Shore Conference 2023s To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Shore Conference has seen a lot of changes this year--teams have shifted divisions, Mater Dei abruptly closed its doors, transfers have impacted teams in a variety of ways--We'll break it all down as the season nears, but today we offer a list of some Shore Conference seniors to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1013095' first='Jayden' last='Holmes-Cotter']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jayden-holmes-cotter/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;|6'7” | F | Freehold Twp 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holmes-Cotter will be the top big man at the Shore this winter. He's got a well built physical frame which allows him to dominate on the low block. He does the dirty work on the glass for Twp. He's very athletic and can score in a variety of ways, be it back to the basket or facing up a defender.  He will be on the most electric players to watch at the Shore this year and will look to improve on his fantastic 21ppg and 12rpg averages.  Numerous games over 20 last year, including 20 vs Marlboro, 29 vs South and 27 vs Mon Don. Should his strong summer carry into his senior year, Cotter could see interest rise from scholarship programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='Jack' last='O'Leary']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-oleary/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;| 6'1” | G | Raritan 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Leary made himself known as a junior after being a contributor his first two years. He's got a quick first step to beat defenders and can finish through contact. His best performances saw him score 29 against Steinert, 22 against Holmdel team and dropped 24 on South River in states. He also had good outings vs Roselle and Ranney(14pts each night).  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damien Padilla</strong> | 6'4” | F | Howell 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletic forward who's a multi sport athlete and uses his toughness from the football field to be an impact player on the hardwood. His strength is one of his greatest tools as he can battle in the post. He's got a good basketball IQ and has solid passing skills for a frontcourt player. He's also a good ballhandler who can run the break. He had 20&amp;13 vs SJV, 15 vs Middle Township and a dozen on five different occasions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liam Gajew<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/liam-gajewski/">ski</a></strong> | 6'1” | G | Shore 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gajewski played the support role to [player_tooltip player_id='1273929' first='Alex' last='George'] in a one-two punch for the Devils. He's got a solid frame, can handle the ball and can create his own shot both in the paint and from the three point line. He's can facilitate in the halfcourt and has a solid basketball IQ. As the Devils return all the pieces of the puzzle, look for Gajewski to have a big senior year.  Gajewski had 21 vs Holmdel&amp;Hunterdon Central, 19 vs Matawan and Asbury and 18 vs Ocean. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1203226' first='Jordan' last='Winnik']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-winnik/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;</strong>| 6'2” | G | Saint John Vianney 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winnik played a support role in the Lancers solid season last year but will be tasked with being one of the lead guards in the program as they replace the large shoes that have graduated with Nate Williams. He's can handle the ball and break down defenders but can also pull up beyond the arc. Winnik had 13 vs now closed Mater Dei and 9 vs Middletown South and Freehold Boro as top games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->