Girls Basketball – Shore Sports Network All-Freshman Team and Freshman of the Year: Kylee Beam

Freshman of Year

Kylee Beam; Howell - Beam averaged 8.43 PPG and 7.03 RPG in her first season for the Central Jersey Group IV champions, Howell. Beam came off the bench until early February when a starter had a season ending injury. She stepped in right away and performed at a high level. Beam had a stretch where she posted a double-double six out of seven games and finished the season with seven on the season. Her career-high is 28 points and she grabbed 16 rebounds in two games. One of Beam’s best games came against Hightstown in the CJGIV Final. She posted a double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds, but her defense was what stood out the most. She held Hightstown’s leading scorer Abby Misier, who averaged just under 25 points a game, to 6 points to help Howell win their first sectional title in basketball in the school’s history.

All-Freshman Team

Madeline Nolan; Manchester - Nolan averaged 10.1 PPG, 3.38 RPG, and 2.96 SPG in her rookie season. Nolan, who was also named to the SSN All-Freshman team in soccer, played hard on both sides of the floor and showed she can attack the basket and pull-up for a 3-pointer. Nolan scored a career-high 26 points in the South Jersey Group II quarterfinal game against Lower Cape May. She had four or more steals in 11 games in her first season. 

Ashley Kreiger; Ranney - Kreiger averaged 11.76 PPG and 11 RPG in her freshman season. During the postseason she scored double-digits in every game and scored a career-high 24 points against Holy Cross Prep in the opening round of the state tournament. Kreiger’s height caused mismatches all season with her ability to score from the post and shoot the jump shot. 

Cali Brown; Jackson Memorial - Brown averaged 10.34 PPG, 1.4 APG and 1 SPG in her first year as a Jaguar. Coach Rachel Goodale showed great faith in Brown, having her run the offense until senior Chelsea Lavezzo returned to the line-up. Brown scored a career-high 26 points against Central Regional, knocking down six 3-pointers in the game. Brown’s quickness and ability to shoot from the outside will make her a dangerous weapon in the years to come.

Linsey Cribbin; Toms River South - Cribbin averaged 9.43 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 2.08 SPG her rookie season. Cribbin started the season scoring double-digits in 8 out of the first 10 games for the Indians and helped them start the season 5-1. Cribbin scored a career-high 17 points in two games this season, once against Brick Township and against crosstown rival Toms River North. She is a threat from behind the 3-point line, knocking down three or more in six games.

Lana Ellington; Neptune - Ellington averaged 8.78 PPG and 2.28 SPG in her first season at Neptune. Ellington showed she can shoot the ball from behind the 3-point-line, knocking down three or more in four games. She scored double-digits in 7 out of the first 10 games for Neptune where they went 7-3. When Ellington scored double-digits Neptune won eight times. Her career-high is 16 points against Marlboro. 

Sarah Franks; Donovan Catholic - Franks averaged 7.2 PPG, 5 RPG and 1 SPG in her rookie season. She played an important role for Donovan, handling the ball at times and being used in the post to run the offensive through. She scored a career-high 16 points in two games this season and grabbed 10 rebounds in two games.