By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on Twitter
Team: St. Rose
Ranking: 6th
Record Last season: 27-4
Key players: Brynn Farrell, junior
Makayla Andrews, junior
Lauren Lithgow, senior
Potential emerging stars: Abby Antogonoi, sophomore
Samantha Mikos, Senior
Team analysis: While St. Rose has graduated a deep class of senior players this past summer, this new group of players have the talent to be as good, if not better, than last years team.
Two of the reasons many people are so excited about St. Rose are the additions of two players to the roster via transfer in Makalya Andrews (from Neptune,) and Brynn Farell (from Metuchen.) Andrews is an amazing defender with great length and athleticism. The junior guard finishes well in traffic and has a sweet mid range game. Farrell is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state. The junior wing has amazing range on her jumper. Brynn attacks the rim with reckless abandon and has flawless footwork.
Two players returning from last years roster that will have a major role are Lauren Lithgow and and Abby Antognoli. Lithgow is one of the best kept secrets in the state. The Army commit can do it all. Lithgow has great range on her jumper and is very crafty when finishing near the rim. Antognoli is going to be a household name in the New Jersey girls basketball scene in a couple years. Abby is a pure point guard. The sensational sophomore plays with great pace. She can score when needed but does a great job controlling and running the offense. Senior Samantha Mikos is in for a very solid season. She can defend multiple positions defensively and play numerous positions offensively. She will be a big role to their success this year.
The team will also have their coach Mary Beth Chambers on the sidelines. Coach Chambers is one of the most well respected coaches in the game. She knows her stuff. St. Rose has the talent to make a serious push at the Shore Championship and a T.O.C. run.
Stat to know: Coach Mary Beth Chambers will be back on the sidelines this year.
St. Rose was the Non-Public A Champions and reached the Tournament of Champions for the first time since 2015 last year.