For years, the Shore Regional High School girls basketball team has been one of the better teams in the Shore Conference.
Unfortunately, its solid play has often been overshadowed by the exploits of some nearby teams that collectively represent some of the state’s premier programs (Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven, St. John Vianney, Neptune, Colts Neck, etc.). This year, however, the Blue Devils feel like they can play with some of the best teams in the Shore Conference, and they’re proving it.
Last Friday night, Shore played host to the aforementioned Caseys from Red Bank Catholic (RBC) and gave the visitors all they could handle before succumbing to a 47-44 defeat. In what was a back-and-forth contest throughout, the Blue Devils proved themselves a worthy opponent, but simply couldn’t get the big baskets down the stretch as the RBC defense clamped down on senior forward Liz West. Shore also struggled mightily from the free-throw line, shooting 4-for-16 on the nights, and just 2-for-6 down the stretch.
Shore looked poised to compete the upset with a 44-40 lead with just under three minutes to play, but that’s when the Caseys seized the momentum and the win. A Samantha Guastella layup off a feed from junior guard Mary Kate Byrnes cut the lead to two, then, following a Shore turnover, Byrnes gave the Caseys the lead for good with a clutch 3- pointer from the right wing.
Shore had several chances to regain the lead, but each time, the RBC defense, led by Guastella’s strong presence in the paint, was able to hold the home team off. Guastella hit a pair of free throws in the final minute to provide the final margin, while Shore missed a pair of front ends on one-and-ones that could have kept them in the game.
Shore’s inability to capitalize on its opportunities down the stretch had to be disappointing, especially for a team that had competed so well throughout the game. However, in defeat, the Blue Devils (7-4) showed that they are indeed one of the conference’s better teams, which will make them a very dangerous team once the postseason comes around.
Unfortunately for RBC, the Caseys were unable to carry their momentum into Sunday’s game against St. Rose in the 10th annual Boardwalk Hoop Group Showcase at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, losing 45-32. The Purple Rose’s Samantha Clark led the way with 15 points and 13 rebounds. St. Rose used a late run to close out what had been a close game throughout.
As for the Blue Devils, they will get another shot to tackle one of the Shore’s elite on Tuesday when they host Rumson-Fair Haven.
While both Shore and RBC should be feeling pretty good about their play thus far, the Bulldogs have been going through an up-anddown stretch of late.
Head coach George Sourlis’ squad was humbled a bit recently when they suffered a 41-24 loss to Shabazz in what most people feel was a preview of the March 8 Central Jersey Group II final. Shabazz was moved to the CJ Group II section prior to the season, posing a serious threat to the Bulldogs’ run of 10 straight sectional titles.
The Bulldogs, who had played an overtime game in beating Manasquan the night before, looked sluggish throughout in this one, with Shabazz taking control early and cruising to the win.
Following the disappointing showing against Shabazz, Rumson-Fair Haven needed a bit of a confidence boost. Unfortunately, next on the schedule was a St. John Vianney (SJV) team that hasn’t lost a divisional game since 2007. SJV kept that streak alive last Tuesday with a 56-43 victory paced by Theresa Manigrasso’s 20-point effort. Nicole Issacs led Rumson-Fair Haven with 12 points, but once again, RFH was overmatched early and couldn’t mount a serious comeback.
That made this past Friday night’s game with Raritan all the more important, and the Bulldogs responded with a strong effort en route to a 55-21 win. Now 10-2, RFH will look to regain its swagger over the next few weeks.
Hoop notes: Red Bank Regional is playing solid basketball this winter, and improved to 5-3 with a 33-31 win over Freehold Borough on Friday. Zoe Curtis scored a pair of clutch baskets late, while Theresa Soya led the way with 10 points.
A trio of other Class B North teams has struggled a bit thus far, and need to start putting some wins together if they hope to qualify for the state tournament (the deadline for teams to qualify for the state tournament is Feb. 6).
Ocean Township improved to 4-8 on Friday with a 53-41 win over Monmouth Regional (2-9), as Andrea Farrow scored nine of her 23 points in the first quarter to lead the way. Meanwhile, LongBranch dropped a 49-21 affair to Wall Township on Friday to fall to 2- 8 on the year.