Hold’n Court: The HoopGroup Blogs

Today I will announce The HOOP GROUP ALL DEFENSIVE TEAMS and our ALL FRESHMAN TEAM. I believe the all defensive teams were not easy to pick. The Shore Conference is loaded with great defensive players. The Shore Conference also had a strong freshman class. Let me explain a few things I did when selecting my teams. Unlike with my ALL SHORE TEAMS that I have already picked, but won’t release until I feel 100% positive about, I did seek out advice. I spoke to coaches I respected and more importantly felt did not have an agenda. I also made special note when a college coach spoke of a player’s defensive ability. Then of course I have seen most of the teams with quality player’s play. When making these teams please kept in mind. I could care less how many players are from the best teams. I did not try and spread things out. I simply tried to get the best players. Now remember the more you see a team. The more you may feel a player is a better defender than some one you see less. This is where a few coaches and friends come into play. The all freshman team was a cake walk. Some good freshman never got extended minutes during the season. This allowed some freshman on weaker teams to shine a bit more. Once again I based everything on the Shore Conference regular season.

 

 

 

 

 

2010 HOOP GROUP ALL DEFENSIVE TEAMS
 

 

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM
 

 

 

Many people don’t understand what a good defensive player is! Many times people will think the best defensive player is the person who blocks the most shots or gets the most steals. Believe it or not, sometimes these are the worst defensive players. The best defensive players understand team defense. They know when to rotate; they understand defense ends with the rebound, so they box out. Good defensive players know when to switch on defense. Then understand when to help and more importantly when not to! They are able to follow a coach’s defensive game plan. Then last and most important, the BEST defensive players can guard more than one position without fouling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  FIRST TEAM
 

 

1.) SAM CLARK-(ST.ROSE) - Her ability to rotate and help teammates was at times amazing. She is one of the best defensive rebounder’s in the state. All year she answered the bell against the best opposing post players. Her foot work and ability to use her hands are shocking for such a young player. Rarely was she in found trouble. She is one of the few post players that truly understands team defense. This is very rare in such a young player!

 

 

 

 

2.) Sam Guastella-(RBC) - Her shot blocking ability may be the best in the STATE! What most people did not notice was her transition defense. This may be her biggest strength. Very rarely did you see opponents’ big players get lay-ups in transition against her! She was the lone post player and did almost all of RBC’s defensive rebounding!

 

 

 

 

3.) Katie O’Reilly-(SJV) - Not only was she a stopper of great offensive players, her length in the SJV presses was invaluable. See too was a great defensive rebounder. She guarded forwards, guards and even centers!

 

 

 

 

4.) Sy Davis-(NEPTUNE) - The most physical guard in the SHORE CONFERNCE. She defended all 5 positions at times this year. Her ability to cover so much ground in the Neptune press was eye popping at times. She was the best defensive rebounding guard in the SHORE CONFERENCE.

 

 

 

 

5.) JACKIE KATES-(SJV) - The ultimate pressure guard. She made opposing guards fall apart against her ball pressure. She sat in the back of SJV press and covered everyone. In the SJV man to man pressure, she was relentless and aggressive. She won the loose ball battle every night. No guard in the SHORE CONFRENCE rotated to post players better than Miss Kates…

 

 

 

*Theresa Manigrasso would have been on my ALL DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM. So I am making her an honorary Member of this first team. I believe she played enough games to be part of this team!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND TEAM
 

 

1.) Ashley Cooper-(RHF) - Her Length made her very effective in RFH’s 1-3-1 half court defensive. She also was a great defensive rebounder for a guard. Most nights she guarded the opposing teams’ best offensive player. Tough and aggressive it must not be forgotten she turned the lights out on two of the SHORE CONFERNCE’S best scoring wing players this year!

 

 

 

 

2.) Semonyeh Allen-(NEPTUNE) - She was the ultimate match up nightmare for teams. She anchored the front of Neptune’s the 1-3-1 half court press and was a nightmare for guards. Her ability to play forwards and guards allowed Coach Brown to move her to any position. She was the ultimate defensive rebounder.  Allen was a major weapon for Neptune on defense.

 

 

 

3.) Kaityln Schmidt-(HOWELL) - She may have been the best on the ball defender in the SHORE CONFERENCE.  She created problems all year for opposing pt guards and shooting guards. She was a master at running down long loose balls, a long forgotten art on defense by small guards today. Kaityln was very disruptive to many teams offense this year. She played bigger than her size and is a game changer on defense.

 

 

 

 

4.) Amanda Yaccarino-(RFH) - She closed the door on many of the SHORE CONFERENCE’S best post players. She was a very physical player who doubted and rotated to opposing post players as well as anyone. She also may have been the best defensive rebounder in traffic the SHORE CONFERENCE had to offer!

 

 

 

 

5.) Shakena Richardson-(NEPTUNE) - Her quick hands and lighting quick feet allowed her to pick off passes all year. Her strength allowed her to bully bigger guards all year. She ran down loose balls and most important was great at switching and helping her teammates

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention
 …Kerri Kinsella, Lauren Clarke, KC Chambers, Aaron Zimmerman and Dana Costello

 

 

 

 

 

HOOP GROUP 2010 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
 

 

The name blanket woman or sand woman may be the proper way to describe her. She is the Mariano Riviera of girl’s basketball. She closes the door on great offensive players with such domination it’s a thing of beauty.  She shut down some of the elite scorers in the SHORE CONFERNCE all season.  In the front of her teams press or in the back line of the SJV press she caused havoc in a big way. When she was involved in traps forget it, opposing guards had no chance. She was a true stopper because she could guard all five positions. She also did something all great defenders can do, play defense without getting into foul trouble. Her defensive rebounding ability is only matched by her physical toughness. She was not afraid to throw her body around. You need a presence in the lane? She is your woman; she will take charges or give you the hard clean foul that all good teams give! She has gone from role player last year to one of the most compete players in the Shore Conference. Congratulations’ to the… 2010…HOOP GROUP… DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR….ST JOHN’S VIANNEY’S….5’11”…JUNIOR …..KATIE O’REILLY.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOOP GROUP 2010 ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
 

 

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
 

 

The all freshman team was a cake walk this year. These 5 five players played major roles for their teams. They all did something very important! They fit into their new teams without being disruptive. Not an easy thing to do. I expect all five to be great players before they are done. I also believe all 5 of these ladies may play division one basketball one day!

 

 

 

 

ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
 

 

 

1.) HANNAH MISSRY-(JACKSON MEMORIAL) - She was given the green light by Coach Rachel Goodale and delivered in a big way. She was Jackson’s go to player on many nights…NOT EASY FOR A FRESHMAN! She gave Jackson the 3 point scoring threat they needed to give Christa Evans room to work. She was a walking double figure scorer. When she learns to handle the ball a little better she will be unstoppable. Smart and savvy she is a future First Team ALL Shore player.

 

 

 

 

2.) TARA INMAN-(HOMDEL) - Maybe the most rounded player of the freshman class. She was great on defense and had the ability to score. She developed a 3 point shot as the season moved on. Most importantly she had her best games against the best competition.

Her passing skills cannot be over looked. She also has the ability to play all three guards positions on either side of the ball. Blessed with great size and sneaky quickness, she has helped Holmdel become a real player in the SHORE CONFERENCE again! She is a player that must be reckoned with for years to come.

 

 

 

 

3.) KELLY HUGHES-(PT. BORO) - No freshman had more pressure and eyes on her than Miss Hughes. She had a target on her back from game one. But it didn’t matter she delivered the goods all year. She had scoring nights that would make many coaches blush. She has established herself as a real star in the SHORE CONFERENCE. Pt Boro thanks to Kelly Hughes is a young and exciting program. No freshman did more for a program this year!

 

 

 

 

4.) KAT EGAN-(SJV) - She seem to come out of nowhere. She was asked to fill some big shoes this year. Not only did she fill those shoes but she did more at times. Kat’s passing and rebounding skills were on display all year and her sneaky ability to score was forgotten. But it was her toughness and ability not to get rattled in big games that separated her and follow teammate Lindsey Rowe from all others. She had to do it on a big stage against big competition. She is a future star and like all SJV will get better each year!

 

 

 

 

5.) LINDSEY ROWE-(SJV) - She too is a future star in the SHORE CONFERENCE. She has the ability to score and more importantly against good competition. Lindsey was also great in Coach Karpell’s pressure defense. She handled all the pressure that comes with playing on a great team like a seasoned veteran. No doubt she is a future star in the mode of Kaityln Linney. She can score from all angles and makes big plays. A future All Shore Player!

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010 HOOP GROUP FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
 

 

 

Well this will not come as a surprise to anyone. She may be the best shooter I have ever laid eyes on. As one coach told me “Her understanding of the game is what makes her special”. An ACC coach told me “give me 5 Kelly Hughes and I will play anyone” As former Siena Asst coach Steve Ott told me at battle of the boardwalk. “Kelly Hughes doesn’t have to take a shot and you just know she is special, just by the way she plays”. She is already on the radar for so many schools, they are even recruiting her little sister. That my friends are no joke! Her passing skills get lost in her great scoring ability. She respects her opponents as she told me recently how great of a defender Katie O’Rielly was! She understands her teammates are important. Watch her over pass late in games to let teammates get into the action. She respects all coaches and most important loves the game. Her shooting range is only matched by her desire to improve. She now will try and win a state championship as a freshman. She has answers all questions with unselfish and star like quality basketball all season. She is a future player of the year candidate! Congratulations to the…. 2010 HOOP GROUP… FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR…PT BORO’S….5’9”….FRESHMAN….KELLY HUGHES.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVERALL THOUGHTS
 

 

Once again picking the best at anything is just an opinion. Your list may be different. I believe no one person knows all these kids so well that they can say their opinion is the only right one. These just happen to be my choices. I know some really good players have been left off this list. Rachel Iozzia of Central Reg should be on an ALL FRESHMAN list and I know Coach Turhan will not be happy that I excluded a girl who broke the schools 3 point shooting record and lead his team in scoring. But here are the facts, I watched the other freshman on this list many more times this season. So this young lady is at a major disadvantage. Christa Evans am sure is laughing no doubt that she is not on this list! The problem is you can’t choose everyone…Last to the players, I say this…. if you know you’re as good as someone on this list. Use my blog as motivation and work even harder. I know some good players are not on this list….rise above my oversight and reach for the stars, you can do it…JUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! This is way more important than anything I write!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are now less than one week away from Selection Sunday.  We are now one day removed from the Academy Awards.  So, I decided to do a little Facts & Bracks Oscars style for today.  I lined up all of the movies that were up for best picture and put the proper teams into each category.  I will start off by giving the “Most Inspirational Performance” Award followed by all of the “Best Picture” Awards.  I would have been able to finish this a lot quicker if there were only 5 nominees (like there used to be) for best picture as opposed to the ridiculous number of 10…but hey, what can you do?  A special shout out goes to my younger brother and aspiring film writer/director, Charlie Wachtel, for giving me the idea for this blog.   

Remember to click here or anywhere you see “Facts & Bracks” to view my entire NCAA tournament projections for today.

 

And now, onto the awards…

 

Most Inspirational Performance - Austin Freeman (Georgetown) - Just a few days after being diagnosed with diabetes, John Thompson III shocked Hoya Nation by not only playing the Junior, but inserting him in the starting lineup.  That was all Georgetown fans needed to see to be inspired, but it didn’t end there.  Austin Freeman went on to be Georgetown’s leading scorer with 24 points in an all out romp over Cincinnati on Saturday.  Hoya fans were inspired, yet also relieved to see him back to playing like he’s an All Big East 2nd team player.  Georgetown needs him because without Free they are just average.  If you follow Georgetown and Austin Freeman the rest of the way this year and don’t feel inspired then there is something wrong with you.  In fact, you would be like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz because you’d have no heart.  I’m not so sure if Georgetown is more than a Sweet 16 team this year, but the whole country should be rooting for this team, or at the very least Mr. Freeman, down the stretch and watch in “Awe” (stin Freeman).

 

And now, onto the nominees for Best Picture…

 

“Avatar” (teams feeling blue)

 

Illinois (18-13, 10-8 Big Ten) - A few weeks back I had blogged that even though the Illini were off to a strong start in conference play, they would begin to collapse because the last eight games in conference play were almost all against the top tier teams in the league.  Going along with the script, Illinois has currently lost 5 of their last 6 games and are not feeling so good about themselves.  They are so fortunate that they beat Michigan State and won @ Wisconsin a few weeks back because that is what is keeping them alive for an NCAA bid.  They also have very solid non conference wins this year at Clemson and at home against Vanderbilt.  Their RPI is hovering around 75 right now and that clearly is not a good thing.  Illinois remains alive because they have done more good than bad.  Having 13 losses is bad, but winning at Wisconsin is great because the Badgers never lose at home.  Wisconsin’s loss to Illinois at home was their only home loss on the year.  That’s impressive.  However, I advise Illinois to beat Wisconsin again in their 1st Big Ten tourney game to stay above water. 

Kansas State (23-6, 11-5 Big 12) - The Wildcats had an amazing opportunity in front of them to try and become that fourth #1 seed for the NCAA tournament.  However, with losses to Kansas and Iowa State, yes Iowa State, this week they are pretty much out of the conversation for that 1 seed.  There’s nothing wrong with losing to Kansas, but losing to Iowa State AT HOME just means that this team was having a real letdown following the Kansas loss and had a poor mindset heading into this game.  Kansas State has had a magnificent year and hopefully, for their sake, the slide won’t continue into the Big 12 tournament.

Georgia Tech (18-11, 7-9 ACC) - The Yellow Jackets just can’t seem to seal the deal and are not feeling very good about themselves with that under .500 conference record.  Ga Tech has key wins this year over Siena, Duke, Clemson and Wake Forest, but they have now lost 5 of their last 7 games and are in danger of getting an NCAA bid.  They are the 7 seed in the ACC tournament and get to play North Carolina in round 1.  Yes, UNC is struggling, but by no means is that a walkover win for the Yellow Jackets.  Their RPI is in the low to mid 40’s and have a top 20 strength of schedule.  Two wins in the ACC tourney will lock them up a bid.  One win?  Right now, I think that would get the job done too because of how bad the bubble is.  Any other year and this team would be saying their last rights.

 

“The Blind Side” (teams who had a rough start, but are now coming on strong)

 

Maryland (22-7, 13-3 ACC) - The Terrapins struggles began early this season way back when they played in Hawaii in the Maui Invitational.  Their only win in Maui happened to be against a non-division 1 opponent in Chaminade.  Maryland continued their shakiness about a month later when they lost at home to William & Mary.  I truly thought that this team was not an NCAA caliber team as I’m sure did many.  Then, all of a sudden, conference play began and the Terps came out of nowhere to tie Duke for 1st place in the regular season.  This has definitely been a down year for the ACC, but I won’t shed a negative light on what Maryland has accomplished this year…going from down, out, without a chance all the way to being a true winner.

Louisville (20-11, 11-7 Big East) - The Cardinals had a rough start to the season, but their troubles began at home in their own building.  Louisville lost to Western Carolina and Charlotte…apparently they had some sort of bug playing against teams from the state of North Carolina.  Rick Pitino’s Cardinals didn’t hit their stride in the season until really the middle of February.  They got smoked at St. John’s and many people questioned whether or not Louisville was an NCAA tournament team.  People stopped asking this question when they followed up their loss to the Johnnies with a monster victory at Syracuse.  They then went on to beat Syracuse again at home and all but clinched their spot in the Big Dance.  If you beat Syracuse once it shouldn’t be overlooked, but beating them twice?  Well, it just proves that Louisville can play with anybody in the country.

Notre Dame (21-10, 10-8 Big East) - Way back in mid-december the Fighting Irish had a horrendous loss to Loyola Marymount at home.  That loss doesn’t look as bad as it once did as Loyola Marymount has also beaten USC and Gonzaga.  Even still, Notre Dame is a team that doesn’t lose too often at home…and even moreso against non power conference teams.  So, Notre Dame kept trekking along the season, not really impressing anybody aside from their win at home over West Virginia.  Next thing you know, their best player, Luke Harangody, is injured and out for a while.  After ‘Gody’s injury, Notre Dame lost at home to St. John’s and on the road at Louisville to drop to 6-8 in the Big East.  Season over, right?  Wrong.  The Irish finished out the year by winning their final 4 Big East games against Pittsburgh, at Georgetown, home against UConn and at Marquette.  Very impressive because they’re doing this without a 1st team all league player.  Notre Dame has now put themselves solidly in the conversation for an NCAA bid.

 

“District 9″ (teams “out of this world”)

 

Syracuse (28-3, 15-3 Big East) - The Syracuse Orange are truly 1 of 3 teams who are “out of this world.”  They are the #1 seed in the #1 conference in the country.  If they didn’t have to play Louisville this year they’d only have 1 loss.  Hey, remember when they lost to Lemoyne College at home back in the preseason?  Yeah, I don’t either.  With a dynamic duo of Wesley Johnson and sharpshooter Andy Rautins (Leo’s son), and a prolific frontcourt of Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson, the Orange might be the most balanced team in all of America.

Kansas (29-2, 15-1 Big 12) - At this point in the season, the Jayhawks might be the odds on favorite to win the national title.  They have an experienced point guard in Sherron Collins, a dominant big man in Cole Aldrich and a nice mix of young talent in Xavier Henry, Tyshawn Taylor and the Morris twins.  Collins and Aldrich both have won a national championship and that right now is why Kansas may have the slight edge over Syracuse…the experience factor.  To me, trying to figure out which team is better is just a waste of time because they both have so few flaws.

Kentucky (29-2, 14-2 SEC) - The Wildcats might be the most exciting team to watch.  When you have 3 freshmen on your team who will be playing in the NBA soon, what’s not to like?  Kentucky is led by another great duo in young sensation John Wall and super big Demarcus Cousins.  The experience factor may hinder this team as well as they really don’t have many guys with much NCAA tournament pedigree.  Patrick Patterson had a rough 1st two years at Kentucky and this is an entirely different situation that he’s ever been a part of.  The bottom line is that they are dangerous, but maybe the most likely of these 3 to an early exit in the NCAA tournament. 

 

“An Education” (teams who need to be taught something)

 

Seton Hall (18-11, 9-9 Big East) - The Pirates kept their slim NCAA hopes alive by finishing out Big East play at the .500 water mark.  They are the 10 seed in the Big East tourney and my darkhorse pick to make a solid run.  So, Seton Hall, I will tell you what you need to do (and are capable of doing) to get an at-large bid.  First of all, you need to take care of business against the 15 seed in Providence.  Lose this game and you can forget about it.  Your 2nd round opponent will be Notre Dame.  A very winnable game.  Win that game and you will start to hear whispers.  But, you’re not out of the woods yet.  Your next opponent will be the #2 seed Pittsburgh.  Of any of the top 4 seeds to play I believe this is the one you’d want to play the most.  I know you had some success against Syracuse and West Virginia earlier in conference play, but just try and take a glance at how Providence nearly pulled off the upset at Pitt.  I believe it can be done.  If you happen to beat Pittsburgh, I want to say that your ticket will be punched.  Three more wins is what it takes.  Good luck.

Florida (20-11, 9-7 SEC) - If I am the Gators right now I am a tad worried.  They lost 3 in a row to end the year, but they are still in OK shape.  Florida, what you need to do is beat Auburn in round 1 of the SEC tournament for sure.  You then get Mississippi State.  I really believe if you win that game you will punch your ticket for the Big Dance.  You guys have wins over Florida State, Michigan State & Tennessee and that’s better than almost all bubbles teams.  Still, I don’t recommend losing early while everyone else can gain on you. 

South Florida (19-11, 9-9 Big East) - Who would have thought the Bulls would have such a good year?  Nobody.  They actually have a shot at an NCAA bid.  South Florida…you guys play Depaul in round 1 of the Big East tourney.  Please don’t sleep on them or the NIT is where you will be.  Your next opponent will be Georgetown…a team you already beat at their place this year.  You will have to win this game as well.  Doing this would put you guys in serious conversation for a bid.  Your 3rd round opponent would be Syracuse.  You won’t beat them…but…if somehow you did?  Well, you guys would LOCK up that bid because that would be incredible.

 

“The Hurt Locker” (teams affected by injuries)

 

Purdue (26-4, 14-4 Big Ten) - Without a doubt, the Boilermakers are the team that will be most affected by an injury.  Purdue lost their 2nd leading scorer, Robbie Hummel, to an injury a couple of weeks ago and went from a potential team that could win the national championship to a team that many will question if they can get passed the Sweet 16 now.

Notre Dame - Luke Harangody’s injury actually had the reverse effect on the Fighting Irish.  They went from being a prime NIT team all the way to being solidly in the field of 65.  They are not a lock yet, but have put themselves in great position after finishing out the year with four straight victories.  

Texas (23-8, 9-7 Big 12) - Back during the week of January 11th, the Longhorns were the #1 team in the nation.  Do you even remember that?  Texas lost sophomore guard Verez Ward back in the 1st couple weeks of the season.  Ward was averaging nearly 9.0 ppg.  They were still able to win without him though.  Then, mid February came around and Texas lost their starting point guard Dogus Balbay.  Balbay wasn’t putting up all star numbers, but he was one of the Longhorns better defenders and had been an intrical part to Texas’ success.  Since the middle of January, Texas has been on a major slide heading into conference tournament play.  Will we ever see the old Longhorns again from earlier in the season?

 

“Inglourious Basterds” (teams that could play a spoiler role)

 

Utah State (24-6, 14-2 WAC) - First of all, if the Aggies want to be a spoiler team in the NCAA tournament they will most likely need to get to at least their conference tourney finals, but will probably need to win it.  If they do this, I am warning potential teams seeded 5 through 7…watch out.  Utah State has a team consisting of upperclassmen which = experience.  They lead the nation in 3pt shooting % and rank in the top 5 in the nation in FT% as well.  I am not guaranteeing a 1st round victory by the Aggies because everything depends on getting the right matchup, but if the matchups are in their favor, I can definitely see this team as a potential Sweet 16 candidate.

UTEP (24-5, 15-1 C-USA) - The Miners are another team that may have to win their conference tournament to get in to the NCAA’s, but they are a legitimate threat should this happen.  They are currently 9-3 away from home and have 3 wins over top 50 opponents.  They are led by two juniors in Randy Culpepper, who is averaging over 18 ppg, and Louisville transfer Derrick Caracter who’s averaging 14ppg and 8rpg.  UTEP is in one of the upper tier mid major conferences and have had ample games against the big boys which they will face in the Big Dance.  Keep an eye out for UTEP.

Kent State (22-8, 13-3 MAC) - The Golden Flashes have really not been noticed by many even though they sport an RPI in the top 45.  They have a solid win this year over UAB and probably would have given South Florida a game had they not been missing their best player.  Kent State has won 13 of their last 14 games and if they win their conference tournament it would be 16 of 17.  If I were a power conference team, I would be afraid to play any team that’s on a ridiculous win streak like the Golden Flashes.  If they win their conference tournament they should be in the range of getting an 11 or 12 seed in the NCAA tournament.

 

“Precious” (key wins for certain teams to get an NCAA bid)

 

Virginia Tech (23-7, 10-6 ACC) - The Hokies win at Georgia Tech, in my opinion, locked them in for a bid in the NCAA tournament.  They now have 3 solid wins on their resume (the others being Wake Forest and Clemson), and they also have a win that’s looking a lot better of late and that’s their win over Seton Hall.  Va Tech has gotten their RPI back into the Top 50 and even a loss in their 1st game in the ACC tournament shouldn’t affect the NCAA status of the Hokies.

Louisville (20-11, 11-7 Big East) - The Cardinals second win against Syracuse at home on Saturday solidified their spot in this years NCAA tournament.  The bottom line with them is, if you beat a projected #1 NCAA tournament seed twice in a season and finish over .500 in the Big East, then it’s not even a question as to if you’re gonna go “dancing” or not.  Louisville can now play freely without having the burden of a loss costing them a shot at the Big Dance.

Wake Forest (19-9, 9-7 ACC)  - The Demon Deacons finally punched their ticket to the Big Dance with their victory over Clemson on Sunday.  This team has so much talent and I feel as if they are capable of making a deep run in March, but remember what happened to them last year?  They were a 4 seed and got knocked out in round 1 to Cleveland State.  Well, for now, Wake can at the very least sleep well tonight knowing that they will be in the field of 65.

 

“A Serious Man” (top coach of the year candidates)

 

Jim Boeheim (Syracuse) - Coach Boeheim is probably the front runner for this award as he has taken a Syracuse team that was projected to finish 6th in the Big East all the way to a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament and a #1 overall ranking in the last week of the regular season.

Jamie Dixon (Pittsburgh) - The Pitt Panthers are another team that really came out of nowhere.  Many people believed that this was going to be a down year for Dixon and his Panthers, but if you take a look at Jamie Dixon’s resume, he’s never had a “down” year.  Pittsburgh finished 2nd in the Big East, aruguably the toughest conference in the nation.

Frank Martin (Kansas State) - The fact that the Wildcats were in consideration for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament the last week of the regular season automatically merits Frank Martin as a candidate for this award.  Many felt that when Mike Beasley left 2 seasons ago that Kansas State would conform back to being a mediocre power conference team.  This was not the case as Frank Martin has proved he can continue to recruit and has turned K-State into a force to be reckoned with.

Jon Calipari (Kentucky) - In Calipari’s 1st season as Kentucky’s head coach, all he’s done is led them to a 29-2 record in the regular season.  Yes, he does have some of the best freshmen in the country in John Wall and Demarcus Cousins, but a big part of coaching is being able to recruit and one thing Coach Cal can do for sure is bring in the top players in the country year in and year out.

Steve Alford (New Mexico) - Some people may have forgotten about Steve Alford when he left Iowa a few years ago en route to New Mexico, but many won’t forget the magical season the New Mexico Lobos are having.  They finished regular season play with an outstanding 28-3 mark in the tough Mountain West Conference.  Coach Alford proved that his Lobos are for real with non conference wins against Texas A&M and California, as well as an in-conference sweep of perennial MWC power BYU.

Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) - It seems like this guy should be in the conversation for coach of the year every year because he can flat out X and O.  He’s definitely very admirable because he doesn’t always have the best talent (in fact, his talent doesn’t even compare to that of Kentucky), but he always manages to maximize his teams potential and get the most out of every player.

Scott Drew (Baylor) - Coach Drew has led the Bears to an astonishing 23-6 regular season, especially considering where this program was 6 or 7 years ago.  Clearly, Scott Drew was the correct candidate for their head coaching position way back when this program was in complete and utter turmoil.  I still feel as if Baylor has gone under the radar, but Drew should be recognized for his accomplishments so far.

Fran Dunphy (Temple) - After the Owls leading scorer, Dionte Christmas, graduated from school last year, many thought that Temple would take a step back.  However, we’ve learned that you don’t take steps backward with Fran Dunphy as your head coach.  What a remarkable job he’s done with this team and he’s proved it with an overall regular season record of 26-5 and big wins over Virginia Tech, Villanova and Xavier.  The Owls also have zero bad losses on their resume, which means they’re taking on the personality of their head coach…which is showing up to work every day. 

 

“Up” (teams on the rise and moving in the right direction)

 

West Virginia (24-6, 13-5 Big East) - The Mountaineers finally got what they needed on Saturday.  A road win against a really good opponent.  They went up to Philadelphia and knocked off one of the better teams in the country in Villanova.  What this win does is it keeps West Virginia’s hopes alive for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.  If West Virginia goes on and wins the Big East tournament, they could be the team to fill that coveted fourth #1 seed slot.

Baylor (23-6, 11-5 Big 12) - The Baylor Bears have won 7 of their last 8 games and ended up getting the 3 seed in the Big 12 tournament.  This really has been a team who has continually been on the rise since, well, the season started.  They have one questionable loss on their resume (at Colorado), but winning on the road in conference is never an easy task so we can’t kill them for that.

Washington (21-9, 11-7 Pac 10) - Yes, you read that right.  I am finally mentioning a team from the Pac-10.  The Huskies have won 5 of their last 6 games and find themselves in the mix for an NCAA bid.  In reality, this team shouldn’t be on the bubble, but since the nation’s bubble is so bad Washington gets credit almost by default.  They are not beating anybody great, but they do have solid wins over Texas A&M, Cal and Arizona State.  I like the fact that they were able to balance out their success from non conference play to conference play.  I still think Washington needs to make a deep run into the Pac-10 tourney to remain in the conversation.

 

“Up in the Air” (teams who need a prayer for a bid)

Rhode Island (21-8, 9-7 A-10) - The Rams seemed to be getting back on track when they beat Charlotte in a pivotal game earlier in the week however, after taking one step forward they took two steps back when they lost at UMass on Saturday.  Their RPI is around 40 right now and they are in major trouble of obtaining an at large bid.  I believe they will now need to make the A-10 conference tournament finals if they want to be re-considered for a bid.  Doing so, would mean that they beat Temple, and that of course, would be huge.  The bubble is so bad that by getting to the finals just might do the trick…no guarantees though.

San Diego State (20-8, 11-5 MWC) - The Aztecs find themselves in an almost identical situation as they did a year ago.  In fact last year at this point their record was 21-9, 11-5 MWC and had an RPI of 34 and a strength of schedule of 40.  The only difference this year is that their strength of schedule is closer to 70.  Last year?  Well, they were one of the 1st teams to miss out on the Big Dance.  Personally, I thought they should have been in.  I really believe that this team needs to make it to the conference tournament finals to have a real shot.  They have good wins this year already over New Mexico and UNLV and getting to the finals of the MWC tourney would mean that they beat New Mexico for a 2nd time.  Doing this would be huge.  If not, all San Diego State can do is pray for a bid.

Memphis (23-8, 13-3 C-USA) - Many people out there feel that right now the Tigers would be in the field of 65.  They might be right, but only by default.  Please tell me what Memphis did in non conference play?  Sure.  They beat absolutely nobody and lost to UMass.  Very unimpressive.  What have they done in conference play?  They beat UAB at home and on the road.  These are two good wins, but are these the two wins that carry them to an NCAA bid?  Not in my book.  First of all, UAB right now is on the outside looking in.  Maybe if Memphis makes it to the Conference USA finals will they have a shot (this would mean that they’d be beating UAB for a 3rd time).  Any other year I would say that this team has no chance for an at-large bid, but because the bubble is sooooo bad this year, they remain in the conversation.  I wouldn’t be able to sleep well, however, knowing my fate was “up in the air.”

 

My last 4 teams in:  Illinois, San Diego St, South Florida, Washington

My first 4 teams out:  Ole Miss, Memphis, Seton Hall, Rhode Island

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY FACTS & BRACKS

Today I will give you my season ending ranking. The year was interesting because outside of the top 4 teams, it’s been a good debate which teams come next! Staying in the top ten is never easy and doing it year in and year out like RFH, RBC and SJV is something to be admired. That brings me to the topic of building a program vs. building a team. There is a big difference.

 

 

 

 

I have always thought building a great team is a whole lot easier than building a great program. Many a coach has built a great team; they find 4 or 5 kids who win games over a short period of time and then the program falls off the map. This happens many times on the high school level. A school gets a few great players. They play anyone and beat everyone.  This can be an exciting time for a school and a town, being on the map and having the basketball world notice you. College coaches flock to the gym, the team is ranked by the newspapers, the team plays in the best tournaments, the crowds at games are bigger, players make All County, the coach wins Coach of The Year and team awards are showcased for everyone to admire…But for some the hard part starts when the great players leave. In many cases, the big time tournament people stop calling, gone are the games against quality opponents, gone are the ranking, the fans and students lose interest, the college coaches no longer show up at games and their are no team or personal awards to admire. So what’s left? The players who have not developed, the players who have been long forgotten, they are ones who are now asked to pick up the pieces. Now players who were after thoughts for years are now asked to learn a system, they are asked to get to know the head coach and then more important than anything else!…They are Compared to the players who have moved on to the next level. Now the coach talks how the kids don’t work hard, how the town has no feeder program, how the kids are to weak, and etc. The players and parents become resentful and the program falls apart as quickly as the great player’s disappeared. That coach forgot the time to start building their program was while they were winning and they had creditability…..So building a great team has some great benefits but it has pit falls for those who don’t know how to take advantage of the sudden success. These programs are what I like to call flash in the pans!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now building a great program, that’s a whole difference world. It takes work and the coach must be concerned with all aspects of the program. The coach must watch over the JV and freshman teams. These players must develop and sell your program to the non stars! Many of these players will be his roles players of the future and in some cases a starter. The coach creates a culture for kids to improve and be part of something special. These coaches are willing to take their lumps. They play good competition year in and year out. They know the competition will help their kids improve. They don’t schedule games based on their roster. They schedule games with the understanding it’s the program that matters not their record. Their best players know the name on the front, means more than the name on the back. Their best players very rarely have big stats and more importantly the coach has put team awards ahead of ANY personal awards. This is what good programs do! THEY BUILD A LEGACY OF SUCCESS… RBC, RFH and SJV have built such programs. Middletown South is building such a program, they may never have the talent to win a TOC but they play the best competition year in and year out. Coach Brennan has sold the uniform to his kids and they have brought in!  The kids understand they will win regardless of who is wearing a Middletown uniform. Middletown South lost Danielle Pankey this year and guest what? They may have had a better season this year. George Sourlias lost Kate Miller last year and what did he do? He played a tougher schedule this year and still won more games. See this is what great programs are all about. No one player or person is bigger that the school or the team. Look at RBC! They don’t get to the SCT final the past 2 years and the sky is falling in…LOL. This is happens when you build a program. People expect so much more. The players at these schools many times choose the education over the great basketball program, when picking a college. This is because their kids get the big picture. James Young at RBR has changed the culture and attitudes at RBR. He has shown his girls and the community the light. He played good teams and took his lumps in the summer and during the season. He ran a summer league and included any and every player, he asked kids to work out in the off season. James Young did not bully his kids; he gave them a formula for long term success. He is building a program. He was very lucky because his kids where rewarded right off the bat. That’s very rare!  John Turhan knows a thing or two about building programs. He has the Central Reg community excited. These coaches know it about the kids who have yet to wear a uniform that they are building a program for….  Some programs come and go. Not the great ones because they don’t change from year to year…you just expect more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TINY SEASON ENDING TOP TEN
 

 

 

 

 

1.) NEPTUNE – They ran though the SCT, winning every game by double figures. Davis, Allen and Richardson have established themselves as stars. But it’ been the play of Golden and Thompson that have made them a special group. They will be heavily favored again next year. They return 4 starters, Allen will graduate. That will open the door for highly talented freshman Ivy Harrington. Then they will add two freshmen who both will be dominate players in the SC for years to come. Both are over 6 ft and potential High Major college players down the road. Neptune will be better next year my friends! Coach Brown is building the Roman Empire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.) They got the win that they needed to cement their rightful place in Shore Conference basketball history when they beat SJV. Coach Healy and her team have improved as the season has gone along and are peaking now! They won a SCT as sophomores and played in the TOC final as juniors. The run by BLT along with Howes, Lanza and Lawrence has been a great one. If not for Neptune they would have won two SCT Championships. This year they played another great schedule and feared no team. They can still make it a wonderful ending by winning the TOC. Next year will be the true test for this program. First what will their schedule look like? Will they take their lumps? Next have they developed any young players? Then most important can they build on the schools greatest 4 year run?  Now the real coaching and rebuilding begins! Flash in the Pan or here to stay?     

 

 

 

 

 

3.) SJV- Coach Karpell has had 11 months like no coach has ever seen. She lost 3 impact players and then her best player in the middle of this season. Yet she never made excuses or hid behind her bad luck. Instead SJV regrouped both times and moved forward. SJV before Manigrasso was injured was nationally ranked and maybe the one team who could have taken out Neptune. Senior Claire Kerrisk moved into the starting lineup and did a great job. The two freshmen Lindsey Rowe and Kat Egan were the two biggest surprises for SJV and they proved to be special all year. They gave Dawn Karpell that bench she needed to play her pressure defense. Kates, Repoli, O’Reilly and Zimmerman have been great so long you forget they are coming back for one more shot at the SCT. Dawn has built a great program. The players always seen to get better and they challenge themselves every year. Neptune would be wise to remember this is a dangerous group of girls waiting on them. SJV is still hopping their season ends on a high note by defending their TOC championship. Here is a little prediction and remember I have been darn good to this point! If there is one team with a chance to stop Neptune this year! In my mind this is the one! Next year SJV will again be one of the best teams in the state!

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.) ST. ROSE- They answered their critics this year. Sam Clark has proven to be the most compete post player I have seen in a very long time. Allison Sweeney was great the entire year. Alexx Hall proved to be a reliable senior all year. Post player Nikki Donahue is developing into a div 1 player and they have the best young point guard in the SC. Joe Roman now has a real legit program going; Coach Roman tired to upgrade his schedule this year, but was done in by the weather. Trust me Joe will play as tough as schedule as anyone next year. They accomplished every goal except beating Neptune and Trenton Catholic, two teams that beat everyone this year. Now some people may say they only lost to TC by 1 and Colts Neck lost by double figures, why are they not higher? That is a simple answer! I am not taking state games into account! Plus despite both teams losing by double figures to Neptune, I believe Colts Neck played Neptune better! Next year Joe Roman will return everyone except Sweeney and Hall. The two most important pieces do return. Point Guard Kasey Chambers and All everything center Sam Clark. Nikki Donahue and Dana Malanga give Joe Roman a dangerous starting 4. If they have developed a 5th player watch out. Malanga is the real deal and will ease the lost of Sweeney and Hall. This is a program clearly on the move to the next level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.) MIDDLETOWN SOUTH- What can you say about Tom Brennan, the man is simply one of the best in the business. Every year his teams are in the hunt. He never has the most talent. But he teaches his kids to play to their strengths and gets them to develop. I will repeat this again. Have you ever seen his team not prepared to play? This year he lost Danielle Pankey and his team got better…I mean how crazy is that? Megan McGuiness, Kelly Haspel and Kerri Kinsella became a tough trio for many teams handle and all three have something in common. They had better seasons than last year. This is coaching my friends. Tom Brennan continues to do it better than most. Next year Middletown South will move further up on the food chain. Stay tuned because this man has built a program made to last for the ages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.) RUMSON- While many people where calling the Rumson era of greatness over, George Sourlis quietly smiled. Rumson played another insane schedule knowing they were losing Kate Miller and still won 20 games. He played at Shabazz, Colts Neck at battle of the boardwalk and Middletown South, knowing they had to play the SJV and RBC’s of the world twice. They are a true program. This is a place if a player works hard they will find a way to use them. This is a place where the name on the front of the uniform means something special. It took the #1 team in the state to stop their 10 year run. They took Shabazz down to the wire before losing. Lesko, Wilbur, Cooper, and the Isaacs twins will form a nice group Next year for RFH. But remember this program always grabs a few unknown JV players and turns them into fixtures of their program.  Rumson along with SJV will be the biggest threat to Neptune. I will say it again. George Sourlias is the best in the business and this year proved why!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.) RBC- Again another program that just keeps moving along. Sam Guastella has become a superstar in the SC. The college coaches will chase her all summer. The winner will get one of the hardest workers in the SC. The will get a player always ready to battle. She will be a pre-season Player of the Year candidate.  Joe Montano saw his young team play up and down all year. He watched KC Hobbie become a well rounded player. His prize freshman next year will be ready and trust me they will deliver. When RBC shows up in an opposing team’s gym, it’s that team’s game of the year. Joe’s crew did not beat any of the big four this year. Youth was a major problem, because playing 32 minutes’ is not easy without Senior leadership.. Next year many of those teams will not be happy to see Joe’s Crew. The RBC team did a great job of getting better as the year went on. They never gave up against Neptune in the SCT. They will be in the top 4 pre-season next year and will add a Very special freshman. They will get a program player. She can play 4 positions and believe me…She is special and fun to watch. Get ready for another great RBC run folks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.) JACKSON MEMORIAL- Coach Goodale has taken a few hits regarding her team schedule. Is it fair? Maybe! But one thing is clear; Jackson had a great year and did big things. They beat Southern Twice and they won more games than any team in the schools history. Rachel Goodale has established herself as a top flight coach! Christa Evans is one of the best players in the entire state of New Jersey and Hannah Missry is a future superstar in the SC. Costello and Testa will be missed. They have been rocks for this program. They have laid the foundation for girl’s basketball not only at Jackson Memorial but for the town of Jackson as well. The youth programs in this area are buzzing with good players. Now Rachel and her staff will be able to build on what they already have built. Next year Jackson has a chance to be very good again. Evans and Missry are back. But it will be the younger Evans and Stephanie Mason who may be the difference for this team. Rachel will continue to upgrade her now conference schedule the players will continue to improve and Jackson Memorial community will watch their program grow. This program will be around a very long time. The woman at the top knows what she is doing! Just a bit of advice for the Jackson crowd….When your special the haters hate…let them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.) HOMDEL- People love to talk about the talent in the Shore Conference, but what about the coaches? Bob Ward has been amazing this year. The man is so classy and professional it’s scary. Why more AD’s are not demanding all coaches present this package to their kids anymore, is something I don’t understand. Is it too much to ask a coach to dress nice and not yell and scream the whole night. Is it asking too much for a coach to pat a kid on the back and say good job or more important pat an opposing player on the back? Is it too much to ask kids to share the basketball and play as a team? Is it too much to ask a coach to make sure your kids play with desire and class? TRUST ME you want your kids to play for Bob Ward! Let me ALSO say this, The AD at Holmdel must be given a serious pat on the back for this hiring. This is an administrator that did his job and got the right man for the position. Why do I say this? This program needed a shot in the arm, but it had to be done with the right person. This AD took his time and made sure the coach fit the players and school, this while many were saying he was taking to long to get a coach. There was pressure to get this program back on its feet. This AD did his job in a big way and listened to one voice…his own! Please don’t tell me this guy doesn’t care about his kids and athletic program. I know many AD’s that just want to get the process over with. Not this person! Hopefully someone will pass his name along to me. Now back to Bob Ward. His kids played the game the right way all year. Allie Minch is one of the most improved players in the SC; Tara Inman is one of the best freshmen in the state. Alex Diekman was one of the most underrated players in the state all year. If you have an all senior team she would be first team.  Melissa Martorelli has been a rock all season and has played all kinds of roles. You need scoring? She gave it to you; you need defense? She gave it to you. Anything she was ask to do she delivered all year They beat Middlesex counties # 2 ranked team Cardinal McCarrick, and they played tough every night. This is a program people will have to deal with year in and year out now. This will be no flash in the pan. This man leading this program knows what he is doing. Holmdel is a very dangerous program right now! PLEASE ALL YOUNG COACHES go watch this man, we need our coaches to understand and learn what a head coach looks and sounds like!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.) TOM RIVER NORTH- This was one of the real surprise teams this year. Coach Gillen is wonderful at getting her team to play hard for 32 minutes. She put 5 guards on the floor and made them compete night in and night out. They were good enough to be in the Top Ten most of the season. They knocked off the state’s #16 team Roselle and had a chance to win their division right up to the lost against Jackson late in the season. TRN will lose some seniors and Coach Gillen will have to go back to the Drawing board. The lost of one of the real sleeper players in the shore Asia Taylor will be hardest felt. Taylor sat under the radar most of the year. But those who saw her play knew she was special. Next year we will see if TRN can do it again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THOUGHT ON MY TOP TEN
    

  Some people will ask why I don’t include the state tourney.  My answer is because I don’t pay much attention to the State tourney. Southern for example is making a huge run behind Kristen Sharkey in the states. But it’s in a different setting than the Shore Conference. Next some schools have won a state championship but not their league championship. Conference games are much more intense in my opinion and the teams know each other much better.  Last but not least, they call it conference play for a reason! How you do in your conference is what counts most…not in the state!

 

 

 

 

 

 

AROUND THE SHORE
 

 

Kristen Sharkey is just rolling right now. I expect her to have a great college career. How the U of Buffalo got this kid is shocking to me!

 

 

Allison Sweeny is weighting her college choices

 

 

 

The recruiting for Sam Clark will be one big battle, Seton Hall and Boston College, where on hand this past Thursday. I believe every Big East and ACC school will make a run at Clark…

 

 

 

Providence College and Seton Hall have both offered Chyna Golden and it looks like the Golden Rush has started.

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Cooper’s stock took a major jump with her performance against Shabazz last week. Look for no less than 2 Big East Schools and 1 SEC School to offer Cooper. Size and length is something these schools just can’t pass on!

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria Lesko according to George Sourlias was fanatic the last month of the season. He expects Lesko who sat out last year because of a foot injury to have a big senior year

.

 

 

 

The Shore Conference proved again it is the toast of girl’s basketball. Go look at how many shore teams are still playing! Many Shore teams that finished out of the top ten are still playing

 

 

 

 

Next week I will announce my award winners. Believe me it has not been easy. I have done my best not to read any information on the state games other than the scores. But it is hard and at times, I do find myself peeking. I just don’t believe state games should have one thing to do with ALL SHORE.

 

 

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SEASON
    

  I would like to say congrats to the teams in my top ten.  I thought it was an exiting year and most of the teams outside of the top 4 were equal. That makes for a great season. I do want to say a few things about Fans, Parents and Coaches. First I believe that fans for the most part were well behaved and respectful. There will always be a few knuckle heads. I hope that we can expose this people and kept them under control or out the building. Two games stick out in my mind this year. One was the Point Boro vs. Central high school. I very rarely like to sit in a game next to parent unless I know them. This is why I wait for a game to start before entering. The Pt Boro and Central parents and fans where unreal the one night I entered before a game started. They sat next to each other and admired players from both teams. I have no idea why so much has change regarding acceptable behavior but this group gave me hope…Next was the battle between Christa Evans and Sam Clark in the SCT. The respect these two ladies showed for each other was amazing. Personally I think Evans may have won the battle but Clark’s team won the game. They played hard against each other and clean. These two girls after the game shook hands and smiled at each other. Can you imagine that, kids smiling at each other after a game! You could tell they loved the battle and have great respect for each other. I spoke to each after the game. Sam Clark told me over and over how good Evans was. Christa Evans spoke of how good Clark was…people these are two kids that get it! Last I want to talk about the coaches. The Shore has some very special ones. But I was very disappointed with what went on at the end of the year with games being cancelled. Some of those games should have been played. Teams who were ranked ahead of teams did not want to play those below them. They wanted to play after the seeding or not at all. This is nonsense and AD’s should force their coaches to play. Next and I believe this is very important. The seeding voting should be made public. I don’t care what anyone says. It will stop the nonsense that goes on behind close doors and on the phones! SOME COACHES VOTE WITH AN ANGENDA!

 

 

 

 

Last if you believe you are a division 1 point guard and you are looking for a school E-mail me

With just 9 days to go until Selection Sunday, here is an abbreviated version of my updated NCAA tournament projections…you can also click here to view the full detailed FACTS & BRACKS

 

1 Seeds: Syracuse, Kansas, Kentucky, Villanova

2 Seeds: Kansas State, Duke, West Virginia, Ohio State

3 Seeds: New Mexico, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Vanderbilt

4 Seeds: Michigan State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Baylor

5 Seeds: Maryland, Wisconsin, Georgetown, Temple

6 Seeds: Xavier, Butler, BYU, Texas

7 Seeds: Richmond, Gonzaga, Missouri, Clemson

8 Seeds: Florida State, Oklahoma State, Wake Forest, Marquette

9 Seeds: Georgia Tech, UNLV, Northern Iowa, Louisville

10 Seeds: Illinois, Florida, California, UTEP

11 Seeds: Utah State, Old Dominion, Notre Dame, San Diego State

12 Seeds: Virginia Tech, Saint Mary’s(CA), Siena, Cornell

13 Seeds: Rhode Island, Mississippi, Kent State, Murray State

14 Seeds: Oakland, Wofford, Weber State, Sam Houston State

15 Seeds: UC Santa Barbara, Morgan State, Coastal Carolina, Troy

16 Seeds: Jacksonville, Stony Brook, Quinnipiac, Lehigh, Jackson State

 

Last 4 teams in: Virginia Tech, Saint Mary’s(CA), Rhode Island, Mississippi

 

First 9 teams out: Dayton, UConn, Memphis, UAB, Arizona State, Charlotte, Seton Hall, Cincinnati, Mississippi State 

 

Selection Sunday is just around the corner and there still seems to be zero separation among all of these bubble teams.  Can somebody start winning consistently?  Please?

Click here to view my FACTS & BRACKS

 

 

She played out of position on her AAU team. This happens many times in the world of summer basketball. She was totally under the radar and had no advocate. This happens more times than anyone likes to admit. Her high school team would not play in the big tournaments. In fact like many high school teams, her school was rebuilding. Not exactly what any player wants to hear in their senior year. She was forgotten, and it looked like this could be her last year of organized basketball. This was the picture in front of Raritan’s Nicole Lentini!

 

 

 

 

Many players are either getting ready or preparing to play in the State Tournament. Some will play their last organized basketball game and some will be moving on to the next level. This time of year can be difficult for players, coaches and family. There are some memories that last forever; sometimes you just don’t want it all to end! The friendships and the exciting games can sometimes make a high school experience unforgettable. But High School basketball is a strange thing. A young lady can also get lost. Sometimes you have talent but no place to showcase it. The story of a player on a bad team at a school not caring is an old one. It’s been told so many times, we change the subject when it comes up! But sometimes a player will rise above these things and make their dream come true. Nicole Lentini of Raritan decided her dream was worth fighting for. She played AAU basketball and her team lacked post players so she had to play inside at times at 5’8”. She could not showcase her great ball handling and scoring skills in front of the college coaches because of this. She got lost and her basketball future was not looking very bright. But she did something all kids can learn from her. While other players were visiting schools, listening to people tell them how they could help them with their connections and playing the political games. She decided to get better. She understood that talent and ability trumps all the other things. She got in the gym and decided to improve her game. That would be the key to her success. She became a better shooter, she worked on her ball handling and she decided to become a defender. Nicole Lentini decided her work effort and development was the key to her future success. She didn’t worry about college coaches and who was in the gym. Nicole just wanted to be the best player she could be! There is no reason running around looking at schools if you don’t have the goods! When her high school season started, she put her focus on today and not tomorrow. She knew she had the goods, but she still needed an Advocate; sometimes this is the hardest part. You can’t make people support you!….Nicole Lentini was lucky she found one!

 

 

 

 

 

His name is Ron Poll and he is the head coach at Raritan High School.  He is intense and he built Raritan into a player in the Shore conference. He did it with hard work and pushing kids to their limit. He helped Raritan beat teams like Rumson for the first time. He got his team in the state and SCT tournaments and had them believing they could win. Raritan High School became a tough stop on the SC circuit.  He has kids playing college basketball everywhere these days and do you know what? Most are having success at the next level! It’s because he has prepared them to perform. He lost the bulk of his team this year. He could have said, I did a great job the past few years and moved on! But instead he has decided to start over again. Raritan is no SJV or RBC where kids flock to your school. This is a place where you take what you get and then you squeeze the talent and develop a team. Not easy my friends! Well Coach Poll not only develops teams. He helps develops dreams are well. He did something all great coaches are willing to do. He became an advocate for Nicole Lentini. He allowed her to showcase her talent in a season of rebuilding. He watched her score 41 points in a game this season. He watched her have a shootout against the best gunslinger in the business in Michaela Maybrey. He made sure her hard work did not get wasted. He did this while dealing with losing and rebuilding a program. He put his pain on hold for her gain. Now if you think it easy to worry about seniors when your team is losing…Then you have never coached! Ron Poll decided he could keep building as he has done in the past and help one of his players. What did he do? He became an Advocate! Then he did what all advocates do. He sold his player to college coaches. He sent the tapes, made the phone calls and then reminded the college coaches his player was special. He drove with her to colleges. Coach Poll got behind his PLAYER! It was important to him. All good players need someone like Ron Poll!  He understands the big picture. He knows that his job goes way beyond the sidelines. They don’t pay you extra or even your tolls and gas when you travel with players to visit a college. They don’t pay you extra to stay on the phone before and after practice. They don’t pay you extra when your team loses and then you have to put on the happy face and be an advocate to the coaches after the game! He is a true coach because he not only pushes his kids, but he rewards them as well…he rewarded Nicole Lentini with his time and dedication!

 

 

 

 

 

Raritan’s season is over while many teams and players are still chasing dreams. Miss Lentini has already moved on to the next phase of her basketball life. Lentini reminds me of what can happen when you focus on today and not tomorrow. There is an old saying “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Nicole prepared herself. Nicole Lentini may have been forgotten by newspapers and people like me during the season. But she was not forgotten by her High School Coach or College Coaches. She may not make All Shore or All Division but those things in the big picture mean very little, she knows she can play with anyone. Her stats and game will back that up…but the real proof is Nicole Lentini will go to school for free…Long Island University will most likely play in the Northeast Conference Championship and have a great chance of playing in the NCAA tournament this year! Well the Division 1 School will add a special player to that mix next year in Nicole Lentini; they will be shocked at her work ethic and her talent level. She will make all the teams in the NEC say “how did we miss her”? She will join fellow stars of the NEC Apo and Mayrose and guess what folks? Wait till they get a look at Miss Lentini!…HARD WORK over talk wins again…Good luck to another Shore Conference Player moving on to Division 1 basketball….Nicole Lentini has verbally committed  to Long Island University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A LITTLE STORY-

 

I had a college coach at the SCT semi final say to me “Tiny you think the Shore Conference girls are the best players and only players.” I responded with “if you had a few… you would win more games”! People check out what former Shore Conference girls are doing in college. Go look at Danella (U-Mass), Linney (Fairfield), Apo (Scared Heart), and Mayrose (FDU) for example. Then go look at what a few Shore Conference girls have done at Ramapo College…The Shore Conference prepares kids to play anywhere. So to my friend…yes other areas do have good players…but the Shore Conference does it better than anyone…. and the youth programs such as Mid Monmouth can be the blue print for any town or county!

 

 

 

HERE’S THE DEAL

 

It is now March and everyone is in full swing in their respective year end tournaments. The top seven in “The Deal” all held serve and won over the last two weeks. St Patrick rolled through the Union County Tournament and won the championship with a resounding victory over Plainfield. The bad news for the Celtics is they were denied their appeal to the state of New Jersey and they are not allowed to participate in the state tournament. Their season is over and this will leave a lot of unanswered questions in these ranking for years to come.

Paterson Catholic is still on a roll as they won the Passaic Championship by a large margin over Paterson Kennedy. Things will now get tougher for them as they advance in the state tournament. St Benedict’s finished their last regular season game and won’t play again until the Nike National Championships the first week-end in April. We wonder about having five weeks off between games. Neumann Goretti has just won the Philadelphia Catholic League Tournament by beating Archbishop Carroll and now will go into the Pennsylvania State Tournament.

Calvert Hall slips into the bottom of “The Deal” by beating both St Francis and Mt St Joe to win the Baltimore Catholic League Title. It gets tough now because teams are taking turns beating each other. We try to rate teams on their complete body of work, not just who they beat last week.   

And now onto the teams in question…Deal… or No Deal?

 

 

		3/2/2010
1	Paterson Catholic NJ	26-0
2	St. Benedict’s NJ	20-1
3	Neumann Goretti PA	24-1
4	St. Anthony NJ	24-2
5	Oak Hill VA	29-3
6	St. Patrick NJ	26-3
7	Plymouth Whitemarsh PA	24-1
8	Dematha MD	26-3
9	Half Hollows Hills West NY	21-0
10	Christ the King NY	22-5
11	St. Peter’s Prep NJ	21-3
12	Rice NY	20-5
13	Petersburg VA	27-0
14	Gonzaga DC	23-6
15	Penn Wood PA	21-3
16	Bishop Loughlin NY	21-5
17	Archbishop Carroll PA	21-4
18	Benedictine VA	22-5
19	Mt. Lebanon PA	23-1
20	Jamesville Dewitt NY	21-0
21	Ballou DC	25-4
22	Montrose Christian MD	16-4
23	Plainfield, NJ	21-3
24	Calvert Hall MD	21-7
25	Bridgeport Central CT	20-1
26	Mt. St. Joseph MD	30-4
	Close But “No Deal”
	New Rochelle NY	19-2
	Imhotep Charter PA	20-5
	Stratford CT	21-0
	Hyde CT	21-0
	Hillhouse CT	20-2
	Edmundson, MD	15-2
	Hayfield VA	21-0
	Thomas Stone MD	19-1
	Newburgh Free Academy NY	15-2
	Iona Prep, NY	20-4
	J F Kennedy NY	22-4
	City College MD	18-2
	Lynn English MA	21-1
	Strawberry Mansion PA	23-1
	St. Frances MD	22-9
	Trenton Catholic NJ	22-3
	Boys & Girls NY	25-5

Ahhh….March is here!  And with March comes the greatest single tournament in all of sports…the NCAA Tournament.  Just even thinking about the term “NCAA Tournament” gets me all giddy inside.  Conference tournaments are about to get underway this week and the “survive and advance” mentality begins to arrive for many teams.  So much can still happen in so little time and one single loss from here on out could very well cost a team an NCAA bid. 

Which teams are improving?  Which teams are melting?  Who’s the middie gettin’ giddy?  Who’s the power goin’ sour?  And who has a fear of those eight legged insects?  FACTS & BRACKS lets you know anything your heart desires… 

Remember to scroll to the bottom of this blog or click anywhere you see “FACTS & BRACKS” in order to view my NCAA tournament projections…

 

The “Let’s Goooo” Team of the Week (team who helped itself the most this week):  Notre Dame.  Many, including myself, thought the Fighting Irish’s season was over when Luke Harangody went down with an injury.  Since Harangody’s injury at Seton Hall 2 1/2 weeks ago, Notre Dame lost to St. John’s at home by 1, lost at Louisville in double overtime by 2, beat Pittsburgh at home and now, beat Georgetown on the road.  The biggest thing Notre Dame was missing from their resume was a really good road win.  Well, they got that now.  Georgetown’s Austin Freeman was battling a stomach virus and clearly was nowhere near 100%, but Notre Dame was down a man too so we shouldn’t really feel too bad for the Hoyas.  With this win, the Fighting Irish are now a major contendor for an NCAA tournament at-large bid.  They close out the season at home against UConn and then on the road at Marquette.  Getting at least a split in those two games are necessary for Notre Dame’s chances to get into the NCAA’s because their wins aren’t good enough for them to finish under .500 and still get in.  Before everyone starts jumping on the Notre Dame bandwagon, let’s keep in mind that they still have bad losses to Loyola Marymount, at Rutgers and St. John’s.  Their computer numbers are still a bit shaky, but getting this win at Georgetown is a great mark to put on a resume that, well frankly, needed it.  Notre Dame’s RPI went from 80 to 68 after their wonderful week.  They have anchored their way into my field this week as a 12 seed.

 

The “What Are We Doing?” Team of the Week (team who hurt itself the most this past week):  Rhode Island.  The Rams of Rhode Island had to be thinking to themselves, “what are we doing?” after their loss @ St. Bonaventure on Saturday.  Rhode Island has now lost 4 of their last 5 games with their lone win coming against another set of Rams in Fordham.  URI has quality wins over Oklahoma State and @ Dayton, but right now I don’t even have Dayton in my field so suddenly their resume is looking a bit empty.  They have a must win game at home against Charlotte on Wednesday.  They then end the regular season at UMass in another game in which they cannot afford to lose.  Not only does Rhode Island need these wins, but they will need to make a deep run now in the A-10 tourney to have a shot at getting a bid.  Doesn’t it seem like every year Rhode Island gets off to ridiculous starts record wise and then folds late in the season? 

 

“Why Must We Wait?” asks Mississippi State.  People need to calm down with saying the Bulldogs belong in the Big Dance.  They seem to have the pieces, but with an RPI still in the 50’s, a strength of schedule over 100 and a lone Top 50 RPI win against a CAA team in Old Dominion, by no means is Mississippi State on the better side of the bubble right now.  However, you guys still have opportunities to get there.  First and foremost, you have to win at Auburn on Wednesday.  Then, you MUST beat Tennessee at home this weekend in your final game of the regular season.  Yes, Tennessee has beaten arguably the two best teams in college basketball in Kansas and Kentucky, but the Volunteers won both those games at home and have yet to beat an NCAA tournament caliber team on the road ALL SEASON.  Going 10-6 in the SEC West just won’t cut it this year.  I currently have the Bulldogs as my 6th team out of the field (this goes to show you how bad the field is this year).  So, Mississippi State, win both games this week and then, yes, you will be a serious contendor for an at-large bid.  Will you be a lock?  No.  Then comes the SEC tournament where you will have to prove yourself once again.  Good luck.    

 

“We’re Flying Under the Radar, Yet Racking Up those WINS…Who Are We?  We are…the Maryland TERRApins.”  Is it just me or is nobody out there really talking about Maryland?  The Terps had a very solid week beating Clemson at home as well as winning at Virginia Tech in double overtime.  Maryland is now 20-7 overall and 11-3 in the ACC and just a game back of Duke for first place.  Maryland’s next opponent?  Yup, you guessed it, Duke!  If they can beat the Blue Devils at home then I believe they will start receiving the respect they deserve.  Maryland doesn’t have any out of this world great wins, but they have been strolling along piling up the victories over the last few weeks.  They currently have won 5 in a row and 7 of their last 8 overall.  Maryland’s only questionable loss on the season came a couple months ago when they ran into a hot William & Mary team at home.  Other than that, their L’s have come to bubble worthy teams or better.  Maryland’s RPI jumped from 36 to 24 this last week and now sit as a solid 6 seed in my latest projections.  I’m not saying Maryland is a Final Four contender, but I am saying that they could be a sleeper team come tournament time and have the possibility of making a considerable run if people continue to not pay attention to them. 

 

The “Middie Who’s Gettin’ Giddy” (mid-major team on the rise):  Saint Mary’s (CA).  The Gaels are getting giddy not because they beat a top 25 team or clinched 1st place in the WCC because they didn’t.  They’re excited because they are remaining in the mix for an NCAA bid when, in reality, they shouldn’t be.  Their biggest win of the year was at Utah State, and the Aggies have not lost a game since January 4th.  St. Mary’s next best win was against San Diego State, and the Aztecs have won 6 of their last 8 with their two losses coming to two top 20 teams on the road in New Mexico and BYU.  St. Mary’s also remains alive because the bubble is the weakest it’s ever been.  I feel like I say that every year, but this year really is the worst.  When it’s all said and done I don’t think the Gaels will punch their ticket because so many of these fringe bubble teams have mountains of opportunities, whereas St. Mary’s doesn’t have any.

 

The “Power Who’s Goin’ Sour” (high major team on the decline):  Purdue.  The Boilermakers are having a terrific season.  They didn’t go on a losing streak (not yet at least) and they really seemed to be hitting their stride the last few weeks turning themselves into a legitimate threat to reach the Final Four.  But, now, Purdue’s second leading scorer and second leading rebounder, Robbie Hummel, is out for the season after tearing his ACL at Minnesota on Wednesday night.  What a bad break for Hummel and the Boilermakers (pun intended although harsh).  Purdue was on its way to being a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.  Now what?  Well, now we wait and see how they play in the last couple games of the regular season, as well as in the Big Ten tournament.  They just lost at home to Michigan State on Sunday and you can tell that not having Hummel in the lineup really hurts them.  It is evident that the Boilermakers tournament seed will take a hit.  The door is now open for teams like Duke, Kansas State, Villanova, West Virginia or Ohio State to take over that coveted fourth #1 seed.  It’s simple…the team that doesn’t lose will get it.

 

“Ahhh….Arachnophobia!”  People with Arachnophobia tend to feel uneasy in any area they believe could harbor spiders or that has visible signs of their presence, such as webs.  If arachnophobics see a spider they may not enter the general vicinity until they have overcome a panic attack that is often associated with their phobia.  In some extreme cases, even a picture or a realistic drawing of a spider can also evoke fear.  Clearly, this can cause a lot of trauma.  I’m sure you know someone who has it.  Heck, my younger brother has it.  But, will NCAA tournament teams have it in a couple weeks?  They very well might because the Richmond SPIDERS seem to be a good candidate sleeper team to make a run in the tourney.  Before losing in double overtime at Xavier on Sunday, the Spiders ripped off 8 victories in a row in A-10 play.  They have quality wins this year over Missouri, Mississippi State, Old Dominion, Florida, Temple & Rhode Island.  They’ve shown they can beat power conference teams and their style of play really should be an advantage for them in a tournament setting.

 

Most Intriguing High Major Game This Week?  UConn @ Notre Dame on Wednesday.  This essentially could be a play-out game for the NCAA tournament.  I don’t believe the team that loses this will be officially done, but they will put themselves on the brink of elimination.  This game is probably more important for UConn because a loss here guarantees themselves finishing under .500 in conference play.  After their loss to Louisville, UConn really needs to win their last 2 games of the regular season at Notre Dame and at South Florida.  Doing so, would lock them up a bid.  Notre Dame finishes up the season at Marquette, so even if they lose to UConn they will have a must win game at the Golden Eagles to keep their hopes alive.  Both these teams are also vying for a top 8 seed in the Big East tournament which would give them a bye in the 1st round.  This should be a good one.

Another great game this week is Kansas State at Kansas.  This will be an all out money game for the Wildcats because a win very well puts them in the mix for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

 

Most Intriguing Non High Major Game This Week?  Charlotte at Rhode Island on Wednesday.  The loser of this game very well could be done.  URI has the better RPI, but the 49ers have the better overall wins.  Neither team can afford another loss on their shaky resume.  The winner of this game stays alive for another day.

 

My Four #1 Seeds are:  Syracuse, Kansas, Kentucky, Duke

Last 6 teams in?  Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, UAB, St. Mary’s (CA), San Diego State, Connecticut 

First 6 teams out?  Dayton, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Mississippi, Charlotte, Mississippi State 

 

Click here to view my FACTS & BRACKS for the entire rundown of my NCAA projections if the season ended today

 

Picking an All Shore Team is never easy. You never see all the candidates enough during the season. Then you have the problem of relying on stats. Some coaches will allow players to pad stats, while other coaches do not believe in this practice. Many times a friend of the team is taking stats and we all know what that means. Then you have the problem of what to do with the players who play under the radar. People love to talk how these kids don’t quote “play anyone.” This is nonsense but does create problems. Christa Evans is one of the best players anywhere, end of story Period. I don’t want to hear how she doesn’t play anyone. I heard that same talk about Sam Clark last year and she dominated the SCT last year. She had 15 points and 17 rebounds against Mayrose and then a double double against Colts Neck and Neptune. So we all know that talk is Bull. My personal problem is players on the elite teams get so much more attention and more importantly get more chances to prove themselves on the big stage. I don’t believe Kristen Sharkey for example played more than two games that was the focus of the entire conference on any given night.

 

I want to talk about a few things when it comes to picking my All Shore team. First I did something I thought was very important. I went back and checked the stats for my players on the final All Shore Team (the stats will surprise you!). You can read many of the stats at Max preps or NJ.COM. I also brought the Eye Test into play big time here. Now we all have opinions and one of the things I want to be clear about is that I don’t care if a player is Michael Jordan. My picks are based on High School performance. Why do I bring this up? Let me tell you a story. When my daughter was a junior at RFH she made All Shore and I was very proud of her. But, Paige Armstrong who is playing at a Division 3 school now, was the most important player on that roster. Stats and points did not tell the story of what she meant to that team. You just had to see it every night to understand. RFH went to the TOC semi-final that year. They lost to the eventual TOC champ and Paige Armstrong made no All Shore teams. I did not have a blog then or she no doubt would have made one of my All Shore teams (sorry candy girl but the truth hurts)! So the EYE TEST FOR ME TRUMPS EVERYTHING. Next I will take the entire season into play. Why? Because the best teams always play longer in the SCT. This gives them more chances to shine. So in theory you can play good or poorly for 2 nights and have one super night and everyone starts saying you should be All Shore. That to me is wrong. The season counts just as much if not more. For example Maybrey’s Team did not make it to the SCT and Sharkey’s team lost in the first round. News flash! Take any of my top 25 players and put them on Manasquan or Southern and you would get the same result. So the SCT has weight but not as much as you may think. I find people love to use the SCT when players they are pushing play well. All Shore is not a team award in my opinion. Yes winning has some weight, but personal performance counts just as much and since I’m on the subject of Maybrey. If anyone thinks she is not All Shore you need to get your head examined. Then we get to the State Tourney. I hope to have my choices out long before the State Tournament is over! Now one last topic! What about teams with multiple good players? I have no problem with putting all five players from one team on my ALL SHORE TEAM, if they deserve it. In fact if Manigrasso didn’t get hurt and SJV won the SCT, I had every intention of putting their entire team as first team ALL SHORE!  But don’t ask me for example to take two players from a team that did not win the Championship and then none from and team that did. Don’t ask me to take 5 players from one team and spread it out over 3 All Shore Teams and give the winning SCT team 2 players on the 3 teams! See my point! With all that being said I will give you my final 25 candidates for 1st, 2^nd and 3^rd team ALL SHORE. The coach of the year finalist, freshman of the year finalist and most improved player. The all underrated team and my future breakout player awards will be posted the same day as ALL SHORE… I am open to all and any feedback! I will post my criteria for All Shore and Player of the year the day we announce our winners. Congratulations to the finalist!

 

 

THE FINAL 25 CANDIDATES FOR ALL SHORE-(not listed in order)

Sam Clark- St. Rose 

Allison Sweeney- St. Rose

Shakena Richardson- Neptune

Sy Davis- Neptune

Semonyeh Allen- Neptune

Chyna Golden-Neptune

Lauren Clarke- Colts Neck

Brooke Hampton- Colts neck

Kristen Sharkey- Southern

Jackie Kates-SJV

Missy Repoli-SJV

Katie O’Reilly-SJV

Michaela Maybrey- Manasquan

Megan McGuinness- Middletown South

Sam Guastella- RBC

Asia Taylor- TRN

Dana Costello- Jackson Mem

Nicole Lentini –Raritan

Kasey Chambers- St. Rose

Ashley Cooper/Amanda Yaccarino- RFH

Christa Evans- Jackson Mem

Kathryn Campbell- Wall

Aaron Zimmerman- SJV

Stephanie Cardamone- Freehold twp.

Allie Minch- Holmdel/Tiffany Detullio-Colts Neck

 

*Theresa Manigrasso will be on my 1^st or 2^nd team All Shore*

 

* I don’t believe in putting freshman on All Shore Teams*

 

* I choose a senior in my final 25 over underclassmen when all things were equal*

 

* A whopping 20 of these players will play Division 1 basketball.*

 

 *There are 6 future division 1 players NOT on this list*

 

 

 

THE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST.

Kat Egan- SJV 

Lindsey Rowe- SJV 

Tara Inman- Holmdel

Kelly Hughes- Pt Boro

Rachel Iozzia-Central Reg

.Hannah Missry- Jackson Mem

 

 

 

COACH OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Dawn Karpell-SJV  

Bob Ward- Holmdel

James Young- RBR

John Brown- Neptune

Joe Roman- St. Rose

Rachel Goodale- Jackson

Tom Brennan- Middletown South

Vicky Gillen- TRN

 

 

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER 

 Allie Minch- Holmdel 

Sam Guastella- RBC 

Alex Milie- Middletown South

Annette Snow- Freehold Township

Allison Sweeney- St. Rose

Amanda Yaccarino-RFH

Meghan McGuiness- Middletown South

 

 

 

BREAKOUT PROGRAM
 

Jackson Mem  

RBR

Holmdel

St. Rose

Pt Boro

TRN

 

RBC, St. Rose and now Colts Neck all have something in common, they all lost in this year’s SCT by double digits to NEPTUNE. I predicted they all would lose by 10 points or more. So I’m not surprised. What did surprise me is that people really did not understand who and what the Neptune girls’ basketball is about. They are a special group and now will try and do the impossible next year. Win three straight SCT championships, in what many consider the most talented conference, this country has ever seen!

 

 

 

 

The guards are like none we have never seen. Let me repeat very clearly, they have the best point guard in the Shore Conference, The best combo guard in the Shore Conference and the best Swing player in the Shore conference…OOP I forgot the most dangerous 6^th man in the Shore conference. The 5^th starter that nobody speaks of who does all the little things. Well she is smart and one day will end up at one of the best academic schools in this or any other country…she is a brilliant student and it shows on the court. What about the freshman who had to sit while watching and knowing she was one of the best freshmen in the SC? Well she didn’t care and she smiled and said my time will come. “My big sisters are teaching me now”…WOW does it get any better than that! Now they all will let others talk the talk, while they walk the walk! They like doing their talking during game time, why? …Because they are the best!

 

 

 

 

The Center…. well she had to give up the most. She had to give up headlines and awards. She has gone from go to player to winning player. I watched the pain in eyes when those around her doubted her. She was hurt and didn’t understand! She learned that adults can be cruel.  She no doubt knew people where angry at her for trying to be happy and more important a KID…. BUT she found a home with people who embraced her and showed her the way. Now she is part of the best run the SC may ever see. She now is one of the best. She played against the best for 2 weeks and how do I say this….WON EVERY BATTLE! The lesson for all parents and young players, follow your heart and let the haters hate! Because in the end you can be special and SMILE, SMILE, SMILE.

 

 

 

 

The coach! His team has not lost a Shore Conference game in TWO YEARS. He is prepared all the time. He believes in his team. He doesn’t hype his players. He watched other teams get two and three players on All Shore teams. He made his kids understand it is not about what others think, but more about what they think… His kids now know, WININING is the true measure of who you are! He has built the Roman Empire with hard work and desire. He now has a chance to do what other SC coaches can only dream of, win the Triple Crown, the SCT, TOC and NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. He has made public schools a real choice for all young players. They say if you build it, they will come. Trust me they are now coming to Neptune. This is what happens when your leader is special.

 

 

 

 

The fans and parents! Well now they know nobody does it better than their kids. They did it again and dashed the hopes of so many. They did it every night when the odds where against them last year. Their kids will now go into the history books. Their kids are special now and they are the reason why, because they made sure their kids knew that dreams come true! They showed their kids that hard work and family are tough to beat….congrats to the best darn program in the toughest conference in the country. …NEPTUNE HIGH SCHOOL THE SHORE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Two teams will be trying to do the same thing on the same night. Win a 2nd SCT championship. One team has not lost a Shore Conference game in TWO years. The other team has only lost two Shore Conference games in the last 2 years. But both of those games where the ones that count the most. Tonight CN will try and be the Giants vs. The Patriots, The Jets vs. Colts and yes ST. Rose vs.…you got it Colts Neck itself. Colts Neck will try and return the favor to Neptune tomorrow night! Neptune will try to remember that all things are possible in sports and cement their history

 

 

 

 

 

These are two teams who don’t have the history of a SJV or a RBC. But they are two teams that people will never forget. Both teams are loaded with talent. Both teams have played in big games. Both teams have won a SCT and last and most important both teams have earned their way to the championship game.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a true basketball fan, then tomorrow night your dreams will comes true. This is a game where you will see 7 division 1 basketball players’ walk on the floor for the tip off. You will see everything Thursday night, great shooters, great passers, great playmakers and Post players who know how to finish when they get the ball. Both teams will work hard and play with passion. The fans will be loud and supportive of their teams. Both teams will try and stay in the moment and play at their highest level. I miss it all Thursday as I will be doing a clinic after a long ride home back from seeing my favorite player. You hopefully will too be smiling after watching your favorite player Thursday!

 

 

 

 

 

I would like to say congratulations to both coaches. They have both done something very special. They are in the SCT final. This is not an easy thing to accomplish. Sometimes getting to this point is the hardest part. Coaching can be draining and tough on your soul at times. But now both of these coaches are knocking on the door of doing something that few can say they have done…

 

 

 

 

 

Jeanene Healy has had a tough act to follow. John Turhan was a very successful coach at Colts Neck.  He won a lot of games and built what can only be described as a powerhouse program. Coach Healy was asked to do something that is not easy, replace JT and put her own identity on this team. She has done this! She talked how defense was going to be the key to her team this year. Monday she was right! She asked Brooke Hampton to be more of a true point guard and it has paid off for her. CN is more balanced than they have been in four years. She did something this team could not do last year. GET TO THE SCT FINAL. She didn’t panic after CN lost to Trenton Catholic or Shabazz, two teams they beat last year. She knew there were bigger fish down the road. Now she is close to the big prize and if she wins tonight all questions about COACH OF THE YEAR WILL BE ANSWERED!

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Browne had also done the impossible. He convinced a group of girls to stick together. They have been the best team in the SC for two years. Last year two teams that finished below his team in the standing had more players on my All Shore Teams. They are rarely talked about in the papers. They never get the headlines. Nobody ever talks of how smart they are! They never talk about the mental toughness; they never talk about how THEY ARE AS FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND TEAM AS YOU WILL EVER SEE. Many talk about how athletic they are and not how they work. That’s ok because Coach Browne is the man that has convinced his kids those things mean nothing. They now know it’s about winning. John Browne has done a lot of that recently. This year the Schedule was insane…but smart. They are ready for anything as Monday proved when St. Rose came out in a Zone. His team did not blink and battered the upstart St. Rose team like they have done to everyone else…except Murray Bergtraum who beat them by 1 in the Battle of the Boardwalk, a game which may cause them a National Championship. John Brown may not want to admit this….But Thursday’s game may mean more. This is a chance for his kids to win 2 in a row and set up next year to do the impossible…. Win 3 straight SCT CHAMPIONSHIPS. Coach Browne is quiet, tough, organized and understands the big picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GAME
 

 

 

 

If this game had a shot clock I would say forget it! Colts Neck has no chance. But the fact is there is no shot clock and that works in favor of Colts Neck. They can take their time against the Neptune pressure and pick their spots much as they did against SJV. Once in the half court game, they can run their offense and get good shots. I believe you will see Coach Healy’s team bring back the ball screens they put away for SJV. Neptune is not known to trap screens in the half court. Colts Neck will need to find a way to score in the lane. Their guards have a tendency to play sideline to sideline. When they do get in the lane off the dribble they will need to finish at the rim and make jumpers when they kick the ball out! Howes and Lawrence will be very important, because they will need to get on the offensive glass and most important get back on defense, to clog up the lane.

 

 

 

 

 

Neptune will try and do what they have done all year. Press Colts Neck and get tips and steals. I don’t believe Coach Browne has one press in mind. I believe he will use whatever press is working and change to kept CN off guard. The quickness of Richardson and Davis will be hard to match. I would not even be surprised if Davis posts up either Hampton or Clarke. Allen will try to get on the glass and cause havoc in the1-3-1 half court trap/ zone. The 1-2-2 press and man press will be factors only if CN turns the ball over. Chyna Golden was great on Monday and caught every pass thrown in her direction. Then she finished when played one on one. If CN goes to a sagging Man to Man or Zone, look for Thompson to appear. Now here is something that most people don’t understand about Neptune. Tempo is what separates them from all the teams in the Shore

Conference. They know when to run and when to slow it down. They are not a run and gun team. They take what you give them and that I’m sure will be their game plan Thursday night.

 

 

 

 

 

I believe Colts Neck will handle the Neptune press for the most part. CN guards are battle tested and much like the Neptune team has seen it all. I feel the bigger test will be whether Colts Neck can score in their half Court offense. I believe you will see long possessions in this game. Not because CN is holding the ball. But more because I don’t believe they can beat the Neptune players of the dribble. This will lead to lots of passing and dribbling. Look for a lot of handoffs by the guards. Neptune will no doubt attack off the dribble and in transition when it’s there. I do not believe the benches are a factor unless foul trouble comes into play. I believe if Clarke or Richardson get into foul trouble it changes this game for both teams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MATCH UPS
 

 

 

NEPTUNE ON DEFENSE
 

 

 

RICHARDSON VS. HAMPTON

 

DAVIS VS. CLARKE

 

ALLEN VS.  LAWERENCE

 

CARTER VS. DETUILO

 

GOLDEN VS. HOWES

 

*The real question is does Davis guard Hampton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOTS NECK ON DEFENSE
 

 

 

CLARKE VS. RICHARDSON

 

HAMPTON VS. DAVIS

 

DETULIO VS. CARTER

 

LAWERENCE VS. ALLEN

 

HOWES VS. GOLDEN

 

 

*Lets face it, the real question is does DeTulio or Clarke guard Richardson; I say both will get a shot at her!

 

 

 

 

ADVANTAGE VS DISADVANTAGE
 

 

 

 

THE GUARDS-
 

 

 

Both of these teams have great guards. They all are very savvy and will get down and dirty when asked too! Hampton has deep, deep shooting range. Her passing skills are great in traffic and she can handle pressure. Clarke is a great shooter and excellent defender. DeTulio again is so underrated it’s silly. These three are all complete players. Meaning they can do anything you ask during the course of the game. The Neptune guards are simply scary and say what you want the CN guards have never seen this speed, length and quickness on one high school team.  Now here is a little thing you all should know….The CN kids have all played with or against the Neptune players. So the fear factor goes out the window.

 

 

 

 

 

Advantage- Neptune- These three are the best we may ever see. They are the most recruited trio we have seen from one team in ages. They have played and won just about everything. CN will be the biggest challenge to date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORWARDS

 

 

 

Colts Neck has three very good post players in Howes, Lawrence and Lanza. Howes and Lawrence have proven they can make big shots and play on the big stage. It was Howes who came up big against RFH two years ago and Howes who played big against RFH on Saturday. Howes will no doubt be ready. Lawrence is rounding more and more into that player everyone thought she could be before the injury. This is a player that can change the whole game. If she starts making shots…WATCH OUT! She may be the only player Neptune can not match up with! Blessed with a great understanding of the game, Emily could steal the show. Lanza will give this team an additional body off the bench and a seasoned player. She is great on the glass and is very physical. Chyna has been great in the SCT. She is all about winning right now. She has made the decision that with winning comes awards and respect follows. If Golden gets into foul trouble things could get very tough on the glass for Neptune!

 

 

Advantage-Colts Neck- 3 against 1 it’s a numbers game. Yes Allen and Lawrence can be considered wings. But Chyna is Neptune’s only true back to the basket player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bench- Lanza and Thompson could both be starters. But what Thompson brings to the table is a big weapon….scoring and three point shooting! This is something all teams need and want.

 

 

 

Advantage-Neptune- Shooting trumps everything. Thompson gives Neptune this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Intangibles-

 

 

 

 This is very important in any game. How does your team react when things are going bad? Do they call time outs at the right time? What about Loose balls?  Will your team handle Bad calls? Does your team have the will to WIN? I believe both of these teams have all these things. The one that brings them to the table on Thursday will have a big edge!

 

 

 

 

 

Advantage – EVEN- BOTH can adjust to almost any style of play. They come into every game knowing the whistle most likely won’t go there way…they don’t care…Both chase down loose balls…Both Coaches have been in big spots and will know when to use their time outs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHOT MAKERS
 

 

Do not underestimate how important this is! If this game comes down to possession to possession, you better believe the shot makers count. If it comes down to one shot to win the came…then its becomes even bigger!

 

 

 

 

 

Advantage-Neptune- I believe CN has the best in the Business in Lauren Clarke. She will not miss a big shot. But if Clarke is # 1…then Richardson, Davis and Allen are numbers 2, 3 and 4. They can all get their own shot and more important make the shot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY PICK
 

 

 

NEPTUNE is just too much for any team to handle this year. They have shooting, ball handling, passing, rebounding and defense. That doesn’t leave a whole lot left to do. I believe if there is a team who could beat them…you’re looking at it in CN. Hampton and Clarke are very capable of getting going and winning this game. Trust me these two will be ready to go to war. Colts Neck has seasoned seniors, BIG talent and most importantly has played in big games. They could catch Neptune feeling good about themselves and jump on them early and make them play catch up all night. But in the end I believe Coach Browne will have them ready….I say Neptune by 12 points…but remember I picked SJV last year and we all know how that turned out….enjoy my friends and remember sportsmanship is what makes it a great event!
 

 

 

 

 

 

SCT THOUGHTS

 

 

 

I would tell anyone who is a SC fan that St. Rose and SJV are very dangerous teams come the state tournament. People make too much of a win and a lost sometimes. I really believe in another setting either of these teams could be playing Thursday night. Joe Roman now has to be put in that small list of great coaches in the Shore Conference. St. Rose is now a school all young ladies looking for a good education and great basketball must look at…Joe Roman is the reason why! I hope the St Rose community understands what they have, a great coach and a better person. Dawn Karpell well what can you say, the woman is just special. I just don’t know if any other coach could have got their program together after what she has went though the past 12 months. Dawn will have SJV in the mix every year. Let’s hope we don’t lose Dawn to the college game. I really believe Strong effective woman coaches are important to the girl’s game! Coach Karpell may be the best of the bunch…Ok I will say it, she is the best period!

 

 

 

 

Let me talk about the Jackson program. What Rachel Goodale has done there is amazing. No disrespect but people are walking around like Jackson has been doing this every year. Christa Evans Development and what that program has done this year is maybe the best story of the SC…please tell me a better team story. Remember this about Rachel’s program…it will get better each and every year! Why? Because she can teach and her kids love her! That’s something so many non coaches don’t understand.  Rachel in my heart I believe will coach in college one day. She has the mind and presence for that level.

 

 

 

Lastly, I missed the boat on a lot of stories this year. It may not seem Like it but it bothers me…I feel I have short changed those girls at Shore Reg. They were great all year before injuries and I did not give them their due. Liz West is a great player. But they were a true team.  I also feel so many good players are left in the cold. Lauren Romano, Amanda Yaccarino, Eli Wilbur, the Middletown South kids. Aaron Zimmerman has really been mistreated by this Blog. Kathryn Campbell has been great for 4 years and we have never done a story on her, Shame on us. Jessie Nevins is going to be a great player over the next 2 years, mark my word.  I should have written more about the Manasquan team. Yes Maybrey is great, but she had teammates this year and we forgot about them. Speaking of Maybrey no kid has shown more INNER strength this year than she and her family. This young lady is a GREAT KID. She just happens to be part of a family that loves basketball. In the future if I continue with my blog, I will write about asst coaches. They are almost always forgotten! I know I can do a better job in the future. But like anyone I need help. If you have or know of a player being missed please E-Mail me. I really believe the more kids I know and see the more I can be an advocate for them! I realize people don’t agree with every thing I write and that’s a good thing! But I hope that we all work together…that’s the name of the game!