Hold’n Court: The HoopGroup Blogs

This weekend the Shore Conference answered many questions and caused a few new ones to BE ASKED. Three traditional Shore powerhouse teams took hits and one of those teams may have taken the cruelest hit of ALL.

 

Who is the best player in the Shore Conference right now? Ask George Sourlias of Rumson. On Saturday morning his team had a walk through while reviewing their Scouting report on Middletown South. He was very concerned about Meghan McGuiness and did not want her to get off to a good start in their game Saturday…George Sourlias was right about his gut feeling… His concerns were confirmed on the very first play of the game. McGuiness came off the same screen that Rumson had reviewed prior to the game and buried a 3 pt shot. McGuiness and Middletown South were off and running at that point. MS jumped out to a 17-4 lead and RFH was playing catch up all day. The best defense in the Shore Conference held MS to 10 points over the next 2 quarters. But it was not enough as McGuiness finished with 19 points. Meghan “the Magnificent “is now the hottest player in the Shore Conference, she is getting it done in big, big games. This reminds me of  her former teammate Danielle Pankey’s  run  last year, when Pankey was the best player in the Shore Conference  the 2^nd half of the year. Right now I dare anyone to name me 5 players playing better than McGuiness right now. She also has Middletown South in the Mix in a big way come seeding time. The role players for this team act like stars every night. Look at the numbers for Kerri Kiaesella 12 points and 14 rebounds. I mean that is a huge night for any player. Kelly Haspell has been good all year. Put her in any other county and she is being talked about as a great player. Remember last year when I said Manigrasso, was a Division 1 player…guess what! And getting close to making another prediction my friends! Kelly is pretty darn good and I want to see more of her. For now I like what I see!  Tom Brennan has to be considered one of the best basketball minds we have right now. People his teams are ALWAYS PREPARED TO PLAY. Rumson is now back to the drawing board in what could have been a monster week now has been destroyed… courtesy of MIDDDLETOWN SOUTH.

 

 

 

Next up was RBC and they needed a big win bad! They have been living on the name on the front of the Jersey and Sam Guastella. Well Saturday RBC was sent a message by Howell. Reps and history only mean so much and you have to play the games. In what can only be seen as major stumble. The young Casey’s found out that the Shore Conference has no sure things and Howell drove that point home Saturday. Howell who looked liked they could be a surprise team earlier in the year has been a bit of a disappointment. They have been up and down all season. Well don’t look now. This group is rounding into form and may be finding themselves. Last week the revenged their lost to Freehold Twp and now they gave the young Casey’s a spanking. Lauren Kolacki and Alex Mile each had 12 points and the underrated floor general Kaityln Schmid had 10 points and you know she played great defense. Sara Olsen who is now in a groove had 9 points and 10 rebounds. This is a group of girls if they continue to play together can be very good. They have all the parts to make a serious run come tourney time and things are falling into place for Howell at the right time. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! Now RBC has all kind of problems. IS it time for Joe Montano to change his lineup or rotation? He certainly has nothing to lose by trying at this point! Don’t be surprised if he gives his young freshman some serious minutes over the next few games. As Yogi Berra would say… “It gets late out their… Really early” for RBC it’s getting late early! RBC needs a Stimulus package in a hurry! Much like SJV it may be the young freshman who will provide it!

 

 

 

Now to the team that took the biggest hit of all this weekend. Lost in Friday nights’ SJV game vs. Manasquan was that Theresa Manigrasso was hurt. How bad? I don’t know but I will give Coach Karpell a call Monday. SJV continues to beat the doors off their opponents as Manasquan was the latest victim. SJV lead by a score of 50-21 after only 3 quarters. This victory may have come at a cost as Manigrasso sat out most of the 2^nd half. One thing is for sure and that is Manigrasso did not play in Saturday’s battle against Cherokee. SJV who was nationally ranked before the game will not be ranked next week… Cherokee beat the Lancers by 1 point! Theresa has been one of the best players in the Shore Conference all year and now SJV may have to play without her for a period of time. To say SJV is different without Manigrasso is like saying winning and losing is the same because believe me she is the difference between losing and winning for SJV. Yesterday that message was driven home by Cherokee a team that had lost to Colts Neck earlier in the season.  Now the freshman for Dawn Karpell’s team must really step up and more importantly the SJV bench just got a little shorter. Why do I get the feeling Dawn Karpell’s team will figure it all out? Because that’s what champions do!

 

 

 

St. Rose or should I say…I HAVE A DREAM! BECAUSE THE DREAM STILL LIVES ON! Allison Sweeney and Sam Clarke may be the big guns on this team. But the players making fans BELIEVE are KC Chambers and Alex Hall. Chambers is the best young floor General the Shore has to offer. Alex Hall is the offensive nightmare all teams hate to face. She simply scores every night. Hall does not miss open shots and more important she is now using her quickness on the defense end of the floor. KC Chambers and Alex Hall are two very steady guards and present problems for any team. Would you like to know why? Chambers NEVER turns the ball over and Hall prevents you from doubling Sam Clark! This means more shots and fewer easy points for their opponent. On Thursday SR took on Blair Academy who has two division 1 players including their center Fagbenle who many feel is on of the best on the East Coast. Well Sam Clark is one of the best in the Country and Allison Sweeney’s new name is BUTTER…because she is on a ROLL. Let’s forget her 21 points. It her great passing skills that is catching the eyes of people these days. Throw in how Nikki Donahue is quietly rebounding and being Sam Clark’s robin and you get! St. Rose knocking off Blair Academy while gaining more respect faster than any team in the state! Now SR will wait on two traditional powerhouse programs…SJV and RFH both who appear to be wounded animals. Now we will see if SR has the killer instinct.

 

 

 

 

This time of the year is great because the truth is revealed. Shakena Richardson and Sy Davis both scored their 1000^th point this weekend and that is great. Because there is not much to write about when it comes to Neptune, they have no challengers unless they go out of the Shore Conference for games. It would be nice if we could have seen a CN vs. Neptune game during the regular season. What about a SJV vs. Neptune game or for that matter any good team vs. Neptune. Just so people don’t forget Davis and Richardson are still that best backcourt on this and any other planet! Chyna Golden is rounding into form and this makes Neptune and almost unbeatable team. Ivy Harrington is getting lots of time in these blow outs. This will help come tourney time. Then don’t forget about the best swing player in the Shore Conference Allen who for some reason we all don’t want to give any love too! Thompson may be the deal breaker for this team as she is just shooting the lights out of the ball lately.

 

 

 

 

Colts Neck has a big Game Sunday and just keeps winning and I believe is gaining confidence everyday as they get to know their coach and her system better. Lawrence can be the difference maker in this team. Just remember how good this young lady was before her injury. Each week she will get a little healthier and a little better!

 

 

 

 

 

MY GOALS THIS WEEK
 

 

 

 

I WANT TO SEE TRN AND THIS GREAT COACH AND EXCITING TEAM
 

I HOPE TO DO A FEATURE ON SHORE REG…..THE YEARS MOST SURPRISING TEAM.

 

 

AND THEN YES….THE BEST TEAMS AND PLAYERS IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY…FINALLY

 

 

 

 

 

HERE IS MY TOP TEN AS OF SUNDAY—1/31/2010

• I will give a new top ten on my weekly wrap-up *

 

 

 

1. NEPTUNE
   
2. COLTS NECK
   
3. ST. ROSE
   
4. SJV
   
5. JACKSON
   
6. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH
   
7. TRN
   
8. RUMSON
   
9. HOLMDEL
   
10. SHORE REG/HOWELL(TIE)
    

 

 

Biglerville High School (PA) is looking for varsity boy’s teams (preferably A or AA schools) for both their Tip Off Tournament (December 10th/11th) and Christmas Tournament (December 28th/29th) for 2010-2011. 
 
Please contact Athletic Director Anthony Graham:  (717) 677-7192 Ext 2707-Fax (717) 677-0142 or Head Coach Steve Elsier: cannercoach@Yahoo.com.

She has broken more backs than a chiropractor. When she was a freshman she broke the back of Morris Catholic in the state tournament with what many people around SJV now call THE SHOT. A three point bomb and a beautiful assist with time winding down. Then as a sophomore in SJV’s first big game against a ranked opponent she lit up the # 9 ranked team in the country (Oak Hill Academy) for 12 pts in the first quarter to break both OHA back and sprit. This year in SJV’s first real test in the Shore Conference against Rumson, OVER and OVER she buried back breaking 3 point shots. Rumson simply had no answer to the problems she presented. Then in front of over 50 college coaches at the Battle of the Boardwalk Showcase she broke the backs of a young Pt Boro team by scoring 20 pts and yup you guessed it by burying numerous 3 pt shots, OVER and OVER and OVER. Then she got tired of breaking backs in New Jersey and decided to break a few backs in New York just for fun. Boy she really knows how to hurt a team! So against the #16 ranked team (St. Michaels) in the country she scored 20 pts… With you guessed it!!  Back breaking 3 point shots… OVER and OVER and OVER…I guess you can call her the BACK BREAK KID. She has broken the backs of so many teams’ it’s down right freighting and people she’s only a junior and it looks like MISSY REPOLI LOVES HER JOB, because, I don’t see her stopping in the near future anytime soon.

 

 

 

Missy Repoli has been so good for so long, it seems like she has been around forever. The first time I saw Missy Repoli play was in Gammar School. She was just a baby back breaker in those days. Her team won that day and she was already a special player. You see everywhere Missy goes winning is sure to follow. Her Mom has the look of a beauty queen and she has passed that along to Missy. Her sister won state Championships in both soccer and basketball at SJV. She has passed along the wisdom of teamwork, winning and playing a role. Her father is the critic who reminds her to work hard and take responsibility both on and off the court. Yes people she is an A student…and listen to this! Missy Repoli missed two days of school this year when she caught the flu! Prior to that she had never missed a day! Her sister Christine missed 1 day in four years…Get the picture. Each family member has passed a little of themselves along to Missy. Now what they have is a confident and dedicated student athlete. If someone asks you to describe her, just say the five Bs…She’s a Brilliant, Beautiful, Back Breaking Basketball player.

 

 

As a freshman Missy was an ALL SHORE player and one of the best freshman in the state. Yet nobody talked about her very much. Now as a junior she may be the most forgotten player on the SJV roster (Aaron Zimmerman may disagree). This is a girl who may be the best transition player in the Shore Conference. Do you know anyone that gets out in front of the ball better than Missy? How many layups and easy baskets does she get for SJV in close games? When was last time you seen her turn the ball over? She always plays her best when the game means more and she is not afraid to take the big shot. It‘s funny how she is always in the Center of winning. Think about this for a second…. her AAU team, the Central hawks won the JR National Championship (has any jersey team other than the hawks ever done this? I doubt it!), and then her High School team won the TOC championship all in one year. Missy Repoli is running out of things to win. If SJV wins the SCT this year, next season they are going to have to make up something for Repoli to win. Now here is the interesting part of this. Missy is never the MVP or the most talked about player. How can someone score 20 pts at Battle of the Boardwalk and not be MVP? How can someone who was All SHORE as a freshman then win the state Championship as a sophomore and not be first or second team ALL SHORE? Don’t you get rewarded for getting better? I guess when you been this good for so long people just expect it.

 

 

 

Missy will take her services to a Div 1 school in two years and they will get one of all time great money players in the Shore Conference. A player that wins and shows up when the lights go on. They will get a teammate as well, somebody that will smile and root hard for the success of the team first. She like everyone will want personal awards but the winning will come first. When I think of Missy, I think of speed, quickness and decision making. These are three areas all great players excel in. Missy does all three with ease. Missy is the temperature of SJV, when she is scoring and playing well. SJV is tough to beat. She has had so many big games, so early in her career that she is now taken for granted.  Missy may be the best shooter in the Shore Conference and nobody knows this better than the people she has played against. Let me tell you something else about Missy that many people don’t know. Behind that angelic like face is one tough hombre. If you know her mother or her sister you would know where she gets it from. Toughness is in the mind and sprit, not in muscles. Missy is living proof of this. No doubt she is one of the toughest girls in the Shore Conference. She will back down to know one. The hard foul she will give or take. She comes from a family where they take no quarter and give no quarter. Repoli also brings something else to the court every night that you can’t teach… a competitive nature. When she was in 6th grade she participated in the Elks Hoop Shoot. Repoli made it to the state finals. While waiting for the finals to take place she broke her shooting hand. Instead of dropping out, what did Missy do? Practice with her left hand for 3 weeks. Miss Repoli amazing finished third and made 18 of 25 shots. A score that one year earlier would have won her the championship; Missy does not like losing and will not accept it on any front. I spoke to her last year after Neptune upset SJV in the SCT final. She was not happy and made it clear to me that SJV was going to win the TOC…guess what? They did!!!  Missy Repoli will be an ALL SHORE PLAYER the next two years. She most likely will win every type of championship known to girl’s basketball. People will say over and over the next two years. “Wow she’s still playing at SJV, how long has she been there” that’s because she will have been better for a longer period of time than any player in the Shore….MISSY REPOLI a back breaking winning machine!

 

 

 

 

AROUND THE SHORE
 

 

Come next week the Shore Conference will get a clear picture of where everyone stands. We are getting to that time where every game counts. Nobody wants to hear about how good you’re going to be…that want to know how good you are now!

 

 

 

Kathy Snyder of Southern goes for her 500th win tonight. The Southern community should really come out and support this great coach tonight. She has done a lot for the school and community. I will do a feature on this great coach soon!

 

 

 

 

It was a great showing for the shore as Colts Neck, SJV and Neptune all had big wins. SJV took apart National ranked St. Michaels and then CN sneaked by St Mikes on Sunday. Neptune ran all over St John’s the Baptist.

 

 

 

 

Middletown South beat Southern as Meghan McGuiness continues to have a monster year. Meghan the “Magnificent” McGuiness had 24 points. Middletown South is slowly becoming a team you don’t want to play. MS despite losing a close game earlier to CN and then getting blow out last week is a team with grit!

 

 

 

 

Don’t look now but Rumson held Shore Regional to 8 pts total in the first half  last week and took Holmdel’s A++ game and still got a win. It’s that time of the year when George Sourlias teams start to improve and become very dangerous. Ashley Cooper is becoming the leader RFH needs to play with the big boys.

 

 

 

 

JT is doing again… Central who lost to Jackson Liberty 41-32 the first time around. Beat Jackson 36-24 last Monday. Then Central who was down 17-0 against Pt Boro in the 1^st quarter the first time these two teams played, found themselves in a battle with Pt Boro for much of the first half the second time around?  JT is building again. Think about this! JT left a team that returns their top six to join a team that lost all five star senior starters…that guts my friends. John Truhan will return to Tom River for first time since coaching there in 6 years ago tomorrow night. When he left TR they had a 33 game winning streak and a 26 game A South winning streak….isn’t that funny he seems to always leave programs in pretty good shape!

 

 

 

 

MATIER DEI continues to role. Danielle Locicero is just having a dream season. This team is winning and winning they still only have one lost this season

 

 

 

 

Howell continues to be an up and down team. They revenged their 7 pt loss to Freehold twp by defeating TWP by 7 points last week. This win comes after losing to Manalapan who they beat earlier in the season by 40 pts…

 

.

 

 

Southern losing to Middletown South ends any chance of Southern having a quality win during the regular season. They will now have to focus on the SCT.

 

 

Tom River north picked up another big time win this week. Monday they beat the states #13 ranked team Roselle Catholic. Earlier in the season they beat a Ranked Southern team.
   

   

 

 

BAD NEWS
 

 

Freshman sensation Kelly Hughes broke her wrist last week. The star freshman will be in a cast for at least 3 weeks. She hopes to be back in time for the state tournament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAYERS PERCULATING!
 

 

 

 

SARA OLSON- the Howell junior averaged 20 points a game this past week. If she continues to perform Howell will become a dangerous team again!

 

 

 

 

ANNETTE SNOW- of Freehold TWP has been playing very well all season… this past weekend she had games 14 pts against Howell and 18 pts vs. Freehold Boro…Here is food for thought…ANNETTE Snow is age wise a freshman. If she was a freshman where would you rank her among the best freshman?

 

 

 

 

Lauren Clarke had another game against a big name team and her performance again was bigger than anyone’s. Clarke had 21 points in CN battle against national ranked St. Mikes. Now let me say it again. There is no better big game player in the state!

 

 

 

 

Meghan McGuiness of Middletown South is just destroying anyone in her path. Her 24 point game against Southern is another show stopping performance in an important game.

 

 

 

 

Ashley Cooper had 15 pts of Rumson win over Shore REG and Cooper is now starting to impose her will on this team.

 

 

 

 

Michaela Mabrey of Manasquan continues to put up huge numbers as Manasquan got back to 7-7 on the season. The Mabrey show is playing to great reviews these days and is doing just fine these days.

 

 

 

CHYNA GOLDEN of Neptune is starting to roll. Golden had 15 pts and 10 rebounds last week against St. Johns the Baptist. As Chyna gets to know her teammates more….lets just say…be careful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEAM RANKING
 

 

 

1. SJV- They are official the best team in the shore right now. They blew out nationally ranked St. Michaels and they are playing as well as any team in the country. Who is the star of this team? Nobody they are a true team. Each player is as valuable as the next, check you EGO at the door if you play here, your STATS mean nothing and winning is everything!…I don’t want to brag but I did say they would be better this year!

 

 

1. NEPTUNE- They are the most talented team in the Shore and with the non conference schedule they are playing, nobody will be a more battled tested team, come tournament time. They destroyed St Johns the Baptist this past weekend

 

 

1. CN- This is the most interesting team of the top 5. They got by a tired and beat up ST. Mike’s team on Sunday. They have not had a so called BIG WIN. Clarke continues to make a play for PLAYER OF THE YEAR, DeTulio and Hampton are two of the best in the business behind the 3 pt line. What more can they have or Do?

 

 

1. ST ROSE- All is well in Belmar. College coaches continue to swan around Allison Sweeney and Sam Clark is well….Sam Clark. They finally get another test tonight. If they win, they gain more creditability. If they lose to Blair tonight…the critics will yell paper tiger!

 

 

1. JACKSON MEM- They have the best rebounder in the Shore, one of the best defensive duos in Testa and Costello and a freshman who shoots like a senior.  It’s all falling into place for Jackson who’s experience in the Battle of the Boardwalk will help come tourney time.

 

 

1. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH- The most overachieving team in the Shore Right now. They finally picked up a quality win against Southern.

 

 

1. RUMSON- This group is rounding into a very dangerous team. Check out the defense last week. Now Cooper and Lesko are taking over the offense. Yaccarino is doing it all. The bench play has arrived. Sir George is laying down the law folks and its defense, defense and defense….watch out!

 

 

1. TOM RIVER NORTH- This is the mystery team that keeps pulling off big wins. They have a very big argument that their ranking should be higher. They have beat two teams ranked in the state!

 

 

1. RBC – They must step up now. Why am I still ranking them? I believe in 3 things. Sam Guastella, Joe Montano and the name on the front of the Jersey. This will need a quality win ASAP to stay in my top ten. Every team in the Top ten has at least one quality except RBC.

 

 

 

1. Holmdel- Alex Diekman and Mellissa Martorelli need to take more credit for this team. I got to see them play last week and yes they are real. Allie Minch and freshman Tara Inman give them a very talent well coached group. They are a very Sharpe, confidence and smart team…they get the 10^th spot because of the quality win over Middlesex county’s’ 2^nd best team Cardinal Mcarrick

 

 

 

 

 

AWARDS
 

 

 

 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
  

MEGHAN McGUINESS-(MIDDLETOWN SOUTH) - She is the first player to win this award three weeks in a row. This week McGuiness in a big Shore Conference game that no doubt will affect seeding, Meghan threw a major Haymaker at Southern. She scores 24 points in the victory. She is getting it done in some very important games the last 3 weeks.. 

 

 

 

 

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
 

 

RACHEL IOZZIA(CENTRAL)-The 5’ 9’ freshman exploded for 28 points and 5 assists against Mon Don. Then she had 14 pts and 14 rebounds against Pt Boro. Then against Jackson Liberty she had 16 pts and 5 assts. She now has 28 three’s on the season and is approaching the school record.

 

 

TEAM OF THE WEEK-
 

 

TOM RIVER NORTH- ARE YOU KIDDING THEY BEAT THE STATES #13 RANKED TEAM….WOW THERE IS A GROWING STORY IN TOM RIVER!

 

 

 

 

PLAYER RANKING
   

  

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
 

1. LAUREN CLARKE (CN) - Nobody is doing it better on bigger stages right now. Her off nights are most players’ best nights.

 

 

1. SY DAVIS (NEP) - She like Clarke is on a roll right now. The battle of the boardwalk was just a start. The performance in the Bronx this past weekend only adds to her  dream season

 

 

1. SAM CLARK (SR) - Ok close your eyes forget and about Sam Clark for a second. Now take the best player of each team off their roster. How does that team look now? Now take Sam Clark off St. Rose and how do they look? Who’s the most valuable player in the Shore Conference…I’ll let you answer that one!

 

 

1. MEGHAN McGUINESS (MS) - I don’t want to brag again… But if you read my preseason review. I said she would be one of the best players in the Shore Conference. Player of the week three straight weeks…Thank you for making me look good Miss McGUINESS

 

 

1. THE SJV STARTING FIVE- (ZIMMERMAN,OREILLY,KATES,REPOLI,MANNIGRASSO)

 

*all five of these players make a major impact on this team.*

 

 

 

 

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
  

1.      KELLY HUGHES (PB) - She has been great all year. Now that she is injured it may be hard to give her this award 

 

 

2.      TARA INMAN (HOM) - She had 4 three’s against RFH last week and she is the best defender of the freshman class. She is having a great year. With Hughes out she may be the leading candidate for the freshman of the year award.

3.      LINDSEY ROWE (SJV) - She has stepped up all year. She has been freshman of the week twice already.3.      (SJV) - She has stepped up all year. She has been freshman of the week twice already. 

3.      (SJV) - She has stepped up all year. She has been freshman of the week twice already.  

4.      Hannah Missry (JACKSON MEN) - She has been a rock all season. The scorer Jackson has needed to play with the big dogs. A future Star

 

 

5.      KAT EGAN (SJV) - part of the dynamic duo doing in a much tougher setting than the other freshman. She has been great from Day!

 

 

6.      RACHEL IOZZIA (CENTRAL) - She has been carrying Central this year. The numbers are eye popping for a freshman…we now have 6 freshman on my list

 

 

 

 

 

 

COACH OF THE YEAR
 

 

1. DAWN KARPELL (SJV) - Rises to the top of the list. You lose Linney, Mabrey, Mulvey and you beat the #16 team in the country and now you’re my top team in the Shore Conference…you got to be kidding! She has taken a chance on two freshmen and it has paid off big time… Now she has made her players think team first and not worry about anything except game night… Coach Karpell has never been better and she is on top of her game right now.

 

 

1. BOB WARD (HOLMDEL) - He has put Holmdel back in the big time. They are ranked and are as season team as there is in the Shore Conference. Their tough as nails along with their never say die approach is breathe taking to watch! The man is getting it done in year one!

 

 

1. TOM BRENNAN (MIDDLETOWN SOUTH) - the Guy is just amazing. He does it every year. He teams play the right way all the time. How do you lose Pankey and get better as a team with less talent. He plays Colts Neck in a War and then takes out Southern. This guy is playing with bb guns while these other teams have nuclear weapons. How is he doing it?

 

 

1. VICKI GILLEN (TRN) - this woman has to be on everyone list of coach of the year. The lack of respect shown to her staff and her program by me is just down right wrong. She had beaten some power house teams. Interesting story about Vicki who I have never met. A friend of mind about 3 weeks ago told me one of the best coaches in the Shore Conference resides at TRN and he said “She can win games from the bench”. He is looking very smart right now.

 

 

JOE ROMAN (ST. ROSE) - Now maybe people thought St Rose was going to be good. But now look how good… #7 in the state. They are playing defense and have a style of play. Roman must be on this list for one reason only…who expected all of this!

HERE’S THE DEAL

 

            St Patrick has had a rough last 7 days as they lost to Findlay Prep from NV and St Benedict’s of NJ by 1 point each on last second plays. To make matters worse, in the Findlay game Michael Gilchrist returned from a sore knee only to injure his ankle and play three quarters on only one leg. His injury was serious enough to not allow him to play against St Benedict’s.

            On the flip side you just can’t discount losses because of injuries. We drop them right below St Benedict’s.

            This creates a log jam at the top of “The Deal” as we have all three Jersey powers in the top three spots. It was a hard decision but we had to put Paterson Catholic on top. They don’t play the schedule Pat’s and Benedict’s play on a weekly basis but have that big jewel of winning the City of Palms Classic and defeating Winter Park of Florida in the finals. Winter Park is the only team to beat St Benedict’s. If you take the top six in “The Deal” they are all extremely close to one another.  

            It was a tough week-end up at the Hall of Fame Classic for our east coast powers. Findlay nipped St Patrick, Westchester beat St Anthony, Mater Dei stopped DeMatha and Columbus Northland held off Oak Hill.

            The biggest jump in the poll was by newcomer Half Hollows Hills West as they are undefeated and beat Bishop Loughlin in overtime and also defeated a quality Chester PA team.

            Falling back into the “No Deal” are Hillhouse who lost to East Hartford, Calvert Hall who lost to St Francis and Washington Danville who suffered several losses to local teams in Virginia.    

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

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

Thanks for checking back for another edition of my Facts & Bracks.  Just as a reminder, my Facts & Bracks are projections of where teams would finish if the season ended today.  If you have an interest in a team that has a realistic shot at the NCAA tournament then following my Facts & Bracks will help you monitor your team’s status throughout the remainder of the season.  Click the Facts & Bracks link anywhere throughout this blog and it will take you to my official grid with all of my projections.

When you think of the Colonial Athletic Association which teams normally pop into your head?  Is it George Mason who were the Cinderella’s in the NCAA tournament a few years ago and reached the Final 4?  Or how bout VCU, the team that had now NBA guard Eric Maynor, reached the tournament 2 of the last 3 years and beat Duke in the ‘06-’07 first round tourney?  Or maybe you think of the current mid-major power William & Mary who has gotten off to such a great start with wins including @ Wake Forest and @ Maryland.  And then there’s Old Dominion who finds its way into the NCAA’s every so often and has a knack for winning at Big East power Georgetown on a seemly yearly basis.  Well, which team is currently at the top of the standings in the CAA?  The answer is…none of these teams are.  In fact, the team that is on an 11 game winning streak with wins over George Mason and VCU twice is the lone CAA team from all the way up north in Boston…the Northeastern Huskies.  Now, while an at-large bid may be out of the question for them due to the lack of major non-conference wins, the Huskies are still a legit threat to win this conference.  The reason I bring them up is because I feel as if they are going a bit under the radar and should be recognized for what they are doing.  Keep an eye on Huskies Senior G/F Matt Janning and let’s see how it all plays out the rest of the way. 

I currently have 1 team (California) in the field from the Pac-10.  As you can tell, we won’t be discussing the Pac-10 much this season.

#1 RPI in the nation?  Syracuse

Who has played the toughest schedule thus far?  UConn

Team who has the most Top 25 RPI wins so far this season?  Georgetown.  The Hoyas are 4-1 against the RPI Top 25 with wins over Temple, Butler, UConn & at Pittsburgh.

Major conference game I’m looking forward to the most this week?  Georgetown @ Syracuse on Monday

Non major conference game I’m looking forward to the most this week?  BYU @ New Mexico on Wednesday 

Team who helped themselves the most this week?  Seton Hall.  With wins over Louisville and Pittsburgh, the Pirates put themselves back in the thick of things in the Big East and in the conversation for a tournament bid.  They are currently in my field as an 11 seed.

Conference who helped themselves the most this week?  Easily the Big East.  With UConn’s win over Texas and West Virginia’s win over Ohio State, the Big East has clearly established itself as the best conference in the country.

Team I had overrated the most the past few weeks of Facts & Bracks?  Mississippi State.  I still need to see more from them.  I have dropped them to a 12 seed.  They’ve won @ Mississippi, but have lost at Western Kentucky and at home to Rider.

Well, I guess we should congratulate Louisville for finally beating a decent team.  They beat Cincinnati on Sunday and that is their 1st quality win of the season…still nothing to write home about though.

My last four teams in the Bracks are:  Mississippi State, Northwestern, Richmond and William & Mary

My first four teams out of the Bracks are:  Louisville, Maryland, Texas Tech & Charlotte

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY FACTS & BRACKS

Today I will give out my MID- SEASON report cards. Now remember much of this may change before the year is over. There have been some great moments to this point in the season. So I will start with my Team awards and work my way down.
 
 
MOST IMPRESSIVE TEAM TO THIS POINT
 
SJV lost Mabrey, Linney and Mulvey and guess what? they have not missed a beat! Kates, Manigrasso and Repoli have been nothing short of sensational. This group’s only lost was a barn burner to Philly power Dauphine. Dawn Karpell has done it again her two prize freshman may not have come to SJV with big reps but they are getting the job done. Lindsey Rowe and Kat Egan have become major parts of this team. Zimmerman has been solid all year. Question who is developing players better than Coach Karpell at this time?
 
 
SURPRISE TEAM TO THIS POINT-
 
This is a tossup. I think Shore Regional has been a surprise to everyone. But what Holmdel and Bob Ward have done lately has been almost too good to be true. This team is coming from out of nowhere. Allie Minch is proving to be the real deal and freshman Tara Inman has been a major shot in the arm. Senior Alex Diekman and Melissa Martorelli have had big nights and have led the way. Now can they keep it up? We will see but for now it’s been a great start for Bob Ward’s team.
 
 
 
TEAM TO WATCH AT THIS POINT-
ST. ROSE has to be the team to watch at this point. They are defending and they are well balanced. Allison Sweeney right now is the best swing player in the Shore to this point. She is doing everything you can ask of a player. Sam Clarke has no equals at this point and KC Chambers has been the total floor leader. Hall has given them the scoring punch that all good teams need and Donohue has played her role to perfection. Joe Roman is doing a great job and his team is improving. WATCH OUT!
 
 
 
TEAM UNDER THE RADAR AT THIS POINT
 
TOM RIVER NORTH has had some big wins and this is a team that may be getting lost in the big world of Shore Basketball. They have knocked off Southern and played everyone tough this year. They are on my must see list!
 
 
 
MY I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO THINK ABOUT TEAMS
 
COLTS NECK- There great! But they have lost to teams they beat last year. What does it mean? Who knows but Howes is back and that may change everything.
 
NEPTUNE- Their great but they have yet to have a test against a Shore team in a tough setting.`
 
MIDDLETOWN SOUTH, FREEHOLD TWP AND HOWELL- They have all had their moments but can’t get over the hump what’s next?
 
SOUTHERN- They have the best front line in the Shore. Yet it has not been smooth sailing. They have failed every major test to this point. NOW WHAT?
 
RUMSON- This is when George Sourlis’s Teams usually turn it up during the season. Can they get Lesko and Cooper to take over and be the face of this team? What about the defense…good defense at RFH is never enough the people are spoiled and will settle for nothing less than great defense….. We will see!
 
 
 
 AWARDS-
 
 
PLAYER OF THE YEAR TO THIS POINT
 
This is tough Sy Davis has been great all season against great competition. Yet SAM CLARKE has helped St. Rose become the 7h ranked team in the state. I will go with SY DAVIS at this point. I believe her team is better and more important she has done it against better competition more often to this point.
 
 
 
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR TO THIS POINT
 
 
KELLY HUGHES at this point is the best freshman. But be careful giving her this award too early. Egan, Rowe, and Missry will play on much bigger stages before this season is over and that carries a lot of weight in my eyes. But for now it must be Hughes
COACH OF THE YEAR 
 
BOB WARD has turned in a masterful job to this point. He had Holmdel in my top ten last week. He has taken a program that had fallen on hard times and has made it a factor again.  
 
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER TO THIS POINT

 
Are you kidding me! One name and one name only. SAM GUASTELLA has been the anchor for RBC she is a major force in the conference that every coach must prepare for. She has answered all questions. How good will she be? That is the only question left.
 
 
 
 
MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER TO THIS POINT
 ANNIE FARROW is so far under the radar it’s shameful. I wish somehow she could fine her way to the spotlight.  
 
 
 
BEST PLAYER NOBODY TALKS ABOUT

 
NICOLE LENTINI is another great player lost on a weak team. She may wind up at a Division 1 team and people may never see her play this year. She can score and pass. This is a guard that you will read about in college one day.  
 
 
 
ALL SHORE TEAM
 
I have a Simple formula- 1.) Are you on a winning team?… 2).Your entire game can’t be in the stat sheet (meaning loose balls, leadership, passing, boxing out…Etc counts.)… 3.) Have you had a big moment in an important game?…. 4.) Did you play well in a big game?…. 5. Do you play on both sides of the ball?…. 6.) Would your team’s record change in a big way without you?… 7.) LAST AND MOST IMPORTANT…DO YOU MAKE YOUR TEAMMATES BETTER?
 
 
FIRST TEAM
 
SY DAVIS- NEPTUNE
SAM CLARK-ST. ROSE
LAUREN CLARKE-COLTS NECK
SAM GUASTELLA-RED BANK
THERESA MANIGROSSO-SJV
 
SECOND TEAM
CHRISTA EVANS (JACKSON MEM)
MEGHAN McGUINESS (MIDDLETOWN SOUTH)
SHANKENA RICHARDSON(NEPTUNE)
JACKIE KATES(SJV)
BROOKE HAMPTON(COLTS NECK)
 
THIRD TEAM
  
 MICHELA MABREY (MANASQUAN)
MISSY REPOLI (SJV)
KRISTEN SHARKEY (SOUTHERN)
DANA COSTELLO (JACKSON)
ALLISON SWEENEY (ST. ROSE)/KATIE O’REILLY
 
 
 
 
ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
 
KELLY HUGHES (POINT BORO)
TARA INMAN (HOLMDEL)
HANNAH MISSRY (JACKSON)
KAT EGAN (SJV)
LINDSEY ROWE (SJV)
 
 
 
 
 
ALL NO MEDIA LOVE TEAM (we picked a lucky number of 7)
MORGAN BARRY (RBC) - because she doesn’t start we forget about her. She has had some big moments against top team this season. She is good scorer and makes big shots
.
 
TIFFANY DeTULIO (CN)-she has been a good player for 3 years in the shadow of Hampton and Clarke. Her performance on the biggest stage at the Battle was eye opening for many. Her defense is always overlooked.
 
 
ALEX HALL (SR) - if you are looking for a scorer who does it every night with great speed. Look no further than maybe the most forgotten player on the St. Rose roster.
 
 
DANIELLE LOCICERO (MATER DEI)- her team is 10-1 and she leading scorer and nobody knows her name. Well this is a name we need to lean more about.
 
 
ALLIE MINCH (HOLMDEL) - She could make a very strong case for All Shore. She is having a monster year. She’s the main reason for the Holmdel’s turnaround.
 
 
BRIANNA NICHOLLAS (MARLBORO) - she is a great athlete who works her tail off. She has been one of the most consistent players on the Marlboro roster
 
 
LIZ WEST (SHORE REG) –her team is ranked and we are going to talk more about them next week. They are not a one man team as one person on NJ.COM rightfully so pointed out to me (Shame on me for not giving a great group of kids more credit). But Liz has not only been good this year but has been good for a long time now. She is no doubt one of the best players in the conference…period!
 
 
 
 
MY ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM
 
YACCARINO (RHF)
CHAMBERS (SR)
KATES (SJV)
HAMPTON (CN)
CLARK (SR)
 
 
 
 
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!
 
MANALAPAN has had wins against Howell and Marlboro. The program under Scott Horton who would be my mid season coach of the year, (if not for Bob Ward) is pulling off some miracles.
 
 
PINLANDS shocked PT BEACH THIS YEAR!
 
 
TOM RIVER NORTH beat southern and they are 10 -3 on the year! ASIA TAYLOR GOT HER 100^TH POINT. How do you get a1000th points and people like myself never see you play…makes no sense! See you next week!
 
CHRISTA EVANS OF JACKSON HAS HAD TWO GAMES WITH 20 OR MORE REBOUNDS!

CHRISTA EVANS (JACKSON MEM)MEGHAN McGUINESS (MIDDLETOWN SOUTH)SHANKENA RICHARDSON(NEPTUNE)JACKIE KATES(SJV)BROOKE HAMPTON(COLTS NECK)  MICHELA MABREY (MANASQUAN)MISSY REPOLI (SJV)KRISTEN SHARKEY (SOUTHERN)DANA COSTELLO (JACKSON)ALLISON SWEENEY (ST. ROSE)/KATIE O’REILLY     KELLY HUGHES (POINT BORO)TARA INMAN (HOLMDEL)HANNAH MISSRY (JACKSON)KAT EGAN (SJV)LINDSEY ROWE (SJV)     MORGAN BARRY (RBC) - because she doesn’t start we forget about her. She has had some big moments against top team this season. She is good scorer and makes big shots. TIFFANY DeTULIO (CN)-she has been a good player for 3 years in the shadow of Hampton and Clarke. Her performance on the biggest stage at the Battle was eye opening for many. Her defense is always overlooked.  ALEX HALL (SR) - if you are looking for a scorer who does it every night with great speed. Look no further than maybe the most forgotten player on the St. Rose roster.  DANIELLE LOCICERO (MATER DEI)- her team is 10-1 and she leading scorer and nobody knows her name. Well this is a name we need to lean more about.  ALLIE MINCH (HOLMDEL) - She could make a very strong case for All Shore. She is having a monster year. She’s the main reason for the Holmdel’s turnaround.  BRIANNA NICHOLLAS (MARLBORO) - she is a great athlete who works her tail off. She has been one of the most consistent players on the Marlboro roster  LIZ WEST (SHORE REG) –her team is ranked and we are going to talk more about them next week. They are not a one man team as one person on NJ.COM rightfully so pointed out to me (Shame on me for not giving a great group of kids more credit). But Liz has not only been good this year but has been good for a long time now. She is no doubt one of the best players in the conference…period!     YACCARINO (RHF)CHAMBERS (SR)KATES (SJV)HAMPTON (CN)CLARK (SR)     MANALAPAN has had wins against Howell and Marlboro. The program under Scott Horton who would be my mid season coach of the year, (if not for Bob Ward) is pulling off some miracles.  PINLANDS shocked PT BEACH THIS YEAR!  TOM RIVER NORTH beat southern and they are 10 -3 on the year! ASIA TAYLOR GOT HER 100 POINT. How do you get a1000th points and people like myself never see you play…makes no sense! See you next week! CHRISTA EVANS OF JACKSON HAS HAD TWO GAMES WITH 20 OR MORE REBOUNDS!

WOW! What a great day of basketball on Sunday. I feel bad for anyone that could not make the trip. Let me start out by saying that Steve Ott and the Hoop Group did a great job of putting the Boardwalk Showcase together. It was a first class event in every way. The Monmouth University MAC is one of the nicest facilities I have seen and is the perfect size for THIS event. The best part of the day for me was when they ran out of seats on press row for the college coaches forcing many coaches to sit in the stands. This says it all about this event. I believe every conference on the East coast had at least one asst or Head Coach in the gym. The coaches were all happy and more importantly got a chance to see most of their recruits against top competition. This event was big this year but next year….it will be scary. Let’s hope Mr. Kennedy will continue this event forever! …Now on to the games!

 

 

The first game of the day many people got their first look at the Jackson team and more importantly Christa Evans. Jackson played very well in the first half but simply could not make a shot in the 2^nd half. Evans showed Coach Stringer why she is such important player to so many Big East Schools. Despite having a rough day offensively she was a beast on the boards all day. The story of this game was Dana Costello who put on a show in front of the coaches. How good was she? When I told a college coach she was going to play soccer. This Division 1 coach told me “not if I can help it she won’t.” I spoke to coach Goodale about this after the game and she said Costello is committed to soccer. Sounds like another Mayrose deal! I believe Jackson simply ran out of energy on Sunday and also they are not used to playing 32 minutes at such an intense pace. This will help them as things move along this season. Hannah Missry showed that she will be one the best players in the Shore Conference one day. She clearly will need to improve her ball handling skills, but everything else is in place. All in all this was a good learning experience for Jackson. If they want to play with the big dogs it about playing a full game

 

 

 

The second game was the one many were waiting for… Neptune vs. Murray Bergtraum. This game was all about talent and more talent. This was a game that went back and forth throughout that day. The one thing that was clear! Neptune could not make a free throw and this was their downfall. How does 11-23 sound not counting the front end misses of 1 and 1’s. This game could have been a cake walk for Neptune. Think about this 11-23 from the foul line and Shakena Richardson shooting poorly (2-12) and you had still have a 1 and 1 from the free throw line with 3 seconds left to win the game. They are few things about this game that caught my eye. Morgan Thompson is now a major factor for anyone playing Neptune. Did anyone catch MB going into a box in one against her in the first half? Thompson lit up MB with some deep three’s in the first half. She is a player that adds a very big dimension to her team with her shooting ability. I also felt the lack of rebounding by Neptune raises a big red flag for this team. Remember you can’t run if you don’t have the ball. Last the box in one on Richardson really showed that Neptune’s lack of a second true pt guard can be an issue if other teams try the same tactic as MB. This game was played at a total different level that the other games on Sunday. Sy Davis was great from start to finish and I don’t believe anyone plays as hard as she does for 32 minutes. Davis was MVP for the game Semonyeh Allen did show flashes but like Richardson had a rough shooting night. This game ends the dream of a National Championship but Neptune can still be a top nationally ranked team and win a 2^nd SCT and a TOC championship. So they still have a lot to play for!

 

 

The next game was very interesting with the young Pt Boro team against the powerhouse SJV team. Pt Boro was only down by seven at half time due to that fact that SJV did not play very well in the first half. I assume coach Karpell’s half time speech was not about cookies and milk. The second half was a romp with SJV winning by 47 points. Three things came out of this game. One Missy Repoli is having a monster year and is on track to become All Shore again this year. The girl was just great on Sunday. Repoli shooting breaks your back both mentality and physical. The second thing is that Jackie Kates is the most complete point guard in the Shore Conference. Kates does everything pass, shoot, rebound, defend and runs her team to perfection. Two things about Jackie I found interesting after the game. The MVP told about 30 young girls. “ I didn’t win MVP today because I scored points, good players know  points are not the most important thing ”. My friends the young lady gets it! Then after the game Jackie’s father told me something that I hope all college coaches who read my Blog pay attention too! Yes Jackie is a great student and Ivy’s and Patriot Schools are on the top of her list…But! Jackie is leaving all doors open. This I hope answers a lot of questions that college coaches were asking me Sunday. I for one would love to see Jackie at the highest level but this is up to her and I know her education is very important to her mom and family as her brother is the Valedictorian at Cornell University and her older brother is a star basketball player at MIT. The third thing I found interesting is how many top teams just love Kelly Hughes whose team was clearly overmatched. It seems Kelly will be in the middle of some serious recruiting when this is done. In the words of one ACC coach “give me 5 Kelly Hughes and I will go play anyone anywhere”…strong words for such a young girl to live up too! What would he have thought if she played well…LOL! Now back to the game. SJV is just way too much for Pt at this time. This will be something for the Boro girls to use when they are older and better. I want to remind people that SJV may be better than last year. They are not as deep but wow they are really an unselfish TEAM. Also Kat Egan and Lindsey Rowe may be the biggest impact freshman in the Shore Conference. These are two kids who are special. There is so doubt they wanted people to know who they are and that there was more than one special freshman on the floor… mission accomplished!

 

The Rumson vs. Colts Neck game was a blowout. The CN team which many thought had a chance to be better this year has been off to some what of a disappointing start. Losing to two top teams that they beat last year (Trenton Catholic and Shabazz). Sunday at Monmouth University the ship got righted a bit. Tiffany DeTulio had 19 points and had a great day. Once again a girl we all seem to forget about. I want to make a statement about this young lady. I wish more division 1 schools would give her a look. Next Lauren Clarke was simply great. How great you ask? Let me be very careful how I say this…Coach Stringer has a real interest in this young lady and I believe Rutgers University will be recruiting Miss Clarke before this year is over. Coach Stringer asked me how many people I know in the senior class that shoot the ball better that Lauren Clarke when under pressure! Coach Stringer then said to me “I like players who perform under pressure and this kid does”. In regards to her questions I could not give her an answer and she responded with the words…exactly! Brooke Hampton hit some bombs from downtown in this game. She is having a very solid year and showed off her passing skills as well. Let me say this about Brooke. She is quietly becoming one of the best defensive guards in the Shore Conference. Right now she is doing so much under the radar. I find this funny because for so long she has been in the spotlight …now when she is playing perhaps as well as any time in her career nobody is talking about her…oh well…I guess you can never make people happy Miss Hampton!

 

Now Rumson is another story. They are really struggling scoring. But what should concern this team is the defense. Rumson gave up a lot of uncontested shots in this game and more importantly where was that Rumson grit? Rumson is always the best defensive team in the Shore. Right now they are not the juggernaut we have come to expect every year. Coach Sourlias teams are notorious for improving this time of year. We will see if that happens. Lesko and Cooper will need to have big 2^nd half’s of the year. RFH will go nowhere without these two.  Speaking of Cooper Marquette University really likes the 5’10 guard and made the trip to see her play. Cooper will need to work to play at that level but the potential is there.

 

Now we come to the game that mattered most to Shore Conference fans. There was so much at stake in this game. First the re-birth of the St. Rose program, next the State and Shore ranking. Then you had the battle of the Sam’s. Then lastly what about attention from the media and fans? This was a great game for fans of both programs and of course the college coaches. Let me start by saying this, Sam Clark is the most skilled post player in the STATE! She shoots 3s and she can finish in the paint and then she is a great rebounder and great defender…Did I mention she is among the best passers in the state. I’m not talking about for centers am talking best passers period! This young lady is the total package. The college coaches just could not believe how good the sophomore center is at this stage. I believe it will be the AAC and Big East Schools that will recruit Sam Clark, who will be the most recruited player in New Jersey for the next 3 years. But I will say this again… Monmouth University is in the hunt for the future PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANIDATE. Her dad is a Monmouth University grad and her mother is in the Monmouth University basketball HALL OF FAME. Coach Gaitley is not afraid to recruit against anyone. She believes that Monmouth is building something special!

 

This game was maybe the most well played and evenly matched game of the day. St. Rose’s Allison Sweeney who will play at the Division 1 level next year was outstanding. Not only is Sweeney a great shooter. She put on a passing and running display that all the coaches loved. RBC had no answer for all night. Sweeney who grabbed 10 REBOUNDS and 11 points well was Co-MVP with Sam Clark.  Sweeney’s length gave the smaller RBC guards problems all night. Along with KC Chambers and Alex Hall they gave the RBC’s guards a nightmare evening of shooting and handling the ball. KC Chambers is just flat out a true point guard. She does everything so well. Chambers never turns the ball over and runs her team like a pro! I believe Chambers sets the tone for this team with her energy. I find it amazing how many times she is on the floor for loose balls. I really believe she is the best sophomore pt guard in the Shore (Maybrey is shooting guard in my book). Now St. Rose can claim to be a real threat to the SC. They have gotten one monkey off their back. Now can they do the same against RFH and SJV? Since Neptune dropped St. Rose from their schedule these games become very important for SR and they passed test one with flying colors…What was the difference you ask? Defense, Defense and Defense…OK maybe it helps to have Sam Clark too!

 

Now RBC has some decisions to make. They have been in some good games but have come up short each time. Joe Montano will have some tricky moments ahead. RBC could very easily have won all the games they have lost this year including the SJV game. So do you make changes or do you stay the course? I believe you have to be at practice and know your team for this answer. No way can you know from the outside looking in. Guastella has been great all year. Sunday she played well (9 rebounds)! But again the RBC guards forgot about her for long periods of time. KC Hobbie looked much more offensive mined in this game than what I have seen recently. This will be a big boost for this team.  Does Morgan Barry who has been RBC’s best guard move into the starting role? Do freshman Mary Kate Caverly and Caroline Corcoran now get more time? Much like the SJV freshman Joe Montano may choose to use the two freshmen more and give his team a different look and more energy. These are all questions that Joe and his staff will address.  Now RBC will quietly go under the radar and patch things up. This may be just what the doctor ordered. This is a young and dangerous team. By the way some people are saying Guastella may be a Division 1 player…let me help you out. I know of no less that 4 division 1 schools that have told me they would take her tomorrow! The only question about Guastella is what level. This young lady could easily find herself playing at the highest level before she is done.

One more thing about this game, the class and respect both teams and players showed for each other were a real treat. Go check out the Audio of Sam Clarks thoughts about Sam Guastella on Josh Newmans blog. These are two great kids with classy parents, coaches and Schools!

 

 

 

 

 

 

AROUND THE SHORE
 

 

SOUTHERN LOST TO TRN AND NOW JACKSON MEMORIAL IS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT

 

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH CONTINUES TO ROLL AS THEY BEAT FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP.

 

HOMDEL AND THEIR NEW COACH BOB WARD ARE DOING A GREAT JOB THIS SEASON. HOMDEL KNOCKED OFF A UP AND COMING MANASQUAN TEAM. BOB WARD HAS TO BE A LEADING CANIDATE FOR COACH OF THE YEAR. ALLIE MINCH IS NOW MAKING A CASE FOR ALL SHORE AND HAVING AN OUTSTANDING YEAR.

 

 

 

 

RANKING
TINY GREEN’S TOP TEN
 

1. NEPTUNE
2. SJV
3. COLTS NECK
4. ST.ROSE
5. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH
6. JACKSON
7. RUMSON
8. RBC
9. SHORE REG
10. HOLMDEL

 

 

 

 

AWARDS
 

 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
 

MEGHAN McGUINESS- becomes our first repeat winner as she scores 22 pts against Freehold Including 9pts in the first quarter. McGuiness is having a great year. The junior guard has been one of the most consistence players in the SC. She has helped Middletown south jump to 5^th in my top ten…side note…How good is Tom Brennan?

 

 

TEAM OF THE WEEK-
 

HOLMDEL took out Manasquan and Bob Wards crew now has some very quality wins this season. Remember this Manasquan team lost to RFH in overtime and gave SJV everything they could handle. Holmdel also knocked off Middlesex county’s #2 ranked Cardinal MacCarrick AND IS QUICKLY BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST IMPROVED TEAMS IN THE SHORE CONFERENCE.

 

 

 

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK-

 

 

LINDSEY ROWE/ TRARA INMAN- Rowe just like McGuiness, becomes a repeat winner. The freshman guard has been sensational on big stages like Sunday at the Boardwalk Showcase. Tara Inman helped Holmdel to a great week in wins over Freehold and Manasquan. Inman is quietly becoming one of the best stories of the year!

 

 

 

PLAYER RANKING-
  PLAYER OF THE YEAR- team record and team ranking play a major role in my POY ranking. Stats are only a SMALL PART of my criteria. - team record and team ranking play a major role in my POY ranking. Stats are only a SMALL PART of my criteria.  

- team record and team ranking play a major role in my POY ranking. Stats are only a SMALL PART of my criteria.  

1. S. CLARK (St. Rose)
2. DAVIS (Neptune)
3. CLARKE (Clots Neck)
4. KATES (SJV)
5. RICHARDSON (Neptune)

 

 

 

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR RANKING
 

1. HUGHES (Pt Boro)
2. INMAN (Holmdel)

3.   ROWE (SJV)

4.      MISSRY(Jackson)

5.      EGAN (SJV)

 

 

 

 

As you will see when you open up my Facts & Bracks, I came up with a new simple scale to rate every team’s resume.  It’s not a complicated or comprehensive scale at all.  I divided each school’s total wins into 5 different categories: Very Impressive (teams highlighted in Yellow), Impressive (teams in blue), Solid (teams in gray), Just OK (teams in Pink) & Lacking (teams in Orange). One thing I concluded after doing this is realizing which teams are overrated and which teams are underrated.  As of now, there are only 5 teams out there that have very impressive resumes:  Texas, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin & Villanova.  Remember to scroll down to the bottom and click on the “FACTS & BRACKS” link to view my projections.

Villanova had a great week this last week and they continue to roll.  They have now played 2 road games in two tough environments, in Marquette and Louisville, and won them both.  They closed out the week with a very nice win at home against a hot Georgetown team.  Villanova has propelled themselves up to a 1 seed in this weeks Facts & Bracks.

The following teams have found their way into the Bracks this week after being on the wrong side of the fence last week:  Baylor, Xavier, Northwestern, Arizona State, Marquette & Old Dominion   

The following teams had subpar weeks and found their way out of the Bracks:  Texas Tech, Minnesota, Miami (FL), California, St. Mary’s (CA) & Notre Dame.

Ohio State has made the biggest leap going from a 12 seed to a 5 seed after getting two huge wins at Purdue and at home against Wisconsin.  It took Evan Turner a few games to get this team back on track after his return from injury, but it appears as if the Buckeyes are back to being that dangerous team they once were earlier in the year.

North Carolina has now dropped 3 of their last 4 games (@ Coll of Charleston, @ Clemson, Georgia Tech) and they are starting to see their seed slip quickly.  I now have them currently as a 6 seed.  Their next game is at home on Wednesday against Wake Forest and they really need to take care of business vs the Demon Deacons because a loss to them will put the Tar Heels at a 1-3 hole in conference play in the ACC.

After doing a bit of analysis on Northern Iowa’s resume, I’ve learned a few things.  First of all they are 17-1…tremendous record.  However, their best wins are against Siena and Boston College.  Two teams of which would not be in the tournament if the season ended today.  Oh, and their 1 loss?  Depaul.  So, although Northern Iowa has a gaudy record, they better keep winning and not get laxed at all because they don’t have enough in their package to be assured of an at-large bid.  They will need to win their Bracketbuster game in February to give themselves a better shot for an at-large.

Louisville continues to find itself out of the mix due to another week where they couldn’t beat really good opponents.  They had two major opportunities, but failed in both attempts at home against Villanova and on the road at Pittsburgh.  The Cardinals are yet to pick up a resume building win, and with losses at home to Charlotte and Western Carolina, they continue to find themselves on the outside looking in.  They play at Seton Hall and home against Cincinnati this week, and while winning these games wouldn’t be spectacular or monumental, it would give them something to put them in the conversation.  Losing 1 of these games and the basketball world will start to wonder if this team truly is an NCAA tournament team at all.

Illinois is currently out of the field this week, but they have a couple opportunities this week to get them into the field.  They play a struggling Purdue team at home and then go on the road to Northwestern.  Right now, they sit at 4-1 in the Big Ten.  You ask then, why aren’t the Illini in now?  Well, their four league wins have come against Northwestern at home in overtime, home vs Iowa, @ Indiana & home against Penn State.  They’ve beaten up on the bottom of the league, now lets find out if they can play with the heavy hitters.  Actually, looking at Illinois schedule, they can easily get off to an 8-2 start in the Big Ten.  Everyone will be high on them even though they won’t have had any legit conference wins.  Have no fear though.  We will find out how good Illinois is in their last 8 games of the year when they face: Michigan State, @ Wisconsin, Ohio State, @ Purdue, @ Michigan, Minnesota, @ Ohio State & Wisconsin.  Spartans, Boilermakers, Badgers & Buckeyes oh my…ohhhh my.

My four #1 seeds are:  Texas, Kentucky, Villanova & Syracuse

My last 4 teams in are:  UNLV, Arizona State, Marquette & Old Dominion

Another wacky week of college basketball lies ahead and I’m sure more unpredictable stuff will continue to happen.  Let me know what you think of my new scale as well and click here to view my FACTS & BRACKS.

Tomorrow something special will happen at the MAC Center on Monmouth University’s Campus. Neptune High School girls’ basketball team will take on Murray Bergtraum High School. Neptune dreams of a National Championship, yet that could all end on Sunday. The Neptune girls’ basketball team is all about making dreams come true and Sunday they will get their chance to continue dreaming

 

Last year Coach Brown’s team stayed under the radar. While people across the state where talking about the SJV’s and the Colts Neck’s of the world, he simply smiled and went about the business of building the best GIRLS basketball team in the Shore Conference. While many debated who had the Shore’s best guard combo, Colts Neck or SJV he said nothing. When people talked about the dream battle of CN vs. SJV he said nothing. Then the SCT started and it was clear the best guard COMBO in the Shore Conference played for him. People still where not sure about the post play on this team. Then the SC semi-finals and final took place and we all knew who the best post player in the event was. Yet people said THEY did not play any competition and the coach was untested. That was until Neptune beat the best the state had to offer in SJV in the SCT Final and the coach used SJV’S mass subbing to his advantage by not subbing and resting! Does anybody remember that? I still remember a good friend of mind asking why there were so many TV time outs. Nope my friends it was coaching not time outs. They don’t call Neptune THEY anymore…rather the best team in the state!

 

 

Now a year later nobody is asking who the best guard combo in the Shore Conference is anymore because Richardson and Davis are the best guard combo maybe in the country. The dream battle in the Shore is no longer SJV vs. CN…but rather Neptune against SJV or CN or anyone else for that matter. The Center of this team is one of the best in the Shore Conference. No debates about that this year! There are no questions this year about the competition. Neptune plays the 6^th rated high school schedule in the country. Don’t ask me how people come up with this stuff but am going with it. Now the goal is different this year. Coach Brown has put his team in position to win a National Championship. They beat state ranked #4 P-way and #7 Gil St. Bernard. Those were cute little wins. They were warm ups, kind of pre season games. The real test and real games start tomorrow for Neptune. This game will mean more than any game during the day in terms of National Rankings and one of these teams will know they won’t win a National Championship when the day ends!

 

 

This is the moment many Neptune players, parents, fans and friends have been waiting for! A chance to prove they are the very best. Four of Neptune’s five starters have all been offered Division 1 Scholarships already. Richardson, Davis, Allen and Chyna Golden are playing for different reasons. It’s called respect. They will be on New Jersey’s girls’ biggest basketball stage of the year. Yes Maryland, Rutgers and all the big time schools will be there. But it’s not about that on Sunday. It’s about pride. Chyna Golden has been the target of those parents and people who don’t understand what it is like to be 16 years old and have people angry at you for having a change of heart. Davis and Richardson are dealing with the pressures of big time college recruiting while trying to figure out what Top 10 College program will allow them to shine both on and off the court, they are both A students! Allen is the only senior and is trying to figure out how to work though the maze called college recruiting. See all these young ladies have more than basketball on their minds. It makes the job harder. Yet they know what must be done and its starts Sunday!

 

 

Sunday afternoon should be a great day of basketball. But this game is different than all the others that will take place. Two of the best teams in America will be going at it, the NUMBER 9^TH RANKED TEAM IN THE COUNTRY AND THE NUMBER 16th RANKED TEAM IN THE COUNTRY. Murry Bergtraum has the tradition and has been there before. Neptune has heard it all before and will not care about tradition and history. Last year a good friend of mine Joe Stein of the Hoop Group told me before the season started. ”Those Neptune girls don’t care who you are they just ball and they are going to win the SCT and it won’t be close.” I laughed at Joe! He was right my friends…I was WRONG!

 

I believe this is going to be a game for the ages. People will BE shocked to see how much Thompson has improved and how she is a dangerous outside weapon now that Golden demands so much attention in the post. They will BE surprised at the talent and confidence of freshman Ivy Harrington. She will rebound, defend and score. They will BE the role players in this game. They will make the big guns’ jobs easier. These two will BE the difference to me. I Think Neptune’s Dream continues….NEPTUNE BY 10!

HERE’S THE DEAL

 

The Celtics of St Patrick continue to dominate all their opponents even though 6’8 junior Michael Gilchrist has been sidelined for a week with a bruised knee. Their latest victim was Trenton Catholic as they rolled 78-52. Dematha has also stayed perfect but had to hold off two tough Washington DC Catholic league opponents, Good Counsel and Bishop McNamara, beating them both by only two points. Oak Hill hasn’t played since their loss to Westchester CA right before the New Year but will get back into action this week-end at the Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, MA.

Paterson Catholic has also kept the pressure on as they have remained undefeated with their big victory coming against St Peter’s Prep when they rolled 75-55 in Jimmy Salmon’s New Years Jump Off Classic. Washington DC Gonzaga lost last week in league play to St John’s but we keep them pretty high because of their complete body of work including an impressive win over NY Rice.

We are slipping three undefeated teams into the last three spots in “The Deal”. They are from Connecticut, Western PA, and up-state New York. Mt Lebanon is the only one of the three with a “Jewel”. That is a quality win and they have it over Montverde Academy of Florida. We will keep a close watch on these teams as one slip and they fall from “The Deal”.         

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

		1/13/2010
1	St. Patrick NJ	9-0
2	Dematha MD	14-0
3	Oak Hill VA	18-1
4	Paterson Catholic NJ	8-0
5	St. Benedict’s NJ	9-1
6	Neumann Goretti PA	10-1
7	Gonzaga DC	12-2
8	Rice NY	8-2
9	Montrose Christian MD	9-1
10	St. Anthony NJ	9-1
11	Bishop Loughlin NY	11-1
12	St. Peter’s Prep NJ	8-1
13	Plymouth Whitemarsh PA	9-0
14	Petersburg VA	10-0
15	Christ the King NY	7-2
16	Mt. St. Joseph MD	15-2
17	Ballou DC	11-2
18	Penn Wood PA	7-3
19	Washington Danville VA	7-1
20	Imhotep Charter PA	8-1
21	Calvert Hall MD	13-2
22	Archbishop Carroll PA	8-1
23	Benedictine VA	13-3
24	Hillhouse CT	6-0
25	Mt. Lebanon PA	10-0
26	Jamesville Dewitt NY	7-0
	Close But “No Deal”
	Good Counsel MD	9-4
	Marshall Richmond VA	9-2
	Iona Prep, NY	8-2
	Cardozo NY	9-2
	Newburgh Free Academy NY	4-1
	J F Kennedy NY	10-2
	Plainfield, NJ	7-0
	Potomac VA	9-1
	City College MD	8-0
	Lynn English MA	7-0