AAU PREVIEW: CJ Hawks 2027 Caverly HGPL

AAU basketball is getting warmed up and before you know it, the April live period will arrive (4/25-4/27)! Let's break down this always ultra competitive squad and find out who may have a big summer ahead!   Juliette Gomes   Last season with this team was a learning moment for Juliette. She experienced really tough competition, especially in Kentucky at Roses, and did a great job finding her role as a guard who can do a little bit of everything. If she can continue to build on that, it could pay dividends moving forward when AAU sizzles in July. Look for a developed 3-point shot and confidence running the fast break.   [player_tooltip player_id='651506' first='Cat' last='Caro']   Cat made huge strides since this time last year. In her sophomore season of HS hoops, she made people notice her game by playing committed on both sides of the ball. Often the smallest guard in the game, she does a great job getting after it on the glass and pulling down rebounds. She also has developed a great eye for dishing to cutting teammates; notable improvement in her court vision.   [player_tooltip player_id='959826' first='Lily' last='DeRose']   If Lily shows up with the same aggressive scoring mentality from this last HS season, she will really tally the points for this team. With dangerous 3-point accuracy, she's a problem both stepping into a 3 and off the catch and shoot. And although a proven scorer, she's not one-dimensional. Something quite admirable about her game is the fact that she never takes a play off. She'll score a bucket and get right back on defense to try and get a stop.   [player_tooltip player_id='835903' first='Linsey' last='Cribbin']   Linsey's all-court game might just give opponents fits this Spring! She's a scorer first and foremost but comes complete with fearless rebounding from the guard spot and a knack for feeding her teammates with well-place passes. When it comes to scoring, she's particular dangerous shooting the straightaway 3.   Gabrielle Rapisarda   Gabrielle saw big varsity minutes this season and certainly made the most of the experience. She was a defensive anchor for Freehold Borough, an important role that will be huge for the Hawks. Whether it was blocks, steal or even crucial defensive boards, she got after it! If she can defend and protect the rim at a high level without racking up fouls quickly, she could be a total game-changer!   [player_tooltip player_id='1051811' first='Mattilyn' last='Caffiero']   Matti's work ethic is impressive. Whether she's weight training or running through drills in the gym, you can expect nothing than FULL THROTTLE at all times. She's a disciplined defender who prides herself on disrupting anything the opponent has set up. She's up for the task when her number is called!   Charlie Malizia-Bowden   Rebounding could be the name of the game for Charlie. If she can pull down big boards on either side, it will make a huge difference: o-boards for put-backs or kick-out passes; defensive boards for outlet passes to a sprinting guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='651512' first='Olivia' last='Batchelor']   Liv's picked up the intensity from a year ago and it's surely paid off. She's coming off a HS season that saw renewed confidence, especially on defense. The small guard was assertive blocking shots and sneaky swiping steals. She's developing a great all-court game that has seen her produce in statistical categories across the board.   [player_tooltip player_id='651493' first='Grace' last='Heims']   I pulled up to a game at St. Rose this past winter and had the pleasure of watching Grace do work in JV! She took me by surprise with her aggressive style of play! She beamed with confidence! She looks like a totally different player than the one I scouted last summer. She looks tougher, quicker and her shot selection has greatly improved. She could end up being one of the best players on the team by the time the July live period rolls around.   Emma Lynn   Emma's a quiet worker who is flying under the radar right now… and it isn't necessarily a bad thing! I'm confident she'll surprise many people who may not be familiar with her game. She's developing a reliable 3-point shot that with continued work, can be a legitimate threat going forward. Emma is one to keep a close eye on!   The Hawks open play at the NJ Warmup in Manalapan on April 12-13, followed by the NJ Showcase in Neptune on April 18-19 and Spooky Nook for the April live period on April 25-27.

AAU basketball is getting warmed up and before you know it, the April live period will arrive (4/25-4/27)! Let's break down this always ultra competitive squad and find out who may have a big summer ahead!