Shore Conference Newcomers to Watch

<p>The Shore Conference has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past few seasons. Ranney won the Tournament of Champions in 2019, while Manasquan won a state-best 31 games last season. The Conference lost a lot of marquee players from last season, but there are new players to the Shore Conference who are ready to have success. Here are the top newcomers to the Shore Conference this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902736" first="Isaac" last="Hester"], 6’0 PG Ranney 2023</strong></p> <p>The Panthers had a bit of a down season last year as they went 17-10, but they should have a bounce-back year with the addition of Hester. The Gill St. Bernard’s transfer has a smooth handle and is capable of beating his man off the dribble. Hester has a nice release on his jumper and moves well off the ball. He is a good passer and is a solid on-ball defender. Hester joins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901941" first="Elijah" last="Perkins"]</strong> in the Ranney backcourt, which should be one of the best in the Shore Conference.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013009" first="Ross" last="Thomas"], 6’3 SG St. John Vianney 2021</strong></p> <p>The Lancers made the Non-Public A South quarterfinals in 2019-20 and have the ability to win a state game again with Thomas. The 6’3 wing can finish around the basket and does not mind contact. Thomas has a nice release on his free throws and is capable of knocking down midrange jumpers. He works hard on the glass and rarely takes a play off on both ends. Thomas’ ability to do the dirty should free up <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901979" first="Nate" last="Williams"]</strong> as the Lancers have the chance to be a breakout team this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050398" first="Nick" last="Seeloch"], 5’10 PG Holmdel 2024</strong></p> <p>The Hornets went to the Central Jersey Group 2 title game and they get a big addition in Seeloch. The 5’10 guard is creative with the ball in his hands and can get to the basket. Seeloch is more than just a slasher as he is capable of knocking down jumpers from the perimeter. He played up with the Jersey Shore Predators 16U team this summer, so he is accustomed to going against older competition. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016643" first="Alex" last="Baker"]</strong> will be the go-to guy for Holmdel, but Seeloch is capable of putting up big numbers in his debut varsity season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050390" first="Dylan" last="Seay"], 6’5 PF Red Bank Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p>The Caseys have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896654" first="Kevin" last="Bauman"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896621" first="Charlie" last="Gordinier"]</strong>, but should get a reinforcement down low in Seay. The 6’5 forward already has a strong frame capable of muscling shots through contact. Seay has a nice touch around the basket and can finish above the rim. He is a tough post defender and works hard on the glass. Seay is a physical forward prospect who should help Red Bank Catholic in his first high school season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050400" first="Leo" last="Passalaqua"], 5’9 PG Rumson Fair-Haven 2024</strong></p> <p>The Bulldogs lost to Manasquan in the Central Jersey Group 2 quarterfinals, but they have the potential to go further with the addition of Passalaqua. The 5’9 guard is good with the ball in his hands and can beat his man off the bounce. Passalaqua is capable of running the offense and is a solid passer. He is more than just a slasher as he can knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Rumson Fair-Haven have a pair of good guards in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931025" first="Geoff" last="Schroeder"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1027924" first="Jackson" last="Patton"]</strong>, but Passalaqua’s ability to make plays should give him big minutes during his freshman campaign.</p>