Takeaways from Jersey Live

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Getting a look at some of NJ's rising seniors, incoming freshmen and everyone in between, the scholastic live period event held at Montgomery High School was THE PLACE TO BE this past weekend! Some of the state's top teams and players all converged under one roof to duke it out and give a glimpse of what's to come this winter. With my notepad in hand, my head as on a constant swivel as I bounced around all three courts packed with action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='651496' first='Ashley' last='Kreiger'] | Ranney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>HER STOCK IS RISING</em></strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against Bishop Eustace, Ashley imposed her will from the jump and dominated. She had opponents thinking twice before entering her space in the paint out of fear of rejection. What makes her so dangerous is her mobility and versatility for a player her size (6'3"). She floats across the court effortlessly, keeping up with quick guards. Offensively, not only is she a formidable post presence, but she's also a threat from the perimeter with her ability to pop from the mid-range and stretch out behind the arc confidently. Expect a jump in her ranking come the next update!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964995' first='Gianna' last='Mattia'] | Franklin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>FIRST IMPRESSION THOUGHTS</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was the first time I saw Gianna play live and in-person... and I was pleasantly surprised! She did a great job running the floor and never looking gassed or run down. Her intensity on the dribble drive saw her get to the rim at will and finish smoothly. What really stood out was her commitment to locking down on defense. Suffocating on-ball defender; quick rotations off the ball to stay with her man. Very dependable on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414422' first='Mia' last='Semioli'] | Chatham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>THE GIRL WITH THE DEEP BAG </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her IQ is off the charts as is the loaded arsenal she decimates opponents with. Mia gave Cardinal O'Hara (PA) and St. Rose fits at NJ Live! Whether flying through the lane and scooping to the hoop or pulling up from 18-22 feet, she got big time buckets! At a long 5'10", she knows how to extend over and around opponents without getting called for the foul and uses every bit of that length to make things happen on both ends. She plays calm, cool and collected basketball all while dominating. It's this silent assassin-like demeanor that makes her stand out from the rest!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333337' first='Grace' last='Love'] | Manasquan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>RISING SENIOR, EMERGING THREAT</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She showed flashes of excellence with her two-way game by being a knockdown 3-point shooter and stout on-ball defender. If given even just a centimeter of space, she can be devastating from outside... and was, especially against Paterson Eastside! She kept a sturdy base and stayed grounded around the rim to send back shots and deter opponents from getting too close. It's always great to see a player continue to elevate their game as the year go on, and Grace may just be in for her biggest season yet as a senior. I don't anticipate this momentum dying down anytime soon!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835251' first='Jianni' last='Dickson'] | Paterson Eastside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>SHE WANTS ALL THE SMOKE!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most physical players of the weekend, Jianni showed that she ducks smoke from no one! Her grit, tenacity and undeniable fight was something to marvel at! While she made things happen on offense, it was her defensive prowess that stood out most to me. She battled and scrapped for 50/50 balls, totally unafraid to get on the floor and fight for possession. She stood firm to try and get the charge call on her opponent, sacrificing her body in the process. Her motor never once died down and she mad esure her presence was firmly felt. I wouldn't be surprised if several bruises covered her body the next day because she was THAT RELENTLESS! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->