2024 Shore Conference Stock Risers Pt. 1
We are nearing the halfway point of the 2021-22 New Jersey high school girls basketball season, so now is as good of a time as ever to talk about some up-and-coming prospects in the state. In the first part of this series, here are some stock risers in the Shore Conference from the 2024 class.
Siobhan Stapleton – 6-0 PF/C, Trinity Hall
Stapleton has shown consistent improvement from the forward position and her defense has elevated her game tremendously. She’s been more agile and aware this season, which has greatly contributed to her overall success on the floor. Stapleton is playing more aggressively on the offensive end, pushing the tempo and going up strong at the rim. She finishes with flare and with ease and she’s improved greatly from the foul line.
Conley Smolokoff – SF, Shore Regional
Smolokoff didn’t play the first four games of the season, but since her first game action of the year, she’s been a force for Shore. Her playing time has significantly increased this season and her confidence and composure has improved as a result. Smolokoff has found her stride as a forward, rebounding at a higher rate, find more ways to score around the basket and playing a much better brand of defense.
Cassidy Brown – 5-4 PG, Middletown South
Brown has improved greatly as a scorer this season after a bench role as a freshman. She’s been one of Middletown South’s main starters and it’s paid off dividends for her as she’s become a more poised player running the point. Brown is a scorer and a facilitator, more often than not finding scoring opportunities inside the perimeter. She can shoot from the perimeter, but is much more effective in the paint. Her defense has improved tremendously over the past year as well.
Yana Shupak – 5-5 PG/SG, Toms River East
Shupak is an exciting outside shooter to take a look at. She’s come out of nowhere as a spot-up shooter and operates best off-ball. That off-ball movement has allowed her to get more open looks from three. Shupak has worked tirelessly on her passing and her defense, which her perimeter defense is stellar. She’s more nimble and quick on her feet and that’s contributed to many more caused turnovers. This guard is becoming an all-around stud for Toms River East.
Skylar Soltis – 6-3 C, Southern Regional
Soltis is someone who is growing into their frame. Already standing at 6-3, she’s taken full advantage of her height advantage on the glass and on defense. She’s an excellent shot-blocker, but lucky blocks are turning into more confident blocks as she gets her feet under her. Her offense is turning the corner as well. While her rebounding and defense are what she’s been known for to date, watch out for her offense to be an additional dimension to her game.
Raquel Guidetti – 5-8 SG/PG, Ranney
Guidetti has followed up her freshman season with a fantastic start to her sophomore year, showing she’s one of the best pure scorers in the Shore Conference. She scores with ease and attacks the rim with a ferocity rarely seen amongst other sophomores. Along with that, she’s become a more consistent shooter outside of the paint, adding a solid midrange game and impressive perimeter shooting. Her defense is underrated overall, but her court awareness has allowed her to force bad shots and possessions for her opponents.