By Jim Hintelmann
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP – It was an outstanding season for Middletown South in girls basketball last year with the Eagles winning their first ever NJSIAA Group III championship.
Making it even more noteworthy was that the Eagles had a relatively young team and should be a solid contender to repeat in addition to be the team to beat once again in the A Division North, where they have won four straight division titles and are 45-1 in the division the last four years.
“How far we advance in the post season will depend on how fast the younger players develop,” said coach Tom Brennan. “However, they are quick learners and the upper classmen have been very helpful with them.”
The top returner is senior Stephanie Karcz, who led the team in scoring last year with 17 points per game. She also averaged nine rebounds and six steals per contest.
Also back are Haley Dalonzo, Julia Valkos and Alexandra Balsamo.
Top newcomers include Brianne Naughton and freshman Isla Brennan and Emily McCarthy.
Rival Middletown North struggled a little last year, but coach Ed Jones expects a much better squad with most of last year’s squad returning.
”We feel that we can compete with any team on our schedule,” said Jones, “Our shooting is good and the defense should improve as the season goes along.”
The top players back are Haley Hallard, Kaman Williams Krista Lenick and Julie DeRise.
B North
Red Bank Catholic has always had one of the better girls basketball programs at the Shore and this year’s team should be no exception with four starters back from last year’s 17-7 team. RBC has gotten off to a quick this year with easy wins over Ocean Township and Donovan Catholic.
“We have a lot of experience and we should do well,” said RBC coach Joe Montano.
In addition to the four returning starters, RBC will also get back Tia Montagne, a freshman starter who missed last season due to an injury.
Coming back are Josie Larkins, Maureen Coakley, Rose Caverly and Katie Rice. Leading newcomers are Hayley Moore, Caitlin Carroll, Gillian Hansen, Jen Bagwell and Amanda Hart.
Red Bank Regional, 6-19 last year, should be much improved this year with a veteran squad returning.
“We lost a lot of close games last year,” said Red Bank coach James Young. “Our shooting should be good but we hope to keep our defensive intensity at a high level. The top returnees are Emma Keegan and Elizabeth Paterno with Grace Dengler, Mary Vilardi and Emily Fitzgerald being the other likely starters. Newcomers include Noelle Halpin, Brenna Bonner, Meghan Murray and Bridget Tobin.
