Hoop Group April Showdown
Hoop Group April Showdown: A Weekend of Basketball Excellence
The Hoop Group Basketball April Showdown, held from April 11-13 at the Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune, NJ, brought together some of the most competitive grassroots basketball teams from across the region. With thrilling matchups, standout performances, and intense competition, this event showcased the depth of talent in youth basketball. (findaballer report)
Brian Lynch Basketball AAU Program: Building a Legacy
Brian Lynch, a former Villanova standout and European professional player, has transitioned into coaching with a focus on developing young athletes. After 20 years playing and coaching overseas, Lynch returned to New Jersey to lead St. Rose High School’s boys’ basketball program. He also established the Brian Lynch Basketball (BLB) AAU program, which offers clinics, camps, and competitive teams aimed at fostering player growth.
“Coaching young players is about teaching them the right way to play—teamwork, strategy, and discipline,” said Lynch.
BLB Hamilton 7th Grade Team: A Season of Growth
Blake Hamilton, a former Monmouth Hawk with extensive coaching experience, led the BLB Hamilton 7th grade team for the April showdown tournament at Hoop Group. Despite their efforts at the April Showdown, the team finished 1-3 due to offensive misreads and turnovers.
Game Results: BLB Hamilton Scores
- Game 1: 50 – Work Untold 25
- Game 2: 25 – Jersey Aces 30
- Game 3: 36 – ShoreShots Spartans 35
Hamilton reflected on his team’s performance:
“Our players showed incredible heart in close games. These experiences will help us grow stronger as a unit.”
EC Cyclones U16 & U17: Dominating the Court
Led by Mike Cervellino—a veteran coach with over two decades of AAU experience—the EC Cyclones U16 team delivered an impressive performance at the April Showdown. They achieved a perfect record of 3-0 with dominant wins over Team Elevation, Underrated Ballerz, and Team Ice from Newark.
Game Highlights:
- Blowout victories showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
- Coach Cervellino emphasized teamwork as key to their success:
“Basketball is about chemistry. Our players trust each other, and it shows on the court.”
Hoop Group Headquarters: The Premier Venue for Youth Basketball
The Hoop Group Headquarters (HGHQ) in Neptune, NJ is renowned for hosting elite basketball events like the April Showdown. Featuring four NBA replica courts and state-of-the-art facilities, HGHQ provides an unparalleled environment for players to compete and develop their skills.
“The Hoop Group Basketball tournaments are where future stars are born,” said James Cooper, Hoop Group Director.
Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities with Hoop Group Basketball
The April Showdown is just one of many events hosted by Hoop Group throughout the year. With tournaments like NJ Jam Fest and DMV Showcase on the horizon, young athletes have numerous opportunities to shine on a bigger stage.
RBC Edges Out St Rose
Red Bank Catholic Edges Out St. Rose in Thrilling NJSIAA Semifinal
In a nail-biting finish, Red Bank Catholic (RBC) narrowly defeated St. Rose 54-53 in the South Jersey, Non-Public A semifinal. This victory marks another heartbreaking loss for St. Rose, echoing their recent Shore Conference Tournament final defeat.
Nyemchek’s Heroics Seal the Deal for RBC
Addy Nyemchek emerged as the hero for RBC, scoring a crucial 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Her last-second play proved decisive, propelling the Caseys to victory. Coach Joe Montano praised Nyemchek’s performance, stating, “Addy’s clutch play in the final moments exemplifies her leadership and skill on the court.”
St. Rose’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite a stellar 30-point performance from Jada Lynch, St. Rose couldn’t overcome RBC’s late surge. Coach Mary Beth Chambers reflected on the loss, saying, “Our girls fought hard, but sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way. We’re proud of their effort and resilience.”
Déjà Vu for St. Rose: Another Last-Second Heartbreak
This defeat bears a striking resemblance to St. Rose’s recent loss in the Shore Conference Tournament final. [RBC Defeats St. Rose in SCT Final]
RBC’s Balanced Attack vs. St. Rose’s Star Power
While Nyemchek led the charge, RBC’s victory was a team effort. Christina Liggio contributed 15 points, showcasing the Caseys’ depth. In contrast, St. Rose relied heavily on Lynch’s outstanding performance.
Looking Ahead: RBC’s Path to the Championship
With this win, RBC advances to the sectional final. Coach Montano emphasized the team’s focus, stating, “We’re taking it one game at a time. Our girls are ready for the next challenge.”
Social Media Buzz: #RBCvsSt.Rose
Fans took to social media to express their excitement:
- X: “What a game!”@Rbcgirlshoops pulls off a stunner against @SRHSGIRLSBB NJSIAA”
- Instagram: “@AddyNyemchek clutch performance ???????? #RBCPride”
RBC Defeats St. Rose SCT Chip
RBC Defeats St. Rose in Nail-Biting Shore Conference Finale
Red Bank Catholic (24-4) edged St. Rose (21-5) 50-48 at Monmouth University, claiming its first Shore Conference title since 2013. Addy Nyemchek’s 13 points and clutch free throws sealed the historic win, while Jada Lynch’s 17-point effort fell short for St. Rose. (Findaballer Report)
Key Moments: How RBC Defeats St. Rose to End 12-Year Drought
- Third-quarter surge: RBC outscored St. Rose 19-13, flipping a 21-17 halftime deficit.
- Nyemchek’s dominance: The sophomore scored 7 points in the final quarter, including 3 critical free throws.
- Defensive grit: Tessa Liggio’s 3 steals disrupted St. Rose’s rhythm late in the game.
Star Performances Fuel RBC’s Triumph
Addy Nyemchek (RBC): “This team never quits. We knew it was our time,” said Nyemchek, who added 4 assists and 2 blocks.
Jada Lynch (St. Rose): Lynch’s 17 points and 8 rebounds kept the game tight, but turnovers plagued her squad.
By the Numbers: Breaking Down RBC’s Victory
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Despite the championship win, RBC advances to the state tournament as a 3 seed , while St. Rose earns a bye. As the 2nd seed they will play the winner between Immaculata & Trinity Hall.
Social Media Buzz
- ???? Relive the moments:(Youtube)
- ???? Game highlights: RBC ends a 12-year title drought with a 50-48 win over St. Rose! ????
St. Rose defeats Bergen Catholic
St. Rose Stuns Bergen Catholic: #9 Purple Roses Topple #1 Crusaders in Thrilling Upset
In a stunning display of teamwork and resilience, the #9 ranked St. Rose Purple Roses defeated the #1 Bergen Catholic Crusaders 72-68 in a nail-biting showdown. This victory not only solidifies St. Rose’s position as a top contender but also showcases their ability to compete with the best in the state. (Findaballer Report)
St. Rose’s Balanced Attack Overwhelms Bergen Catholic
The Purple Roses demonstrated their depth and versatility, with five players scoring in double figures. Junior Jayden Hodge led the charge with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, proving why he’s become the team’s centerpiece this season.
Turning Point: St. Rose’s Third Quarter Comeback
Trailing 55-49 late in the third quarter, St. Rose mounted a crucial comeback. Freshman Izayah Cooper hit a clutch three-pointer, followed by senior Evan Romano’s buzzer-beating 28-foot stepback three to tie the game. This momentum shift propelled St. Rose to victory.
Key Players Shine in St. Rose vs Bergen Catholic Clash
Jayden Hodge (St. Rose): The junior forward continued his impressive season with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Evan Romano (St. Rose): The senior guard contributed 15 points and 7 assists, including the game-changing three-pointer.
Jaden Brown (Bergen Catholic): Despite the loss, Brown led all scorers with 28 points.
St. Rose’s Journey: From SCT Champions to Giant Killers
This victory comes on the heels of St. Rose’s second consecutive Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) title. Coach Brian Lynch praised Hodge’s leadership:
“He’s taken on such a great responsibility, and he’s really embraced it and played really well for us.”
Looking Ahead: St. Rose’s Championship Aspirations
With this win, St. Rose improves to 20-7 and cements their status as a force to be reckoned with. As they eye a potential third straight SCT title, the Purple Roses are proving they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Social Media Buzz
Follow the excitement on social media:
Bergen Catholic
- Twitter: @bccrusaderhoops
- Instagram: @BCCrusaderHoops
Stay tuned to Findaballer.com for more updates.
Check out the highlights below!
#9 St. Rose Stuns #1 Bergen Catholic????
ST. Rose SCT Champions
St. Rose Shore Conference Dominance Continues With Gritty SCT Title Defense
St. Rose cemented its legacy as a Shore Conference powerhouse, defeating Christian Brothers Academy 45-36 for its second straight SCT championship. The Purple Roses showcased lockdown defense and clutch performances to secure the historic win.
St. Rose SCT Dynasty Takes Shape
Jayden Hodge delivered a signature performance with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals, declaring: “This is a great feeling, but we’re not done. We want to do it again next year.” Coach Brian Lynch praised his team’s resilience: “These guys put time and effort into this. To repeat shows their character.”
Defense Seals the Deal
At Halftime, Coach Brian Lynch spoke sternly in the locker room: ” We’ve gotten here playing defense the right way. Knowing our rotations and staying consistent with our defensive fundamentals.” St. Rose’s tenacious defense forced critical errors, including Bryan Ebeling’s game-changing 10-second violation stop against CBA’s Justin Fuerbacher. Senior Evan Romano emphasized their strategy: “We stayed true to defending and guarding – that’s how we win.”
Championship Game Breakdown
- Key Play: Romano’s driving layup extended St. Rose’s lead to 38-33 late in the 4th quarter.
- Turning Point: An 11-0 run sealed CBA’s fate as St. Rose went 9/12 from the free-throw line.
What’s Next for St. Rose Shore Conference Legacy?
The Purple Roses have now won 31 straight Shore Conference games. With underclassmen like freshman Izayah Cooper gaining experience, Hodge remains focused: “I just want to continue to win for my team and the school. ” Check out the full highlights below!
St. Rose vs. CBA Back to Back SCT Champions – Full Highlights
St. Rose Defeats Squan
St. Rose Defeats Manasquan in Shore Conference Tournament Semifinal Showdown
In a highly anticipated matchup, St. Rose triumphed over Manasquan with a decisive 59-42 victory in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinal. The Purple Roses showcased their dominance, led by standout performances from Bryan Ebeling and Jayden Hodge. (Findaballer Report)
St. Rose’s Offensive Firepower Overwhelms Squan
Bryan Ebeling spearheaded St. Rose’s attack, pouring in 20 points and demonstrating his versatility with 3 three-pointers. Jayden Hodge contributed significantly with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Defensive Prowess: Key to St. Rose’s Success
The Purple Roses’ defense stifled Manasquan’s offense, limiting their scoring opportunities. St. Rose’s team effort resulted in 6 blocks and 6 steals, disrupting Manasquan’s rhythm throughout the game.
Manasquan’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, Manasquan’s Griffin Linstra put up a commendable performance with 18 points and 8 rebounds. However, the team struggled to keep pace with St. Rose’s offensive onslaught.
St. Rose Defeats Manasquan Advances to Shore Conference Tournament Final
With this victory, St. Rose secures a spot in the championship game against Christian Brothers, scheduled for Friday evening at Monmouth University.
“Everybody wants to beat us, because we’re the defending champs,” said Jayden Hodge. “We have to play better from the jump; we can’t just play good for 16 minutes. That’s not always going to work.”
St. Rose’s triumph over Manasquan sets the stage for an exciting championship matchup. Basketball fans can follow the action on Shore Sports Insider for live updates and highlights.
St. Rose Freshman bring spirit to the SCT Semi-final
CBA Defeats RFH
CBA Triumphs Over RFH in Shore Conference Semifinal Showdown
Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) secured a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament final with a 46-34 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven (RFH). The win marks CBA’s 14th consecutive triumph and sets the stage for their first SCT final appearance since 2016.
Christian Brothers vs Rumson-Fair Haven: A Battle of Shore Conference Titans
The semifinal clash at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena showcased the talent and determination of both teams. CBA’s balanced offense and strong defensive play proved too much for RFH to overcome.
Key Players Shine in Christian Brothers’ Victory
Junior guard Charlie Marcoullier led CBA with 10 points, while Gavin Marlin contributed 9 points to the winning effort. For RFH, junior Luke Cruz stood out with a game-high 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Turning Point: Christian Brothers’ Third Quarter Surge
CBA broke away in the third quarter, extending their lead to 29-19 with crucial plays from Kevin Pikiell, Justin Fuerbacher, and Gavin Marlin. This momentum shift proved decisive in securing the victory.
Road to Glory: Christian Brothers Aims to Reclaim Shore Conference Crown
CBA’s win puts them one step closer to breaking their 15-year championship drought1. The Colts, who dominated the Shore Conference from 1984 to 2010, are eager to reclaim their former glory.
Quote from CBA Coach (Geoff Billet)
“Our team showed great resilience and focus tonight. We’re excited about the opportunity to compete for the championship on Friday.”
What’s Next: Shore Conference Tournament Final
CBA (19-3) will face St. Rose in the SCT final on Friday. The championship game promises to be an exciting conclusion to this year’s tournament.
Social Media Buzz
Follow the excitement on social media:
- X: @CBABasketball
- Instagram:@cba_hoops
Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to the Shore Conference Tournament!
Rumson Fair Haven over Red Bank Regional
Rumson-Fair Haven Triumphs Over Red Bank Regional in SCT Quarterfinals Thriller
In a nail-biting Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinal, Rumson-Fair Haven secured a 51-44 victory against Red Bank Regional. The sixth-seeded Bulldogs avenged their earlier season loss, advancing to the SCT semifinals.
Rumson’s Revenge: Bulldogs Outplay Red Bank Regional
Carson Memmott led Rumson-Fair Haven with a stellar double-double performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His dominant presence on both ends of the court proved crucial in the Bulldogs’ success.
Luke Cruz contributed significantly, adding 14 points to the Bulldogs’ tally. David Carr chipped in with 8 points, while Luke Lydon scored 7 points for Rumson-Fair Haven.
Red Bank Regional’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, Red Bank Regional fought hard throughout the game. Ryan Fisher led the Bucs with an impressive 18-point performance. Zayier Dean also made a significant contribution, scoring 11 points for Red Bank Regional.
Rumson Red Bank Regional Rivalry: A Tale of Redemption
This victory was particularly sweet for Rumson-Fair Haven, as it avenged their previous loss to Red Bank Regional on February 4. The Bulldogs have now won four consecutive games, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Looking Ahead: Rumson’s Path to SCT Glory
With this win, Rumson-Fair Haven (17-5) advances to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming matchup as they continue their quest for the SCT title.
Fans can follow Rumson-Fair Haven’s journey on X and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
St. Rose Defeats Central Regional
St. Rose Boys Dominate Central Regional in Shore Conference Tournament Showdown
The St. Rose boys basketball team showcased their prowess in a commanding 73-51 victory over Central Regional in the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals. This thrilling matchup between St. Rose and Central Regional demonstrated the Purple Roses’ determination to defend their title.
St. Rose’s Stellar Second Half Performance
St. Rose’s offense ignited in the second half, outscoring Central Regional 40-21. The Purple Roses’ aggressive play and sharp shooting proved too much for their opponents to handle.
Jayden Hodge, St. Rose’s standout junior, led the charge with an impressive 25-point performance. He also contributed 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 5 steals, showcasing his all-around skills.
“Everybody wants to beat us, because we’re the defending champs,” Hodge remarked. “We have to play better from the jump; we can’t just play good for 16 minutes. That’s not always going to work.”
Central Regional’s Valiant Effort
Despite the loss, Central Regional fought hard throughout the game. Jaycen Santucci led his team with 21 points and 5 steals, demonstrating his offensive and defensive capabilities.
Key Players Shine in St. Rose vs Central Regional Clash
Several St. Rose players made significant contributions to the win:
- Evan Romano scored 13 points, including a crucial 28-foot three-pointer at the end of the third quarter.
- Tyler Cameron added 10 points and 7 rebounds.
- Bryan Ebeling facilitated the offense with 6 assists.
Looking Ahead: St. Rose’s Path to SCT Glory
With this victory, St. Rose advances to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming matchup against Manasquan.
Coach Brian Lynch emphasized the importance of defensive effort: “If you play tough defense, sometimes there is better offense.”
As St. Rose continues their quest to defend their SCT title, fans can follow the team’s progress on X and Instagram.
St.Rose beats Central Regional – Highlights