Girls Basketball – Shore Sports Network Preseason Shore 16

Shore Sports Network Girls Basketball 2023-24 Preseason Shore 16

1. St. John Vianney – It will be a new look SJV this season, but until someone in the Shore Conference beats the four-time defending Shore Conference champion, Vianney stays in the top spot. The Lady Lancers graduated five impact players and only bring back three players who saw significant minutes last year. Replacing McDonald’s All-American Zoe Brooks will not be an easy task, but SJV has three transfers that will make an instant impact. Senior Julia Karpell has been in more big games than anyone in the Shore and will be the leader on the floor. Transfer Stella Lockhart and sophomore Taylor Sofilkanich will cause match-up problems for opposing defenses.  SJV will look to return to the Non-Public A Final and avenge last year’s loss to Immaculate Heart, which handed SJV its first loss to a New Jersey opponent since March 5, 2019.

2. Red Bank Catholic – RBC has one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the state. Last year’s freshmen class saw a lot of playing time in big games and coach Joe Montano was not afraid to go to them in tight spots. Juniors Tessa Carman and Christina Liggio will take over the leadership role for the Caseys and have been making an impact since their freshmen year. RBC made it to the Shore Conference Tournament Final and had SJV on the ropes last year before the Lancers pulled out the win. The experience the young Caseys gained in that game should pay off the next three seasons.

3. Manasquan – Manasquan brings back a ton of talent from last season and will be the favorites to win Group 2 this season. The Warriors have a very talented senior class and are led by Hope Masonius and Katie Collins. Masonius can create for her teammates with her ability to drive to the basket and Collins creates a difficult challenge for defenses with her height in the paint. McKenna Karlson is one of the best defenders in the Shore Conference and hit several big shots last season.

4. Ocean Township – Ocean has one of the most experienced teams in the Shore Conference and will look to go to the next level this season. They won the Class C South title last season, their first division title since 1997 and made it to the Central Jersey Group 3 final last season. The Spartans are one of the best teams at moving the ball and getting everyone involved and that starts with senior point guard Eli Clark. Senior Jineen Ayyash started last season injured but is healthy this season and can make an impact on both ends of the floor.

5. Trinity Hall – Trinity Hall has a mix of veterans and young talent that played the majority of the minutes last season. Harvard commit Nina Emnace is poised to break the school record for points and steals this season as she leads Trinity Hall. Senior Siobhan Stapleton will also break two records this season, most rebounds and games played. The Monarchs also have several freshmen that made an impact last season and will continue to grow under the leadership of Coach McCarthy and the seniors.

6. St. Rose – St. Rose is a team that will have a different look this year with first-year head coach Christine Hatfield. The Purple Roses also graduated three talented players that are playing in college this season. They were dealt a blow with season-ending injuries to Lizzie Mitchel and transfer Gianna Rodriguez, so depth could be an issue this season. Shore Sports Network Freshman of the Year Jada Lynch will look to continue where she left off last season, leading the team in scoring. Senior Tanaiyah Decker and junior Cassidy Kruisi will be the leaders on the floor for this season for the Purple Roses. Decker, who transferred last season, will be more comfortable with a full year at St. Rose.

7. Red Bank Regional – RBR is led by their two centers, senior Camryn Gardner and junior Caroline Polloway. They cause defensive problems for opposing teams with their height. Gardner is healthy this season after missing a good portion of the season due to injury. RBR will be looking for their sophomore class to take the next step with the experience they gained last season. Transfer Synai Blychanton will make an instant impact in the backcourt for the Bucs.

8. Rumson-Fair Haven – Rumson brings back the majority of their team from last season, but lost Julia Corsentino to graduation. They will need to replace not only her scoring, but her fearlessness and leadership on the floor. Senior Raquel Guidetti finished second in scoring last year for the Bulldogs and will be one of the leaders on the floor this season. Sophomore Erin Reid had a good rookie season and will look to help more on the offensive end this season.

9. Holmdel – Holmdel is led by senior Allison Cannon, who was named Shore Sports Network Most Improved Player last season. She has the ability to read the floor and make the right decision whether it is taking it to the basket or making the right pass. Juniors Mackenzie Teevan and Michelle Steele made big strides last season and will be Holmdel’s options in the paint.

10. Ranney – Ranney has one of the best shooters in the Shore Conference in junior Haley Poser. Poser has been a starter since her freshman year and will be the leader on the floor this season. Transfer Emily Cavanaugh had a solid freshman year at St. Rose with her ability to shoot from outside and get to the basket. She will look to make an impact right away at her new home. Ranney added size with freshman Ashley Kreiger, who has the ability to control the paint.

11. Wall – Wall is led by their two seniors, Emily Tvrdik and Shayne Eldridge have been leading this team since their freshman year and are looking to end their high school careers on a high note. Wall has a mix of veterans and youth, as well as size and speed. Playing in one of the hardest divisions in the Shore Conference, Wall will be tested before they begin their sectional run.

12. Point Pleasant Boro – The Panthers are another team that brings back most of their roster from last season, only graduating two players. Point Boro has five juniors who have gained a lot of experience the last two seasons and look to take Point Boro to the next step this season.

13. Jackson Memorial – The Jaguars graduated 75 percent of their offense from last season, but the returning sophomore class saw a lot of important minutes and gained valuable experience. Jackson Memorial will improve as the underclassmen get comfortable being a bigger part of the offense and when transfer Chelsea Lavezzo is eligible to return.

14. Manchester – Manchester was a team that got better as the season progressed, in large part because of North Carolina State commit Devyn Quigley helping the young team gain more confidence as the season went on. With every player returning and the addition of freshman Madeline Nolan, Manchester has its collective eyes set on South Jersey Group 2 title.

15. Shore Regional – The back-to-back Central Jersey Group 1 champions lost a key piece with Rylee Drahos graduating, but bring back key players who have been a part of both title runs. Junior Reese Fiore will take over the leadership role for the Blue Devils and she will get help on the offensive end with transfer Kimi Sayson.

16. Middletown South – Coach Tom Brennan returns to the sidelines as head coach after being away for one season. He will have a veteran squad this season with a mix of senior leadership and promising freshmen.