Quick Shots

It’s a slow Tuesday so I thought I’d pass along some thoughts.

Congratulations to all of the kids who committed to colleges to play basketball in the past couple of weeks. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a D1, D2 or D3 school. The most important thing is to go to a place where you’ll play, be happy and get a degree you can use moving forward. And I’ll tell you something else. Whether it’s D3 or D1 you will still have to work your tail off. The good news is this. Any kid who has been asked to play college basketball from the Shore Conference had to work his tail off already just to get to this point. So again, congratulations, you have earned the respect of many.

Speaking of college basketball, I wish King Rice and the new regime at Monmouth nothing but the best. But I’m a little intrigued looking at a couple of their new recruits. In the past two months or so they have signed two 5’11″ point guards. Then I look at their current roster and I see 5’11″ freshman Austin Tillotson and 5’8″ junior Jesse Steele. That lay-up line next year is going to look like the upperclassmen brought their little brothers to school with them. And by the way, I hope someday Monmouth starts recruiting locally. I see  ex-CBAer  Roy Mabrey scored 25 and 26 in his first two games at the D2 level. I know, I know, it’s D2. But I’ve watched Mabrey a lot over the last two years and I’m telling you he can play and excel at a higher level. I don’t know if Monmouth recruited Mabrey.  But if they didn’t, they should have. Because he could play there right now. Coach Rice gets a free pass. He’s new to the area. I just hope I see him or his staff at some Shore Conference games over the next couple of years. Too many local kids get away.

One of the readers asked how Manalapan will be next year. The answer is I’m not sure until I see them in a scrimmage but I know they have Anthony Firkser and he is a very strong guard who’s quicker than he appears….Someone else asked about MonDon. Same answer, I’ll have to catch them early and let you know but losing Sean Grennan and Anthony Duszczak is a killer. Coach Kearney is one of my favorites though. He’ll make them competitive.

My goal this year is to see every team play. I came close last year. I didn’t see Pinelands , Central or Keansburg. Those are three teams I will DEFINITELY see this year. Several people have told me Matawan is a team that will surprise. I’ll check them out early and let you know what I think.

Only a couple of weeks to go. Practice starts the  Monday after Thanksgiving  this year instead of the traditional Friday after Turkey Day. At least this year the kids can eat till their hearts content on Thanksgiving and not worry about that early morning practice the next day.

I’m the Shore Scout and I’ll see you at the games.

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