SSI 2024-2025 Girls Basketball Most Improved Team
Doug Brustman contributed to this post.
SSI 2024-2025 Most Improved Team
Most Improved Player of the Year
Vanessa Haas, Senior; Point Pleasant Boro
Haas led a group of seniors that turned around the fortunes of the Panthers, going from a 14-11 record a year ago to an astounding 23-4 this season and a Class B Central title. Haas, who is committed to Rowan, scored a career-high 28 points in a comeback victory over Jackson Memorial this season.
2023-2024 Stats: 9.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.9 SPG
2024-2025 Stats: 14.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 2.4 SPG
Most Improved Team
BellaRose Marino, Junior; Howell
Merino developed a more all-around game this season. Relied on more for her outside shooting last season, Merino was able to drive to the basket and hit the mid range jump shot this season. One of her best games offensively came against Manasquan when she scored a game-high 19 points.
2023-2024 Stats: 6.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG
2024-2025 Stats: 9.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.2 SPG
BellaRose Marino going to the basket against Manasquan on 2/4/25. Photo by Tom Smith
Grace Crowley, Senior; Toms River East
Crowley not only expanded her individual game this season, but she led a group of non-experienced underclassmen, as well as group of talented freshman, to a 20-8 record and a Class A South Championship.
2023-2034 Stats: 6.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.2 SPG
2024-2025 Stats: 9.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 3.7 SPG
Olivia Stillwell, Junior; New Egypt
Stillwell led a seamless transition for the Warriors to the Shore Conference, and displayed a world of talent against stronger competition. Stillwell scored 30 or more points in two games and scored 20 or more points in six games this season.
2023-2024 Stats: 9.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, .3 APG, 1.0 SPG
2024-2025 Stats: 15.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.8 SPG
Brooklynn Bell, Junior; Lacey
Bell made a major leap from her Sophomore season to her Junior season, averaging a double-double this year, and was a major part of turning around the Lions from an 11-14 record last season to a 17-11 record this season.
2023-2024 Stats: 7.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.0 BPG
2024-2025 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 10 RPG, 3.1 BPG
Bridget Rigney, Junior; Trinity Hall
Rigney took over a tough spot for the Monarchs this year, filling in for all-world graduate Nina Emnace, and did a great job as the floor leader for a team that won three more games than last season. Rigney 4scored a career-high 13 points against Rutgers Prep this season and scored 10 points against Manasquan in the Shore Conference Tournament.
2023-2024 Stats: 2.7 PPG, .7 RPG, .25 APG, .6 SPG
2024-2025 Stats: 7.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 2.2 SPG
Bridget Rigney finished with 10 points against Manasquan in the SCT quarterfinal round at Holmdel High School. Photo by Tom Smith
