The New Rise U17 team is stacked with talent. Now they are not just stacked with great players. But they have great students too boot. The type of kids that when their recruiting comes to an end ; You will see them in Ivy and Patriot League type schools. Some will end up at high academic D3 schools. That’s because their roster has something for every coaching staff who wants winners.
THE U17 NEW JERSEY RISE
I never tell a coaching staff who to recruit. That’s because unless you’re at their staff meeting. You have no idea what a programs needs are. You have no idea what the culture of a program is about . As an outsider looking in you don’t get the full story. But what I can do, is tell a staff, what a kid brings to the table The RISE U17 team brings lots to the table. First start with loyalty and Ellen Masonious. This group has stuck together for 4 years. Even when in some cases, where it would have been real easy to turn and run. Ellen Masonious is no stranger to developing a group of kids and helping them become the best versions of themselves. This group has something else that is very important. They are all coming from winning High School programs. In fact some of the best programs in the state. They all play for some of the most respected coaches in the state. The New Jersey Rise kids are high IQ players who do the “WINNING SHIT”
DANIELLA MALETSKY is a 5’9” guard from state power RBC. She has played with and against the best competition in the country in the past 3 years. To say she has evolved into one of the best players in the Shore is an insult to this young lady. That’s because the fact of the matter is DANELLA MALETSKY is one of the best combo guards in the state. She is not just a magical defender because of her long arms, active hands and quickness. But it’s her tenacious effort and energy she plays with the is a shock to opponents system. Her explosiveness at the rim is so next level. Her improved “3” point shooting is the main reason I believe she is the best drive a kick guard in the state. Her ability to find shooters and post players is a gift. I have coached many players who have been All Freshman and Rookie of the year in the Patriot and Ivy League. I can make this statement with zero hesitation. Daniella has that type of game as well. She is not just talented she is ultra competitive.
GRACE FEENEY is a 6’0” wing with a college ready body. She plays at Trinity Hall for one of the best coaches in New Jersey, former D1 Coach Matt McCarthy. She is coming off a dream season. Despite.being double and triple teamed all year. She managed to average 15 plus points and 8 rebounds. But that is not the entire story. You see Grace FEENEY is now one of the best players in the best conference in America, the Shore conference. The because she has improved in every area of her game over the years. She is the main reason, Trinity Hall may be a Top 5 team in the state next year. Her ability to shoot the three ball is what makes her dangerous. Because if you match her with a guard, it’s a child abuse. You try to match her up with size, good luck chasing her off the three point line. Coaches understand this is a MID MAJOR STAR. Her super human performance on day of the live period was no outlier. We have been watching Feeney grow into this rock star over the last 3 years.
JORDYN HOLLAWELL, it seems every day a coach brings up her name. That’s because you only have to watch her play once to know she is a winner. The 5’8” guard has been a starter on the two time STATE CHAMPION Manasquan the last two years. She is a hawk on defense and not just a dynamic scorer. But she is a big shot maker and taker. She seems to embrace the big moments and competition. She has a college body, coach speed and coach talent. Yes, she is a next level player. Like her older sister Brooke who plays at Dartmouth. There is no reason to believe she won’t join her older sister at the D1 level. She has the shooting range and the handle to exploit defenders. She also has something else. She is as tough as they come. This is a player that will back down to NO ONE!
NIMNH STAPLETON plays at Trinity Hall. She has been a starter for 2 years. She has been in the wars vs the best competition New Jersey has to offer. She also is under appreciated. That’s because the players who do all the dirty work usually are. She is the one that guards the best post player every night at 5’10”. She is the one that sets the bell ringing screens for shooters. She is the one it’s seems that knocks out the big three’s to stop runs by opponents. NIMNH is not a box score junkie. A coach could never read her stats and understand her values. She is the Drymond Green of NJ basketball. She does all the things only your coaches and teammates appreciate. You see NIMNH STAPLETON has a quality that we see least and least these days. She is unselfish and only cares about winning. It’s way the rock star student will make those coaches truly paying real attention so very happy come the next live period and the rest of the recruiting periods. She is a classic steal for so many winning programs.
SYNAI BLYCHANTON of RED BANK REG is hard to miss. That’s because her physical presence is impossible to miss. She is one of the most athletic guards in all of New Jersey. Calling her explosive is an insult. That because it impossible to describe her speed, quickness and sheer physicality. The winner of the WOBM Tournament MVP is a matchup night once she has things rolling. She is like a fire hydrant. Once she opens up her game, there is no turning her off. In fact she is downright intimidating. That’s because she has a true ankle breaking handle and can play bully ball as well. SYNAI BLYCHANTON has all the tools and potential to be a star in college. The live period could very easily turn her into one of the most recruited guards in New Jersey, she is that talented.
LOLA GIORDANO plays at National Powerhouse RBC. It’s no secret she has matched up against every great guard in New Jersey the past 3 years. She is an elite defender and next level passer. But above all Lola GIORDANO is the ultimate teammate. She is not just talented and skilled, she is a gym rat. She is the type of player coaches dream about. The type the makes your culture hum along nicely. Lola GIORDANO helps you win chips. She can play all three guards spots. The word warrior is kicked around these days like a punchline. But LOLA GIORDANO, is an old school warrior in the true sense of the word. D1 coaches are about to see it all play out in May and in the summer!
AVA COYLE of Shore Reg has been moving along quietly the past 3 years. Last year she 50 threes and already has 800 points in career. She is just doing it without a spotlight. She is smart, talented and coachable. All the things that make her an attractive recruit for many schools. The Rise this live period may offer her chance to show coaches that she is a difference maker. A player that rise to up game. She can be a slasher or spot up shooter. She is a willing passer and takes pride in her defense. Again AVA COYLE has proven herself and coaches need to play attention. She is a better athlete than most realize and her competitive nature seems to go unnoticed… that is a mistake! She could be the surprise player on the New Jersey Rise Roster.
SOPHIA KOEPPING is from Wall High School. I have not watched her enough to comment.
One month away! Games will be at Hoop Group and surrounding gyms. Register now➡️ forms.gle/6Uou2hL7bVf3cB… @EllenMasonius @RickLeeman13 @GlennJansen11
@TinyGreenNBS @whoistakeflight @EJayArrow @NYGHoops
This crew has not got its due. They play basketball the right way. They have all been winners are every level. In fact many believe this is the best U17 non sneaker team in New Jersey. The one thing that can’t be denied is this group is blessed with talent for every level of play
