Girls Basketball – Shore Sports Network Coach of the Year: Joe Santopietro

Shore Sports Network 2024 Coach of the Year

Joe Santopietro; Howell

Coach Santopietro in his 9th season coaching at Howell made history for the Group IV school in Monmouth County. Howell won their first ever sectional title in basketball for boys or girls. They defeated Hightstown in a dominant defensive performance, 48-25 in the Central Jersey Group IV Final.

Coach Santopietro has had back-to-back 20 win seasons one year after finishing a game below .500. One of the biggest wins this season came against Red Bank Regional who was ranked in the top ten of the Shore 16 rankings. 

The Rebels focus on the defensive end of the floor and they “turn defense into offensive” according to junior guard Ashley Smith. Howell only conceded 50 points or more in six games this season. 

Howell started the season in the Blue Devil Holiday Tournament where they made it to the finals where they faced Ocean Township. Ocean, who was ranked in the top five all season and ranked in the top 20 in New Jersey during the season, defeated Howell. 

All of Howell’s losses inside the Shore Conference came to teams ranked in the Shore 16 top ten. The Rebels ended the season winning seven straight games until they fell to Lenape in the Group IV Semifinal game. Lenape ended up winning the Group IV championship.

"His motto to us was "whatever it takes"", said freshman Kylee Beam. "He set the bar hihh and inspired us to reach this bar. He encouraged us and guided us in the best possible way and was always supportive."

Finalist

Joe Montano - Red Bank Catholic

Coach Montano led RBC to their 9th State Title this season with dominant performances against Paul VI in the South Jersey Non-Public A Final and against Pope John in the Non-Public A Group Final. The Caseys finished the season as the No. 1 ranked team in the Shore 16.

Matt McCarthy - Trinity Hall

Coach McCarthy guided Trinity Hall to their first Shore Conference Tournament semifinal appearance in the school's history. In the semifinal game, the Monarchs took the defending champions, St. John Vianney, to overtime after trailing by 14 points in the 3rd quarter. Trinity Hall finished No. 5 in the final Shore 16 rankings.

Mike Lazur - Ocean Township 

Coach Lazur led Ocean to their second straight Central Jersey Group III Final where they came up short against state-power Ewing. Ocean went 24-6 on the season and defeated Howell, Wall and St. Rose this season, all who finished in the top ten this season. Ocean finished the season No. 4 in the Shore 16.

Lisa Kukoda - Manasquan

Coach Kukoda led Manasquan back to the Group II Title this season, defeating Madison 47-26. One of the biggest games for the Warriors was against New Providence in the Central Jersey Group II Final. The Warriors got revenge on last years defeat and beat New Providence on their own court  55-44. Coach Kukoda also guided Manasquan into the SCT Final where they fell short to St. John Vianney. Manasquan finished the season ranked No. 2 in the Shore 16.