Hold’n Court: The HoopGroup Blogs

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GAME
 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MATCH UPS
 

 

 

NEPTUNE ON DEFENSE
 

 

 

RICHARDSON VS. HAMPTON

 

DAVIS VS. CLARKE

 

ALLEN VS.  LAWERENCE

 

CARTER VS. DETUILO

 

GOLDEN VS. HOWES

 

*The real question is does Davis guard Hampton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOTS NECK ON DEFENSE
 

 

 

CLARKE VS. RICHARDSON

 

HAMPTON VS. DAVIS

 

DETULIO VS. CARTER

 

LAWERENCE VS. ALLEN

 

HOWES VS. GOLDEN

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

ADVANTAGE VS DISADVANTAGE
 

 

 

 

THE GUARDS-
 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORWARDS

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Intangibles-

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHOT MAKERS
 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY PICK
 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

SCT THOUGHTS

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

BOO…did that scare you? Well it should because right now Semonyeh Allen is the best player in the SCT and it looks like Neptune along with Boo Allen as she is known will be tough to beat.

 

 

 

Last night St. Rose found out what a lot of teams already know…You can not simulate the Neptune Pressure in practice. You see it every time you watch them play, but playing against that pressure!…that’s a whole lot different ball game. St. Rose got into a big hurry yesterday. They seen to want to attack every possession and tried to win the game with one shot or one play. They became the old SR taking quick shots and forgetting about Sam Clarke….BAD MOVE…Then they forgot to slow down against pressure and run on miss shots. Instead they tired to run against the pressure and slowed down after Neptune scores. Next if their point guard only had 3 turnovers for the night, how did they have 32 for the game? The answer…The point guard did not have the ball in her hands very often…Oops…BAD Move! Finally they ran players in and out of the game early and often, meaning?….…They Panicked and their core players never got a feel for the pressure and the intensity of the game….BAD MOVE and it cost them dearly. BOO Allen was just brutal, she shot SR out of their zone and then she caused havoc in the presses along with Davis and Richardson. Here is a little tip to all teams playing against Neptune. Don’t attack by throwing over the top of Davis! And use your time-outs on any run that is move than 4 points after pressure! Chyna Golden reminded everyone that she is the real deal. Golden got on the glass and made great post moves in the paint. Then she did something I have not seen her do this year. Kick the ball outside. She did not allow the game inside the game begin…you know the Golden vs. Clarke match- up. The coach for Neptune is not good people…he is great. He showed half court pressure, full court pressure, guards on post players, and forwards on guards. Coach Browne knows tempo and understands when to change. This is one of the smartest teams I have seen on the high school level. They never panic or look out of sorts. They just play. After beating RBC Saturday people had questions…Those where people looking for hope. I had a friend of my Joe Stein tell me. “Tiny those girls don’t read that stuff they just play.” How right you are Joe…and by the way….BOO
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COLTS NECK VS SJV
 

 

My guards are better than your guards! It’s was that simple last night. Lauren Clarke showed again why she is the best big game player in the SHORE CONFERENCE. Try guarding Jackie Kates all night and then bury three’s when your team needs them. Then get fouled and knock down free throw after free throw late in the game. Lauren Clarke is one tough HOMBRE. I’m really going to miss watching this young lady play. Little side note about Lauren Clarke…Candice Green reminded me Lauren has probably never had two tough games in a row in her life and SJV better watch out!…Candy Girl you were right she went to work last night. Brooke Hampton was “solid” I heard people say last night. Do me a favor all you people who said that. Please don’t get into the coaching business… LOL! She was GREAT last night. She turned the lights out on one of the real great shooters in the SC and she ran the show. Then she made baskets when CN needed them. She made the SJV press a non factor most of the game. Hampton my friend was great from start to finish and some where Don Hampton is smiling because his baby sent a LOUD MESSAGE TO EVERYONE. I am still one of the best in the state and all you so called great guards better not forget it! Now Emily Lawrence and Brittney Howes hit some big Jumpers last night. But none was bigger than the 3 pointer Lawrence’s hit when SJV cut Colts Neck lead to two points.  If SJV were to get the lead at any point in this game, I believe it could have got real dicey fro CN. Howes continued her brilliant play of late with Jump shots, lay-ups and overall toughness. Now what about the Coach for Colts Neck? Well those half court traps that SJV loves so much…well they never came. Why?  Coach Healy took the ball screens out of her offense last night. The press everyone was so afraid of, was not a major factor. Why you ask? Because she did not attack the press because this is not the NBA and there is no shot clock. She knew protection of the ball was move important than scoring against their press! Then last the biggest move of the night. She took away SJV running game. How you ask? Her wing players never ran to the lane in transition. They always ran to their players in transition. Translation no shots for Repoli in the corners and no guard penetration for Kates…AWESOME COACHING!  Now for SJV a team that has had to overcome so much, they needed Manigrasso in a big way because their half court offense was struggling. They also despite the many battles they have been in needed senior Leadership. Bad shot selection and failure to capitalize on 2^nd chances really hurt them late. Now here is the good news for SJV…. they get to try and do it one more time next year. They will be seniors then. For now the seniors who now have a chance to make History will move on to face Neptune!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCT THOUGHTS-

 

 

 

 

 I thought the games were well played and more importantly the refs were great last night. The fans in the stands were unreal. The sportsmanship on the floor it couldn’t get any better. All in All the Shore Conference was at it’s best!

 

 

 

Tons of college coaches were in the stands yesterday. By the way did anyone notice Coach Gaitley from Monmouth University was the only head coach in the stands! Do you know how hard it is for a head coach to get to games this time of year! I am really not sure what more this women can do to support the Shore Conference. I hope all coaches are encouraging their kids to visit Monmouth University.  Katie O’Reilly stock is growing everyday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MID-MONMOUTH…MID-MONMOUTH …MID-MONMOUTH…kids from this youth organization were everywhere….I will be talking to the hoop group about a free coaches and players clinic…these people deserve it! SO COLLEGE COACHES BE WAITING FOR MY CALL!  MID MONMOUTH is the reason you been getting all these great players!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALL SHORE TALK
 

 

 

This year my All Shore Team is going to very hard to pick. But tell me how Boo Allen is not all shore…just explain it to me. Don’t look her numbers because they are great. Her team is ranked 15^th in the country. She is the best player in this year’s SCT and she has played her best in the big games! Davis and Richardson are givens. Now it comes down to politics in most case. Meaning am I afraid to put 3 players from one team on first team…my answer NO…This stuff means a lot to kids. People ask me about Clarke and Hampton all the time. I don’t look at it as Clarke and Hampton. I look at it as Brooke Hampton is one player. Then Lauren Clarke is one player. Doesn’t SJV deserve a player? NOBODY DESERVES A PLAYER. Everyone must earn their way on my team. One game as last night is not going to put you on my team or take you off. I will weight everything. Is Sweeney off my All Shore team after last night? I will answer it this way. Did I take Lauren Clarke off my first team after Saturday? NO! Lauren Clarke could not score a point the rest of the year and I promise you she will be on my first team! I am getting stats of my top 20 players as I type. I will not talk to any coaches because I know how that works. I will compare everyone’s season and come up with a team. Now I do not take into account the post season. All So I believe JOSH NEWMAN’S All SHORE TEAM IS THE GOLDEN STANDARD.  I will tell you why, 1st tradition, 2^nd Josh I believe has show the ability to remove his personal feeling over the years when picking his team and 3rd nobody see’s more games, talks to more coaches and players than Josh Newman. One more thing about Josh Newman, this guy is an advocate for ALL KIDS!  So you got my final thoughts on that until you see my teams. One last thing…send me your thoughts on your all shore teams with your reasons why!

We are now into the final week of February and if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that the bubble is very weak.  It’s about time for these so called fringe teams to start winning and separating themselves from the pack.  It’s hard enough to figure out which 65 teams should get in this year, so yeah, let’s just expand the tournament to 96 teams.  Yes, that’s my sarcasm speaking.  Remember to click on my FACTS & BRACKS link here or at the bottom of this blog to view my projections. 

 

The “Let’s Goooo” Team of the Week (Team who impressed the most this week):  Kentucky.  Many thought the Wildcats were bound to lose a game this week as they had to travel to Starkville to take on Mississippi State and Nashville to go up against the Commodores of Vanderbilt.  Well, Kentucky (26-1, 11-1 SEC) ran into some trouble as it took them overtime to beat Mississippi State and a missed runner in the lane at the buzzer by Vanderbilt which would have forced overtime.  The Wildcats held the Commodores to shooting a measley 2-20 from 3, yet still only won the game by just 2 points.  Nonetheless, Kentucky won both of these road matchups in two tough environments and improved their record to 26-1 overall.  They currently remain as a projected #1 seed in my latest Facts & Bracks.  There only appears to be one game left on Kentucky’s regular season schedule that they may lose and that is their game at Tennessee on Saturday.   

 

The “What Are We Doing?” Team of the Week (Team who hurt itself the most this past week):  Charlotte.  The 49ers were a team that was riding high less than two weeks ago.  Now, they find themselves in danger of not being invited to the Big Dance.  If you’re going to lose to other NCAA contendors in the league (i.e. Dayton, Xavier) then I have no problem with that.  If you’re going to lose games to non contendors, such as they did this week against Duquesne, I will notice it but it’s not the end of the world…unless, of course, that loss came on your home turf, which it did.  That is just plain unacceptable.  We obviously know why this happend.  They played Duquesne at home on Wednesday, but knew in the back of their minds that their big game was on Saturday against Xavier.  So, clearly, they overlooked the Dukes…and then lost to the Musketeers anyway!  Charlotte is not a team who can afford to do this.  Their final two regular season games are at Rhode Island and at home against Richmond.  Big games.  However, before those two games they play St. Joe’s and at George Washington…remember 49ers, you play ST. JOE’S AND GW first, so don’t disregard them or you will get beat and badly crush your hopes for an NCAA bid.  Charlotte has dropped out of my field of 65, but since the bubble is so bad as it usually is, one solid week can put them right back in it.  The 49ers RPI saw the biggest drop of any team this week falling from 41 to 55.

 

The “Middie Who’s Gettin’ Giddy” Team of the Week (mid-major team who is on the rise):  Northern Iowa.  The Panthers got arguably the best Bracketbuster win on Friday with their victory over another mid-major bubble team Old Dominion.  Northern Iowa (24-3, 14-2 MVC) nearly led wire to wire and showed the country that they are for real and can win even without their star big man, Jordan Eglseder, who didn’t play for the second consecutive game due to a suspension caused by a DWI.  I questioned the Panthers resume before this game and didn’t really see them as a true lock for an at-large bid.  They had beaten high-major bottom dwellers which is good for a mid major team, but not overly impressive when trying to obtain an at-large bid.  This win against ODU was important for Northern Iowa because ODU is knocking on the door for an at-large bid.  Old Dominion won at Georgetown earlier in the year and proved that they could win away from the Constant Convocation Center.  The win put Northern Iowa’s RPI into the Top 20.  Watch out for Northern Iowa come tournament time…when a team has guys with eccentric last names like Farokhmanesh, Eglseder, Ahelegbe & O’Rear you know you want no part of them.

 

The “Power Who’s Goin’ Sour” Team of the Week (high major team on the decline):  Wake Forest.  The Demon Deacons were coming off a stretch of 4 consecutive wins before last week began.  Three of those four games were at home and the one game that was on the road was at a struggling Virginia team and it took them overtime to win that one.  The two games they played this last week, of course, were on the road.  They lost at Virginia Tech, in a game where Wake led most of the way, and they then dropped one at last place NC State.  Some may say that it was no big deal because both games were on the road, but I believe that these game were, in fact, critical for Wake.  If they would have won both of these games they would have taken hold of 2nd place in the ACC, would have been just one game behind Duke and could have quite possibly been in the argument for a 2 seed in this weeks Facts & Bracks.  Instead, they fell back to the middle of the pack in the ACC and currently have 5 losses in a down year for the league.  The time has come for the nation to know if Wake Forest (18-7, 8-5 ACC) should be mentioned as one of the heavy hitters who can make a deep tourney run, or if they’re like last year, a team bounced in the 1st round as a 4 seed by Cleveland State.  I don’t believe the latter will happen again this year, but I am still waiting to find out how good this team really is.  I guess we will find out in the ACC tournament.

 

The “Opportunity Knocked But Nobody Answered” Teams of the Week (these teams had critical losses at inopportune times):

Siena.  The Saints (22-6, 15-1 MAAC) had a critical game at Butler on Saturday which may have catapulted them to an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament had they lost in the MAAC finals, but they failed to capitalize.  Butler extended their nation leading win streak to 17 games, and they did so without starter Willie Veasley (10.0 ppg), who didn’t play due to a sprained knee.  It is now pretty clear that the Saints need to win the MAAC tournament in order to get into the NCAA tournament.  Siena has zero quality wins on their resume and now have no more opportunities to pick one up.  If Siena is fortunate enough to win the MAAC tourney, they still could end up getting a solid seed.  Remember, last year, they didn’t have any enormous wins either and were still able to get a 9 seed in the NCAA tourney.  I’m not saying that’s going to happen again because last year they finished with an RPI of 18 and so far this year they’re currently in the 30’s, but a top 11 seed is still obtainable.

Old Dominion:  In my opinion, the Monarchs could have all but wrapped up an at-large bid with a win at Northern Iowa.  Winning on the road in my book counts for a lot because it shows that a team can keep it’s composure in a harsh environment.  They failed to do so, but losing to the Panthers does not kill them and doesn’t end their hopes by any means.  ODU (21-8, 13-3 CAA) still has that victory at Georgetown which is monumental.  However, ODU has put themselves in a position where they may need to make the CAA tournament championship game in order to get a real good look for a bid. 

William & Mary:  The Tribe really didn’t have anything to gain from their Bracketbuster game @ Iona.  They really couldn’t afford a loss though.  Not only did W&M lose, but they were dismantled by the Gaels.  It was a bad weekend for the CAA with ODU and W&M losing and doesn’t help their case for being a multiple bid league.  William & Mary’s RPI did not take a huge hit however, as they are still hovering around the 50 mark.  Their non conference wins vs Richmond, @ Maryland and @ Wake Forest are still big for them which is why they are not completely out of the discussion.  It’s looking like William & Mary (18-8, 11-5 CAA), as well, will need to make the CAA tournament finals in order to receive a serious look from the selection committee.

South Florida:  A disastrous loss at home on Saturday for the Bulls (16-10, 6-8 Big East) to St. John’s.  I classify this as an “opportunity” game because every game South Florida plays they have plenty to gain.  The loss puts them 2 games under .500 in the Big East with no wiggle room to spare now.  They must win the rest of their conference games now.  And, yes, that includes their game at Villanova too.  The loss to St. John’s may have been the nail in the coffin for South Florida.  That being said, who would’ve thought before the season that South Florida would be disappointed to be 6-8 in the league?  Probably no one.

 

The “Yes We’re a State, We Want Some More Respect and We’re the Lobos so Please, Stop With All the Low-Blows” Team of the Week:  There’s only one team who this award can go to and of course that’s the New Mexico Lobos (25-3, 11-2 MWC) who sport a nifty top 10 RPI and play in the tough Mountain West Conference.  Nobody knows that much about Coach Steve Alford’s Lobos because we just don’t get to see them on television enough.  Well, this team has a superb overall record and many believe it’s nothing that special since they’re beating up on bad teams.  But, that’s where they’re wrong because they’re not beating up on bad teams.  New Mexico has wins vs California, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Dayton, BYU, San Diego State and at UNLV.  This resume is a lot better than a good amount of high majors.  The Lobos have been tested and are deserving of a very good NCAA tournament seed should they finish out the season strong.  New Mexico has a major test coming up on Saturday at conference for BYU.  BYU has won 34 of their last 35 conference home games.  So, if the Lobos can manufacture a W at Brigham Young, I would be very impressed…as should you!

 

The “Conference Crew Who’s Feelin’ Mighty Blue and Slowly Changin’ my View” League of the Weekend:  The CAA.  The Colonial Athletic Association went a combined 3-9 in Bracketbuster play this weekend.  Ouch.  Their conference RPI now sits at 12.  What bothered me the most was that the top 4 teams in this league (Old Dominion, William & Mary, Northeastern & George Mason) all lost.  Before this weekend, I thought this conference had a very good chance to be a multiple bid league for the NCAA tournament.  Now?  I’m really not so sure.  William & Mary and Old Dominion are the two teams with the best non conference resumes in the CAA and really could have boosted their causes with W’s.  The scary part about this weekend is that when the Selection Committee is trying to figure out the last few teams who should get into the NCAA tournament and they arrive at a CAA team, will they refer back to the dismal Bracketbuster weekend they had or will they merely just see it as a minor blip on the radar?  The bottom line is that this is a weekend the Colonial Athletic Association will want to forget…however, I don’t believe this will be something the Selection Committee will bypass.

 

The “Biggie Who’s Gettin’ Jiggy” Team of the Week (high major squad on the rise):  UConn.  The Huskies underachieving season was about to be all but over in disappointing fashion…that is before their game at Villanova last week.  UConn went into the Wachovia Center, shocked the Wildcats and brought their conference record to 5-8 in the Big East.  They really have no room for error anymore after the Huskies inauspicious start in the 1st 12 games of Big East play.  That’s why their game at Rutgers on Saturday was so important for them.  One slip up to a lower tier Big East opponent would have been devastating for UConn.  Rutgers was a hot team and had won 4 of their last 5 Big East games and playing at a sold out RAC is no easy task.  But, the Huskies were up for the challenge and easily took care of the Scarlet Knights to improve their conference record to 6-8.  Even more important is their RPI went from 61 to 45 in the last week.  UConn is back in the thick of things for an at-large bid and have two huge opportunity games this week at home against West Virginia and Louisville.  Winning both of these games will surely put them in the field in next week’s Facts & Bracks.  It’s vital that this team finishes conference play at the .500 mark or better to give them the best opportunity for an NCAA bid.  So, the Huskies are “jiggy” right now, but can they remain “jiggy?” Or was this last week of victories just a fraud?  I believe this team is for real…the question is, do they want to be?

 

Most Intriguing Major Conference Game this Week?  Villanova @ Syracuse on Saturday.  This game may not only determine which of these teams gets the top seed in the Big East Tournament, but it also may play a large role in deciding who gets that coveted #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.  Right now, Syracuse has the upper hand, but a win on the road by the Wildcats could change a lot.  Villanova has proved this year that they can win in tough environments…just ask Marquette, Louisville and West Virginia.  Plus, the Orange only two losses on the year came at home at the Carrier Dome.  I believe that this will be a great game that comes down to the wire.  Both of these teams are pretty much locked in for a double bye in the Big East Tourney and I have a feeling that we will see these two teams play each other again there…and perhaps again in the NCAA’s.

 

Most Intriguing Non-Major Conference Game this Week?  New Mexico @ BYU on Saturday.  The Mountain West Conference is the 7th best conference in the country this year, and these two teams will battle it out for 1st place this game.  New Mexico has the more impressive resume, but the Cougars of BYU do have the ever so important home court advantage.  New Mexico and BYU are a combined 49-6 this year against Division 1 opponents.  New Mexico already beat BYU at home this year…is it now BYU’s turn to return the favor? 

 

An NCAA Bid in Sight?  If the Cornell Big Red beat Princeton and Penn this weekend they will be the first team this year to officially clinch an NCAA tournament berth.

 

My last 4 teams in?  UAB, Old Dominion, Dayton, St. Mary’s (CA)

My first 4 teams out?  San Diego State, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Connecticut

 

The clock is starting to tick on some of these bubble teams, but since the bubble is so down this year ANYONE who can put together a string of victories down the stretch will have a good chance at breaking away from the rest of the pack.  The regular season is quickly coming to an end…as are many of these bubble teams chances. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS WEEK’S FACTS & BRACKS

The best four teams in the best HIGH SCHOOL conference in America will have a little get together tonight. There will be an awful lot on the line. The SCT title is not an easy thing to win. Let me give you a little recent history. Last year SJV won the TOC, but they did not win the SCT. RFH made it to the TOC semi finals 3 years ago and returned Candice Green and Kate Miller but couldn’t make it to the SCT final. Colts Neck won the SCT two years ago and had their entire team returning and didn’t even make it to the semi –finals, yet played in the TOC final. Winning the SCT is bigger than the TOC for a lot of players, coaches and fans and as the Beatles would say “it don’t come easy”. Now one of these teams will do something special.

 

 

 

 

 

SEMI-FINAL THOUGHTS
 

 

 

GAME # 1    6.00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

ST. ROSE VS. NEPTUNE- This game looks nothing like last years semi final game. Neptune was a team many did not believe in and nobody could believe that St. Rose was even playing in the Semi final game. Now that has all changed. Neptune is the team to beat and St. Rose many believe is the team to do it!

 

 

 

St. Rose is a team loaded with confidence. They believe they can play with anyone and are using the lack of respect giving to them as rallying piece. Well it’s a good idea because they will need to stick together tonight. Kasey Chambers has mastered the art of taking care of the ball. She will need to be at her best tonight. She will face a college style defensive team. Neptune will give you man to man full court pressure. Then they will play their 1-2-2 press when they score and after free throws and then the big one…. The 1-3-1 half court trap with Allen on top. When Neptune comes out of time outs, look for this defense and trust me it’s a real issue for ANY high school level team. Allen is long and forces lobs which Davis and Richardson feast on! Chambers will need to take care of the ball and also win 2 very important battles…Beating Davis to loose balls and keeping Davis off the boards. If Chambers gets loose and out of control this thing could get ugly in a hurry. Sweeney has been playing lights out all year and nothing has changed in the SCT. Now she will face the first opponent this year who can match her length, size, quickness and speed. It’ very rare if ever Sweeney gets to play against likes of Allen except in the SCT. She will need to take good shots and remember to rebound all night. Allen is brutal on the offensive boards. She will have her work cut out for her. She also must remember not settle for jump shots. It’s very hard to beat the Neptune players off the dribble; it’s very easy to settle for jump shots. Sweeney will need to win this battle on both sides of the ball! Alex Hall is the X factor in my mind. She is very capable of scoring in bunches and is the only guard on the SR roster who can match the speed of Davis and Richardson. Hall has been sick lately and that could be a factor. If she has a big shooting night it could be a major boost to St. Rose’s chances. Remember last year this time Hall exploded! Now we get to the most important player for St. Rose… Sam Clark! Sam Clark was under the weather Saturday. Question how is she feeling today? She will need to be at 100% in order for SR to pull this thing off. Clark provides that extra passer most teams do not have in a post player against the Neptune press. She also does something all coaches’ notice. Her ability to rotate to guards driving to the basketball is a big advantage to SR. She changes shots and is even known to strip the ball from players driving to the basket. SR at times forgets about Sam Clark and will become a jump shooting team! If this happens tonight…forget it Neptune will get those long rebounds and get running. Make no mistake if SR transition defense is not at its best…its lights out! On the other hand Donahue and Clarke will need to dominate the boards and allow the SR guards to get out and run, easy baskets is something SR must find tonight!  One more thing Sam Clark is playing against a good player herself in Chyna Golden! The St. Rose bench is real and this is important. Neptune is known to wear opposing teams’ guards down mentally and defensively. The constant pressure on both sides of the ball is tough on guards. But with the way Dana Malanga is playing, Joe Roman must be feeling very good. Kelly Roddy has been solid all year and looked at ease in the starting Role Saturday. These two could be different makers tonight. A fresher Kasey Cambers means fewer turnovers. A fresh Sam Clark means a chance for Clark to dominate this game!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 They have the best Point Guard, best Combo Guard and the best Swing player in the SHORE CONFERENCE they all can take over a game at any time. Please don’t argue with me! Davis and Richardson are the most highly Recruited players in the Shore since god knows when. If you are trying to win a national championship, these are the two girls who will get it done for you! Allen also will play for a Major college one day. They are skilled and have a feel for the game that is rarely seen in young players. They are the ultimate player makers. They score in every way. You need jump shots? You need to moves to the basket in traffic, you need great passing? Would you like steals or block shots? They can do it all. Coach Browne gave Neptune a Schedule that would make any college coach blush. They are battle tested like no other team. If not for a one point lost to the 7^th ranked team in the country. They would be fighting for a National Championship. They added Chyna Golden who has brought into her role as rebounder and defensive stopper. Tonight will be one of the few times Sam Clark will be played head up by an opponent. Now ready! Chyna may be a role player to me and others. But make no mistake. Sam Clark and Evans are the most recruited bigs in the SC….well my friends guess who number 3 is? You got it! Miss Golden and she will too play for a big time school! Sam Clark’s job will not be easy. If SR tried to play zone or a sagging man to man…here comes Miss Thompson and guess what side of the floor do you expect to see her on? You got it…the same side as Golden. This is a well balanced team. They can and will run all night. The bench is a non issue unless one of the big three gets into foul trouble. But let me tell you one more thing about Neptune, if you are not ready after time outs you are in trouble. They run set plays after all time outs weather you are in zone or man. When they are on defense after time outs, look for some type of change and pressure. Coach Browne has his coaching cards on him all game and he uses them much like a college coach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY PICK
 

 

 

 

Like I said, this game is different than last year. I will tell you why. Last year SR had played against the type of pressure Neptune will apply earlier in the season. SJV ran SR out of the gym. This was a good learning tool for them. It got them ready for their match up with Neptune. This year no such game existed because of weather. Next time outs are big in this game. I believe Joe Roman will need to use them whenever Neptune goes on a run. Trying to play though Neptune’s runs is a mistake. Finishing quarters is what Neptune does better than anyone. They have mastered the art of the final 2 minutes of a quarter. SR must not allow Neptune to finish quarters strong. Neptune has the best decision maker in this event. Richardson knows when to go and when to slow down. She knows when to get her teammates involved and when to take over. Davis has been the best player maybe in state this year and plays hard all the time. Allen is trying figure out how she is not first team all shore and will be trying to send a message. Golden and Clark were once teammates and she too can’t be all to please about playing second fiddle to Sam Clark. St. Rose will need to run and get easy baskets. But they must remember jump shots in transition are a dangerous thing. They will need to pick their spots. Davis, Allen and Richardson are best finishers in the business. They do something only great guards do….They finish in traffic. Sam Clark rotating will not hurt them…Why? Because just like last year, they will pull up if need be for short jumpers. Joe Roman has a swagger now. He has taken the approach ALL good coaches do….SR is his team and he is calling the shots! He cares very little about what anyone outside him and his staff feels about his team. He now has a presence when he walks in the building. He has done the impossible by making SR a real factor by giving then a chance at winning the SCT. Coach Browne knows winning two SCT in a row is not easy. But he played a tough schedule and why is that important? There will be nothing St. Rose can throw at him or his team that they haven’t already seen. They have seen a great post player like Clark, they have seen great scoring guards like Sweeney, they have seen box and 1s on Richardson, they have seen zones, and they have seen sagging man to man. They have seen it ALL….NEPTUNE BY 15.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAME #2      7. 45 PM
 

 

 

 

 

 

SJV VS. COLTS NECK- If you’re expecting the same game as last years TOC final. FORGET IT! Colts brings back a senior group that has played together for years. SJV lost…are you ready? LINNEY, MAYBREY, MULVEY and NOW MANIGRASSO, the talent gap last year was much bigger than anyone realized. That talent gap is now GONE!

Four years ago CN came in with what many thought was the best group of freshman the Shore had ever seen. That was until SJV came along. Then people said SJV had the best group ever. Well guess what? Neither of them have the best talent ever. In fact neither is even the favorite to win the SCT. But tonight some old scores will be settled. There are more sub plots than a soap opera. We are talking All Shore awards, we are talking All State awards and we are no doubt talking history and bragging rights. Colts Neck will need to win this match up to get even. SJV will need to win to put any doubt aside to who the dominate program has been the past 3 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colts Neck guard play of Hampton, Clarke and DeTulio will deliver on offense …trust me on that. Where they must deliver is in the winning details. Stop SJV guard Jackie Kates. When Coach Jeanene Healy was hired as the coach of CN she wanted her team’s defense to get better. Well tonight is the night to make it happen. You stop Kates and you win…it’s that simple! By slowing down Kates you take Repoli out of the game. It’s really hard to score when you got nobody passing to you. You stop Kates and the SJV running game goes bye bye. You stop Kates and your defense is not rotating all night. That means your rebounding is better and bye bye goes Katie O’Reilly and Arron Zimmerman getting offense rebounds for stick backs.  Now the problem…Who does Coach Healy you put on Kates? Do you play a little zone? Do you try and help off the ball? Well Repoli would love that. Maybe you trap her? Uh like she hasn’t seen that before! Colts Neck will need an answer to the most important player on the floor for either team tonight!  

 

 

 

 

 

SJV guards go into most games knowing they have a big edge. Well that disappeared with Manigrasso’s injury. Now they go into tonight’s game, needing to fight and claw. BLT as they are called is not a sandwich you want to order. All three can shoot, pass and have been in every major battle known to man kind. Hampton is now more of a true playmaker than the scoring machine she was as a freshman. She turned Howes into a star Saturday.  She runs her team like a conductor. She knows when to score as well. Maybe the best player in this game is Lauren Clarke. Please don’t get me started about the refs on Saturday. Clarke is at her best on nights like tonight. Who will get this assignment? Katie O’Rielly can’t guard everyone. When Egan comes in, do you really put a freshman on her? This is not an easy match up. DeTulio is going to score and the real question is how much. She is known to fly under the radar and then light up the score board. Now here is the real problem for SJV. If the Colts Neck guards gets it going what do they do? Do they settle in and play half court defense? I am not sure and I’m sure Dawn Karpell hopes that’s a question she doesn’t have to answer TONIGHT.

 

 

 

 

 

Colts Neck will handle the SJV pressure today. These are seasoned vets who know what to do. They remember last year! The real question is the transition defense. SJV gets out in transition better than any team this side of Neptune. Repoli is great at finishing or making the pass. Zimmerman is great at getting the ball off the glass and starting the break either with a dribble or an outlet. The SJV freshmen are tested and effective. But this is a big stage you say. Well Egan and Rowe have now played on all the big stages. Coach Karpell has no fear going to them.  SJV will need to find ways to score in the half court. I believe this has been their weakness all year. Make them run half court offense and they are a different team. Manigrasso was big when this team was forced to slow down. She got to the rim and scored or got fouled. O’Reilly is great at getting on the offense glass as is Zimmerman. They will be a tough matchup for Howes away from the basket; they both can and will knock down 17ft jumpers. Colts Neck will need Hampton to score tonight; Hampton had 9 pts in the first game. The rebounds she had were great but CN has players who can do that. She had 16 pts on Saturday. But 11 of those came in the 4^th quarter when the game was long decided. Hampton is great at making her teammates better. But tonight Brooke will need to turn back the clock and look to score more. She will need to give the SJV guards reason to pause. They must feel Brooke could explode and give her more attention so her teammates can go to work! Then she must slow down Kates if she gets the assignment. DeTulio who am sure will get a chance at Kates must also play great defense and make open shots against the press when CN throws over the top. This will be big all evening. Clarke just needs to get in rhythm and if she can get Missy Repoli in foul trouble all hell could break loose for SJV?  SJV cannot afford to lose another scorer. Now the difference in this game could be Emily Lawrence and Brittney Howes. SJV may have no answer for the size and strength of Howes down low. Do I need to bring up the name of a certain Neptune post player from last years SCT final? Then if Lawrence starts making 20 ft shots…Oh boy!  Lawrence looked out of the loop on Saturday. But tonight it could be all different.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY PICK
 

 

 

 

SJV is great at slowing down great players. Last year they held Kate Miller scoreless, they held Kelly Hughes under 10 points, held Maybrey to 5 for 3 quarters  and yesterday they held McGuiness to 9 points. But all four of those players had one thing in common. They had weak or in some cases no supporting cast at all. Colts Neck has lots of players who can hurt SJV. This game will not be about stopping one player. Colts Neck on the other hand must be ready for the half court traps more than the full court pressure. CN loves to run ball screens and SJV loves to trap ball screens. I think CN should run as few ball screen sets as possible. The problem is that CN guards are not great at breaking you down of the dribble and finishing at the rim. They do have the ability I believe they just must do it. If they can’t get to the rim, then they must handle the half court traps better than most teams do! I also say pound the ball inside to their post players, SJV is very thin up front….and now are your ready! POST UP JACKIE KATES! One you may get her in foul trouble, two it slows down the SJV break in a big way. It is not easy getting out of the lane when you’re posted up. Trust me if you saw CN game Saturday, then you know Hampton can without a doubt post Kates! Both these coaches never get the credit they deserve because of the talent they coach. Both had to navigate though rough waters. Dawn Karpell had to pull her team together after injuries. Then Coach Healy had to replace a man who was very successful the past few years. Both have passed with flying colors. My pick in this game! SJV has had to overcome so much this year. I believe with Manigrasso they were better than last year’s team. The chemistry was right and the freshman had the perfect roles…so who do I pick. I believe a since of urgency is more on CN side. This is it for them! They need to win this game if they want to be put in that group of elite teams! The seniors on this team have won a lot games and will want people to remember them beating SJV at least once and in a big spot….It will be COLTS NECK BY 7
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCT NOTES-
 

 

9 of Tonight’s 20 starters play for the Central Jersey Hawks.

 

 

 

 This is the first time in a long time that either RBC or Rumson is not in the Semi-Final.

 

 

 

 

 Colts Neck and Neptune have (3) 1000 point scorers on their Roster.

 

 

 

 

 

 Expect a boat load of college scouts on hand tonight! Big East, ACC, Atlantic 10 and a Pac 10 school will even be in the Gym…..

 

 

 

 

Long Island University and Nicole Lentini look like it’s a done deal. Once the official visit is over look for her to verbal

 

 

 

 

 

Christa Evans on Saturday put all doubts about her ability to rest. It’s interesting how everyone is talking about Jackson losing big. Yet 3 other teams lost big and nobody is saying word….welcome to the big time Jackson. It’s always better when they are talking about you….trust me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I WILL SAY IT AGAIN THIS IS THE BEST CONFERENCE. LET’S HOPE WE SEE GREAT SPORTMANSHIP…EVANS AND CLARK SHOWED ALL PLAYERS WHAT THAT LOOKED LIKE ON SATURDAY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow talk will be cheap. The four best teams will take the floor and each knows how important this tournament championship means. This is the best SCT semi finals we have seen in a long time. They have played in the best basketball in the COUNTRY. Now two very good teams, two very special teams will go home! The Shore Conference is cruel.

 

 

 

 

THE TALENT
 

 

First let me tell you that all five starters for SJV will play division 1 basketball. Colts Neck will have 2 starters play division basketball and all five will play in college at some level. Neptune has the 3 most talented players in the tournament and four of their starters will play division 1 basketball. St. Rose has 4 starters that will play division 1 basketball. Yes Nikki Donahue will play division 1 basketball. All five starters will play in college. Do you get the picture people? This is a college basketball game being played on the High School level

.

 

 

 

 

THE COACHES
 

 

They are all studs! Dawn Karpell is a master at getting her team ready to play. She lost the heart and soul of her team and they are still cooking. No coach in the Shore is better at getting her players to buy into a role and a system. No coach has overcome what she has in the last year and still managed to get it done. NOW SHE WILL NEED THEM TO TRUST HER ONE MORE TIME. Jeanene Healy of Colts Neck had to replace the man who built the CN program. Do you think that’s easy? How many coaches do you know have replaced great coaches and failed? It’s not easy and Coach Healy has gotten the job done this year. Her team jumped a major hurdle last night. She will now try to do something special. BEAT THE TEAM THAT BEAT CN in last years TOC final. Joe Roman has been under the radar as a coach. He upgraded his team’s defense and forced his will upon this program. Now they are in position to do the impossible. Joe best coaching this year has been done in the big games. No team has had to deal with my disappointments off the court more than this team. Joe has kept this team focused all year. Now his club has a real chance to SHOCK EVERYONE. John Browne is brilliant and here is why I say this! His team played a monster out of conference schedule and he put his focus on getting better not necessary on winning games. He knew one was just as important as the other. He is at his best when asked to make in game adjustments. He runs college sets, his coaching cards are always on him. He is a beast after time outs! NOW HE WILL TRY TO WIN TWO SCT CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GUARDS
 

 

All these teams have great guards. But no team has anyone in the same world as Davis, Richardson, and Allen. These three may win a national championship on the college level one day. They are the best threesome the SC has ever seen. They won the SCT last year… But this is high school and things CAN Change. Clarke, Hampton and DeTulio are the old veterans; they won the SCT as sophomore’s and once were considered the best guards in the Shore Conference. But remember this is high school and things DID change. Kates, Repoli and Manigrasso were the perfect trio. But this is high school and when Manigrasso got hurt EVERYTHING changed. They have never won a SCT. The St. Rose backcourt of Chambers, Hall and Sweeney are the new and excited group in this picture and they know this is high school and HOPE things will change. They are the only group that has never played in the final game!

 

 

 

 

 

THE FORWARDS
 

  

She is the best post player in the event. She will try and make her claim as the best player in the tournament. She can beat you with shooting, passing, defense and rebounding. She HAS BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Sam Clark will need to be more special than she ever has been for St. Rose to win Monday night. She has been the missing part to a well oiled machine. She has gone from focal point to role player. Monday night she will need to be the focal point on defense and on the boards. The points will be the gravy. Chyna Golden will need to STEP BACK INTO THE SPOTLIGHT to slow down Sam Clark. Aaron Zimmerman and Katie O’Rielly have been great as the forgotten duo. They have long done the dirty work for SJV and have been forgotten to often. Tomorrow night they will NEED TO HAVE THE SPOTLIGHT on them in order for SJV to win. They are the lost three Lawrence, Howes and Lanza. They have done much and been given so little credit during Colts Neck wonderful run. Few even know their names. They will WANT THE SPOTLIGHT ON THEM and if the does shine on them…Colts Neck will be SCT champs again!

 

 

 

 

 

THE BENCH
 

 

One team’s bench can be the difference. Coach Karpell knew this day would come. She knew her team needed to be ready in case of injuries. She knew 8 were better than five. While other coaches refused to live with their babies mistakes…SHE DID. Now her babies are all grown up and are not afraid of anything. Egan and Rowe are ready and will play their roles to perfection. Dawn KNOWS HER BENCH CAN BE DIFFERENCE. Colts Neck got Howes back so they added a player to their bench. Lanza was sick yesterday. But hopefully she will return Monday. But one thing is clear CN DOESN’T KNOW IF THEIR BENCH IS GOOD ENOUGH. Neptune has Thompson and untested Ivy Harrington to call upon if they need to. But one think is clear. John Brown knows he DOESN’T WANT TO KNOW IF HIS BENCH IS GOOD ENOUGH. That means thing have gotten a bit dicey if he has to find out! St. Rose KNOWS THEY FOUND A BENCH yesterday. Dana Malanga started her great play against Southern in case you didn’t know and Kelly Roddy who started last night has been solid all year. Now St. Rose will go into Monday night with a few more weapons….they will need it.

 

 

 

 

 

TOMORROW AT NOON I WILL MAKE MY PREDICTIONS. I CAN TELL YOU THIS NOBODY CAN SAY FOR SURE HOW THIS THING WILL END UP

 

 

 

 

 

SCT PLAYER RANKINGS BY POSITION-(all SCT games only)
 

 

 

TOP POINT GUARDS
 

 

1.) RICHARDSON-(NEPTUNE)

 

2.) KATES-(SJV)

 

3.) HAMPTON-(CN)

 

 

 

 

TOP SHOOTING GUARDS
 

1. DAVIS-(NEPTUNE)

 

2. REPOLI-(SJV)

 

3. CLARKE-(CN)

 

 

 

 

TOP SMALL FORWARDS
 

1.) SWEENEY-(ST. ROSE)

 

2.) ALLEN-(NEPTUNE)

 

3.) ORIELLY-(SJV)

 

 

 

TOP CENTERS
 

1.) CLARK-(ST. ROSE)

 

2.) EVANS-(JACKSON)

 

3.) HOWES-(CN)

One team is gone because they could not answer a very important question…Can your team handle the pressure? RBC could not they were trapped and pressured all night into turnovers. Then they could not handle the offensive pressure put on them by the Neptune guards and Chyna Golden, so they are gone.

 

Neptune answered a very important question. Do you have playmakers? Well guess what! Neptune does and they have 3 including the best one in the business!….SHAKENA RICHARDSON. But Davis and Allen are not that bad either…lol! The playmakers made plays all night with drives to the basket, set back jumpers, block shots, steals and anything else you can think. Neptune coasted to an easy victory. The talk about the Golden vs. Guastella match up ended after 10 minutes when Neptune ran out to an 18 point lead and never looked back! So Neptune moves on to face a team that also knows how to answer a question or two!

 

 

 

Jackson had a simple question to answer… Are you battle tested? The answer…NO so Jackson must go! Jackson was not really for 32 minutes of high level intense basketball. They tired and gave their best shot but this is the SCT and giving your best shot is not the right answer!…So Jackson is going home.

 

 

 

St Rose is your coach ready for the big time? That is the question! Are you kidding me? Not only is he is ready, he is a playmaker. First he beats Colts Neck last year and now this year? He makes the move of the tournament. Remember this question DOES YOUR COACH PLAY A LITTLE USE PLAYER? Well Joe Roman answered that question in a big way! He went to little used Diana Malanga in a big spot and she showed up big time. She hit jump shots, she handled the pressure, and she made plays….ALL NIGHT. This young lady was as they say in the business….THE GOODS. Then Nikki Donahue joined in on the fun and the two least know players on the SR roster helped send Jackson packing…Now the real fun will begin on Monday night when SR takes on Neptune!

 

 

 

Can you handle the talent gap? That was the question put to Middletown South? They gave us their answer! NO and Middletown South is gone. Let’s take a look at this, was it Kates in the lane all night? Was it Repoli knocking down 3’s all night; was it Zimmerman on the boards? Was it Katie O’ Reilly knocking down 15 ft shots all night or maybe the two freshman, Eagan and Rowe picking on the tired and beaten MS team…Pick your choice…either way MS could not find a way to close the gap and kept it close…BYE, BYE MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

 

 

Now SJV was asked a really big question! Do you have a defensive stopper?…and oh my! They have a real good one! Just call her the blanket women. She wraps opponents in a blanket and tucks them him for a little nap, they don’t wake up until she is done for the night…Hughes, Maybrey and now McGuiness all tucked away nicely by the blanket women herself. When she guards you, just say…”.night, night Katie O’Rielly!”…oh yes SJV has stopper a very good one indeed. They will need her Monday…for now SJV will advance.

 

 

 

 

The question to RFH can you win without your star player…The answer NO…Ashley Cooper got into foul trouble and Rumson couldn’t score and now they are going home. Cooper spent most of the day on the bench. In the first half she picked up a quick three fouls. In the second half she got her 4^th early and it was nice knowing you Rumson. Colts Neck big three only had 15 points after 3 quarters. But when you can’t score it doesn’t matter. This has been Rumson problem all year and now they pay the ultimate price they are GONE!

 

 

Do you believe? That was the question to Colts Neck. Last year they didn’t, and when they got down they couldn’t come back. Not the case today, RFH got off to a quick start, and with the big 3 struggling the first three quarters an old friend showed up. Brittney Howes! She went to work and hit Jumpers, got on the boards and played defense. She sounded the alarm Clock and forced her teammates to wake up and finish the job they didn’t do last year! CN woke and did their jobs and buried Rumson’s hopes of a upset…Now the match up we waited for last year will finally take place in it’s rightful place…The SCT…Colts Neck believes and they will be ready Monday night…bet your big three on it!

 

FOUR GAMES AND FOUR BLOWOUTS….THAT WON’T BE THE CASE MONDAY!…WE HOPE!

Today when you pick up the paper, you will read that St. Rose beat Southern last night. They will tell you who the leading scorers are and give you a final score. What the papers won’t tell you is that Sam Clark may be the most dominant and complete post player I have seen in a very long time. Clark totally took over AND controlled the game last night.  First she did it with scoring and defense in the fist half. People nobody dominates Southern’s frontline…But that was the case last night. Then in the 2^nd half Bill Walton came out of retirement. Clark put on a passing and rebounding show in the 3^rd quarter of the likes I have never seen by a high school post player. This is a classic case of why box scores lie and never tell the true story of a game. Sharkey who is going to be a great player at the next level and the Shore Conference will miss her. But last night she ran into the future of Shore basketball. Sharkey had five points when Miss Clarke went to the bench in the middle of the third quarter. She ended up with 22 points but 17 of those came with Clark on the bench when for all purposes the game was over. Southern was down by as much as 28 pts in the 3^rd quarter.  This was as dominating performance you will see in a long time. The buzz in the gym at halftime was something I have not seen since Apo’s great performance 3 years ago. Fans from both teams were talking! I will sum up Miss Clark’s game last night. I was getting into my car after the game and a Southern fan said to me “I just didn’t believe she could be that good” and then she said “how come she is not going to a big college”….Sweetie let me answer that question for you. She will be going to any college she wants but it will be 2 years from now. She’s just a sophomore! Now there are some people who may believe this is coming out of nowhere. They would be wrong. Sam Clark was the 2^nd best player in last years SCT. She averaged a double, double. Go read the numbers and let’s not forget want she did on the defense end against Colts Neck. Last year everyone was shocked SR beat CN, well don’t be this team is good and I mean real good! So this is nothing new my friends!

 

 

 

 

 

SCT THOUGHTS
 

 

 

The 2^nd round games were just like the 1^st round games. Blowouts for the most part, Ocean County has one team left in Jackson. Speaking of Jackson, congrats to Rachel Goodale’s team for breaking the school record for wins in a season. Rachel has built a great program. Also the Jackson parents….CLASS. If you are a parent and don’t understand how to behave at a game. Then watch this group!

 

 

 

 

 

Tiffany DeTulio scored her 1000^th point last night. This kid has been under appreciated for so long it shameful. When picking my All Shore team rest assure I will only consider performance and not reputation. This kid could make one of my teams!

 

 

 

 

 

Now something is happening at RBC that is interesting. Joe Montanto has made a change in his offense and it is Kasey Hobbie. Hobbie has turned her game up a big notch in the SCT with two big scoring games for RBC. If Hobbie can continues to score and Sam Guastella continues her great season. RBC would have that one two punch many have been waiting for!! This is a bold move by Joe Montanto because he has now allowed Hobbie a longer rope. Joe no doubt was trying to reel Hobbie in this year. Shot selection and over dribbling I believe may have been issues. Now ready young coaches please pay attention and LEARN! Joe has now decided to live with the good and the bad! Why you ask? Because NOW unlike most of the season the good is now beginning to out weight the bad! In my mind Coach Montano has made the right move. This is case a of a veteran coach changing when it counts, how many coaches with this man’s track record would do this?. … RBC could be a whole different team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let the spinning begin. Talk about how player X is doing the little things. Talk about how player X has to do more than score. Talk about how player X is on a top team. Talk about how player X has played better competition. Talk about how player X is double teamed all the time. Talk about how player X is hurt, Talk about how player X has a coach not using her right. Talk about how Player X is waiting for the Saturday’s game because games one or two were blowouts….lol I always love that one!… got all your spinning Done?…Do you have all your favorite players excuses  ready to go? It all sounds good but here are the facts after last nights games.

 

 

 

 

Sam Clark continues to a make a claim for PLAYER OF THE YEAR and last night she closed the gap a tiny bit more between her and Sy Davis. I believe Davis is just so far ahead there is no catching her. Davis may end up being player of the year in New Jersey. The state tournament will in my mind play a big role in who gets that award!

 

 

 

 

Megan McGuinness once again showed up in a battle against Kathryn Campbell and Wall and did what she does every night play well, 18 points and another win for Miss McGuinness! POY chances for McGuinness? Only if Middletown South can make it to the finals and win! Her supporting case simply is not good enough in my opinion for that to happen…. First Team All Shore? Are you kidding me? Does the sun come up!

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren Clarke Miss big game started out her final SCT with 20 points. If Davis or Clark thing the POY award is going to be easy…mistake! If there is one player in this event who can steal this award…its Lauren Clarke.

 

 

 

 

 

Allison Sweeney was great last night. If Sam Clark stole the show Allison was best supporting Actor. Sweeney is All Shore and the only question is where does she land? She had 20 pts last night and is defending like her life is on the line.

 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Cooper jumped into the ALL SHORE Mix last night with a 23 point 15 rebound game. One game does not put you on All Shore but Cooper has had some big nights this year. The WOBM MVP is now trying to make a statement in this SCT and last night she threw down gauntlet. Now she will go up against COLTS NECK SATURDAY.

 

 

 

 

 

Caitlyn Testa is another player that is under appreciated and had a big night yesterday. I don’t believe Testa can jump into the All Shore Picture but take her out of the Jackson line up and they look very different.

 

 

 

 

 

Now here is a little food for thought…Hampton, Allen, Costello, Maybrey, Guastella, Taylor, Kates, Repoli, Manigrasso, Sharkey, Cooper, Richardson, Sweeney and Evans. Where do they go? Only one of these names is moving to first team RIGHT NOW. The rest of the SCT can change everything for a few players on this list… But here is a fact!! 3 of these names will not make any of the ALL SHORE TEAMS! Don’t you love this conference?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that Howell is out of the SCT can Tara Inman who has had a monster season still win FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR?  Most likely not, Hughes put on a show in the first round. I think Howell needed to advance. I believe the only freshman left with a chance to steal this award is Hannah Missry, Rowe, and Egan. These three have a chance to do something on a big stage and change my mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did Coach of the year change after the first two rounds? Boy what Holmdel has done this year is pretty amazing! Bob Ward has been good all year! Now listen to conversation. I had a friend at the Hoop Group ask me if I like Joe Montanto. I looked at him as if he was nuts. Then he asked me how a guy could lose Chyna Golden, develop Guastella, and keep RBC in the mix not be a Coach of the year candidate….Wow he is right! The RBC history works against Joe. You just expect RBC to be great every year! If Rachel wins tomorrow she has to be in the mix. Dawn? well it a Miracle what she is doing. But for me James Young and RBR is such a cool story and give all programs hope! The kids just have to believe in the coach and then you need a little luck! James got a little bit of both this year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 THE RECRUTING FRONT.
 

 
 

I thought I talk a little recruiting… Nicole Lentini of Raritan has been offered a Scholarship by Division 1 School Long Island University. It’s a shame this young lady is so off the radar. It’s nice to know college coaches don’t care where you play just be good and be seen. Lentini was off the radar and attended NOTHING BUT SKILLS AND IT PAYED OFF!
 

 

 

 

 

LAUREN CLARKE of Colts Neck as most know will attend Brown University. I have a soft spot in my heart for Lauren because some how I believe she is still not appreciated. We will see what happens when the ALL STATE selections take place. Lauren chose her future over big time basketball….good move young lady.  Lauren do you think having an Ivy education is going to help you down the road?…by the way I need to settle something right now. I have met this young lady once in my entire life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allison Sweeney has turned down two division one offers to date and was offered a visit to a Big East school and said NO! Now this is tricky stuff. But I believe each kid knows what they want in a college!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people have asked me what Manigrasso is going to do now that she is hurt. I’m not sure what that means but she will be attending St. Peters. She is a very important part of that team’s future. By the way how in the world does St. Peters still Manigrasso?

 

 

 

 

 

 

This years Shore Conference senior class has 8 players who have been offered Division 1 scholarships. How many kids in the entire state got Division 1 offers? The Shore may have gotten more than the entire staff combined. Somebody needs to check that out! I only have one thing to say….thank god for MID MONMOUTH BASKETBALL AND THE SHORE IS NO JOKE! Next year’s class is unreal. By the way players please be seen if you want to go to college and play ball! If they don’t know about you there are not recruiting you!

 

 

 

 

 

SCT QUARTER FINALS THOUGHTS
 

 

 

 

NEPTUNE VS. RBC- I know people will want to talk about Chyna Golden and RBC. But right now I think Chyna and Neptune have bigger things on their mind. Golden has been the perfect addition to Neptune. She is rebounding and defending. The personal awards will come later. The winning and exposure she is getting is more important to her and her teammates. Hobbie and Guastella could make it interesting for a half. But at the end of the day Neptune has too much….NEPUTNE WINS BY 20 PLUS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COLTS NECK VS. RUMSON- This is round two. Colts Neck ran George Sourlis’s team out of the building at BATTLE OF THE BOARDWALK. In what may have been the worst performance ever by a Sourlis coached team. Now it’s March and I would advise the CN coaching staff to be on their toes. The master I promise you will have some tricks up his sleeve. Cooper and Lesko will need to show up in a big way for RFH to have any type of chance. The RFH role players will do their jobs. By the way will people stop saying RFH is having a down year. Their record is better this year without Kate Miller and they played a much tougher schedule! But with that being said Colts Neck is on a mission, Clark, Hampton and DeTULIO are not going to let history repeat itself I say COLTS NECK BY 15 OR MORE!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SJV VS. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH- The talent gap in this game is almost embarrassing. Ok Miss McGuiness do it against this team and I give you real POY points. I just don’t see how MS can win this game. Tom Brennan is brilliant but Dawn Karpell is a master at keeping her team ready. SJV by 20 PLUS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. ROSE VS. JACKSON- This will be the game of the day. Christa Evans is a warrior and can change the game in so many ways. This could be the one post player that can slow Clark down. The other so called match ups with Clark have been blow outs. This could be a whole different story. Two future Big TIME post players (Rutgers would gladly take either or both… that Coach String is greedy).  KC Chambers is the best young general in the shore. Last night she ran the show to perfection and if you leave her open she will bury open 3s like dead bodies! She will get her biggest test to take. Testa is quick and uses her hands and will try and turn Chambers all night. This match up may decide the out come. Sweeney is rolling and Missry will find her length not easy to deal with. Sweeny will find Missry shooting length not easy to deal with. Now here is where this game may take a big change. Alex Hall did not play last night. She may be the only player on the St. Rose roster with the quickness to stay with Costello. Dana is strong and explosive and SR could be in trouble at this spot. Both coaches have been great this year. Jackson has taken a bad rap about their Schedule. That may be true, but the team has been great. What you rather have a great team or a great schedule. I say a great team…Now my choice. This is really hard but I feel Sweeney and Chambers are playing at such a high level right now they are difference in this game….ST. ROSE IN A CLASSIC…ST. ROSE IN OVERTIME BY 1
 

 

 

 

* Here is something I say about every tournament …”SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET UPSET TODAY” I will be saying those words I’m sure at Brookdale on Saturday… I’m sure those words will come true at some point!

 

 

 

 

 

“Dreams Do Come True”

Hoop Group alum are selected to the

2010 McDonald’s All American Game

The rosters are all set for the 2010 McDonald’s All American game March 31, 2010 in Columbus OH.

14 players selected to this prestigious game are Hoop Group alum.

Over the year’s 170 Hoop Group alum have been selected to the McDonald’s All American game.

Congrats and Best Wishes to All!

 

Reggie Bullock     -     Kinston NC

Tobias Harris     -     Half Hollows West NY

Kyrie Irving     -     St. Patrick’s NJ

CJ Leslie     -     Word of God NC

Kendall Marshall     -     Bishop O’Connell VA

Jayvaughn Pinkston     -      Bishop Loughlin NY

Josh Selby     -      Lake Clifton MD

Jared Sullinger     -     Northland OH

Keith Appling     -     Pershing MI

Cory Joseph     -     Findlay NV

Brandon Knight     -     Pine Crest FL

Doron Lamb     -     Oak Hill VA

Ray McCallum     -     Detroit Country Day MI

Tristan Thompson     -     Findlay NV

 

 

 

One team will advance and one team will wait for the states to begin. Both teams have taken different paths to tonight’s contest. One team has lived in the Shadows of the Big Three (SJV, RFH, RBC) for years. The other team has given Ocean County something to talk about. One team has the best senior post player in the Shore and the other team has maybe the best post player period in the SC. Both team started the year with high hopes. Southern was in everyone’s top ten and St. Rose joined them. Today that has all changed. St. Rose is the new darling in the Shore Conference. They are ranked 7^th in the state and seeded four. Southern is no longer in the Shore Top Ten or the State Polls. One team has had all their dreams come true and the other team has had all their dreams busted…THAT IS TO THIS POINT!…… all that can change in 32 minutes this evening.
 
St.Rose has answered the bell all year. Joe Roman and his staff have made all the right moves this season. They crushed the completion in their conference. But they still heard the talk of weak competition.  Then they slapped around RBC on a big stage at BATTLE OF THE BOARDWALK.  So when they knocked off the #2 prep school in the state everyone knew they were real. The only question left was how high of a seed could St. Rose eventually receive? They had games left with the other two big three schools RFH and SJV. Joe Roman had put his team in the perfect position….HE THOUGHT. Because then it happened…the SNOW. SJV and RFH games where cancelled. Yeah they beat Malloy of New York on Monday but that’s not the same as beating the Shore’s big three. SR fans must have been asking, HOW DID ALL THIS GO SO WRONG?  So St. Rose had to wait for the seeding to get another shot at the big boys…. Well it came on and Sunday. They received the 4^th seed and what many thought a chance to still take on one of the top teams in the Shore. There is where St. Rose luck continued to go bad. While the other top teams in the SC will have what many to believe to be easy nights. St. Rose will find itself in a battle for its basketball life. They somehow will be playing Southern.
 
Of all the teams in the Shore Conference Southern has had the most disappointing year. They have the best front line in the SC. They have a coach that has won more games that you can count. They had a swagger coming into the season. Somehow it all went wrong. In their first Conference game of the year they lost to Jackson after what looked like was going to be a blowout victory. But Jackson steamed back in the second half to beat Southern. The Southern players and fans were in SHOCK. Well the Southern faithful may still be in SHOCK. Southern did not have a quality win all season. In fact in most of the games against quality teams with the exception of the first Jackson game Southern has taken a beaten. How can a team this talented be so disappointing at times? I have the answer believe it or not. IT CALLED LACK OF URGENCY. Southern simply have none at times during the year. Even the last game of the year and chance to climb back into the Top Ten Southern failed to show any urgency and lost. HOW COULD ALL THIS GO SO WRONG? Well tonight trust me they will have plenty of urgency in both of these teams. One team will be trying for redemption and the other we be trying to continue dreaming. One thing is certain when this game ends tonight; ONE team will wonder how it all went so wrong!
 
 
 
ST. ROSE VS. SOUTHERN THOUGHTS
 
Tell any of the Shore Conference’s Tournament top four seeds coaches. You can play any team seeded 8^th and below. I can guarantee not one would say the name Southern. This is a tough game for such a high seed to play. Trust me St. Rose is in a battle tonight. This is not Mater Dei! This will not be a 40 point blowout. The other top seeds tonight will all win in walks most likely. Hodgson and Sharkey are both Studs. One will play Division 1 basketball and the other will play at a high Division 2 school. They both are a hand full in the post. Sharkey can step out and make three’s and Hodgson has been an excellent 15 ft shooter the past 2 years, and more important a great high/low post passer! The guards for Southern at times have had problems handling pressure. But they have played in some big games and will be ready. If they can take care of the ball, run down loose balls and get the ball to Hodgson at the high post…. Southern can be in for a big night. Southern has been searching for that big win all year…This may be their best and final chance!
 
 
St. Rose has done everything asked of them this year. They have one of the top 3 players in the Shore Conference in Sam Clark. Allison Sweeney has been an All Shore type player this year and Alex Hall has quietly put together a great season. Kasey Chambers has run the show and Nikki Donahue has been an unsung hero. I saw SR early in the season in a pre-season game against Colts Neck and thought to myself. “Same team new season”. Meaning… too many quick jump shots and not enough team defense. Then I saw them against RBC and I said “something is happening here”. They played solid defense, gone were players up in passing lanes looking for steals, gone where long stretches forgetting about ‘Sam Clark and most important gone was the quick jump shots. SR has a chance to do something big this year and they know it. But they must take care of business tonight. It will all start with Sam Clark.
 
 
MY PICK
This is a tough one and I will tell you why. SR biggest advantage most nights is gone. Even if Clark out plays Sharkey! She won’t dominate her because nobody dominates Sharkey.  Sharkey the senior may not be as skilled as Clark but is physically way further along than the sophomore Sam Clark. This game will come down to the guards. Can the Southern guards take care of the ball and can the SR guards harass the Southern guards into bad decisions. The Southern Guards are good shooters when they have time and SR will need to prevent open three’s. Sam Clark and Donahue will have her hands full with Sharkey who can shoot three’s and post up. Hodgson is on my all underrated team. She is a matchup nightmare for any teams 2^nd post player. Southern on the other hand has problems everywhere. SR has shooters in Chambers, Hall, Sweeney and yes Clark. Then SR has a point guard in Chambers who simply will not make bad decisions. Chambers will score when called upon to do so, Last week against New York #8 rated Malloy she had 12 points. Let’s not forget her scoring in the Colts Neck SCT victory last year. She is a sneaky scorer because her points usually come when St. Rose needs them.  I see no answer at all for Sweeney and Hall. Sweeney’s size and length will cause all kind of problems for the smaller Southern guards. Hall is the fastest player on the court and simply can shoot the lights out of the ball. She could have a big, big night. I say ST. ROSE WINS IN A GREAT GAME BY 5
 

  AROUND THE SCT

 
 Well the first round is over and Ocean County is just about done. Southern, Jackson and TRN are the only Ocean schools still standing. I wonder if Ocean should consider having its own county tournament in the future. I guess the big question is would it take away from the SCT? I’m not sure but it’s a thought
 
Howell that scary team I was talking about took out Pt Boro. Boro played without their 2^nd best player, Kelsey Haycock their only physically mature player. Hughes had 28 pts and now has established herself as a future star for years to come. She more than lived up to the hype this season! Now Howell will try and pull off another shocker vs. Colts Neck. The bad news is that CN I promise you …have not forgotten about last year! CN WILL BE READY!
 
The other first round games for the most part were all blow outs. I don’t feel the need to talk much about them!
 
2^ND ROUND GAME THOUGHTS
 
RBC VS. HOLMDEL- This game comes down to Sam Guastella. If RBC gets her the ball inside this game is over. If Holmdel can prevent her RBC from pounding it inside, then it could be upset city. I say RBC gets the ball to Guastella and RBC advances in a well played tough battle. RBC by 7
 
CLOTS NECK VS HOWELL- Don’t look for a repeat of last years upset game. It’s clear now that St. Rose was a very good team last year. Can this game get interesting maybe for a half?  Kaityln Schmid has the ability to kept either Hampton or Clarke in front of her at times but for a whole game? The surrounding players for CN are so underrated as well, who will slow them down. Sara Olson has the ability to score inside and out. But Lawrence and DeTulio are stars for many other teams. I say COLTS NECK BIG…CLOTS NECK BY 20
 
 
MATER DEI VS. JACKSON- Their pt guard Testa runs the show, defends and takes care of the ball, their shooting guard Costello will be trying to make a statement for All Shore, the freshman Missry is a pure shooter. The Center is being recruited and has already been offered by Big East Schools… that would be Evans. Their coach will have them ready…translation…Mater Dei is in BIG Trouble. I say Jackson by 20 points.
 
 FREEHOLD TWP VS. SJV- Please listen… loud and clear! This is a dangerous game for SJV. If Cardamone and Snow get rolling and SJV doesn’t play well this could be very interesting. I say SJV big…..BUT don’t be surprised by anything in this game. ..SJV by 17
 
TRN VS. RUMSON- If there is an upset in the 2nd round. Here is where it will happen. TRN has a tough hard nose style of play. They play five guards and move the ball nicely together. Asia Taylor is a very good player and won’t roll over. One more thing about this team … THEY PLAY ALL 32 MINUTES REGARDLESS OF THE SCORE and are very well coached. RFH will need Cooper to now deliver and Lesko to step up. I say RFH in a low scoring affair…RFH by 9
 
 
The Wall vs. Middletown South- This game could be interesting. Kathryn Campbell along with Jessica Nevins could take a sleeping team out. MS is Taylor MADE for wall. MS have no dominating post player and the talent gap is not overwhelming, in fact many believe it’s a wash if you take Campbell and McGuinness out of the mix. Unfortunately for Wall Middletown South has Tom Brennan who has to be considered one of the two or three best coaches in the SC and they do in fact have Meghan McGuinness. I will go with MS but it could be close….MIDDLETOWN BY 12. By the way McGuinness had 29 points on Monday. I don’t know if she has had a bad game all year.
NEPTUNE VS. MARLBORO- The team to beat in a walk…. NEPTUNE BY 25
 
SCT THOUGHTS
 As I said on Monday these SCT games will have a big impact on my ALL Shore Selections. The next two rounds are going to showcase a lot of players fighting for season ending awards. I read Stumpy’s blog this morning and couldn’t agree more. For players like Sharkey for example these games could mean the difference in making All Shore. I did a little poll for myself last night and get this…8 future Div 1 players will not make any of my All SHORE teams?….how tough is the SHORE CONFERENCE?…YOU JUST GOT YOUR ANSWER. Speaking of awards did anyone see the Lauren Mincey and Haley Peters both will play in the MacDonald’s All American game? I hope next year RICHARDSON AND DAVIS ARE IN THIS GAME!
 
THERE SHOULDN’T BE A WHOLE LOT OF SUSPENSE UNTIL SATURDAY AND THEN THE REAL FUN BEGINS!