Is Manasquan's Faith Masonius UConn's Answer to the Mabrey Sisters

[Charliebball]

While awaiting march Madness I couldn't help but think about future Connecticut players in our area. Why worry about convincing players from Texas to leave the Lone Star State if there is excellent homegrown talent just a couple of hours away.

I have already mentioned Saddle River Day's Michelle Sidor, NJ's leading scorer as a freshman in an earlier thread. The other super NJ freshman that has also been discussed on this site is Manasquan's Faith Masonius. Faith is a big part of Manasquan's continued high ranking in NJ basketball. It is the same school that has produced the two Mabrey sisters of ND fame with a third currently staring on the HS team.

Faith is the only NJ player listed in ESPN's top players of 2019. Here is recent comment about her game.

https://i2./hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/untitled-300x240.png?resize=300%2C240&ssl=1https://i2./hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/th5KFQ94RH.jpg?resize=413%2C239&ssl=1

FAITH MASONIUS- 6FT- MANASQUAN- SWING

She is one of the most talented players to enter the Shore Conference in years. The talented freshman is already one of the best players in the state for any grade. She not only lived up to the hype this year, but proved she could handle any type pressure. In big games her performances were breath taking. She was nothing short of sensational in the SHORE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. She averaged over 17 points a game against teams ranked in the Top 10 in the state (not counting her opening game of her career). This season Faith Mansonius averaged 13.1 ppg…6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assist on the season. This was just a start to what will be a brilliant career. While playing out of position all year, Masonius at times was dominant on the biggest of stages. Her ability to impact the game in so many ways, made it impossible for most teams to prepare for her. The shooting ability along with the ball handling skills make for a dangerous combination. She no question will be one of the most recruited players in all of America… Before she has played her last game she will enter the discussion as greatest player in Shore History.


As others have pointed out in another thread, Faith has UConn connections as her mother played college ball at St Joe's and later coached at UConn in the late 80's with GA and CD. Her brother is also currently playing on the UConn hockey team.

From what I observed in the times I have seen her play live, she is a highly skilled player with a great motor and high basketball IQ.

I certainly can't predict whether she will develop into a UConn caliber player but she is certainly headed in the right direction

 

[MilfordHusky]

http://njsportsreport.com/2015/08/26/five-freshman-players-that-you-cannot-miss-in-2016/

http://espn.go.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/218119/faith-masonius

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/faith-masonius/4osYIZ4bEeW-8KA2nzwbTA/default.htm

She's built a little like Kyla Irwin. I love her bright ... red ... eyes.

 

[Charliebball]

She plays just like the daughter of a coach (her mom) just like Kyla Irwin!!!

 

[Dillon77]

While awaiting march Madness I couldn't help but think about future Connecticut players in our area. Why worry about convincing players from Texas to leave the Lone Star State if there is excellent homegrown talent just a couple of hours away.

I have already mentioned Saddle River Day's Michelle Sidor, NJ's leading scorer as a freshman in an earlier thread. The other super NJ freshman that has also been discussed on this site is Manasquan's Faith Masonius. Faith is a big part of Manasquan's continued high ranking in NJ basketball. It is the same school that has produced the two Mabrey sisters of ND fame with a third currently staring on the HS team.

Faith is the only NJ player listed in ESPN's top players of 2019. Here is recent comment about her game.

https://i2./hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/untitled-300x240.png?resize=300%2C240&ssl=1https://i2./hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/th5KFQ94RH.jpg?resize=413%2C239&ssl=1

FAITH MASONIUS- 6FT- MANASQUAN- SWING

She is one of the most talented players to enter the Shore Conference in years. The talented freshman is already one of the best players in the state for any grade. She not only lived up to the hype this year, but proved she could handle any type pressure. In big games her performances were breath taking. She was nothing short of sensational in the SHORE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. She averaged over 17 points a game against teams ranked in the Top 10 in the state (not counting her opening game of her career). This season Faith Mansonius averaged 13.1 ppg…6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assist on the season. This was just a start to what will be a brilliant career. While playing out of position all year, Masonius at times was dominant on the biggest of stages. Her ability to impact the game in so many ways, made it impossible for most teams to prepare for her. The shooting ability along with the ball handling skills make for a dangerous combination. She no question will be one of the most recruited players in all of America… Before she has played her last game she will enter the discussion as greatest player in Shore History.


As others have pointed out in another thread, Faith has UConn connections as her mother played college ball at St Joe's and later coached at UConn in the late 80's with GA and CD. Her brother is also currently playing on the UConn hockey team.

From what I observed in the times I have seen her play live, she is a highly skilled player with a great motor and high basketball IQ.

I certainly can't predict whether she will develop into a UConn caliber player but she is certainly headed in the right direction

As one of the folks on the other thread, I'm a big fan of what I see so far in her career. She's very much a linchpin of the Manasquan team that is playing the the Group 2 NJ State Title tomorrow. Here's a link:

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news...wn-expectations-aims-for-another-state-title/

You'll see her sister is a guard there and, of course, is joined by Dara Mabrey...this intersection of UConn and ND ties and talent never fails to bring a sly grin to my face. It also produces a heck of a team.

BTW, I went to see the Michelle Sidor/Saddle River Day traveling show the other day when they wrapped up their state semi-final win against Queen of Peace. Sidor was face-guarded by three players doing their best Mo Jeff imitation, but Saddle River set screens on both flanks and Sidor ran like nuts to get open looks. She also brought the ball up after baskets against full-court pressure, using her burst speed and effortless behind-the-back dribbbles . She goes to the hoop hard and has an efficient pull-up jumper. There's a a little bit of Pistol Pete flair in the whole thing...it's fun to watch. In spite of her escorts, Sidor still had 21 points and her team won by 3 in the last seconds in a very entertaining, well-played game by both teams.

Queen of Peace is the most recent landing place of Raven Farley-Clark, the 6'4" post who I believe is on her third high school in three seasons. She is slim, has a long wing-span, pretty good on her feet and very composed and economical with her movement (but not mechanical). Blocks balls in bounds, rebounds well and does not miss her put-backs with either hand(little bit like Bri Turner). Hit two mid-key jumpers and two crucial free throws down the stretch to finish with 20. She's like #11 in Prospects Nation and 40-something in HoopGurlz for 2017, but I can see her helping a team that likes a bit more traditional post.

 

[Charliebball]

As one of the folks on the other thread, I'm a big fan of what I see so far in her career. She's very much a linchpin of the Manasquan team that is playing the the Group 2 NJ State Title tomorrow. Here's a link:

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news...wn-expectations-aims-for-another-state-title/

You'll see her sister is a guard there and, of course, is joined by Dara Mabrey...this intersection of UConn and ND ties and talent never fails to bring a sly grin to my face. It also produces a heck of a team.

BTW, I went to see the Michelle Sidor/Saddle River Day traveling show the other day when they wrapped up their state semi-final win against Queen of Peace. Sidor was face-guarded by three players doing their best Mo Jeff imitation, but Saddle River set screens on both flanks and Sidor ran like nuts to get open looks. She also brought the ball up after baskets against full-court pressure, using her burst speed and effortless behind-the-back dribbbles . She goes to the hoop hard and has an efficient pull-up jumper. There's a a little bit of Pistol Pete flair in the whole thing...it's fun to watch. In spite of her escorts, Sidor still had 21 points and her team won by 3 in the last seconds in a very entertaining, well-played game by both teams.

Queen of Peace is the most recent landing place of Raven Farley-Clark, the 6'4" post who I believe is on her third high school in three seasons. She is slim, has a long wing-span, pretty good on her feet and very composed and economical with her movement (but not mechanical). Blocks balls in bounds, rebounds well and does not miss her put-backs with either hand(little bit like Bri Turner). Hit two mid-key jumpers and two crucial free throws down the stretch to finish with 20. She's like #11 in Prospects Nation and 40-something in HoopGurlz for 2017, but I can see her helping a team that likes a bit more traditional post.

Michelle Sidor better get used to that kind of treatment next year as she looses 3 seniors on the starting team.......she didn't have a particularly good shooting game against my daughter's team in the Bergen County playoffs...that is until the fourth quarter when the game got close....she then proceeded to hit two three's and go one to end twice to seal the victory...still got her 28 points in the end...........

 

[Dillon77]

Michelle Sidor better get used to that kind of treatment next year as she looses 3 seniors on the starting team..she didn't have a particularly good shooting game against my daughter's team in the Bergen County playoffs...that is until the fourth quarter when the game got close....she then proceeded to hit two three's and go one to end twice to seal the victory...still got her 28 points in the end......

And I'm not so sure a place like Saddle River Day will be able to keep that supply coming. I sat next to a few of their other coaches and they said this is all a "step change" to them. Patterson Kennedy(!) -- site of the SRD-QOP game -- was packed and a lot of b-ball fans came a long way to catch that game.

I'm busy this weekend but if Manasquan beats High Point,I'll catch their TOC games....

Is your daughter still going to be in HS next year?

 

[Mdoggie]

http://njsportsreport.com/2015/08/26/five-freshman-players-that-you-cannot-miss-in-2016/

http://espn.go.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/218119/faith-masonius

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/faith-masonius/4osYIZ4bEeW-8KA2nzwbTA/default.htm

She's built a little like Kyla Irwin. I love her bright ... red ... eyes.

She has cyborg blood!

 

[BobbyJ]

After watching some video of Sidor in another thread, I commented that she's the best freshman or sophomore guard I've seen in many years. It's rare to see that combination of skills and fearlessness in a kid that young. Most older players never have it. Her motor never stops and the first player she reminded me of was Jen Rizzotti.

 

[Charliebball]

And I'm not so sure a place like Saddle River Day will be able to keep that supply coming. I sat next to a few of their other coaches and they said this is all a "step change" to them. Patterson Kennedy(!) -- site of the SRD-QOP game -- was packed and a lot of b-ball fans came a long way to catch that game.

I'm busy this weekend but if Manasquan beats High Point,I'll catch their TOC games....

Is your daughter still going to be in HS next year?

She better be!!!

 

[Dillon77]

She better be!!!

Sure you saw this article, but it looks like the Mabrey-Masonius-Clark troika and their Manasquan squad won the Group II title again. Into the Tournament of Champions against University. If they win that,the game against Rutgers Prep would be a good one....

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news...aight-group-2-title-with-win-over-high-point/

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news...16-tournament-of-champions-seeds-and-bracket/

Seems like they're firing on all the (inside-outside) cylinders right now...

 

[Fairfield Fan]

http://njsportsreport.com/2015/08/26/five-freshman-players-that-you-cannot-miss-in-2016/

http://espn.go.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/218119/faith-masonius

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/faith-masonius/4osYIZ4bEeW-8KA2nzwbTA/default.htm

She's built a little like Kyla Irwin. I love her bright ... red ... eyes.

Isn't there an app to get rid of the red? Wasn't a full moon or anything, right?

 

[Charliebball]

Sure you saw this article, but it looks like the Mabrey-Masonius-Clark troika and their Manasquan squad won the Group II title again. Into the Tournament of Champions against University. If they win that,the game against Rutgers Prep would be a good one....

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news...aight-group-2-title-with-win-over-high-point/

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news...16-tournament-of-champions-seeds-and-bracket/

Seems like they're firing on all the (inside-outside) cylinders right now...

That should be a war indeed as those are two of the three best teams in NJ (SJV being the other)

 

[FDNY99]

Her brother Joe just completed a good freshman season with the men's hockey team.
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/joseph_masonius_972737.html

 

[Dillon77]

That should be a war indeed as those are two of the three best teams in NJ (SJV being the other)

Did you see this in his bio?: "...Has five sisters, Grace, Ellie, Catharine, Faith and Hope, and four brothers,
T homas, Michael, Christian and Ambrose.." There could be an entire hoops teams of Masonius sisters and a hockey front and back line of Masonius brothers! As well as a full-court game in hoops......(possibilities look endless here! )

 

[FASTEDDY]

Did you see this in his bio?: "...Has five sisters, Grace, Ellie, Catharine, Faith and Hope, and four brothers,
T homas, Michael, Christian and Ambrose.." There could be an entire hoops teams of Masonius sisters and a hockey front and back line of Masonius brothers! As well as a full-court game in hoops.(possibilities look endless here! )

Does this mean that her parents have 10 kids?!

Wow. someone has been keeping busy!

 

[Charliebball]

Did you see this in his bio?: "...Has five sisters, Grace, Ellie, Catharine, Faith and Hope, and four brothers,
T homas, Michael, Christian and Ambrose.." There could be an entire hoops teams of Masonius sisters and a hockey front and back line of Masonius brothers! As well as a full-court game in hoops.(possibilities look endless here! )

and you haven't even mentioned their cousins, the Clark's...as in Stella Clark et al

 

[Charliebball]

Here's a story on that

comments
Girls Basketball
Girls basketball: Cousins Clark and Masonius thriving in bigger roles for Manasquan

Addie Masonius (5), Stella Clark (2) and teammates pose with the trophy following their 49-38 win over Newton in their NJSIAA Group 2 Public Girls Basketball Final at the Pine Belt Arena. Toms River, NJ 3/16/14 (Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Chris Ryan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Stella Clark and Addie Masonius have never shied away in big moments.

As freshmen last season, they both saw important minutes during Manasquan’s run to the Shore Conference title, the Group 2 championship and the Tournament of Champions final.

Now as sophomores, both have stepped into even bigger roles in Manasquan’s rotation. And naturally, the two cousins were ready for the challenge.

Clark has become a fixture in the starting lineup as the team's point guard, while Masonius has excelled both as a starter and the first player off the bench for the No. 3 team in the NJ.com Top 20.

Even as both have seen more court time, the trademark energy and determination that Clark and Masonius brought off the bench last season has not dulled.

"Replacing a senior, that's replacing a lot of experience, a lot of patience, and (Clark's) done a great, great job of that," Manasquan coach Lisa Kukoda said. "And Addie just brings that energy, that constant flying all around the court, hustling for the rebound, finding the open girl. So the two of them have really stepped up into some spots that we've really needed them to."

After making the T of C final last season, Manasquan graduated three starters, but the expectations were still high with Notre Dame commit Marina Mabrey back in the fold, along with veteran Courtney Hagaman.

The only question mark was how the Warriors' younger players would respond to a bigger challenge. Clark and Masonius, along with fellow sophomore Victoria Galvan and freshman Dara Mabrey, have highlighted a young core that has answered the call.

"I think our main focus this year was to just to take the spot for the seniors who have left, and just control the game more, bring the ball up and just control our team more," Clark said. "Get the passes, just kind of keep the game settled and play our role of getting rebounds and doing what we do best."

Both guards play a similar style, filling whatever job needs to be done on offense, whether it's passing, scoring, or even crashing the boards. The speed and agility of Clark and Masonius also aids on defense, where the two can apply unrelenting pressure anywhere on the court.

That hustle and energy might be most evident in the paint, where the two have been hard at work disproving the myth that rebounding is all about height.

"Our trainer, Bob Green, he would take us to these outdoor courts, and he would make us read the rebound and say left, right, short or long," Masonius said. "You kind of have to practice with your mind, and you can tell where it's going, and just break that way."

With the new free throw rules allowing rebounders to break on the release, the two guards have taken advantage. Clark and Masonius have shown their ability to grab key offensive rebounds by quickly weaving in and out of forwards on free throws, setting up second chances for Manasquan.

On top of what they bring to the court talent-wise, the family connection is another reason why the cousins have been able to step into bigger roles with such confidence.

"We're so used to each other, and I think that's why it's been easier for us to step into these other roles," Masonius said. "Since we're so used to playing together and we know how each other play, so it really helps us out."

"I've been used to playing with Addie for so long," Clark said. "So it's basically I'll know where she's going to run next, she knows where I'm going to run next, so it's easy."

With Manasquan eyeing another deep postseason run in both the county and state tournaments, Clark and Masonius have set their focus on making sure they help put the team in the same position as last season.

"We just had to step into the seniors' spots, how they used to play, help the team stay together, not fall apart when the game's close," Masonius said. "We've been doing really well at that, and I think we've stepped into those roles well."