Hoop Group April Showdown

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Hoop Group April Showdown: A Weekend of Basketball Excellence

The Hoop Group Basketball April Showdown, held from April 11-13 at the Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune, NJ, brought together some of the most competitive grassroots basketball teams from across the region. With thrilling matchups, standout performances, and intense competition, this event showcased the depth of talent in youth basketball. (findaballer report)

Brian Lynch Basketball AAU Program: Building a Legacy

Brian Lynch, a former Villanova standout and European professional player, has transitioned into coaching with a focus on developing young athletes. After 20 years playing and coaching overseas, Lynch returned to New Jersey to lead St. Rose High School’s boys’ basketball program. He also established the Brian Lynch Basketball (BLB) AAU program, which offers clinics, camps, and competitive teams aimed at fostering player growth.

“Coaching young players is about teaching them the right way to play—teamwork, strategy, and discipline,” said Lynch.

BLB Hamilton 7th Grade Team: A Season of Growth

Blake Hamilton, a former Monmouth Hawk with extensive coaching experience, led the BLB Hamilton 7th grade team for the April showdown tournament at Hoop Group. Despite their efforts at the April Showdown, the team finished 1-3 due to offensive misreads and turnovers.

Game Results: BLB Hamilton Scores

  • Game 1:  50 – Work Untold 25
  • Game 2:  25 – Jersey Aces 30
  • Game 3:  36 – ShoreShots Spartans 35

Hamilton reflected on his team’s performance:

“Our players showed incredible heart in close games. These experiences will help us grow stronger as a unit.”

EC Cyclones U16 & U17: Dominating the Court

Led by Mike Cervellino—a veteran coach with over two decades of AAU experience—the EC Cyclones U16 team delivered an impressive performance at the April Showdown. They achieved a perfect record of 3-0 with dominant wins over Team Elevation, Underrated Ballerz, and Team Ice from Newark.

Game Highlights:

  • Blowout victories showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
  • Coach Cervellino emphasized teamwork as key to their success:

“Basketball is about chemistry. Our players trust each other, and it shows on the court.”

Hoop Group Headquarters: The Premier Venue for Youth Basketball

The Hoop Group Headquarters (HGHQ) in Neptune, NJ is renowned for hosting elite basketball events like the April Showdown. Featuring four NBA replica courts and state-of-the-art facilities, HGHQ provides an unparalleled environment for players to compete and develop their skills.

“The Hoop Group Basketball tournaments are where future stars are born,” said James Cooper, Hoop Group Director.

Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities with Hoop Group Basketball

The April Showdown is just one of many events hosted by Hoop Group throughout the year. With tournaments like NJ Jam Fest and DMV Showcase on the horizon, young athletes have numerous opportunities to shine on a bigger stage.

RBC Defeats St. Rose SCT Chip

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RBC Defeats St. Rose in Nail-Biting Shore Conference Finale

Red Bank Catholic (24-4) edged St. Rose (21-5) 50-48 at Monmouth University, claiming its first Shore Conference title since 2013. Addy Nyemchek’s 13 points and clutch free throws sealed the historic win, while Jada Lynch’s 17-point effort fell short for St. Rose.  (Findaballer Report)

Key Moments: How RBC Defeats St. Rose to End 12-Year Drought

  • Third-quarter surge: RBC outscored St. Rose 19-13, flipping a 21-17 halftime deficit.
  • Nyemchek’s dominance: The sophomore scored 7 points in the final quarter, including 3 critical free throws.
  • Defensive grit: Tessa Liggio’s 3 steals disrupted St. Rose’s rhythm late in the game.

Star Performances Fuel RBC’s Triumph

Addy Nyemchek (RBC): “This team never quits. We knew it was our time,” said Nyemchek, who added 4 assists and 2 blocks.
Jada Lynch (St. Rose): Lynch’s 17 points and 8 rebounds kept the game tight, but turnovers plagued her squad.

By the Numbers: Breaking Down RBC’s Victory

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Despite the championship win, RBC advances to the state tournament as a 3 seed , while St. Rose earns a bye. As the 2nd seed they will play the winner between Immaculata & Trinity Hall.

Social Media Buzz

  • ???? Relive the moments:(Youtube)
  • ???? Game highlights: RBC ends a 12-year title drought with a 50-48 win over St. Rose! ????

ST. Rose SCT Champions

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St. Rose Shore Conference Dominance Continues With Gritty SCT Title Defense

St. Rose cemented its legacy as a Shore Conference powerhouse, defeating Christian Brothers Academy 45-36 for its second straight SCT championship. The Purple Roses showcased lockdown defense and clutch performances to secure the historic win.

St. Rose SCT Dynasty Takes Shape

Jayden Hodge delivered a signature performance with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals, declaring: “This is a great feeling, but we’re not done. We want to do it again next year.” Coach Brian Lynch praised his team’s resilience: “These guys put time and effort into this. To repeat shows their character.”  

Defense Seals the Deal

At Halftime, Coach Brian Lynch spoke sternly in the locker room: ” We’ve gotten here playing defense the right way. Knowing our rotations and staying consistent with our defensive fundamentals.” St. Rose’s tenacious defense forced critical errors, including Bryan Ebeling’s game-changing 10-second violation stop against CBA’s Justin Fuerbacher. Senior Evan Romano emphasized their strategy: “We stayed true to defending and guarding – that’s how we win.”

Championship Game Breakdown

  • Key Play: Romano’s driving layup extended St. Rose’s lead to 38-33 late in the 4th quarter.

 

  • Turning Point: An 11-0 run sealed CBA’s fate as St. Rose went 9/12 from the free-throw line.

 

What’s Next for St. Rose Shore Conference Legacy?

The Purple Roses have now won 31 straight Shore Conference games. With underclassmen like freshman Izayah Cooper gaining experience, Hodge remains focused: “I just want to continue to win for my team and the school. ” Check out the full highlights below!

St. Rose vs. CBA Back to Back SCT Champions – Full Highlights

St. Rose Defeats Squan

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St. Rose Defeats Manasquan in Shore Conference Tournament Semifinal Showdown

In a highly anticipated matchup, St. Rose triumphed over Manasquan with a decisive 59-42 victory in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinal. The Purple Roses showcased their dominance, led by standout performances from Bryan Ebeling and Jayden Hodge. (Findaballer Report)

St. Rose’s Offensive Firepower Overwhelms Squan

Bryan Ebeling spearheaded St. Rose’s attack, pouring in 20 points and demonstrating his versatility with 3 three-pointers. Jayden Hodge contributed significantly with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, showcasing his all-around game.

Defensive Prowess: Key to St. Rose’s Success

The Purple Roses’ defense stifled Manasquan’s offense, limiting their scoring opportunities. St. Rose’s team effort resulted in 6 blocks and 6 steals, disrupting Manasquan’s rhythm throughout the game.

Manasquan’s Valiant Effort Falls Short

Despite the loss, Manasquan’s Griffin Linstra put up a commendable performance with 18 points and 8 rebounds. However, the team struggled to keep pace with St. Rose’s offensive onslaught.

St. Rose Defeats Manasquan Advances to Shore Conference Tournament Final

With this victory, St. Rose secures a spot in the championship game against Christian Brothers, scheduled for Friday evening at Monmouth University.

“Everybody wants to beat us, because we’re the defending champs,” said Jayden Hodge. “We have to play better from the jump; we can’t just play good for 16 minutes. That’s not always going to work.”

St. Rose’s triumph over Manasquan sets the stage for an exciting championship matchup. Basketball fans can follow the action on Shore Sports Insider for live updates and highlights.

St. Rose Freshman bring spirit to the SCT Semi-final

CBA Defeats RFH

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CBA Triumphs Over RFH in Shore Conference Semifinal Showdown

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) secured a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament final with a 46-34 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven (RFH). The win marks CBA’s 14th consecutive triumph and sets the stage for their first SCT final appearance since 2016.

Christian Brothers vs Rumson-Fair Haven: A Battle of Shore Conference Titans

The semifinal clash at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena showcased the talent and determination of both teams. CBA’s balanced offense and strong defensive play proved too much for RFH to overcome.

Key Players Shine in Christian Brothers’ Victory

Junior guard Charlie Marcoullier led CBA with 10 points, while Gavin Marlin contributed 9 points to the winning effort. For RFH, junior Luke Cruz stood out with a game-high 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Turning Point: Christian Brothers’ Third Quarter Surge

CBA broke away in the third quarter, extending their lead to 29-19 with crucial plays from Kevin Pikiell, Justin Fuerbacher, and Gavin Marlin. This momentum shift proved decisive in securing the victory.

Road to Glory: Christian Brothers Aims to Reclaim Shore Conference Crown

CBA’s win puts them one step closer to breaking their 15-year championship drought1. The Colts, who dominated the Shore Conference from 1984 to 2010, are eager to reclaim their former glory.

Quote from CBA Coach (Geoff Billet)

“Our team showed great resilience and focus tonight. We’re excited about the opportunity to compete for the championship on Friday.”

What’s Next: Shore Conference Tournament Final

CBA (19-3) will face St. Rose in the SCT final on Friday. The championship game promises to be an exciting conclusion to this year’s tournament.

Social Media Buzz

Follow the excitement on social media:

Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to the Shore Conference Tournament!

St. Rose Girls Defeats SJV

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St. Rose Girls Defeats SJV in Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals

In a thrilling Shore Conference Tournament semifinal matchup, No. 11 St. Rose emerged victorious over No. 5 St. John Vianney with a final score of 51-46. The game, held at Toms River North on February 18, 2025, showcased the talent and determination of both teams.

Historical Matchup: St. Rose and SJV Rivalry Continues

The St. Rose Purple Roses and St. John Vianney Lancers have a long-standing rivalry in New Jersey girls’ basketball. This latest encounter added another exciting chapter to their storied history. Both teams entered the game with impressive records, St. Rose at 21-4 and SJV at 20-6.

Jada Lynch: St. Rose’s Scoring Sensation

Jada Lynch, St. Rose’s standout player, led the charge with an impressive 19-point performance. Lynch’s consistent scoring ability has been evident throughout the season. Earlier in January, she exploded for a career-high 40 points against Red Bank Catholic.

St. Rose Defense Stifles SJV in Fourth Quarter

The game remained tight through three quarters, with both teams matching each other point for point. However, St. Rose’s defense stepped up in the crucial fourth quarter. They outscored SJV 14-8 in the final period, securing their victory.

Cassidy Kruesi: St. Rose’s Unsung Hero

While Lynch grabbed the headlines, Cassidy Kruesi played a pivotal role in St. Rose’s win. Kruesi contributed 17 points, including four three-pointers, and led the team with four steals. Her all-around performance proved crucial in the tight contest.

SJV Falls Short Despite Strong Effort

Despite a valiant effort, St. John Vianney couldn’t overcome St. Rose’s fourth-quarter surge. The Lancers kept pace for most of the game but struggled to maintain their offensive output in the final minutes.

St. Rose now advances to the Shore Conference Tournament finals, where they will face their next challenge. The championship game is scheduled to take place at Monmouth University.

SJV Coach Dawn Karpell and Players’ Resilience

St. John Vianney’s head coach, Dawn Karpell, is one of New Jersey’s most accomplished coaches, with over 540 career victories and multiple state championships to her name. Karpell expressed pride in her team’s effort despite the loss, stating, “We fought hard and showed our character.”

Key players for SJV included Megan Sias and Bella Mallory, who both contributed significantly throughout the season but faced challenges against a tough St. Rose defense in this game. Sias noted, “We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger.”

Karpell’s leadership continues to inspire her players as they aim for future success in upcoming games.

St. Rose now advances to the Shore Conference Tournament finals, where they will face Red Bank Catholic. The championship game is scheduled to take place at Monmouth University.

St. Rose Girls Defeats SJV SCT Semifinal

Rumson Fair Haven over Red Bank Regional

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Rumson-Fair Haven Triumphs Over Red Bank Regional in SCT Quarterfinals Thriller

In a nail-biting Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinal, Rumson-Fair Haven secured a 51-44 victory against Red Bank Regional. The sixth-seeded Bulldogs avenged their earlier season loss, advancing to the SCT semifinals.

Rumson’s Revenge: Bulldogs Outplay Red Bank Regional

Carson Memmott led Rumson-Fair Haven with a stellar double-double performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His dominant presence on both ends of the court proved crucial in the Bulldogs’ success.

Luke Cruz contributed significantly, adding 14 points to the Bulldogs’ tally. David Carr chipped in with 8 points, while Luke Lydon scored 7 points for Rumson-Fair Haven.

Red Bank Regional’s Valiant Effort Falls Short

Despite the loss, Red Bank Regional fought hard throughout the game. Ryan Fisher led the Bucs with an impressive 18-point performance. Zayier Dean also made a significant contribution, scoring 11 points for Red Bank Regional.

Rumson Red Bank Regional Rivalry: A Tale of Redemption

This victory was particularly sweet for Rumson-Fair Haven, as it avenged their previous loss to Red Bank Regional on February 4. The Bulldogs have now won four consecutive games, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Looking Ahead: Rumson’s Path to SCT Glory

With this win, Rumson-Fair Haven (17-5) advances to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming matchup as they continue their quest for the SCT title.

Fans can follow Rumson-Fair Haven’s journey on X and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

St. Rose Defeats Central Regional

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St. Rose Boys Dominate Central Regional in Shore Conference Tournament Showdown

The St. Rose boys basketball team showcased their prowess in a commanding 73-51 victory over Central Regional in the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals. This thrilling matchup between St. Rose and Central Regional demonstrated the Purple Roses’ determination to defend their title.

St. Rose’s Stellar Second Half Performance

St. Rose’s offense ignited in the second half, outscoring Central Regional 40-21. The Purple Roses’ aggressive play and sharp shooting proved too much for their opponents to handle.

Jayden Hodge, St. Rose’s standout junior, led the charge with an impressive 25-point performance. He also contributed 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 5 steals, showcasing his all-around skills.

“Everybody wants to beat us, because we’re the defending champs,” Hodge remarked. “We have to play better from the jump; we can’t just play good for 16 minutes. That’s not always going to work.”

Central Regional’s Valiant Effort

Despite the loss, Central Regional fought hard throughout the game. Jaycen Santucci led his team with 21 points and 5 steals, demonstrating his offensive and defensive capabilities.

Key Players Shine in St. Rose vs Central Regional Clash

Several St. Rose players made significant contributions to the win:

  • Evan Romano scored 13 points, including a crucial 28-foot three-pointer at the end of the third quarter.
  • Tyler Cameron added 10 points and 7 rebounds.
  • Bryan Ebeling facilitated the offense with 6 assists.
Looking Ahead: St. Rose’s Path to SCT Glory

With this victory, St. Rose advances to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming matchup against Manasquan.

Coach Brian Lynch emphasized the importance of defensive effort: “If you play tough defense, sometimes there is better offense.”

As St. Rose continues their quest to defend their SCT title, fans can follow the team’s progress on X  and Instagram.

St.Rose beats Central Regional – Highlights

Hudson Beats Rumson

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Hudson Catholic Outlasts Rumson-Fair Haven in Thrilling Basketball Showdown

In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 6 Hudson Catholic secured a hard-fought 57-49 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven. The game, held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit from both teams.

Courtesy of Tommy Pants

McKnight’s Stellar Performance Leads Hudson to Beat Rumson

Keith McKnight emerged as the star of the game, scoring a game-high 25 points for Hudson Catholic. His impressive 11 two-pointers were crucial in securing the win.

 

“McKnight’s offensive prowess was simply unstoppable today,” commented Hudson Catholic’s coach. “His performance was key to our success.”

Hudson Beats Rumson with Strong Second Quarter

After a tight first quarter, Hudson Catholic pulled ahead in the second, outscoring Rumson-Fair Haven 14-8. This momentum shift proved decisive in the final outcome.

Balanced Scoring Effort Propels Hudson Catholic

While McKnight led the charge, Omari Moore contributed significantly with 16 points. The team’s ability to spread the scoring kept Rumson-Fair Haven’s defense on its toes.

Rumson-Fair Haven’s Valiant Effort

Despite the loss, Rumson-Fair Haven showed resilience. Luke Cruz led his team with 16 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing his all-around skills.

Courtesy of Tommy Pants

“Cruz’s performance was outstanding,” said Rumson-Fair Haven’s coach. “His effort kept us competitive throughout the game.”

Implications for Conference Rankings

This win solidifies Hudson Catholic’s position in the HCIAL – American division, improving their record to 15-4 overall and 6-0 in the division.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience. Hudson Catholic aims to maintain their winning streak, while Rumson-Fair Haven will regroup for upcoming challenges.

Follow @HCHawksHoops  and @RFH_Basketball for more updates on these talented teams.

RBC Beats Gill

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Red Bank Catholic Triumphs Over Gill St. Bernard’s in Defensive Showdown

In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 4 Red Bank Catholic (RBC) secured a decisive 52-41 victory against No. 3 Gill St. Bernard’s. The game, held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Holmdel High School, showcased RBC’s defensive prowess.

RBC Beats Gill with Stellar Defense

Red Bank Catholic’s coach, Joe Montano, confidently stated, “If we aren’t the best defensive team in the state, I’d like to see who is.” This defensive strategy proved effective, particularly against Gill St. Bernard’s standout player, Gandy Malou-Mamel.

Nyemchek Leads RBC to Victory

Addy Nyemchek emerged as the game’s top performer, scoring 18 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Her all-around play was crucial in RBC’s win.

Second Half Surge: How RBC Beats Gill

After trailing 24-22 at halftime, RBC outscored Gill St. Bernard’s by 13 points in the second half. This turnaround was key to their victory.

Balanced Scoring Effort Propels RBC

While Nyemchek led the charge, Christina Liggio added 12 points, and three other players contributed 6 points each. This balanced attack kept Gill St. Bernard’s defense on its toes.

Defensive Strategy Neutralizes Gill’s Star Player

Senior Tessa Carman played a pivotal role in containing Malou-Mamel. Despite Malou-Mamel’s 17 points and 8 rebounds, RBC’s defense limited her impact in crucial moments.

“I truly believe we are the best defensive team in the state,” Carman stated. “Our hard work this season is paying off.”

Implications for Shore Conference and State Rankings

This win solidifies RBC’s position in the Shore Conference A Coastal division, improving their record to 17-4 overall and 8-0 in the division.  As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience. RBC aims to maintain their defensive intensity, while Gill St. Bernard’s will regroup for upcoming challenges.

Follow RBC on X for more updates on these top-ranked teams.

Red Bank Catholic defeats #3 Gill St. Bernard 2-02-25