them on their schedule….I said NONE. They play a quick ball moving, uptempo style. They are ants that never stop coming on defense, who grind you up. But more importantly ask anyone surrounded by the program….THEY ARE A FAMILY FIRST. It’s clear the moment you walk in the gym. From the administrators, parents, trainers, fans, mascot to cheerleaders. This is the true definition of a college experience.
THE SHORE THREE’S IMPACT HAS BEEN UNMISTAKABLE
Katie Sire was a star at Raritan and not much has changed.
This year Katie Sire formerly of Raritan high school is averaging 14.0 points and 7 rebounds a game. Sire is becoming one of the best players in the country. Last night for example, she had 29 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in a win. Many thought she would jump ship to a Division one school; after her banner freshman year. But Sire loves her school, teammates and coaches. She is working on a All American, Hall Of Fame type career.
Colts Necks RACHEL KRAUSS found the perfect home at Montclair State Univ.
Rachel Krauss is averaging 10 points a game and shooting 37% from the three point line. Krauss is known for here timely shooting. She has knocked down some BIG SHOTS over her career. I was there to see her breath taking 3 point dagger to beat Rowan in the Conference Championship game. She has been nothing short of brilliant during her career. The former Colts Neck star was named 2nd Team All Conference last year. She hopes to move up one team this year.
THE FORMER RED BANK REG STAR IS LIVING THE DREAM
Zoe Curtis must be smiling watching her old Red Bank Reg coach James Young get it done. She was on the ground floor, helping Coach Young build his program. Well I can assure you, James Young is very proud of Miss Curtis. She is lighting up box scores at MSU. How does 8.1 points, 6 rebounds and two steals a game for the #11 team in the country move you? No, then how about the Earth shattering 42% shooting percentage from beyond the arc? Not to mention she is a elite defender. Last year she had 18 points and 4 rebounds in the first round of a NCAA Tournament win. Curtis has long been one of my favorites and it going to be hard to replace a program winning kid like her, even for Montclair State University.
MONTCLAIR STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL IS THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE.
Coach Karin Harvey and her staff with the help of a great administration…have built a sort of Roman Empire. She has done it with first class facilities and a winning atmosphere. She has surrounded herself and kids with QUALITY PEOPLE. It’s this and the MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY TRADITION, she sells to recruits and their parents. She has no bigger or better Ambassadors for her program these days, than the SHORE THREE. I remember the first time I saw All American Melissa Tobie, play at MSU, 2 years ago. I couldn’t believe that MSU could still recruit such players. It took me back to the days of Hall of Famer, CAROL BLAZEJOWSKI one the 5 greatest college players ever. Somehow MSU had done it again, in an era of ego and keeping up with Jones. Well these days the SHORE THREE and their teammates are the Jones everyone and there mama is trying to keep up with....because they are having a GRAND OLE TIME in the best college basketball environment a PLAYER COULD DREAM OF…
HERE IS THE FULL WINTER TRAINING LINEUP
http://hoopgroup.com/hoop-group-headquarters/weekly-basketball-instruction-programs/
DEAD EYE SHOOTING AND POINT GUARD WEDNESDAY…CORE SKILLS IT
TONIGHT AT 5PM….WALK IN OR SIGN UP ON LINE
***SATURDAY CORE SKILLS, STARTS THIS WEEKEND***