Hold’n Court: The HoopGroup Blogs

No more talking. Who cares about last year now! It’s time to get down to business. The practice plans for the next few weeks have been laid out. The scrimmage games have been set up. Some players will look better than last year, some will not. There will be teams which will change their style of play and teams trying to replace great players. There will teams with new coaches and players. There will be teams and players with targets on their backs. Some will handle the pressure while others fold. We know it will be long and fun…and that’s what counts the most.
 
I have seen a lot of basketball this summer and fall. The Shore conference is simply loaded with talent. The teams are good from top to bottom and the games this year should be exciting. I will break down my top 10 teams and give you my reasons for why they are ranked in the order I will give.
MY TOP TEN
THE RANKING- I have based my ranking on having seen the teams play last year, what players are returning, what  players I have seen who have improved, what new players will have a impact and  Current information, injuries, etc.
1. Neptune- Without a doubt the most complete team in the Shore Conference. They will line up two future major college guards in Richardson and Davis. They have added a Division 1 post player in Chyna Golden. They have the best small forward in the Shore in Semonyeh Allen and Thompson is one of the best pure shooters in the Shore Conference.

 
Strengths- They are loaded with Gym Rats! Kids who live in the gym. Remember Davis and Richardson are also A students to boot! I call them package kids! This is a team that has 4 division 1 starters and a possible fifth in the vastly improving Thompson. They have great team speed and most important a proven low post scorer in Golden. They simply have no soft spots on offense. There defense is over looked. Check out how they shut down many of the best offense teams in the Shore Conference Championship last year. They chase loose balls and play hard all the time.

 

 
Weakness- If Richardson is not on the floor, this team is much different. They do not have a replacement for her leadership. Next as good as Golden is, how long will it take for her to adjust to her new teammates. Golden has played a ton of basketball with her new teammates this summer and fall. Yet that is not the same as learning new plays and the defense philosophy of a high school team.

 

 

 
Addititons- Ivy Harrington is one of the top freshmen in the shore. She will receive big minutes right out of the gate. She is Blessed with great athleticism, but more importantly a great IQ and feel for the game. She will make the Neptune’s bench longer and give them more team speed. This is a major pick up for Neptune.

 

 

 
What could go wrong- Richardson getting into foul trouble and injuries are the only things in my mind that can stop them as of today.

 

 

 
Overview- I believe Neptune is a better team this year. Why? Simply no group of girls has played together more than the Neptune team this fall. Next they have 3 players who are the best in the Shore Conference at their positions, Richardson (pt), Davis (combo) and Allen (small forward). This team also has something else which everyone is forgetting…They are very focused. No team this fall in my opinion was more focused than this group. They will play the the 7th toughest schedule in the country and they seem to relish it. My biggest concern for this team is can they handle the pressure which comes with having a target on their back. Last year they were under the radar all year. Now every night they must be ready to play.

 

 
 
2. SJV- They are the defending TOC champions. This gives you a swagger. Jackie Kates is the best pt guard maybe in the state for pure leadership skills. Missy Repoli is one of the best shooters in the Shore Conference. Theresa Manigrasso who signed with division 1 St. Peters is tough and is always ready to play. Katiey O’Reilly may be the most underrated player in the shore conference. Then you have Arron Zimmerman who may be the best of the bunch before all is said and done!

 

 

 
Strengths- SJV players have been winning since their freshman year. No Group in the Shore has done more in such a short period of time. They still will be a trapping and pressing team. They also may have better chemistry if that is possible. Dawn now will have fewer players to keep happy. Katiey O’ Reilly and Manigrasso will both move into starting roles. Don’t under estimate how important this is, both will get more time and SJV will be better defensively and dare I say offensively as well.

 

 

 
Weakness- This a team that lost a great player in the Player of the Year  Katelyn Linney. They also lost a player in Michaela Maybrey who was developing into one of the Shore’s top players. But the biggest lost to this team may be Jen Mulvey who value was not in a box score. It was her leadership that was all important. SJV will not be as deep as last year, but I do not think it will affect their pressing style of play. Dawn simply will pick her spots against the stronger teams. The lack of size and bench could be factors in close games. Take Zimmerman out of the SJV lineup and you have some real rebounding and size issues!

 

 

 
Additions- Dawn simply does not have any impact additions. She will have to create a role for someone this year in order to make her bench longer. Neptune brought Tompson of the bench last year in order to make their team deeper. Dawn may need to come up with a similar trick for SJV.

 

 

 
What could go wrong-This team has no replacement for Jackie Kates. Take away Kates you no longer have an elite team. This team has a lot of great players who may be concerned with personal goals. This is a team who may have players more concerned about tomorrow and forgetting about today. Dawn did a great job of keeping this team focused last year. She made team goals the only goal. If the players forget this message….a repeat will not happen!

 

 

 
Overview- I am not sure about the focus of this team. This fall many SJV players spent a lot time visiting colleges, playing other sports and worrying about many things away from basketball. I am a big believer in living in the moment. SJV does not appear to be in that mode right now! The big question to me is, how long will it take for them to get back into a team mode? My guess not very long, Dawn is a master at getting kids to buy into her system. I think people are going to be shocked to find this year’s team may be better than last years state champion before the season ends!

 

 

 
3. St Rose- This is a very high ranking for a team that most likely will not be ranked in the top ten in state polls to start the season. They ended last year on a very high note. Beating Colts Neck in the SCT and pulling off one of the all time great come backs against Freehold. Sam Clark gives any team a chance to win. Sweeney and Hall have to be considered prime time players and KC Chambers gives them a guard who’s not afraid to go after the shore’s elite guards, as she proved last year against Hampton and Davis in the SCT.

 

 

 
Strengths-Much like Neptune their Core Players have become gym rats. Sam Clark is a nightmare matchup for any team. She can post up and shoot three’s. Sweeney and Hall are scoring guards who at any time can light it up. Sweeney’s mid range game is vastly improving and Hall may be the fastest guard in the shore. KC Chambers will run down loose balls and continue to be an impact on the court and not just in the box score. She will now run the show full time. St. Rose will have a shorter bench this year. The rotation which was way too long last year will be shorter. This will make for better chemistry and less drama for the coaching staff! This is one of the best offensive teams in the Shore. Kelly Roddy and Diana Malanga will give this team some depth and additional scoring.

 

 

 
Weakness- Defense.. Sam Clark hid many of this teams break downs last year on defense. If St Rose wishes to hang with the big dogs they will have to defend. The weak schedule they play will not help. This is a team that will get challenged maybe 4 times all season. Now with Neptune dropping them from its shedule, it will be even harder to judge where they are as a team, when winning games at times by 20-30 points. Then again last year we heard the same about Neptune.

 

 
Additions- Nicci Donahue at 6 ft tall did play last year. But this is an improved player. She will start and give St. Rose a post player who can rebound, score and defend. Make no mistake she will be a major factor this year!

 

 

 
What could go wrong- This is a team that needs Chambers on the floor all the time. She has had injuries and without her this team loses team toughness and basketball IQ. Next if they become an outside first, inside second team, don’t expect another run like last years SCT. If they don’t defend and try to out score teams it could get ugly against the better teams.

 

 
Overview- This is a team that could surprise everyone or can be called overrated by the end of the season. They are well balance and seem to ready for the season. The players have spent lots of hours in the gym. The bench is a little thin but there is enough talent. This is maybe the most interesting team in my top 10. They will only have few chances to prove themselves so they must show up in the big games.

 

 

 
4. Colts Neck- Brooke Hampton and Lauren Clarke allow you to compete every night. DeTulio is a great shooter; Brittney Howes and Emily Lawrence give them inside scoring and rebounding. This team two years ago won the SCT and last year made it to the TOC championship game. They will have a new head coach in Jeanie Healey and This is a battle tested unit.

 

 

 
Strengths- The three guard offense would be the best in the state if not for Neptune. Hampton is one of the best guards in the Shore Conference and Clark will make another run at player of the year honors and is the best player in the state at her position. This team has won a lot of games and if not for the upset loss to St. Rose, may have had a chance to win consecutive SCT championships last year. Lawrence and Howes play their roles to perfection. They let the guards get the glory and they do the dirty work. The roles for of all these players are clear and they play them well.

 

 

 
Weakness- Emotional leader! CN does not have one. I felt this is the reason why St. Rose beat them last year. The Injuries to Howes and Lawrence during the fall and summer will hurt. Lawrence was developing into a prime time player before she got hurt and Howes was a div 1 prospect before her injury. How all this fits into this season is anyone’s guess.  JT may be the biggest lost of all. This is the man that put it all together. This is the man that won the SCT, this is the man the watched Clark go from being a nice player, to one of the best in the state. This is the guy who knew how to manage the egos of the people outside his program. This is the man after the lost in the SCT, found a way to put it all back together. The lost of JT will be felt early in the season.

 

 

 
Additions-none of impact

 
What could go wrong- If Howes and Lawrence don’t come back it’s a wrap. Who will be the face of the coaching staff?
Overview- I believe anytime you have a new coach it takes time for kids to get on board. The parents and players will need to have their eyes and ears open at all times. Change is not always is smooth expect CN to start slow and round into one of the 2 or three best teams in the state. How they handle the start of the season is very important. OUTSIDERS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO THIS TEAM.

 

 

 
5. Jackson Memorial- Christa Evans gives them a scoring post player. Costello is tough and athletic; Caitlyn Testa was developing into one of the best stories in the shore at one time. She still may be one of the better pt guards before this season is over.

 

 

 
Strengths- Christa Evans is one of the best post players in the Shore. She is strong and catches anything thrown her way. She also is a rebounding machine. Throw in the fact she is an above average shot blocker at 6′3″ and you have one of the best players in the state. She missed most of last season, so some people have no idea how good she is. Costello is one of the best guards in the Shore. She can score and defend anyone. Her toughness is really something to see. She bangs out three’s and can take over a game in the same manner as Richardson of Neptune.  Testa was becoming one of the best pt guards in the shore conference last year. If she can find that same passion and continue to perform then Jackson will have 3 prime time players.

 

 

 
Weakness- Welcome to where the big dogs play. Jackson will be in uncharted waters. Teams will come ready to play against them every night. This will be new to them. Many of the Jackson players are duel athletes. Costello is a Div 1 soccer player and Evans played volleyball, Testa who in the past was a gym rat decided to settle on working with her teammates in open gyms. That makes your three best players some what inactive much of the fall. The question now becomes, how long will it take Rachel Goodale to get them basketball ready? This is anyone’s guess.

 

 

 
Additions- Stephanie Mason is a huge addition. She will be an impact from day 1. She will knock down three’s and rebound. She will give Jackson more scoring and rebounding, two areas’ they need help with. Mason will fight for the freshman of the year award.

 

 

 
What could go wrong- simple! Lose Christa Evans or Costello and you can’t play the elite teams. If the rust takes to long to get off Costello and Evans, Jackson could easily get off to a slow start and be playing catch up all year.

 

 
Overview- Rachel Goodale is simply one of the best young coaches I saw last year. I firmly believe she will coach on the college level one day. The Jackson team is very good and they have two Elite Players and possibly a third in Testa. This gives you a chance against anyone. Mason has given them back some of the three pt shooting they lost to graduation. We will know more about Jackson after the battle of the boardwalk…it will be their first time on a big stage.

 

 

 
 
6. Rumson Fair Haven- They lose maybe the most important player to any team last year…Kate Miller. Ashley Cooper is the leading returning scorer, O’Brien seems ready to fill the role as designated shooter, and Yaccarino will handle the post play. The return of Victoria Lesko gives RFH a needed scorer. The Twins will make a run at starting and give RFH more dept. Eli Wilbur will continue to be the smartest player on the RFH roster!

 

 

 
Strengths- George Sourlias, the master mind will again make RFH the most prepared team in the Shore Conference. They will be mentally tough all season. This is a big advantage. The players and staff believe in the system 100% and this means wins. Cooper will get a chance to be the go to player. Yet this is a very deep team which should be able to score more with the addition of Lesko. She could be one of the best post players in the Shore Conference. She can score both inside and out. Brielle O’Brien and Stephanie Isaacs gives RFH two excellent shooters and Isaacs give them an additional ball handler. Yaccarino gives them a great post defender and a vastly improving scorer who has now been though the wars and George Sourlias demanding practices. Elli Wilbur is a solid pt guard who knows the Rumson system. She also is an improving shooter. This unlike any recent RFH teams is deep and more important totally under the radar! Oh yeah RFH will play at little thing called defense this year better than anyone come January…this is a given! Underestimating George Sourlias has gotten many a team in trouble in the past.

 
Weakness- Simple who is the go to player? No returning double figure scorer. Where’s that great player RFH always counts on to is kept them in games. Many are saying this is Cooper, she has shown flashes. Can Lesko play pain free and listen to the words of the George Sourlias? Then the biggest problem! Where is the Quickness and ball handling? Kate Miller handled the ball in all the tight spots last year. Who will step up? This fall RFH lost some fall games in scary fashion. Now granted it was without George on the sidelines and it is fall ball…but 55 -12 with all your best players all on the floor, this has to make you worry!

 
Additions- This team has some of the best young talent this side of RBC. They are too many to list. Getting though practice and learning the system at Rumson is brutal on any freshman. In the words of my daughter after her first practice at RFH “The man tried to kill us”. The freshman will get some time, but for them it will be a year to learn and get better. No other program demands more from their freshman in practice than RFH.

 

 

 

What could go wrong- Who will handle the pressure? What happens if Lesko and Cooper can’t score and then the most important issue of all…Who is the leader on the Floor?

 
Overview- RFH will start out slow and get better as the year moves on. Why do I say this? Because all RFH teams get better as the season moves on! Ashley Cooper will have a great year, but it will be more of a team by committee this year for George. RFH will do what they do every year win games and let George figure out what to do game to game. Lesko will be a big addition and take lots of pressure off Cooper! Lesko and Cooper need to score at least 25 pts a game between the two of them for RFH to have a great year. I see no reason they can’t!

 

 
7. RBC- Guastella and Hobbie gives RBC a nice inside outside tandem. They have shooters like Mary Kate Burns and players with a lot of game time under their belts such as Morgan Arnot and Jackie Cajigal. No team has better young players. This group is very close to being an elite team.

 

 

 
Strengths-KC Hobbie gives RBC an Elite scoring combo guard. She will help RBC from going into long scoring droughts and gives them an additional ball handler if things get too hot for their young guards. Hobbie along with Mary Kate Burns will stretch opposing defenses and allow the improving Guastella more room to work in the post. Guastella is very versatile and can also step away from the basket as well as handle the ball. Arnot may blossom into a full time stud this year. She is athletic and fearless. The freshman are all seasoned players who make RBC very deep and more important give them additional talent.

 

 

 
Weakness- This is a team that lacks a top 5 player. In a conference loaded with superstars, this could hurt in big games. This is also a team that has no experience in the post outside of Guastella. They also have no returning true pt guard. How long will it take for Joe Montanto to find roles for his talented freshman? These all questions that must be answered, now throw in the issue of rebounding and chemistry and you see there are many holes RBC that must try to fix before the season starts!

 

 

 
Additions- This team is loaded with great young players. Caroline Corocran will jump into the rotation right out of the gate. She is versatile and will play a number of roles. She will be one of the best freshmen in the Shore. Mary Kate Caverly is a work horse; she will force Joe Montanto to find a role for her. Her work ethic and desire is second to none and remember this, she is a kid I believe will get better each and every day. Why you ask? Pride….MKC has lots of it. Next the player who may need to develop the fastest is Maria Ballacco! Why? She is a true pt guard, something RBC is in desperate need of, RBC is stacked with Combo guards. The question is can  Maria learn on the job, in the toughest conference in the country for pt guards! Joe may choose to bring her along slowly. How deep is the RBC freshman class! There are no less 3 others who I have not mentioned by name who will be factors in Joe’s program for years to come…The rich get richer.

 

 

 
What could go wrong- Lose Hobbie or Guastella and it can get very dicey for RBC. They also have a lot of players who play the same position; this could cause problems with Team chemistry!

 

 

 
Overview- This team is set up like no other team in the Shore. They have the best young players, a seasoned combo guard, a great post player, a possible deep bench, excellent shooters, and experienced young players.  I would not be shocked if this team was in the SCT final. This is not a team you will want to run into late in the season. They are going to have a few bad losses and some big wins along the way this season. How they finish could be one of the best stories of the year if all goes well!

 

 

 
8. Southern- Sharkey will handle the post and rebound. Hodgson is a great outside shooter who now has been in wars with some of the elite teams.

 

 

 
Strengths- The most dominate player in the Shore Conference is Kristen Sharkey. She is the one player that can change a game by herself and force every coach to change their defensive philosophy. She gets opposing teams into foul trouble and demands a double team every time she touches the ball. Hodgson give Southern a second scorer. Hodgson will knock down three’s and make defenses scramble when trying to decide how to play Sharkey. This is a team that also knows that they can play with good teams.

 

 

 
Weakness- Without a dominate Sharkey; this team may have trouble scoring. They lack great guards in a conference loaded with big time guards and simply are not deep enough as team.

 

 

 
Additions- TBA

 
What could go wrong- lol I think we all know that answer to that one!

 
Overview- Many times players in this area are over looked. Does Southern have a player we don’t know about. If Southern found another scorer, how good would they be? I think it will be a solid year for this team. If they develop a third scorer and play defense they could surprise people. Remember Sharkey can beat teams by herself.

 

 

 
9. Howell- Sara Olson will lead this team. They have Katilyn Smidth the back from injury.

 
Strengths.- Olson will move back to her natural position this year as the two or three. Kaitlyn Schmid will back after injuries to take over pt guard duties. She will be one of the best on the ball defenders in the Shore Conference. Along with Olson they form a backcourt that can win games and kept teams on there heels.

 

 

 
Weakness- You are in the best basketball conference on the planet and you must be deep and have lots of talent. Howell fails in both of these area’s.

 

 

 
Additions- TBA

 
What could go wrong- Lets face if they lose Olsen for any reason… it back to the drawing board.

 

 

 
Overview- Olsen and Schmid allow you to compete. I believe Howell will play the big boys tough. But do not have enough top to bottom to beat the elite teams. They will be well coached but it will not be enough. To be ranked will have to be enough for them this year.

 

 

 
10. Freehold TWP- Stephaine Cardamone of Div 1 bound Bryant will lead this team. Stephaine Martinez is a sleeper pt guard who had a great fall. This team has  more talent that anyone knows and could easily bump off some very good teams. This is a Dangerous team with a capital D.

 

 

 
Strengths- Cardamone and Martinez is a good as one two punch you will see that’s under the radar. Martinez is quick and can make plays. She is a polished pt guard. Don’t be surprised if this young lady plays at a Div 1 school one day. Now throw in the fact that she is playing with the hardest working player and lighting quick Cardmone and you have a chance to catch a lot of team’s sleeping. This team has shooters and more shooters. The name Ashley Stephenage mean anything to you? Well it will after the season. She is a 6 ft wing player with deadly shooting range. Be very careful playing this team. READY FOR THIS…THEY HAVE NO LESS THAN 4 FUTURE COLLEGE TYPE PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER….THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS TEAM!

 

 

 
Weakness - They play a very tough schedule. They lack a post dept and most important, this is team that needs to find an identity. I have a Quick question. What is Freehold’s style of play? ….get my point!

 

 
Additions-TBA

 

 

 

What could go wrong- This team is lacking in post play and more important plays a lot of Elite teams. Confidence is everything, what happens if they get off to a bad start?

 

 

 

 

 

 Overview- This is a team all the elite teams should fear. They have talent and are not afraid to compete. Cardamone and Martinez form a very strong backcourt. If this team gets on a roll and builds confidence watch out…They could finish much higher before the season is over.

 

 

THESE PLAYERS MAKE LIFE A NIGHTMARE FOR OPPONETS

 

My All Lock Down Team-(THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYERS)

 

1. Jackie Kates-(SJV)

2. Katilyn Smidth-(Howell)

3. Sam Clarke-(St. Rose)

4. Amanda Yaccarino-(RFH)

5. SY’ ESSENCE DAVIS(NEPTUNE)

 

THESE PLAYERS START SHOOTING FROM THE LOCKER ROOM

MY ALL DOWN TOWN TEAM(THE BEST SHOOTERS IN THE SHORE)

 

1. MISSY REPOLI(SJV)

2.LAUREN RAMANO-(PT BORO)

3.LAUREN CLARKE-(COLTS NECK)

4.BRIELLE O’BRIEN-(RFH)

5.TIFFANY DETILIO-(COLTS NECK)

*KELLY HUGHES IS A FRESHMAN SO SHE WAS NOT CONSIDERED*
 

Bergenfield High School’s JV team is seeking games or a tournament opening over the holiday break: December 26th to January 3rd.  Please contact Rob Ragasa at rragasa@bergenfield.org or call the athletic office at (201) 385-8876.

Imani Christian Academy is looking for a holiday tournament or games for the following dates: December 28-30. They also have an open date on January 23. Please call Coach Wilson at 412-867-6265 or email at Coachwilsonk@yahoo.com.

Well it almost Turkey Day. That means we are very close to the high school basketball stepping into the spotlight. Those that worked hard hopefully we benefit from their hard work, those that didn’t…Oh well. Much will be lost and gained the first few weeks of the high school season. How these things turn out, many times can be directed at what each player and team did during the past 2 months. In the words of Pat Summit “championships are won and players are made in the off season”….how true!

I had the pleasure of watching one of the shores all time great players this weekend. Kate Miller and Princeton took on Delaware and Elena Della Donne. Della Donne the former national high school player of the year was simply awesome. The key to the game however was Kate Miller holding Don who was unstoppable all night (35 pts) scoreless for 8 straight minutes. How good was Kate? Della Don got one touch during that stretch…Not shots folks…I’m talking about touching the ball. Miller who has been coming off the bench for a talented and well balanced Princeton team looks like she will have same career in college as she did in High School…winning!..That brings me to what some past Shore Players are doing this year. Christina Danella, the former two time player of the year for RBC is playing lights out, she recently scored 21 pts and hit the winning free throws for the new improved U-mass program that is off to a 3-1 start. How about my player of the year pick from last year! Katelyn Linney scored 18 pts in her first college game. ..Wow what a start for the former SJV scoring machine. Fairfield University is off to a 2-2 start. Alyssa Mayrose is averaging 20 pts a game for FDU and will be challenging former SJV superstar and current player of the year Alisha Alpo for NEC player of the year honors. Colts Neck native Holly Jones is playing a major role for the University of Nevada, averaging 15 minutes off the bench as a freshman for Nevada who are off to a 3-1 start this season. Kelly Clark who had a great freshman year for Wagner is picking up where she left off, despite an early season injury the 6′ 2″ Clark who is the daughter of Monmouth Hall of famer Barbara Paterno and sister of Sam Clark (St. Rose) has started all but one game is playing great. She is averaging close to 8pts and  8 rebounds per game. The Shore Conference is a must stop for college coaches. When great players as Mayrose and Clarke for example are not household names in a high school, yet are having such big impacts on the division one level, its shows you how special the Shore Conference is!

Last week I rated my guards and wings. Now this week I will rate my forwards. Make no mistake this group is deep and many are being heavily recruited by big time and mid major schools. A Mid major can turn their programs by landing many of these kids.  I rated my forwards by college position.  Arron Zimmerman for example is a high school power forward or center, but it’s clear she will be recruited as three man by many schools…so here we go…let me know what you think…more importantly who did I miss!

 

 MY RANKING

CENTERS

 

1. Sam Clarke-St Rose- She is the Rolls Royce of centers. Great passer, Great shooter, Plays her position on defense better than any other player in the shore conference, Plays her best in big games…simply put…A FRANCHISE PLAYER FOR MANY COLLEGES DOWN THE ROAD… and only a sophomore

2. Christa Evans-Jackson Memorial- 6′3′ and long arms. Tough and tougher, she lost half a season last year and still ranks second on my list. Coach Stringer loves her.Why? She is a warrior all the time. She can shoot jump hooks from all angles and like all the great ones, she has great hands and has had excellent coaching (Don Hampton and Rachel Goodale). This soon to be a player of the year candidate has put Jackson in the spotlight.

3. Brittney Howes-Colts Neck- 6′3 this one may surprise many. It shouldn’t, she is blessed with a nice 15 ft jumper and rebounds in traffic. She can wind up on a division roster before the season ends. This young lady does not get the credit she deserves. Let’s hope she get well soon!

4. Liz West-Shore Reg- The 6 ft post player is so under the radar it’s a joke. She is quietly a big producer. She scores, rebounds, plays defense and is a GREAT passer. Check out her numbers and remember South does plays some big of the big dogs. This is a player I hope to see very early in the season. She played very well at the Eilte Camp this summer

5. Amanda Yaccarino-RFH- This could be the key player for RFH this year. Paige Armstrong revisited. She proved this summer that she can score and is one of the best rebounds and defenders in the Shore Conference. If this player starts to play year round watch out…the upside is scary.

 

POWER FORWARDS

 If any mid major signs any of these kids. They upgrade their program instantly. Sharkey is already set to attend U of Buffalo…This will be another Mayrose type deal. Mayrose is making low, mid, and some high major schools (ask Syracuse) pay for their lack of respect in the recruiting process…Sharkey will do the same…so here we go.

 

MY RANKING

1. Kristin Sharkey-Southern- The most dominate post player in the Shore Conference last year. Sharkey is the one player in the Shore who can beat you by herself.  She rebounds every night. Now she has added three point shooting to her arsenal. She will be a leading candidate for Player of the year candidate..

2. Arron Zimmerman-SJV- The most complete post player in the Shore Conference. She can play away from the basket, put the ball on the floor and start your break, can guard the 5, 4, 3, 2 positions and most important make big shots..Ask Rumson…Now get this! She will be better in college when she moves to the small forward position full time…anyone notice how all Dawn Karpell’s players get better each year?

3. Chyna Golden-Neptune- The hardest working post player I have seen this fall. A mid-major’s schools dream player. The problem is that many major colleges are already interested. The 6′2″ Golden gets better every year.  She can score in traffic, rebound in traffic and most important runs the floor. These talents will shine even more with the great Neptune guards.

4. Emily Lawrence-Colts Neck- Did you forget the player who was the most rapidly improving player in the spring before her injury. Her name was on the tongue of many colleges. She developed a three point shot and was playing great. Has great size and athletic. If she get back from her injury dare I say she could not only move up on this list but be a all shore player…

5. Sam Guastella- RBC- last year she had a coming out party. Now Golden is gone and the ball will find her more. She is quick for her size and can shoot and pass…One Northeast Conference head coach told me she is the most interesting post player they saw this fall. He believes she could be a steal down the road. I too can’t wait to get a look at this improving player…She could be the key to RBC season.

 

6. Annie Farrow-Ocean Twp- Excellent hard working forward, that had a great year last season. This is another player under the radar. She has played against the best and played well. This is another kid who could shock a lot of people. Her team will be very young this year so much will be expected of her.

 

The Boot camp was great this week and I hope to continue this event in the future. It was nice to see players that are new on the radar. I would like to throw a name out there to you…Shaniece Hardy of Brick High School. She is a player that people should keep their eye on her. She was very quick and appears to be loaded with talent. I will see more of her this season and get back to you! Right now she was a pleasant surprise….By the way Nicole Lentini of Raritan is quickly moving on list of most amazing stories. How schools are missing this kid is a true example of how important exposure in recruiting is…Being good enough is just not enough anymore

 

 

Next week I will give you my team by team top 10 break down. I will talk about whom and what players are keys. What each teams needs!, what young players are important now!  What players must improve on….Then I will give my all hard working team, my get no respect team, my all shooting team, etc….it’s basketball time and I’m pumped up….everyone have a happy Thanksgiving and good luck Friday.

 

Due to a late cancellation, Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, NJ is looking for a varsity scrimmage on Tuesday, December 8th at Prep. Please text Coach Kelly at (201) 705-7409 if interested. 

Thoughts from the Prep School Tip Off

-St. Thomas More (CT) is really good this year. Former West Virginia commit Bryon Allen was tremendous. He’s looking more like a point guard, shot the ball really well and is as competitive as ever. Dominique Langston is a steal for Quinnipiac.  Junior wing Trashon Burrell was under the radar before the event, but left as a player that will be recruited at the mid to high level.  Forward Matt Conway made shots and stated his case to be a Division 1 player.  And Andre Drummond is filthy.  Some recruiting services have him as the #1 soph in the country and with good reason.  He is tremendous (and he is still getting over an injury).

-Lee Academy (ME) was led by Maxie Esho, Richmond Vilde and Keith Coleman.  Esho was as active as ever and continues to show an improved skill level.  Vilde is an absolutely steal for SMU.  He is a PF that can post up as well as face up and score.  And he has a stroke.  Coleman, the transfer from Cheltenham (PA), didn’t have a great first half, but showed his ability to score in the post in the 2^nd half.  High major kid with continued development. 

-Notre Dame Prep (MA) vs. Hargrave Military Academy (VA) was a very entertaining game.  Hargrave led early, Notre Dame charged back led by former Boys and Girls G Lamount Samuell (24 points).  But Hargrave would not be denied.  NC State signee Lorenzo Brown is special.  Besides a few careless turnovers, he played a tremendous game.  He fills up a stat sheet and should form a great backcourt for NC State in the future with the speedy Ryan Harrow.

-NIA Prep (NJ) was led by Rameel Johnson (30 points) in their big win over Brewster Academy (NH).  Kelvin Amayo was crucial in NIA’s stretch run and Brewster could contain him off the dribble.  Isaiah Williams also had a good performance with a number of 3’s and showed a versatile skill set for a 6-6 wing.  Shaq Thomas didn’t have his best game on Sunday after being the team’s best player on Saturday.

-Ashton Khan from Brewster is an underrated point.  At least a mid major recruit and he could be higher if he showed a little better shooting stroke.  Memphis signee Will Barton wasn’t at his best on Sunday, but his talents are obvious.  Junior point Naadir Tharpe gets wherever he wants on the court. 

-Seton Hall commit Dashaun Wiggins came up big down the stretch (buzzer beater from 40 feet to the win the game, big plays down the stretch) in Bridgton Academy’s (ME) win over Tilton (NH) but backcourt mate Alexander Harris was impressive throughout.  Low to mid major recruit.  

-Providence signee Gerard Coleman is hard to guard.  He has the lefty scorer game (think Omari Lawrence) and made a couple of deep 3’s as well.  Young forwards Georges Niang (2012) and Goodluck Okonoboh (2013) provide a good foundation for Tilton.  Both will be Division 1 players at some level.

-Northfield Mt. Hermon (MA) is just loaded.  They didn’t play their best game on Sunday vs. MCI (ME), but still won by 15.  Pepperdine signee Hector Harold is a BIG TIME steal for the Waves.  Good off the bounce, scores at the rim, plays intelligently, plays hard and he was lights out from 3 point land.  Unsigned PG Josh Elbaum is a tough guard that gets others involved.  Evan Cummins (2012) has the look of a big time face up 4.

-Tyshawn Bell and Steven Roundtree are post grads that anchor the frontcourt for MCI.  Bell is a bull with face up skills and Roundtree is an athletic slasher.

-South Kent (CT) defeated Champlain St. Lambert (Can) on a layup by senior Nemanja Djurisic at the buzzer.  Pitt signee JJ Moore was the standout for South Kent.  High level athlete with a big time stroke.  Plays with fire.  Great get for Pitt.  He should have a great career there.

-Champlain has some sleepers.  PG Adam Chmielewski (Senior All Star at Hoop Group ELITE last summer), SF Yann Charles (5 3’s) and F Ibrahim Appiah (14 points and 15 boards) all are Division 1 players.

-New Hampton (NH) snipers Brady Heslip (BC) and Evan Smotrycz (Michigan) are fun to watch together.  Also, love slashing junior Jordan Laguerre.

-St. Andrew’s (RI) wing Ricky Ledo is special.  Really smooth wing can score almost at will.  High major kid. 

-Blair Academy’s (NJ) senior Ryan Lubreski put on a show in the first half shooting the ball.  He is more than a shooter though.  He is a tough kid who was productive against a defense that was keying on him in the 2^nd half.  And he doesn’t have a scholarship offer yet!!!  PG Hakeem Harris was tough to stop getting to the rim in their victory.

I have a few notes about the tourney at Hoop Group HQ this weekend. I didn’t get a chance to watch any of the games. NBS is on the weekend’s so I missed what sounded like a good time. Allen of Neptune was the MVP and Neptune won the championship. The only team that really gave them any pause was the young guns from Orchard Park. A team made up of players from the US Hoops program and Manasquan High school. These tournaments are great but have very little to do on how the H.S. season will play out. Many players for example did not play for their high school team, the head coaches are not coaching and everybody for the most part splits time. The one thing you can get out of these tournaments are who the most talented players are!…so I thought I have a little fun and rank the players in the Shore by position. I will start with the guards then move to forwards next week….now I am sure many of you will disagree so let me hear it!
 
PT Guards…are you kidding me, how can anyone say who the best point guard in the Shore is? Now am talking pure pt guards not the best player, you have to know the difference. A great example of this would be Steve Nash or Michael Jordan… Mr. Jordan is clearly the better player, but Nash is clearly the better pt guard…These players are most effective, when playing the point…remember this is based on last year’s returning players!
 
My Rankings
 
1.    Richardson of Neptune- In the words of Vinnie Canizzarro ”I have never seen a player who makes their teammates better in 20years…” People the man coached Sue Bird.
 
2. Jackie Kates of SJV- She will pressure you on both sides of the ball. More importantly she makes everyone around her better. A warrior all the time.
 
3.    Brooke Hampton of Colts Neck- The West Virginia bound guard can score and her passing skills are scary good. Never loses her cool…WVU steals a New Jersey gem!
 
4.    Costello of Jackson – Shame on everyone myself included for not putting this young lady on an All Shore team last year… I know people are going to say she is a combo. Hopefully we can agree to disagree.
 
5.    Kasey Chambers of ST. Rose- A true pt guard, pass first, shoot second. Her basketball IQ is scary.
 
Combo Guards…Now make sure you understand what a combo guard can do! A combo guard can play the point or the shooting guard spot. They understand that each position is different. Yet they remain effective…Don’t look for pure pt guards, who can slide to the two spot on this list…
My Ranking
 
1.    Davis of Neptune- much more suited for the two spot. But can play the one and run your team. More important you lose nothing on the defensive end of the floor.
 
2.    Maybrey of Manasquan – blessed with a shooting stroke from the heavens. Her handle is off the chain! She is a classic combo guard.
 
 
3.    McGuiness of Middletown South- She gives size to the point position and then can score in so many ways at the two spot. A coach’s dream.
 
4.    Cooper of RFH- Can score at the 2 spot yet has the handle and understanding to play the one spot. Rebounds and has the Length to give smaller guards problems
 
 
5.    KC Hobbie of RBC- DEEP, DEEP, DEEP range. Then the ability to break you down of the dribble. Can not be pressured…another classic combo guard.
 
6.    Nicole Lentini of Raritan- Blessed with quickness and great savvy this combo guards” first step is 2^nd to none. Let me repeat that 2^nd to none. She will open eyes this season!
 
 
Now we come to the Shooting guard spot…They do many things but scoring and forcing coaches to prepare for them is what makes them special. Some can dribble and get their own shots, others rely on teammates and coaches to get them open, but the bottom line is they score and the best ones can do it during crunch time! This list has to be a top 7…it’s the shore conference my friends and the Shore is a Division 1 coaches dream for shooting guards…Now don’t look for any of the players on my combo list…these players never EVER, EVER slide over to the one spot for any reason! UNLESS THERE IS NO OTHER PT GUARD IN THEIR PROGRAM.
My Ranking
 
1.Clarke of Colts Neck- Let me say this…the best shooting guard in the state…check the track record folks. That includes any name you want to bring up…end of conversation!!
 
2. McGuiness of Middletown South- The only player to make two lists. Why? She had to play the point last year due to team injuries. The ultimate two guard. She will find ways to score.
 
3. Missy Repoli of SJV- She is a big time shot maker. She has one of the sweetest shots in the shore. She has been so good for so long we take her for granted.
 
4. Stephanie Cardamone of Freehold Twp- She is the hardest worker in the shore. A self made Divison 1 player. Her Lighting quick speed drives to the basketball for scores, and killer mid range game make her unique
.
5. Manigrasso- The St. Peters bound Div 1 guard is tough as nails and scores in many ways. With Mabrey gone she may have to back up Jackie Kates this year and then we will be forced to remove her from out shooting guard list…lol…..
 
6. Alex Hall of St Rose- The lighting quick guard has a sweet stroke that she can get it off quick. Let’s not forget how great she was in the SCT last year…
7. Romeo of PT Beach- The hot shooting guard gets better every day…look for a big season….range and more range. Now she is getting to the rim. This is Bad news for shore opponents.
 
Now we go to the 3s…Now this doesn’t mean this is their college position…It just means where they played most often last year for their High School teams…
My Ranking

1. Semonyeh Allen of Neptune- Sweet shooting, great offense rebounder, long and
can put the ball on the floor… the complete player.

 
2. Sweeney of St Rose- Yes she has arrived. Division 1 Schools are tracking her NOW. Her shooting range is sick. Lots of length and her improving defense make her a very special player.

 
3. Sara Olsen of Howell- clearly can play 3 positions but her high school will need her to play the 3 spot. She is blessed with a great handle and three pt shooting range. This future Div 1 guard will make a run at All-Shore this year!
 
4. Katie O’Reilly of SJV- She is the most underrated player in the shore. This Div 1 player can defend and score. She will start this year and watch how the numbers explode.
 
5. Campbell of Wall- classic combo who plays at a lot of pt guard yet is forced to play the three for her high school at times. Would you be surprised if she made All-Shore this year? I don’t think so!
We will have more fun with this next week…now remember I can’t see everyone. So send me the names that I have missed…What do you think of my ranking…remember it is just opinions so no one is exactly right!
 
The High School Boot camp is this weekend at Hoop Group Headquarters. This is a great chance for you to get some work in before the holidays and the start of the high school season… I’m really looking forward to watching the kids work hard. See you Saturday those attending!
 

Jamsesville-Dewiitt (Syracuse, NY) is looking for a game and have many open dates.  They may be able to help someone with a hotel if interested in coming to Syracuse.

Please contact Coach Bob McKenney at 315-440-2739.

High Tech HS (NJ) is still looking for a scrimmage on December 4th. They are willing to travel.

Please contact Coach Steve Ricciardi at 201-320-1812

Now the time has come for many seniors, that moment when both colleges and players stop the dance. Yes it’s the letter of intent period. Players will agree to play for a college. The college will agree to pay for their education. The player will hope they made the right choice. The lead asst coach will hope the player is good enough. The head coach will count on the player to be everything they hope. The fans that have never seen her play will brag how good she is!! It called getting married in some basketball circles. The upper-classmen will wonder if this recruited player is there to replace her. Quietly all parties involved will hope that they have made the right decision. The most important thing is a young person will be given a chance and an opportunity. There is another side of this story as well. There is the College and Player on the outside looking in. University A doesn’t get that great player and is now in scrabble mode or going down the recruiting list. Then there is the player who is hoping for that school to call with a change of heart and offers that scholarship. Maybe that school says these words” we will follow you during the season” Now the pressure is back on again. Does the player wait or does she move on to her second choice. It’s back to the dance floor for so many this time of year. I can only hope both schools and players get want they want!

 

I always find the weeks leading up to the first practice interesting. It’s that time where many players seem to get in the gym a little more. It’s that time when juniors realize that visiting colleges mean nothing if their game is not up to par. It’s that time of year when everyone just starting thinking about what may be this season. Juniors will find colleges that professed their love for them, are no longer in love. Many juniors will stumble in December and early January due to lack of gym time in the fall. This is the time many college coaches go see the players on their recruiting list and make that important decision to offer or not to offer that junior who played so well in the summer. Many of those juniors will take too many weeks to get into top performance mode. These players I feel sorry for, because they will find how cold hearted recruiting can be. The school that offered that scholarship is no longer calling, that school that was so interested is no longer writing. It can be a sobering time for players and family. But then there will be the players who have trained all fall and made getting prepared the priority. Those players will find new life in the recruiting process. Coaches who missed them earlier will want to know them and more important say those beautiful words in January or March….we would like to offer you! The first month of the season is really when things get real interesting in the world of recruiting! The term stock up and stock down really goes into effect in the month of December and early January…lets hope its mostly stock up.

 

Just a quick note to college coaches, if you don’t know who Nicole Lentine is, then you better find out quick. This young lady is the best kept secret since buttered bread! Remember Pankey? How about Sharkey? What about Christa Evans? Well Lentine is now an official member of my all under the radar team. She is quick, can score in traffic has a great feel for the game and most important can play against so called other Div 1 players and shine. I am really looking forward to watching this young lady play this year…

 

 

I will put out a list of Div 1 and 2 commitments when the letter of intent period ends…I hope every player and parent remembers that education is the most important thing a young person needs to be successful…I wish all parents would follow this rule. No grades and you don’t play… period!

 

 

This weekend at Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune one of the best fall tournaments will take place. You will see no less than 8 major college players and 15 division one players at this event. Some of the schools in the event are RFH, SJV, TRENTON CENTRAL, NEPTUNE, CTK and GIL ST.BERNARD, who has one the best guards in the country. This is a must see tourney. Now kept in mind these events are fun and I wouldn’t take much away from these games other than maybe you get to see who the best players are, not the best team!!

 

 

For those that are interested The Hoop Group will be holding its annual High School Boot Camp on Nov 21 and Nov 22. This event was great last year. It’s a great way to stay active before the first day of practice. The girls start at 10am and the boys at 12.30.