The Hornet’s Nest–Spring AAU Circuit Watch List
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Sean Devaney has had a number of top players come across his watch throughout his coaching career, which includes divisional and sectional titles at several of his stops, most notably his Raritan teams from ’03-04 and ’04-05. His current charges…
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Continue ReadingSean Devaney has had a number of top players come across his watch throughout his coaching career, which includes divisional and sectional titles at several of his stops, most notably his Raritan teams from ’03-04 and ’04-05. His current charges get their own special category as Holmdel High may have one of their most talented crops in school history coming through. Their leaders this year were all freshmen and sophomores. Provided none of them transfer to power programs, they could take a big step forward in the coming season. Remember these names at the Bayshore. If they remain as a unit, Holmdel’s backcourt could contend among the best in the conference the next two years.
Evan Romano Evan Romano 6'3" | SG St. Rose | 2025 State NJ | 6’0” | G
Romano exploded on the scene as a do-it-all freshman. Stepping into a major role from the first game, he played with the poise of a senior and got it done in all facets of the game, on both sides of the floor. He can shoot from range, features a nice floater and is unafraid of drawing contact. He has a high ceiling and this spring should be the one where the colleges write him down on the big board of recruits—What level remains to be seen, but he’s going to be a good one. His best performances as a freshman were against quality opponents in Raritan(23) and Red Bank Catholic(20).
James Valillo| 6’3” | G
Out of the youthful batch of Holmdel stars, Valillo has the most muscle of the crop right now. He’s very much a guard but his more developed body allows and in a way, forces him, to have done some of the dirty work for Holmdel. Good outside shooter, solid ball handler and a good basketball IQ. He’s a multi-sport athlete who also features for the Hornets baseball team. He features for the Shoreshots, has a high GPA and will likely face a “fork in the road” moment in his senior year as to what sport he pursues.
Ben Kipnis Ben Kipnis 6'3" | SG Holmdel | 2024 State NJ | 6’3” | G
Lethal. That’s the only way to start describing Sean Devaney’s sharpshooting wing. Defenders can’t afford to give Kipnis an inch of breathing room or he can hurt you. He’s deadly coming off screens in their offensive set, can pull up and handle the ball. That said, his forte is “bombs away”—He hit over 90 three pointers as a sophomore, including two games of 7(Jackson & Freehold Twp) and multiple games with 5+. His highest scoring night was 29 vs Middletown North. Kipnis plays for the Shoreshots and has a good ceiling to grow over the next two years into a position where college coaches will be very interested in him.
Nick Seeloch Nick Seeloch 5'10" | PG Holmdel | 2024 State NJ | 5’9” | G
Seeloch holds the keys to the bus for the Hornets and had a sensational, breakout sophomore campaign. He isn’t the biggest kid on the floor but there may not be a tougher kid on the floor when Holmdel plays. He gets after it on defense, drives at players much bigger and stronger than him with success and like the rest of this Hornets Nest, Seeloch can shoot from deep. He’s also shown he can be ice-in-the-veins on the FT line as evidenced by his 11FT night in a 29 point performance against Toms River North. He’s been with the Jersey Shore Predators. He’ll be one of the better lead guards at the Shore the next two years and a variety of D3’s should come calling.