Manchester Looks to Play it Again, Simply Changing the Last Note

MANCHESTER – Led by seniors Leilani Correa (17ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.4spg, 2.7apg), Dakota Adams (14.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.9spg) and junior Kemari Reynolds (10ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2.8spg), the 2018-19 version of the Manchester Hawks averaged almost 70 points, 35 rebounds, 16.9 assists and 14.7 steals per game.

 

The end game – a 32-3 overall record, the No. 5 ranked team in the state and No. 181 nationally, their first-ever Shore Conference title and NJSIAA Group II state championship and the first-ever berth in the Tournament of Champions before a semifinal defeat to Saddle River. Nothing to sneeze at!  It’s now the 2019-20 season and the reset to 0-0 presents a blank canvas without two team leaders from a year ago. GAME ON!

 

Reynolds, the third element from a year ago for coach Dave “Beau” Beauchemin’s Manchester squad, bursts with energy and excitement when asked about this year’s team.

 

“I have a very positive outlook for our team this year,” said Reynolds, a University of Pennsylvania commit. Beginning the season on the shelf, rehabbing a strained achilles tendon, Reynolds makes it clear on her eminent return. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back Friday.  This minor setback has prepared me for a major comeback!”

 

Friday will be the first game of the season for Reynolds, but should be the third game of the season for the Lady Hawks. Her return will be in the quarterfinals in the 36th Annual WOBM Christmas Classic, a tournament the Manchester girls hoops team has won for the last two years.  As the top seed, the returning champions are expected to advance through the field and make a serious run for a third consecutive championship. 

 

As a guide for the current team, last year’s squad really served to set the tone. Replaying last year’s schedule, Manchester ran off eight straight wins to jump start their season.  Wins against Lacey, Pinelands, Donovan Catholic, Wall, Toms River East, Ewing, Marlboro and Point Pleasant Boro gave the Hawks a great foundation to build upon.

 

Two non-conference games chinked Manchester’s armor with a nine-point loss to Saddle River Day and a 15-point loss to Bishop McNamara (MD) in back-to-back games.  A string of 24 straight wins through March would follow as the Hawks got back on track with wins against Barnegat (2), Lakewood (2), Jackson Liberty (2), Lacey, Pinelands, Donovan Catholic, Gloucester Catholic, Long Island Lutheran, Point Boro, Ocean City, Trinity Hall, Rumson-Fair Haven, St. Rose, Saint John Vianney, along with NJSIAA state tournament games against Pemberton, Oakcrest, Haddonfield, Middle Township, Manasquan, and the Group II final against Lincoln and Mainland Regional, before the season-ending 13-point defeat to Saddle River Day. 

 

The 2019 rendition of the Lady Hawks can either run you out of the gym with a transition game led by Reynolds distributing the ball to sharp-shooter Nahkeleigh Hayes-Jones, or abuse opponents in the post with 6-foot-3 Destiny Adams and 5-foot-7 Serenity Anderson. Tying this all together is the development of sophomores Jada Trotman, Alyssa Carino and Amyah Bray from last year’s ride, and Manchester is a very deep team with potential contributors reaching to the end of the bench.   

 

Opening the season at home on Dec. 20 before a packed house against Lacey, Manchester jumped out to a 25-4 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, as they cruised to a 76-39 victory over the Lions. The Hawks were led by Adams with 25 points, 20 boards and 7 blocks; Bray with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals; and freshman Gabriella Ross with 16 points and 2 boards. 

 

The 2019 schedule for Manchester continues with the WOBM Classic (first round against Brick Memorial on Dec. 22). They pick up the new year against Pinelands (Jan. 3), St. Frances Academy (MD)  on Jan. 5, Donovan Catholic on  Jan. 6, Point Pleasant Boro on Jan. 9 and Montverde Academy (FL) on Jan. 10.

 

The schedule continues with Barnegat and Lakewood, before a matchup against Kenwood (IL) – ranked No. 9 in Illinois through 12 games – at Truman High School in Bronx, NY.  The remainder of January’s slate features games against Jackson Liberty, Lacey, Trenton Catholic Academy, Pinelands and Donovan Catholic.  Five games in early February pit the Hawks against Point Pleasant Boro, Barnegat, Mainland Regional, Lakewood and Jackson Liberty. 

 

“Our goal for the year in the TOC championship” stated Adams. The versatile centerpiece of the Manchester program, who is still undecided where she will continue her basketball exploits next year, is very frank yet humble with her comments.

 

“I’m very excited about this year and this team and we know everyone is out for us.  The key for us is working together as a team without real go-to players.  Whoever is having a good night, we need to make sure we get them the ball,” she said.  

 

Adams recognizes her role as a member of the upperclasswomen on the team and the responsibility of showing that leadership. “We have to lead our younger teammates and make sure they understand what’s happening and are doing their part,” she said.

 

The road to the WOBM title, Shore Conference title and the NJSIAA Group II title all run through Manchester. Should they remain healthy, the Hawks have the personnel, spirit, energy and the court maturity and understanding to present a stout defense of their 2018 accumulated hardware.  The awards should not be in short supply this year either, as Manchester should be one of the last standing teams across the state in March and go down as one of the Shore greats when their story is told. 

 

 

 

 

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