ADDY NYEMCHEK of RED BANK CATHOLIC The HOOP GROUP DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
The rise of MACKENZIE TEEVAN of Holmdel High School has been nothing short of remarkable. She joins the ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM Team for the first time in her career. The Holy Cross bound senior was a force in the lane. Regardless if she was blocking shots or forcing opponents to alter their shots. She was an intimidating factor. She was also one of the best defensive rebounders in the state. Her defensive performance vs the best forwards and centers in the shore cannot be under stated. She outplayed played every other big forward in the shore on the defensive end side of the ball. She also had 23 steals from the center position. Teevan size, length and quickness to the ball created issues for all. Her quick jumping ability and timing were a thing of beauty. These are the reasons we congratulate MACKENZIE TEEVAN on being named to THE HOOP GROUP 2025 ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM. Congratulations to Mackenzie Teevan
"Mackenzie Teevan's impact on our program goes far beyond the stat sheet, but her numbers alone speak volumes about her dedication to the defensive side of the game. When I took over at the end of Mackenzie's freshman year, she was already a defensive force—an instinctive shot blocker that many teams simply didn't have. As she grew, she embraced the physicality of rebounding, understanding that controlling the boards was just as crucial as scoring. She made it her mission to dominate the glass, knowing that securing possessions put our team in the best position to win. By the time she wrapped up her career, Mackenzie had amassed 769 rebounds and 177 blocks, all while carrying a significant offensive load, especially in her junior and senior seasons. Her relentless effort, selflessness, and commitment to defense defined her as a player and set a standard for those who will follow in her footsteps" Holmdel Head Coach Jessica Venturelli
SHEA DONNELLY of Manasquan high school has had a dream season. She makes her first appearance on the All Defensive team. That's because she closed the door on many of the best guards in the Shore. Her IQ allowed her to be sensational off the ball and on the ball. Her ability to rotate was magical all season. Her 84 rebounds and 38 steals are taken for granted. Never out off position, she had a full understanding when to double in the post or gamble in passing lanes. Her ability to create havoc for guards trying to get into gaps was off the charts. She was that rare physical defender who did not foul. The Coby University bound senior was a rock all season for Manasquan. Not only did she set the tone on defense, she was the backbone. This is why she was named to the HOOP GROUP 2025 All Defensive Team. Congratulations to Shea Donnelly
"Shea takes great pride in her defensive matchup each game, often studying film and recognizing tendencies of her opponent. Her endless motor on the defensive end and desire to limit her opponent's offensive opportunities bring a contagious energy to the floor! Shea has stepped up in a huge role this season on both the defensive and offensive end, and is always willing to do whatever the team needs for success!" Manasquan Head Coach, Lisa Kukoda
BELLE ALVARADO of St. ROSE makes her debut on the All Defensive Team. Alvarado is the most underappreciated defender in the Shore Conference. She was one of the best on ball defenders in all of New Jersey. But she may have done her best work off the ball. Her ability to rake post players and run down rebounds was shockingly remarkable. Despite her size, her ability to block out defenders put her in a category by herself. This season often times Belle Alvarado was often seen boxing out players a foot taller than her. That's because her toughness and physicality was off the charts. She has a true warrior mentality on defense. Her ability to harass shooters was an art. Due to her quickness and active hands. St. Rose would be in deep trouble if not for Belle Alvarado leading the charge on defense. These are the reasons she Is a member of the 2025 HOOP GROUP ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM. Congratulations to Belle Alvarado.
"Belle Alvarado does things on the defensive end that you do not see in traditional stat lines. She understands defensive help rotations, she gets deflections, she sprints back in transition. And despite being the smallest player on the court in almost every game we play, she grabs boards" St. Rose Head Coach , Chrissy Hatfield
KIERA McKOWN of Howell high School was a force in the lane this season. She presented a no enter zone below the foul line all year. She was a defensive rebounding and shot blocking machine. Either on the ball or off the ball. She set the defensive tone for Howell and cleaned up any mistakes at the rim. Her defensive numbers were staggering. She had 311 rebounds, 104 bock shots and 34 steals. Yes Kiera McKown, had a real case for Defensive Player. Her ability to guard pick and roll was priceless . She was true floor general on defense all season. This is the East Stroudsburg University bound senior, first appearance on their on the All Defensive Team. She was the main reason Howell was one of the best defensive teams in the Shore Conference. It's also why she is a member of the HOOP GROUP 2025 ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM…. Congratulations to Kiera McKown
"Kiera's presence on the court was felt from day 1. Her timing and tenacity as a shot blocker made opponents think twice before attacking the rim, and her defensive instincts have been the backbone of our teams success becoming a 1,000pt scorer, rebounder, and all time block leader" Howell Head Coach, Joe Santopietro
BROOKE JAENICKE being named to the All Defensive Team may come as a shock to many. But if you werecplaying attention. There is nothing surprising about. Brooke Jaenicke is the best on ball defender in the Shore Conference and it's not debatable. She is a hound dog wrapped in a pit bulls body. Her quick feet and hands allow her to pressure and turn the very best guards in the Shore. She beats opponents up with a physicality and aggressive style. She rotates to help as well as any guard we have seen in years. She is a loose ball master and racks up deflections. Brooke becomes only the 4th Sophomore in history to make the All Defensive Team. She is a D1 defender right now She is disruptive and plays with high energy and a relentless motor. One day we just may be calling Brooke Jaenicke the defensive player of the year. Blessed with a strong body and never say die attitude is
"Brooke has incredible work ethic and determination… she is always the first one on the court and the last one out of the gym… she takes great pride in everything she does and defense takes top priority for her. She has a bright future!" RFH Head Coach, Dave Callahan
