Shore Conference Girls Basketball Honors Announced for 2025-26 Season

Addy Nyemchek named Player of the Year, Nick Russo earns Coach of the Year as Red Bank Catholic claims Team of the Year

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:05am

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The 2025-26 New Jersey high school girls basketball season in the Shore Conference has come to a close, with several major awards and honors announced. Addy Nyemchek of Red Bank Catholic was named the Player of the Year after leading her team to a second straight Shore Conference Tournament title and Non-Public A state championship. Colts Neck's Nick Russo was selected as the Coach of the Year, guiding his young squad to a division title and Central Group 3 crown. Red Bank Catholic was recognized as the Team of the Year, finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the state with a 30-2 record.

Why it matters

The Shore Conference is one of the most competitive girls basketball leagues in New Jersey, producing top talent and championship-caliber teams year after year. These postseason awards highlight the standout players, coaches, and programs that rose to the top in the 2025-26 campaign.

The details

Addy Nyemchek, a senior at Red Bank Catholic, was named the Shore Conference Player of the Year after averaging 19.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.0 steals per game. She became the Caseys' all-time leading scorer, surpassing 2008 graduate Kristina Danella's record of 1,771 points. Nyemchek, an Indiana commit, was also selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game and was named the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year. Under veteran coach Joe Montano, Red Bank Catholic won its second straight Shore Conference Tournament title and Non-Public A state championship, finishing the year ranked No. 1 in New Jersey. Colts Neck's Nick Russo was chosen as the Coach of the Year after guiding his young squad to a 23-7 record, a division title, and the Central Group 3 championship before falling in the state semifinals.

  • Red Bank Catholic won its second straight Shore Conference Tournament title in March 2026.
  • Addy Nyemchek became Red Bank Catholic's all-time leading scorer in the final game of the 2025-26 season.
  • Colts Neck won its first Central Group 3 title since 2014 in March 2026.

The players

Addy Nyemchek

A senior at Red Bank Catholic who was named the Shore Conference Player of the Year after leading her team to a second straight Shore Conference Tournament title and Non-Public A state championship. She averaged 19.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.0 steals per game, and became the Caseys' all-time leading scorer with 1,781 career points.

Nick Russo

The head coach of Colts Neck, who was selected as the Shore Conference Coach of the Year after guiding his young squad to a 23-7 record, a division title, and the Central Group 3 championship before falling in the state semifinals.

Joe Montano

The head coach of Red Bank Catholic, who became the first Shore Conference coach to win 800 career games. He led the Caseys to their second straight Shore Conference Tournament title and Non-Public A state championship.

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What they’re saying

“Addy Nyemchek is an incredible player who has left an indelible mark on our program. Her leadership, skill, and competitiveness have been instrumental in our success over the past four years.”

— Joe Montano, Head Coach, Red Bank Catholic

“This season was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We had a young roster, but they came together and exceeded all expectations.”

— Nick Russo, Head Coach, Colts Neck

What’s next

Nyemchek and the other top players from the Shore Conference will compete in the McDonald's All-American Game in April 2026.

The takeaway

The 2025-26 season showcased the depth and talent of girls basketball in the Shore Conference, with standout individual performances, a dominant championship team, and a rising program making major strides. These awards recognize the players, coaches, and teams that elevated the level of play in one of New Jersey's premier high school basketball leagues.