EJ’s Shore Conference Underrated Starting 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Put a little more respect on these five! They're coming out this season guns blazing, ready to show everyone exactly what they're capable of in the ever-competitive Shore Conference. You'll want to know these names and keep close tabs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201476' first='Lucy' last='Eibeler'] | Ranney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fifth leading scorer last season as a freshman, Lucy is now set to take on a leadership role in a new-look Panthers squad. The four leaders ahead of her (and four others) have all departed, including [Westtown transfer] [player_tooltip player_id='651496' first='Ashley' last='Kreiger']. She played her best against some of the toughest teams on the schedule, including 15 points vs Point Pleasant Boro and [a season-high] 17 points in just the third game of her career. She showed strengths in 3-point shooting and defense-to-offense conversion, with a solid two-way game that could grow into one of the Conference's best in the coming years. Her defense never took a night off, averaging just over 1.0 SPG and applying pressure full-court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268591' first='Kaylee' last='Ambos'] | Jackson Memorial</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaylee is someone you don't want to see open from 3, if you're the opponent. In three years, the tricky southpaw sank eighty-three triples and proved to be clutch in big moments. Her junior year was her best yet, tallying double-figures in five games, including tying a career-high 12 points vs St. Rose in January and again in February vs Northern Burlington. She's worked on her shot furiously over the years and added some pop and quickness to her release. She'll be thrust into a larger role this season with the departure of leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='831948' first='Cali' last='Brown'], and there's no doubt in my mind she's ready for it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='651477' first='Lissy' last='Lyons'] | St. John Vianney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lissy was one of the state's biggest stock risers of the summer with standout performances week after week. She led the way with versatility on both sides of the ball, scoring and defending inside and out. Playing on a loaded SJV roster, she hasn't yet had the chance to fully spread her wings and show everyone what she's about. Her domination with United NJ really put her on the radar of so many scouts across the country, amplifying her profile heading into her junior year. On almost any other team in the state, Lissy would've not only been a 2-year starter, but probably also a 1,000-point scorer. Sometimes stats don't tell the full story of just how talented and special a player is!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913962' first='Claire' last='Gillespie'] | Holmdel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hovering around 6'0", Claire certainly made an impact in the post during Year 1 at Holmdel. Lone senior and menacing 6'4" F/C Mackenzie Teevan accounted for most of the scoring, rebounding and shot blocking a season ago. With her now at Holy Cross, CG will look to fill the void and tally some big numbers when her sophomore campaign gets rolling. She already has a knack for reading the ball off the rim and pulling down the rebound, something she'll continue to build on. Her defense is slept on and consists of more than just rim protection. When she stretches the floor and defends the perimeter, she's locked in on disrupting the passing lanes and picking off passes. In fact, she led the Hornets in steals at 2.1 SPG! She could emerge as one of the best 4's in the Shore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='871388' first='Emma' last='Christensen'] | Central Regional</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You wouldn't think she was 5'10" by looking at her stats on paper. Emma holds her own in the post against players much taller, averaging nearly a double-double at 10.9 PPG &amp; 9.9 RPG. Her grit and desire to be effective is something that doesn't go unnoticed. She does such a great job anchoring inside defensively and shutting down the lanes for those looking to drive inside. Her ability to play a steady all-court game while commanding the 4/5 for her team is quite impressive and deserves notoriety. Now a senior and with the graduation of six players from last season, her role will be the biggest its ever been.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->