The gym is small. If you’ve ever actually been to Belmar, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You walk into St. Rose and it feels like a throwback to a different era of high school hoops, where the fans are basically breathing on the players and the atmosphere is thick enough to cut with a knife. But don't let the quaintness fool you. St. Rose boys basketball has morphed into a literal giant, a program that doesn't just compete in the Shore Conference—it dictates terms.
It's wild when you think about it. For years, the conversation around Jersey hoops was dominated by the North Jersey non-public schools. The St. Benedict’s and the Roselle Catholics of the world. But lately? The center of gravity has shifted south toward the beach. St. Rose isn't just a "nice" local story anymore. They’re a national conversation piece.
The 2023-2024 Season Changed Everything
Last season wasn't just good. It was historic.
The Purple Roses didn't just win; they dismantled people. Finishing with a 29-2 record, they captured the NJSIAA Non-Public B state championship. That’s a big deal. But it’s the way they did it that sticks in your craw. They weren't just bigger or faster. They were more disciplined.
Coach Brian Lynch has built something that looks more like a college program than a high school squad. He’s got these kids playing a style that is incredibly hard to scout because it relies on high-level basketball IQ rather than just raw athleticism. Although, let’s be honest, they have plenty of that too.
Look at the roster they fielded. You had Matthew Hodge, a Villanova commit who basically did everything on the floor. He could bring the ball up, post you up, or hit the three. Then you had his brother, Jayden Hodge, who is equally terrifying for opposing coaches to plan for. When you have two guys with that kind of length and skill set, you're playing with a cheat code.
They beat Montclair Immaculate in the state final 73-29. Read that score again. 73 to 29. In a state championship game. That is unheard of. It wasn't a game; it was a statement that the Shore had arrived at the very top of the mountain.
Why the "Small School" Label is Meaningless Now
People love to talk about St. Rose being a "small" school. Technically, sure, their enrollment numbers put them in the Non-Public B bracket. But if you look at their schedule, they aren't playing small-school ball.
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They go out and seek the smoke.
Whether it's playing in the Hoop Group Showcase events or traveling to face national powerhouses, St. Rose boys basketball has adopted a "line 'em up" mentality. Honestly, that’s the only way you get better. If you stay in your backyard and beat up on local rivals, you might go undefeated, but you’ll get exposed in the postseason. Lynch knows this. He’s played at the highest levels, and he coaches like it.
The Brian Lynch Factor
You can't talk about this program without talking about the guy on the sidelines. Brian Lynch isn't just some guy who coached his way up through the ranks. He’s a legend in Jersey hoops history himself, having starred at Belmar's rival, Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), before playing at Villanova and then professionally in Europe.
He brings a professional veneer to the locker room.
When you listen to the players talk, they don't talk about "trying hard." They talk about spacing. They talk about defensive rotations. They talk about the "extra pass." It’s a culture of unselfishness that is actually kind of rare in the modern era of highlight-reel-obsessed players. At St. Rose, if you don't play defense, you don't play. Period.
Recruiting and the "Shore Powerhouse" Narrative
There’s always going to be chatter when a school like St. Rose starts winning like this. People ask, "Where are these kids coming from?"
It’s the same conversation people had about Ranney a few years ago when Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine were there. The reality is that talent follows culture. When a program shows that it can develop players and get them to the next level—schools like Villanova, Davidson, and others—parents take notice.
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The Hodge brothers coming over from Belgium was a massive turning point. But it’s not just the transfers. It’s the development of guys like Bryan Ebeling and Evan Romano. These are kids who bought into the system and became vital cogs in a championship machine.
Success breeds success.
The Grind of the Shore Conference
The Shore Conference is arguably the toughest public/private mix in the state of New Jersey. On any given night, you’re dealing with CBA, Manasquan, or Marlboro. There are no nights off.
Manasquan, in particular, has provided some of the most electric atmospheres for St. Rose boys basketball. That rivalry is pure. It’s local, it’s loud, and the basketball is played at a frantic pace. Winning the Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) is often cited by players as being just as difficult, if not more so, than winning a state title because of the familiarity between the teams.
When St. Rose took down the SCT title last year, it solidified them as the undisputed kings of the area. They weren't just the best small school; they were the best team, regardless of size.
What’s Next for the Program?
Life after the Hodge brothers is the big question. When you lose that much production and leadership to graduation, there’s usually a dip. But St. Rose isn't looking to rebuild; they're looking to reload.
The pipeline is there. The coaching is there. And most importantly, the reputation is now firmly established. They are a destination program.
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Watching how they adapt this season will be fascinating. They might have to play a bit faster. They might have to rely on more perimeter shooting. But the core principles—that suffocating man-to-man defense and the discipline on offense—aren't going anywhere.
Key Things to Watch
- Guard Play: Without the dominant size of the Hodge brothers, the backcourt is going to have to carry a heavier load in late-game situations.
- The Schedule: Expect Lynch to keep the schedule brutal. They need the battle-testing for the February and March run.
- The Target: For the first time in a long time, St. Rose is the team everyone is circling on their calendar. Being the hunter is easy. Being the hunted is a whole different psychological game.
Real Talk: The Fan Experience
If you get a chance to see a home game in Belmar, do it.
It’s one of the last "real" high school environments. You’re close enough to hear the players talking on the floor. You can hear Coach Lynch’s instructions. It’s intimate, it’s sweaty, and it’s loud. It’s what high school basketball should be before it gets sanitized by big arenas and corporate sponsors.
The community in Belmar has fully embraced this team. You see the purple and roses gear everywhere. It’s become a point of pride for a town that is often thought of only as a summer destination. During the winter, the gym at St. Rose is the hottest spot in town.
How to Follow the Team and Improve Your Own Game
If you're a young player looking to emulate what St. Rose has done, or a fan trying to keep up, here’s the move:
- Watch the Tape: Don't just watch the dunks. Look at St. Rose's weak-side help on defense. That is where they win games. Watch how they rotate when the ball moves.
- Attend a Shore Conference Game: If you want to understand the intensity, you have to be there in person. Check the Schedules on NJ.com or the Hoop Group website for upcoming showcases.
- Focus on Versatility: The "St. Rose Model" is about players who can do multiple things. If you're a big man, work on your passing. If you're a guard, work on your rebounding.
- Check Social Media: Follow the team's official accounts and local reporters like Sherlon Christie, who provides some of the best Shore Conference coverage you'll find anywhere.
St. Rose boys basketball has set the bar. Now, the rest of the state has to figure out how to reach it. Whether they can maintain this level of dominance is the story of the next five years, but for now, the road to a New Jersey state title runs directly through Belmar.