SSI 2024-2025 Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive Team
Riley Joyce grabbing a rebound against Manasquan at the Boardwalk Showcase at Georgian Court. Photo by Tom Smith
Defensive Player of the Year
Riley Joyce, Junior, Red Bank Regional
Riley Joyce was always assigned the hardest assignments on the defensive side of the ball for Red Bank Regional. Joyce’s high IQ makes her a great off the ball defender as well as on the ball defender. She finished in top three in the Shore Conference with 87 steals and had 7 steals in two games this season. If you watch any of RBR’s games, you will notice Joyce is similar to a pesky fly that won’t leave the defender alone.
All-Defensive Team
Shannon Heine, Senior, Manasquan
Heine can defend out on the perimeter and inside against opponents with a strong inside game. Heine was not afraid to play physical and played a big part in Manasquan beating St. Rose in both meetings to win Class A Central.
Senior Shannon Heine playing against RBR in the Boardwalk Showcase at Georgian Court University on 1/12/25. Photo by Tom Smith
Shea Donnelly, Senior, Manasquan
Donnelly is another Manasquan player who can guard opponents on the outside and in the paint. Donnelly does a great job getting her hands in the passing lane to create fast break points either for herself or her teammates.
Shea Donnelly scored 20 points against Howell on 2/4/25. Photo by Tom Smith
Ashley Smith, Senior, Howell
No player dives on the floor more than Smith did for Howell. One of the best perimeter defenders in the Shore Conference, Smith used her speed and physical play to disrupt the opponents offense. She would also be assigned opposing teams best guards every game.
Ashley Smith going for a lay-up against Manasquan at Manasquan High School. Photo by Tom Smith
Cassidy Kruesi, Senior, St. Rose
A name that is no stranger to the All-Defensive team, Kruesi has been one of the best perimeter defenders the last three seasons. She is another defender who has no problem playing physical defense and has a habit of nagging ball handlers.
Cassidy Kruesi finished with 17 points against Howell in the SCT quarterfinal round at Holmdel High School on 2/15/25. Photo by Tom Smith
Erin Frauenheim, Senior, Point Beach
Frauenheim has been an offensive weapon her first three seasons for Point Beach, but this year she was a defensive force as well. She finished second in the Shore Conference in steals with 83, but also was trouble inside for opponents with 58 blocks
