Well we are in the meat of the season and there are a few things I know right now. These are the facts right now. But we all know how things can change in the Shore in just one night. There is a reason it’s the best conference in America. We eat sleep and drink hoops in, down at the Shore. SO HERE IS WHAT I KNOW RIGHT NOW
I know that Ari Wissen of Brick Twp looks like the Freshman of the Year. She has been dynamic all season. She’s not just putting up big numbers, she is insanely efficient. The strange thing about her is that few in the media want to acknowledge her. I think I know why but I’ll keep that to myself.
I know that Stella Lockhart is making a serious run at PLAYER OF YEAR. She has been so good this year, but what everyone fails to understand is this. Stella Lockhart has gotten better each year. Her improvement curve ( the measuring stick always ) from year to year has been as good as any player in the state.
At some point we’re going to have to give Grace FEENEY here props. I don’t know what else this kid can do to gain the respect of everyone. She may not look the part. But she is playing the role of superstar to perfection.
JADA LYNCH, has had a PLAYER OF THE YEAR type season in leading St. Rose. But everyone is missing the biggest surprise player on the roster. Caroline Conforti has been more than anyone expected good. She broke RBC’s back and almost did the same to Manasquan.
I know most folks had Manasquan, dead on arrival this season. But Shea Donnelly and Shannon HEINE have shocked the world with their consistency, game in and game out. Then you have the arrival of Shannon Looney. These three have played beyond Coach Kukoda’s wildest dreams.
Like talk facts, Tessa Liggio is not only the best pure point guard in New Jersey. But when the games are at there biggest she is at her best. She tired to save RBC vs St. Rose and then she was the best player on the court in RBC’s win over SJV
Well Kylee Bean is playing lights out. Not because of the stats. But rather because of what she has become. A excellent mid range shooter and an outstanding passer. Soon D1 college coaches will catch on. She is on the EARLY BIRD D1 list
Well if you ask me, Grace Smith is the biggest reason to be excited about the future of RFH basketball. She has been outstanding this season. In fact the best player on the RFH roster according to lots of folks. She is starting to look more and more like the face of RFH hoops.
I saw a list of the Top seniors in the Shore. There was no Shannon HEINE on the list. That’s a big miss but HEINE is used to being missed. But it hasn’t stopped her from having a great season.
If you ask me Mackenzie Teevan, has to be in First Team All Shore consideration. She is just putting up scary numbers. The Holmdel coaching staff have done a great job this year, getting the most out of there players.
I know I have RANNEY picked at 4th in the Shore. But the truth of the matter is they just may be the 3rd best team in the Shore conference these days.
Trinity Hall, plays St Rose at home Saturday. This is a big game for both teams. Last year Trinity had a total meltdown in losing to St Rose in overtime. It was free throws and bad game planning late, that did them in. There a year older now and at home. St Rose needs to get back on track. This is a big game for both schools.
Well all the Top 8th graders have chosen there high schools. RBC to no surprise has gotten the two players that mean the most. Trinity picked up a 4 year starter in Ella KRYAL. But it’s next year’s 2030 class that will determine the future of the Shore.
Here is something to think about. Next year the Shore will not be the best conference in the state unless something drastic happens. RBC, SJV, ST ROSE, TRINITY and after that. The Shore is very ordinary. But have no fear. The 2030 class has 3 P5 players and lucky for them the snakes don’t know about them yet. So they won’t be jumping from AAU team to AAU team and living for games, hype and clicks.
JACKSON MEMORIAL, has been very disappointing. The jump up in competition has been a major issue for them. That’s because the talent and coaching has been a shock to there system. But the good news is they have lots of talent. I believe before the season is over you will hear from Jackson Memorial.
Why did kids fail to register for the Sunday maintenance shooting program? That’s simple, kids and parents have their own plans. They also don’t understand the importance of shooting during the season.
BARNEGAT is just a great story. I mean the year there having as a group is amazing and they watching kids like Emma THORTON reach personal milestones is just wonderful. Tammy Nicolini has a real chance of being the Coach of The Year.
How about this kid JULIANNA “JULES” JASINA of COLTS NECK. The freshman has just been outstanding. She has the potential to to be a superstar one day. Let’s hope she keeps growing as a player. She and Emily Donahue help give Colts Neck a real future contender.
ADDY NYEMCHEK is rolling right now. She is clearly making her push for PLAYER OF THE YEAR. She has been spectacular the last 2 weeks. Her big shot making ability is just special. I also know when all three Liggio’s are rolling like they were against SJV. Nobody is beating RBC.
The recruiting in the 2026 class is shaping up. There are going to be some real surprises. Some kids are going to be very disappointed. There about to find out the truth and realize recruiting is a business.
ASHLEY SOFILKANICH had 44 points last night vs Colgate. That’s the most in a D1 game this year. She clearly is on her way to being the greatest SJV player in college. That’s a heck of a statement when you talk about SJV’s history.
RED BANK REG schedule I believe is hurting them. You can’t beat SJV and RBC without a few competitive games under your belt. It may cause you a few losses but in the long run a competitive schedule pays off. Why for example RFH is always better at the end of the year.
I know Christa Ramos and Bre Evan’s are a dynamic duo. They could take someone out in the SCT. I also believe they could find themselves back in the Top 10. Now if freshman Ty Howard, makes it back, Neptune could be as dangerous as dangerous gets. Howard is a future PLAYER OF THE YEAR type.
Just when it looked like the Shore teams had closed the gap on SJV and RBC. It’s become very clear, that gap is indeed what we thought it was at the start of the season. SJV and RBC are on a completely different level than everyone else. But who knows, another St. Rose hit job could be out there…. It’s the SHORE AND I KNOW ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN