First, congrats to all the great freshmen in the Shore Conference this year. Today's winners were the best of the best. It's their day to take a bow. But I would like to say a few things before we announce this year's class. Remember, these are not necessarily the best players in the Freshman class. There very well could be players I have missed (if you are one of these, use this slight as fuel in the future). Many talented freshmen did not get their chance this season. This year's award winners are the players who had the best seasons in the 2024 class...

Now one thing is clear, any player making The Hoop Group All-Freshman team means most likely a young lady is moving on to a Division one basketball career in the future.

THE HOOP GROUP 2022 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Read Full Article on Christina Liggio, Freshman of the Year

THE HOOP GROUP 2022 ALL-FRESHMEN TEAM

CAROLINE POLLOWAY- RED BANK REGIONAL

Caroline Polloway has solidified herself as the backbone of RBR on both ends of the floor. She did not hit the so-called freshman wall, she smashed through it!
Her best games were in late February and March, a rare achievement for a freshman. The exponential growth of this special student-athlete will be a pleasure to witness from the sidelines!!!

RBC HEAD Coach JOHN TRUHAN

She has become the 3rd RBR player to make the Hoop Group All-Freshman Team in the past 4 years. The 6'3" Polloway is a gifted athlete blessed with quickness and runs like a deer. Her improvement throughout the year was a thing of beauty to watch. Her stats as the season progressed got better and better. She had 10 double-figure rebounding games. She also had 6 double/doubles, including maybe the greatest freshman performance in RBR freshman history with 16 points and 17 rebounds vs. Ocean Township in the State tournament. Her stunning performance vs. Top 20 Monroe led RBC to victory and propelled them into the SCT. She had a stunning 50 blocks on the season and is one of the best passing post players in the shore. This future Division One lock player is certain to be one of the best post players in New Jersey for years to come. She already attracted the interest of IVY LEAGUE, PATRIOT schools, and A-10 schools. But for now, she is a member of THE 2022 HOOP GROUP ALL FRESHMAN TEAM.

TESSA CARMAN- RED BANK CATHOLIC

Tessa is one of the most talented freshmen ever to play at RBC. She was the difference in so many victories this season. With hard work and dedication could be one of the top players to wear a Casey uniform.

RBC HEAD COACH JOE MONTANO

Like her sister Ally, 4 years ago, she joined the Hoop Group All-Freshman Team. Tessa Carman may just be the most talented player in the freshman class. She is athletic, explosive, and blessed with skill sets that defies logic at times. She may be the best shot-blocker in the state of New Jersey. The 5'11" Carman displayed a versatile game few freshmen could match. Her sweet shooting touch allowed her to step away from the basket and shoot threes or put her masterful mid-range game on display. But it's her wonderful ball-handling skills that allowed her to beat opponents off the dribble or post up. She is a matchup nightmare. Tessa Carman already has Division one offers on the table. She clearly is tracking to be one of the top players in all of New Jersey. She scored over 200 hundred points this season and was the team's 2nd leading rebounder. Now you know why the Power 5 prospect is a HOOP GROUP 2022 ALL FRESHMAN TEAM MEMBER.

KAYDEN CLARK - OCEAN TOWNSHIP

Kayden is a player that can impact a game on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball… She was routinely tasked with guarding opponents' best scorers because of her versatility and toughness. On offense, Kayden plays with a scorer's mentality and has to be defended everywhere on the floor. The best part about Kayden is that she is always trying to stay positive and pick up her teammates, and being a great supporter when not on the floor. She will be someone who will continue to improve and grow, leaving her mark at Ocean Township. We are lucky to have her!
OCEAN HEAD COACH- Mike Lazur

The development and rise of Kayden Clark has been nothing short of masterful. She is not just the ultimate gym rat. She is the poster child for her competitive nature. She finished off what can only be called a dream freshman season. She had 11 double figure scoring games this year on her way to well over 200 points. She wrapped all that around a double/ double .. 73 dimes …34 steals, and 32 blocks, all from the guard position. Do not be surprised to see her as a member of the All-Defensive Team one day. Toughness and Grittiness are her calling cards. Along with her sister Eli, she makes Ocean Township relevant in Shore basketball. She will be a household name for years to come before Division one schools come calling this future guard and HOOP GROUP 2022 ALL FRESHMAN TEAM MEMBER.

SYLVIE NOTINE- RUMSON FAIR HAVEN

Sylvie is a fantastic player, very mature for her age. She stepped in and played with incredible confidence. She was assigned to guard the best forward on the other team. She is a tough defender. In addition, Sylvie is a tremendous shooter with the ability to get to the rim with either hand…kid has an unbelievable future!

RFH HEAD COACH- Dave Callahan

She comes as a surprise to this year's HOOP GROUP ALL FRESHMAN TEAM. She is a gifted two-sport star who brings a competitive edge to the table every night. The freshman was pressed into a starting role and delivered in a big way for coach Callahan all season. It seemed the bigger the game. The cooler and more effective SYLVIE NOTINE became. She had 12 points vs. Top 5 RBC, 12 points vs. Top 20 Donovan Catholic, 13 vs. Shore Top 10, and Group 4 finalist Jackson Memorial… she had 11 vs. state Top 20 Holmdel. In other words, in just about every big game RFH played in this season, she showed up. She is a hard-nosed, aggressive defender. She was a reliable ball handler all season. But her 130 rebounds, 46 dimes, and 30 steals were shocking, to say the least. She is clearly one of the biggest surprises of the season. She has the look of a future star over the next three years. She takes a back seat to no one in being named to THE HOOP GROUP 2022 ALL FRESHMAN TEAM.