By Nick Lowe & Doug Brustman: SSN Contributor

Here are the Shore Sports Network Shore Conference Girls Basketball Most Improved Team Awards for the 2023 season.

Most Improved Player of the Year

Allison Cannon- Junior, Holmdel

Cannon made a huge jump from her sophomore to junior year for the Hornets.  Cannon raised her scoring average from 8.6 to 14.9 points per game this season, her assists from 2.4-4.2 per game, and her steals from 1 to 2 per game.  Beyond the numbers, Cannon grew more comfortable leading the Hornets offense from her point guard position.  Cannon’s court vision and her ability to get her teammates involved improved dramatically this season.  Cannon, who led her team to a 20-9 record and a second place finish in A Central, will be one of the top returning players in the Shore next season.

First Team

McKenna Karlson- Junior, Manasquan

Karlson played a much more prominent role this season for the Warriors.  Playing the combo guard position, Karlson raised her scoring average from 1.7-7.2 points per game this season, her rebounding from under 1 a game last season to just over 2 per game this season, and her assists from .6- 1.4 per game this season. Karlson will lead a strong contingent of returning players for Manasquan next season.

Reese Fiore- Sophomore, Shore Regional

Fiore made a remarkable leap from her freshman year to her sophomore year, playing a key role for her team that reached the Group 1 State finals.  Fiore increased her scoring average from 6-13.5 ppl this season, her rebounding average from 2.7-4.1, and her assist average from 1-2 per game.  Fiore had a huge state final game, scoring 19 points to go with 9 rebounds against University.  Fiore will look to pick up more of the leadership role for the Blue Devils next season.

Sydney Murphy- Junior, Toms River East

Murphy played a major role in the success of the Raiders this season.  Playing mostly on the JV team as a sophomore, Murphy stepped into the starting rotation this season, averaging 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.  Murphy will look to continue her ascent next season for Coach Cohen and the Raiders.

Vanessa Haas- Sophomore, Point Pleasant Boro

Haas was one of a handful of young players to lead Pt. Boro this season, and the progress she made was a major reason for her teams success.  Haas raised her scoring average from 2.2-8.9 points per game, her rebounding from 1.9-5.1 per game, and her assists from 0-1 per game.  If Haas continues to develop the way she did this season, look for Coach Drew and the Panthers to have an even better season next year.

Christina Sikaras- Sophomore, Freehold Boro

Sikaras made a major jump from her freshman to sophomore year, which coincided with a much better season for Coach Shinto and the  Colonials.  Sikaras raised her scoring average from 2-14 points per game, while continuing to improve her all around game.  Sikaras led the Colonials from a 5 win freshman season to a 9 win sophomore season.

Christa Ramos- Sophomore, Neptune

Ramos had a breakout season for Neptune this year. Transferring in from St. Rose High School, she immediately became the leader of the Fliers. Ramos is dangerous on the offensive end and has the ability to score by driving to the basket or shooting the 3-pointer. She averaged 14.8 points a game this season compared to 4.25 last year at St. Rose. She can do it on the defensive end as well, averaging 2.7 steals a game.