Way-too-early Shore Top 15 rankings for next year
It’s never too early to take a sneak peak into next season for high school girls basketball.
More specifically the Shore Conference, the constant outpour of talent to powerhouses such as St. Rose, St. John Vianney and Red Bank Catholic will always keep things exciting. Every now and again some other teams come out of nowhere and make a name for themselves. Here’s the way-too-early team rankings for next season.
1. Red Bank Catholic
This season, the Caseys showed why they were one of the top teams in the state, the scary part is they won’t lose any of their starters to graduation. We saw RBC win their division, win sectionals and a state title while also going toeto-toe with some of the best teams in the state and country. Future stars such as sophomore leading scorer Addy Nyemchek, plus juniors Christina Liggio and Tessa Carman are expected to return and add to their game. Don’t be surprised to see Nyemchek get some national-ranked attention going into next year. This summer most of them will be playing on the same AAU team, which only elevate their chemistry for when it’s time to rep their school once again. With only one graduating senior on the team, RBC is going into next season on their high horse, deservingly so.
2. St. John Vianney
Although the Lancers had a young roster this season, there’s no telling what the roster may look like next fall. However, with six-foot-four Taylor Sofilkanich and six-foot-one Stella Lockhart expected to return next season, their front court is already one of the best in the state. The only question for SJV may be their back court with senior and Fairfield commit Julia Karpell gone. But if history repeats itself, SJV doesn’t rebuild, they reload. And after going 22-8, finishing at the top of their division, and winning their fourth straight SCT title, it’s ill-advised to put SJV any lower than No. 2. Floor general Aleena Dinker will return for her senior campaign, and it’ll be interesting to see the development of Madison Kocis and Brooklyn Taylor.
3. St. Rose
When their season ended at the hands of Rutgers Prep, head coach Christina Hatfield was hopeful for her second season. She mentioned having two players added to the roster who were out this season due to injury. On top of that, the emergence of sophomore Jada Lynch is enough to put the Purple Roses in the top five. Lynch spent the season leading the team in nearly all categories, and only got stronger as the competition got harder. Mix that in with their top shooters Cassidy Kruesi and Brooke Missry expected to return and St. Rose may have found themselves back on the mountaintop. They’ll be without their sixth-player Tanaiyah Decker who was their do-it-all type of weapon. In conclusion, St. Rose’s back court is elite, and if their able to find a solid big, every other team will be in trouble.
4. Trinity Hall
The Monarchs showed that they’re here to build and become one of the best programs on the Shore if they weren’t already. Next season they’ll be without Harvard-bound and first team all-shore player Nina Emnace, but they have a group of young talent that’s been battle tested. Sophomore Grace Feeney and junior Lilly Riggi will most likely step up in their role as they did at the end of this past season. Even with completing school history in their deep SCT run, Trinity Hall has proved they’re only going to get better each year, which means all other teams should be on the lookout.
5. Red Bank Regional
The Bucs will be without senior and leading big Camryn Gardner next season. Although that’s a big blow, the Bucs showed that they’re able to win games despite injuries and roster changes. Synai Blychanton showed this season that she can control the floor with her guard skills, and will likely enhance her scoring ability. Sophomore Zoe Gulley showed up time and time again as their best shooter and solid defender. Caroline Polloway will be a senior next season and is a rebounding machine. Consistency and injuries held the team back at times this past season, but expect RBR to take a big leap next season.
6. Manasquan
The Group 2 champs deserve their respect after a fantastic season, but they’re losing four college-bound graduating seniors. However, if history repeats itself, the Warriors will reload with solid talent that will put them back in the mix. Shea Donnelly came on late in the season as a consistent shooter and elite defender. Olivia Shaughnessy and Jordyn Hollawell will be returning as they each played important roles in their state championship run. One thing is for sure, Manasquan will still be an above average defensive team as that’s what Lisa Kukoda emphasizes most. So although they’re a bit lower on the list, they still have potential to be with the top teams.
7. Rumson-Fair Haven
With the departure of seniors Ella Mason and Raquel Guidetti, the Bulldogs have to look elsewhere for consistent scoring. The answer might be in Erin Reid and Sylvie Notine who showed up throughout the season for RFH. It’s no doubt that the Bulldog will run through most of the teams in the Shore Conference, but may run into problems against the teams listed above. However, if head coach Dave Callahan can get some size or an added reliable player of the bench, the Bulldogs may be back in business.
8. Howell
After winning the first basketball sectional title in school history, the Rebels have made a name for themselves. Leading scorer and rebounder Kiera McKown showed out this season averaging a double-double. Howell will go as far as she will take them in her senior year. Freshman Kylee Beam is another forward with tremendous upside for Howell with playoff experience already. If they can find some consistent guard play, Howell will see themselves in the top five conversation next season.
9. Ranney
The one-two punch of junior guard Haley Poser and freshman forward Ashley Kreiger will only get better next season. Last year we saw Ranney win games against Holmdel, Neptune, Southern, and was a hard out against St. Rose in the postseason. Now with every player on the roster expected to return, the ceiling for Ranney is higher than it ever was this season. The biggest question is whether they’ll be able to beat any team listed above them.
10. Jackson Memorial
The Jaguars went 18-7 this season and will lose their leading scorer Chelsea Lavezzo, but the rest of their team is expected to return. Their freshman point guard Cali Brown was their leading scorer and will only get better as her career progresses. Sophomores Isabella Finer, Julianna Old, and Avery Brooks are all expected to return and build on what they did this season.
11. Ocean Township
After having four of their starters be seniors, the Spartans will likely take a big step back next season. The departure of Le Moyne bound Eli Clark leaves her sister Kayden Clark in Ocean for her senior season. On pace to score her 1,000th career point, Kayden will be leaned on heavily if they want to find success. Whether or not the right pieces will be around her is the bigger question.
12. Neptune
Talent was never a question for the Scarlet Fliers this season but lack of height was an issue. The Fliers ran a good amount of teams out the gym this season with their full court press and deep shooting. Christa Ramos, who had 16.1 ppg, will be returning as a senior alongside Bre Evans. Those two leading scorers can compete with a lot of teams on the Shore. However, if they’re unable to find height on the team, they’ll continue to struggle against the top squads.
13. Shore
The Blue Devils won three straight sectional titles and will have returning player Reese Fiore as their leading scorer. Kimi Sayson also showed to be a good facilitator as their point guard. They’ll be in the top running for a fourthstraight sectional title, but they’ll probably continue to struggle against the top Shore teams due to height.
14. Holmdel
With second team all-shore player Allison Cannon gone next year, it’s Mackenzie Teevan’s team to run for her senior campaign. The forward will likely lead her team over a lot of Shore teams, but will struggle against the top ball clubs. It’ll be interesting to see how much better Maya Houston and Michelle Steele get.
15. Barnegat
After Emma Thornton’s junior season, the Bengals may have a chance to surprise some teams. This year the team was young with Riley Fitzpatrick also being a junior, but expect Barnegat to be well over .500 next season.