Lets get right to it. This weekend was in a word “fantastic”. We saw great matchups and more importantly highly competitive teams against each other. There were three major things that came out of the weekend. The seeding committee for the Shore got it right for the most part. But once again the political shenanigans took place. Next it’s clear the Shore Conference is week open. And finally some players saw their stock grow and others in the words of college coaches looked very ordinary.
The SCT seeding got it right for the most part. Except for putting RBR at # 7 over RFH which was a joke. Now either the coaches did not do there homework or there were playing political games as if we were back in the Joe Whelan era at St. Rose. That’s when because many did not like Coach Whelan would penalize the St. Rose kids during the seeding. But strangely Dave Callahan who is well liked by all got the short end of the political stick. There is no way on gods green earth you can say RBR’s resume was better than RFH’S. RFH beat 3 Top 20 teams. RBC beat one. RFH beat RBR in head to head. RFH worst lost was to WALL who RBR beat. RBR’s worst lost was to Howell who RFH beat. You don’t have to be a genius to no the WALL lost is far more excusable. So why did RBR get the 7th seed? Because they beat Manasquan. Well newsflash CHATHAM and Union City are better wins on paper than Manasquan. Both will be ranked in the state Top 20. Would you like to know who won’t be ranked when the SCT starts MANASQUAN. Please don’t bring up the eye test nonsense. Folks this is why the seeding should not be secretive. The seeding is not like the ALL SHORE voting were everyone takes care of there kids.
Here are the Top 10 Seeds
- RBC
- SJV
- OCEAN
- St. ROSE
- MANASQUAN
- TRINITY HALL
- RBR
- RFH
- WALL
- MANCHESTER
The games all weekend were full of big time matchups and players. First you have to start with RBC and Rutgers Prep. Two big time programs that have not won a big game in a few years. This was a chance for one team to get the monkey off their back. This was a back and forth affair.
But in the end two things stood out. Makayla Blake’s showed why she is a rock star and took over in the 2nd half. RBC’s 2 unit who have struggled in these type games. Did exactly that again yesterday. In the end Rutgers Prep got the win and passing the monkey to RBC to deal with alone. Addy Nyemcheck and 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 dimes for RBC. Rutgers Prep now are on track to win a state title. They’ll have to get by MORRIS CATHOLIC
SJV and Morris Catholic went toe to toe yesterday. But in the end like always Mia Pauldo took over late and Morris Catholic got the win. It was a heartbreaking lost for SJV, who have been close in all the big games this year but have come up short. Something there certainly are not use too. Danielle Matus got her 1000th point on Saturday. Mia Pauldo got her’s yesterday. Stella Lockhart was sensational once again with 16 points and Matus had 5 dimes. SJV struggled to score in the 4th as no other player than Lockhart had double figures. SJV scored 2 points in the 4t quarter.
TRINITY HALL took on #9 CHATHAM and came away with a statement win. Nina EMNACE is closing in on the PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD. Right now there really isn’t another serious contender. EMNACE had 32 points with 6 rebounds and closed the door late with a pair of back to back triples. The senior got lots of help from sophomore NIAMH STAPLETON, who had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Trinity will roll into the SCT knowing they can beat anyone if EMNACE can find help.
ST. ROSE ran into a Mack truck named Gandy Manu. The UCONN recruit was unstoppable all afternoon. But more importantly along with Sidney Quinn who is off to Navy, the two were nightmare matchups. St. Rose had no answers all afternoon. Tessa Lonzer had 10 points for Gil and ran the show to perfection. Gil Bernard came totally prepared and looks like a possible State contender for #1 …
MANASQUAN got caught standing still vs PAUL VI. Manasquan got jumped on early by Paul VI and before you could blink an eye this one was over. Manasquan’s lack of transition defense was the issue. They may need to return to running there offense though Katie Collins, when they were at their best this season. They will open the SCT not at their best. But the good news? They got seniors and seniors win chips!
Saturday Ocean took care business against St. Thomas. Camilla Benton was unstoppable with a 17 and 11 double, double. Ocean just looks like a well oiled machine these days.
Holmdel simply cannot take care of the ball. There lost a tough game to Franklin. Ranney punched its ticket to the SCT as Haley Poser scored her 1000th point and was sensational again. Middletown South lost and that ended there SCT hopes. They now are a program in full rebuild mode next year. They’ll lack seniors and gym rats. Not a great thought if you’re thinking down the road. HOWELL got the #11 seed and has to feel good about there season.
There were two type of kids this weekend. Some who saw their stock rise and some who are officially being called overrated
ERIN REID was off the charts good yesterday. She displayed a deadly shooting touch. A athletic game and toughness. She folks is a player that coaches were buzzing about well into the night after the event had ended. If this kid gets in the gym lord knows what she’ll become
Right now Mackenzie Teevan is by far the hottest recruit in the Shore Conference. The 6’4” forward is on everyone’s wish list right now.
Katie Liggio doesn’t need much more attention but her stock just continues to rise. She caught the eyes of every coach in the stands yesterday with her magical shooting touch
OK
HERE WERE THE 5 BEST PERFORMERS FOR DAY 2 of Coaches Choice
- Makayla Blake’s – RUTGERS PREP
- BRENAE JONES – IMMACULATE
- ERIN REID– RFH
- GANDY MANU– GIL BERNARD
- CHLOE ESCANILLAS– RUTGERS PREP
- ADDY NYEMCHECK– RBC
