Girls Basketball – Shore Conference Tournament Final Preview and Prediction

Shore Conference Tournament Final

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024

At OceanFirst Bank Center, Monmouth University, Long Branch

12 p.m.
No. 5 Manasquan (20-4) vs No. 2 St. John Vianney (19-7)

Projected Starting Line-up

Manasquan - Head Coach Lisa Kukoda, 12th Season

Guard - Jordyn Hollawell (SO), 4.25 PPG

Guard - Olivia Shaughnessy (JR), 6 PPG

Guard - McKenna Karlson (SR), 6.9 PPG

Forward - Hope Masonius (SR), 14 PPG

Center - Katie Collins (SR), 12.25 PPG

St. John Vianney - Head Coach Dawn Karpell, 18th Season

Guard - Aleena Dinker (JR), 3.8 PPG

Guard - Daniella Matus (JR), 9.76 PPG

Forward - Julia Karpell (SR), 6.46 PPG

Forward- Stella Lockhart (SO), 10.2 PPG

Center - Taylor Sofilkanich (SO), 10.26 PPG

Key Bench Players

Manasquan

Center - Carlie Lapinski (SR), 3.88 PPG

Guard - Shea Donnelly (JR), 3.88 PPG

St. John Vianney

Guard - Madison Kocis (SO), 9.23 PPG

Guard - Charlotte Bradley (SO), 3.69 PPG

Guard - Brooklyn Taylor (JR), 3.69 PPG

Path to the Finals

Manasquan

First Round - Bye

Second Round - Defeated No. 12  Ranney 65-22

Quarterfinal Round - Defeated No. 4 St. Rose 44-43

Semifinal Round - Defeated No. 1 Red Bank Catholic 59-56

St. John Vianney 

First Round - Bye

Second Round - Defeated No. 19 Colts Neck 61-15

Quarterfinal Round - Defeated No. 7 Red Bank Regional 43-35

Semifinal Round - Defeated No. 6 Trinity Hall 57-53 in Overtime

Head to Head

Manasquan defeated SJV on 1/11/24 46-40.  It was SJV’s first defeat in the Shore Conference since 3/5/19.

SJV defeated Manasquan on 2/27/22 62-46 in the SCT Final

SJV defeated Manasquan on 3/4/21 64-47 during Covid year postseason semifinal.

3 Factors for Manasquan

- Experience. Manasquan has a strong senior class that has been in many close games over the last couple of seasons. The seniors have all stepped up in the postseason.

- Ball Movement. Everyone got involved in the semifinal game, which made them hard to defend. Down the stretch it wasn’t just Collins and Masonius taking the shots, Karlson and Shaughnessy made key baskets to close out the game. 

- Rebounding. In the semifinal every player crashed the boards to avoid second chance points for the top seed RBC. The Warriors will need to be aggressive on boxing out with the height of SJV. 

3 Factors for SJV 

- Rebounding. In the first meeting this season, SJV got out rebounded with all the Warriors attacking the boards. SJV has the size to create second chance baskets if they attack the glass.

- Leadership. This is the first time in a long time the Lady Lancers do not have that go-to player. They have plenty of players who can make the big shot, but who will be the player to take over the game in crunch time?

- Turnovers. SJV turned the ball over several times in the 4th quarter to help Trinity Hall get back into the game. They will need to prevent Manasquan from getting easy points.

One Question

Manasquan

If Manasquan is trailing late, can Hope Masonius take over like she did against St. Rose?

SJV

Can Madison Kocis have a repeat performance from last year's Shore Conference Tournament Final?

Unsung Hero

Manasquan

McKenna Karlson - One of the best defenders in the Shore Conference and has shown she does not get the credit she deserves on the offensive end.

SJV

Aleena Dinker - Remarkable performance on shutting down Nina Emnace in the semifinal game. Also ran the offense without turning the ball over.

Prediction:  Manasquan 59-53