2025 Jersey Shore Basketball League Regular Season Awards

The Jersey Shore Basketball League’s 57th regular season concluded this past week. The 2025 JSBL Awards were voted on by a panel of this year’s JSBL staff and Shore Sports Insider. All players were required to play in at least 50% of the eight regular season games in order to be eligible for an award.

 

1st Team All-JSBL

Most Valuable Player

Jakari Spence, 6-2, Guard, Sterns Trailer

2025 Stats: 38.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 60.5% FG, 39.4% 3PT, 81.8% FT

When Jakari Spence last played in the JSBL back in 2023, he fulfilled the role of a defensive stopper and secondary scorer alongside the superstar tandem of Shavar Reynolds and Myles Cale on an undefeated Sterns Trailer team. With those guys no longer in the league and his final two seasons of college basketball in the rear view mirror, Spence has emerged as not only the top offensive weapon on the team, but also in the entire league. The spacing provided by the NBA three point line and defensive three second rule has helped allow the league’s best slasher to thrive. There are very few players that can stay in front of Spence and even less players capable of providing adequate rim protection against his strong finishing ability as evidenced by his 60.5% field goal percentage and league leading 44 free throw attempts. Sagging off to play the drive has its consequences too as Spence finished an elite 39.4% from NBA three point range.

A quality starting point guard at both Monmouth and Jacksonville, Spence’s style of play might be built better for the professional game. The former Toms River North product signed his first professional contract to play for Rotterdam City Basketball in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is apart of the BNXT League comprised of the top teams in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Spence will be unavailable for the first round of the playoffs due to suspension as a result of being ejected for arguing with an official in the final regular season game.

Defensive Player of the Year

Jared Kimbrough, 6-8, Forward, ACI/Robin’s Nest

2025 Stats: 22.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, 63.8% FG

The top big man and two way player in the league this season, Jared Kimbrough’s game has elevated to an entirely different level this season due to his decision to play more aggressively on the offensive end of the floor. Kimbrough is a mismatch on the offensive end with a combination of raw power and the finesse of a guard. He is at his best when he makes the decision to finish hard at the rim with a dunk attempt which usually winds up being two points or two free throw attempts. Defensively, Kimbrough was the only player in the league to finish with double-digit blocks and steals. Beyond the statistics, he altered far more shots than he blocked as one of the league’s top rim protectors and he is one of the few big men in the league that can play effective perimeter defenses when caught on switches with smaller, quicker guards.

The Hartford alumnus and former Neptune forward will travel to Finland for his next professional season as a member of Kataja BC. Kataja BC plays in the Korisliiga which is the highest tier league in Finland.

Justin Robinson, 5-8, Guard, Sea View Jeep

2025 Stats: 34.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 2.2 steals, 41.2% FG, 83.3% FT

Far from his best season at the Jersey Shore, the Monmouth legend still put together a strong season that the majority of players would envy. Robinson nearly averaged a triple-double and kept his turnovers at a minimum despite an extremely high usage rate. Even with his outside shot not falling much this summer, Robinson still possesses an elite first step, quickness, and body control to consistently finish at the basket. He remains a pest on defense capable of picking up ball handlers in the back court and forcing turnovers. Robinson has already accomplished virtually everything he possibly can statistically in the JSBL so with three championships already under his belt, his eyes will be on earning a 4th championship which would put him just one behind Jersey Shore legends Marvin Andrews, Kelly Tripucka, Bob Verga, and Mike Vreeswyk for the most titles in league history.

Fresh off an appearance in the TBT playing on Elite Nation, Robinson has not yet announced his plans for his next professional season.

Kevin Mateo, 6-1, Guard, Sterns Trailer

2025 Stats: 22.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.3 steals, 44.7% FG, 35.1% 3PT, 71.4% FT

The former NJCAA Player of the Year and national champion from Brookdale would likely be the primary scorer on the majority of teams, but with the season Spence has been having Mateo has been relegated to a number two option. For Sterns Trailer, that one-two scoring punch has resulted in a regular season championship and the top-seed in the playoffs. Mateo has one of the best pull up jump shots in the league as he is capable of shooting from as far as 30 feet from the basket while also being effective in the mid-range. When Spence was ejected in the regular season championship game, it was Mateo who took over as the primary scorer, finishing with 40 points. Mateo has really improved as a willing defender this season as he led the league in steals in the regular season and managed to get under the skin of a few of the top scorers in the league with his tight defense.

The Hackensack native has not yet announced his plans for his next professional season. Mateo had a strong showing in the Rise & Grind Tour in South Africa.

Andre Wells, 6-0, Guard, WCT Warriors

2025 Stats: 23.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.4 steals, 60.9% FG, 39.1% 3PT, 76.7% FT

The speedy national championship winning guard at Brookdale who earned honorable mention All-NJAC honors at William Paterson has improved every year he has been in the league. A blur with the ball in his hands, Wells is possibly the best fast break player in the league. Even in the half court, Wells rarely settles for jumpers despite a strong outside shooting percentage preferring to drive into the teeth of the defense and score or create opportunities for his teammates. Despite being on the last place team, Wells was a key player in both of his team’s victories and he kept his team in a handful games that they would not have been in without him.

The former Matawan star is currently pursuing his first professional opportunity.

 

2nd Team All-JSBL

Newcomer of the Year

Josh Treadwell, 6-5, Guard, Intern Helpers

2025 Stats: 22.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 51.7% FG, 44.5% 3PT, 94.7% FT

The former Coppin State product has been a standout in his first season playing down at the Jersey Shore. Treadwell would likely have been a 1st team selection if he played in more than the minimum of four games required to be included. In his four games, Intern Helpers have yet to lose including a tight win over ACI/Robin’s Nest where Treadwell hit the game winner on a turnaround jump shot from mid-range. Treadwell’s experience in the professional game is evident with his patience and demeanor on the court. He has one of the most complete one-on-one skill sets in the league, but he does not force the action instead making the right basketball play.

The Newark native has indicated that he plans to go back overseas in September, but has not yet announced what country or league he will be playing in.

Leon Daniels, 6-5, Guard, Intern Helpers

2025 Stats: 22.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals, 45.4% FG, 77.8% FT

The former Alabama State guard has been another strong addition for the Intern Helpers franchise. An extremely athletic two way guard, Daniels has been a menace on the defensive end and a strong driver and finisher in transition and in the half court. His aggressive 94-feet defensive intensity sets the tone for his team as they are at the top of the league when it comes to forcing turnovers and scoring off turnovers. Daniels is capable of getting to the basket at will and when he starts hitting jumpers, he becomes almost impossible to guard.

The Atlantic City native is seeking another opportunity either overseas or in the TBL.

Dwaine Jones, 6-5, Guard, ACI/Robin’s Nest

2025 Stats: 18.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 48.8% FG

The crafty and quick standout lefty guard out of the University of Charleston is the primary facilitator on the team with arguably the best ball movement in the league. Jones has a deep array of moves off the dribble and can finish from a variety of angles at the rim. His chemistry with Kimbrough is particularly impressive as he is able to dump the ball off to the big man for dunks even when it appears he is not looking in his direction. Jones was one of the closest players to earning a 1st team nod. If his jumper starts falling more consistently in the playoffs, his team can be a legitimate threat to make a run to the championship.

The former Neptune star has indicated that he holds a few professional contract offers, and he plans to decide in the upcoming weeks.

Chris Brady, 6-10, Center, Sea View Jeep

2025 Stats: 20.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 49.3% FG, 90.9% FT

One of the few true centers in the league, the former Monmouth standout is a dominant force inside. It is very possible that he would have been a 1st team selection if he played more than the four game minimum. Brady won the league’s rebounding average title for the second summer in a row. His shooting numbers have been a bit down relative to where they usually are since his outside shot has not been falling, but he remains a strong interior scorer. Not many teams have a player that can handle Brady when he gets the ball on the block so he remains in the upper echelon of front court players in the league.

Brady played professionally with San German this past season in Puerto Rico, but he has not yet announced his plans for next year.

Jalen Gaffney, 6-3, Guard, Sterns Trailer

2025 Stats: 14.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.3 steals, 45.7% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 84.0% FT

Probably the most underrated player in the league relative to his statistics, Gaffney has been the glue to Sterns Trailer the past two seasons. An extremely unselfish player on offense, he could be a top scorer on many of the teams in the league. Gaffney often defers to other top players on his team and allows the game to come to him. Defensively, he often draws the responsibility of guarding the other team’s best player. He is also a strong rebounder for his position and has very good assist numbers despite not being one of the primary creators with the ball in his hands on offense. Gaffney does not always have impressive statistics, but he has a strong impact on winning games for the top team in the league.

The former Florida Atlantic guard played in North Macedonia last season, but has not yet announced his professional plans for the upcoming season.

 

3rd Team All-JSBL

Parker Dortch, 6-7, Forward, Sterns Trailer

2025 Stats: 17.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 53.8% FG, 70.4% FT

Another of Sterns Trailer’s very reliable players that contributes in every phase of the game, Parker Dortch is integral as a switchable big man that can guard five positions and as a versatile four that can be a physical presence on defense and a face-up scorer on offense. He was not far off from averaging a double-double on the league’s top team. Dortch was absent in Sterns Trailer’s last two games and while they were victorious in both, it could be a big loss nonetheless if they do not have him in uniform for the playoffs.

The former Northern Burlington star played for the Jersey Shore Breaks last season, but has yet to announce any plans for the upcoming season.

Christian Lyons, 6-6, Forward, Intern Helpers

2025 Stats: 19.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, 64.9% FG

If there was an award for the most exciting player in the league, Lyons would likely be the favorite due to the vast amount of highlight reel dunks he throws down each game. Still, the former Gloucester CC forward has been able to show off a far more well-rounded game this season as he is surrounded by a much better team this summer. Lyons has operated as a rim-running undersized big man on offense and displayed immense ability finishing above the rim. His athleticism is difficult for bigger, slower players to guard, and he is far too strong and too high of a leaper for most guards to handle. His defense, particularly as a weak side rim protector, has been very good this year.

The Pennsauken native played with the Jersey Shore Breaks last year, but has not yet announced his plans for the upcoming season.

Gio Panzini, 6-5, Forward, ACI/Robin’s Nest

2025 Stats: 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 53.3% FG

Another player whose statistics do not do his impact justice, Panzini has been the glue guy on a strong ACI/Robin’s Nest team. Panzini is probably the second biggest human highlight reel in the league behind Lyons when it comes to finishing dunks above the rim. In a league where college players typically get pushed around by the more physically developed professional players, Panzini more than holds his own and it shows in his rebounding numbers and his quality defensive play. The Cornell forward is one of only two players still in college to make an All-JSBL team. His potential going forward in the Ivy League and at the Jersey Shore is immense.

The Spring Lake native who earned 1st Team All-Shore honors on a state championship winning St. Rose team is heading into his sophomore season at Cornell where he is expected to be a key contributor. Panzini will miss the playoffs since his Cornell team is taking an international trip to Spain.

Kyle Cardaci, 6-2, Guard, RKE Athletic

2025 Stats: 26.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 39.8% FG, 34.8% 3PT

Cardaci’s shooting numbers dipped a bit in a poor outing in his last appearance, but if you want to gauge his impact on RKE Athletic look no further than the team’s 1-3 record since he left for the TBT million dollar tournament. When he departed, the team was 3-1 and tied for 1st place. The prior season, the team was 10-1 with him in uniform. One of the better shooters to play at the Jersey Shore in recent years, Cardaci requires extra defensive attention due to his ability to shoot from distance and off the dribble with minimal space. The threat of his outside shooting causes defensive breakdowns and opens up the lane for the rest of the team to operate. He is also very underrated driving to the basket and finishing off the dribble as well as a physical, strong defender.

The Holmdel native who earned All-Shore honors at Mater Dei Prep back in high school played professionally for Zornotza in Spain last season, but has yet to announce his plans for the upcoming season. He is currently a key contributor for Shell Shock in the TBT where his team is just three wins away from the million dollar prize. His playoff availability will be dependent on his team’s results in the next round.

Jinup Dobuol, 6-8, Forward, WCT Warriors

2025 Stats: 23.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, 43.2% FG, 100% FT

The Monmouth transfer showed off a ton of potential in his first season at the Jersey Shore. A high volume player, Dobuol put up some very high scoring and rebounding numbers. With a little more efficiency, he could have been on 2nd team. Still, the 2nd year college player was one of the best players on the youngest team in the league and made some exceptional plays above the rim and blocking shots with help side defense. His length and quickness affords him a ton of potential as a mismatch wing, and he could be a big pickup in West Long Branch.

The Minnesota native transferred from Portland to Monmouth where it is possible he could receive a redshirt from his freshman year due to only playing three games and have four years of eligibility going forward.

 

More Awards

Coach of the Year

Randy Holmes, Intern Helpers

6-2 record, 2nd Place (Regular Season)

Possibly the easiest pick for any of the awards, Randy Holmes earned Coach of the Year after a season in which he inherited last year’s winless Intern Helpers, completely retooled the roster, and coached them to a 6-2 record which was good enough to finish 2nd in the league during the regular season. The only returning player that Holmes brought back this season was Chris Smith who he coached at Lakewood growing up. He built the team with several players from the Jersey Shore Breaks professional team including Smith, Christian Lyons, Ray Salnave, Charles Funchess, Brandon Alexander, and Emmett Hall as well as several other TBL professionals. Intern Helpers’ style of play was similar to many of Holmes’ legendary Lakewood High School teams with a fast-paced and exciting tempo, aggressive full-court man-to-man defense, and physicality.

After winning over 300 games at Lakewood, Holmes coached Jackson Memorial last season. He will coach Jackson Township High School next season after the merger between Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty. He will likely coach the Jersey Shore Breaks again next season at the conclusion of the high school season. Holmes, who also played in the league after a storied career at Saint Peter’s College, will seek to become one of the rare coaches to win a JSBL title in their first season.

Most Improved Player

Zayier Dean, 5-10, Guard, Larson Ford

2025 Stats: 17.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 38.9% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 70.5% FT

The recent Red Bank Regional graduate played in the league the last two seasons, but was often an end-of-the-bench player as a high school player in a league full of professionals and college players. In his minimal time on the court, Dean struggled to make an impact against players much bigger and more experienced. In his third season, Dean was finally entrusted with a bigger role and he showed a ton of improvement. His quick release off the dribble as well as ability to make plays off the pick and roll were particularly impressive for the young player. His quickness, work-ethic, and defensive fundamentals allowed him to make plays on defense.

Last year’s 1st Team All-Shore guard out of Red Bank will attend Western Texas College, a Division 1 Junior College. With more development at the college level, it will be interesting to see how his game evolves over the next two years. Dean is likely to miss the playoffs due to a minor ankle injury.