shore conference

Here is a breakdown of the biggest moments from the basketball and wrestling seasons in the Shore Conference.

The challenge of addressing the importance of mental health predates the pandemic but what transpired over a two plus year period certainly contributed to the anxiety many felt heading on the field of play.

Former Toms River High School East RB/DB Nico Steriti suffered 12 concussions -- has no regrets about playing -- but does say that more needs to be done to help athletes in any sport heal from a concussion.

To help student-athletes in Monmouth County and Ocean County, the Shore Conference has put into action an outlet where student-athletes can go and have an open forum.

There have been some stellar wrestling matches over the last few weeks along those lines across the Shore Conference and student-athletes are shining real bright right now.

On any given day, there could be a great number of challenges facing today's high school and college athletes and it may lead to stress in certain cases as they try and also prepare for their upcoming game or performance.

The WOBM Christmas Classic provided an exciting tournament in the beginning of the Shore Conference high school basketball season and as games continue rolling along in January, many teams making big statements.

The Piners have had a stunt in their growth process in turning things around at Lakewood High School over the past few seasons and it's been a struggle to turn things in a positive direction.

It's been a tough stretch for the Jackson Liberty Lions over the last couple of seasons, so close to taking that next step, but just trying to find some consistency from play to play and game to game.

A familiar Shore Conference face is now taking the reins to lead the Wildcats in 2022, John Tierney, who had served as a longtime assistant coach at Lacey High School under the legendary Lou Vircillo, before ending up at Pinelands and has now earned the bump up to head coach.

It'll be a new looking team this year in Lacey Township with only 3 returning starters on offense and 5 on defense, meaning the torch has been passed and the time is now to see what these young Lions can do on the football field.

It's been a tough couple years for Toms River High School East after riding a high wave in 2019 when they finished 9-2 and made a playoff run, but they're now looking to bust through the tide to friendlier waters -- and results.