It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Monmouth Battlefield State Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Colts Neck, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Dorbrook Recreation Area with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Candela Gallega or visit Twin Lights State Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Colts Neck, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Colts Neck, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Colts Neck, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Anthony Iachello doesn’t care that Jillian Heyser is only a freshman.With the swings she’s put together against some of the state’s top pitchers, he knew she earned her place near the top of Colts Neck’s lineup.And on Saturday afternoon against the No. 9 team in the state — Mount St. Dominic in the Public/Private Challenge— she officially showed why.The two-hole hitter for Colts Neck, she launched the biggest hit of her career — a game-winning three-run homer to dead center again...
Anthony Iachello doesn’t care that Jillian Heyser is only a freshman.
With the swings she’s put together against some of the state’s top pitchers, he knew she earned her place near the top of Colts Neck’s lineup.
And on Saturday afternoon against the No. 9 team in the state — Mount St. Dominic in the Public/Private Challenge— she officially showed why.
The two-hole hitter for Colts Neck, she launched the biggest hit of her career — a game-winning three-run homer to dead center against Mount pitcher Abby Cianfrocca to put Colts Neck up 6-5 in the top of the sixth.
“She doesn’t let the moment get too big for her, and that’s really impressive as a freshman,” Colts Neck pitcher Angela Sasso said. “We’ve been so proud of her, whether it’s in the outfield or cheering us on in the dugout. She’s made great adjustments hitting and that ball was so clutch.”
Sasso got hit around at times, including early on when Mount’s All-State first baseman Jillian Cianfrocca opened the game with a solo blast to tie the game at 1-1.
But Sasso wasn’t worried and didn’t let that hit — or any of the others she gave up faze her.
Mount right fielder Carlee Paez also hit Sasso well, going 3-for-3 with three RBI singles. Even with all that traffic, though, Sasso got big outs when it counted.
She struck out 15 in the game and got out of several big jams.
The slugfest was far different from last year’s meeting between the two sides when Mount won 1-0 in 10 innings as Sasso struck out 16 and Mount’s then-frosh Ava Kelshaw struck out 16 and tossed a no-hitter.
But after pitching the last two games for Mount and despite being listed as the starter pregame, Mount coach Rob Stern started Natalia Marecki in the circle instead.
Still, regardless of who Colts Neck saw, the Cougars were prepared. They’re in a division with three of the state’s top teams and top pitchers in St. John Vianney’s Madison McDougall, Middletown North’s Madilynn Boyce and Red Bank Catholic’s Lily Hagan.
And though Colts Neck dropped its games against those three, the Cougars were competitive and it prepares them for anything.
“Our division is probably one of the best in the state, but those results haven’t brought our confidence down but it’s actually brought it up,” Sasso said. “Because we know if we’re fouling the ball of them or in the game with them, we can be in the game with anyone.”
Known all over the state for their aggressiveness on the bases, both stealing and taking extra bases and creating havoc for the opposing team, Morris Knolls was in top form on Saturday.
The Golden Eagles trailed 2-0 early but Morris Knolls showed early what it was willing to do when Julia Fox stole third with two outs in the top of the first.
From there, coach Keith Heinemann gave his team a perpetual green light and the Golden Eagles took advantage, scoring five in the bottom of the third thanks to a two-RBI double by Fox, two stolen bases in the inning and runners advancing from first to second on several throws.
They put up two in the bottom of the fourth and then after getting six straight base runners to begin the bottom of the fifth, All-State shortstop Taylor Heinemann walked things off with an RBI single to deep center and end it 12-2.
And after a 1-3 start to the year, Knolls has won three in a row.
“We just had to figure some things out on our end those first couple of games,” Heinemann said. “I think any time you can apply pressure to people, it’s good. Whether you’re hitting doubles or running the bases, you make them play.”
Even after an eight run win over St. Mary (Ruth.), Watchung Hills coach Brian Figueiredo gave his team an impassioned plea.
The Warriors led 1-0 for much of the game and then 2-0 before an eight run sixth inning helped propel them to a 10-2 lead.
All-State pitcher Riley Bobrowski was lights out to start the game for the state’s No. 4 team, retiring the first seven St. Mary’s batters in a row and tossing a no-hitter through the first three innings, but Figueiredo still wanted more.
The Warriors beat Summit, 1-0 in eight innings, beat Union County champs Dayton 1-0 as well and beat reigning Somerset County champs Immaculata in eight innings and were close to another close result against a non-conference opponent.
“I just thought we could have had a little better mindset today,” Figueiredo said. “Some of these non-conference games, teams are up against us and want to play and beat us and we’ve got to make sure we’re answering the call.”
The Warriors managed only six hits, but drew 13 walks as Bobrowski notched two hits and drove in two runs en route to tossing four innings, K’ing nine and walking just one.
All-State utility player Mia Simon came in and pitched the last two innings, giving up two hits, two walks and two earned runs while striking out five and the Warriors deployed two courtesy/pinch runners and two pinch hitters as well, showing off their depth in the process.
“We have a varsity roster this year where we have a lot of comparable parts with no real drop off in spots,” Figueiredo said.
And while Watchung Hills is focused on playing its best softball in late May and early June, Figueiredo did acknowledge that if the Warriors
“I hate to see it, but you have to learn a tough lesson sometimes,” he said. “We’ve been in a lot of close games and we’ve managed to pull them out. But when you keep the other team in the game, you set yourself up for the worst outcome.”
Perhaps no one delivered a bigger hit on Saturday than Morris Catholic’s sophomore third baseman Rachel Dunn.
The Crusaders — ranked No. 13 in the state — seemed to be on the wrong end of a dominant pitching outing by No. 10 Middletown North and its ace, Seton Hall-bound Madi Boyce.
Boyce was perfect through the first five innings, with 13 strikeouts.
“We didn’t follow our plan as much as I would’ve liked to, but credit to her, she threw really, really well,” Morris Catholic coach Nick DeGennaro said.
But then came the sixth inning.
Natalie Carovillano broke up Boyce’s perfect game after getting hit by a pitch to lead off the inning and after Boyce got two straight strikeouts, Savannah Mead broke up the no-hitter and singled to send Carovillano to third. A Sofia Reisinger walk loaded the bases with two outs and that’s when Dunn delivered the knockout blow.
END 6 | Morris Catholic breaks this game wide open on a 3-run double off the wall by Rachel Dunn. Crusaders lead 3-0. pic.twitter.com/FLZ85Vk4Y7
— Jake Aferiat (@Jake_Aferiat) April 19, 2025
And though Dunn hit just .200 last year, she’s raised her average 185 points this year and proven herself to be one of the biggest drivers of this Morris Catholic team.
“She was right on the whole game, so if there was a kid that was going to be up in that moment, we wanted it to be her with the way she was swinging the bat,” DeGennaro said.
Dunn felt her confidence grow from last year to this year she got more acclimated to the level of play and the speed of the game. And while she hadn’t yet faced a pitcher of Boyce’s caliber this season, she channeled that confidence as the game went on as well.
It also helped that Morris Catholic’s ace Sofia Reisinger pitched a gem of her own, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out seven, keeping Morris Catholic in the game with every pitch and every out.
And after a 1-2 start, the Crusaders have won five in a row and haven’t given up more than three runs in any of those games.
“This team wants to be coached,” DeGennaro said. “They’re singularly focused on getting better and winning games and that’s why why we’re successful right now.”
The final game of the day pitted No. 6 Cedar Grove against No. 7 Immaculate Heart, and almost immediately, it was apparent that a slugfest was about to ensue.
It was a 4-3 game after the first inning as both Cedar Grove and IHA got hard hit balls, including one by Cayce Kavakich that left the yard for Cedar Grove en route to a 13-7 win.
From there, the two teams traded blows back and forth until IHA’s three-time All-State catcher Gabby Shadek launched her first of two home runs over the centerfield fence to put Immaculate Heart up 6-5 after four innings.
Both sides went scoreless in the fifth before Cedar Grove exploded for eight runs in the sixth inning and put the game away for good.
Marina Bryant led the team with three RBI, while Gia Fernandez, Ava Oeckel, Gabby Florre and Kavakich all drove in multiple runs and Fernandez, Oeckel, Kavakich and Florre each had multiple hits as well.
Jake Aferiat can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him at @Jake_Aferiat.
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DEPTFORD -- With 2:37 left in the boys basketball Group 3 state semifinal between Ocean City and Colts Neck on Tuesday, it appeared that a valiant comeback would come up short.The Cougars' star senior Lukas Sloane had single-handedly cut Ocean City's five point lead to just one point, and he added to that heroic effort with yet another score to give his team a 44-43 lead. But just a few moments later, Sloane fouled out with a team-high 17 points.What seemed like an unfortunate ending was just the start of another...
DEPTFORD -- With 2:37 left in the boys basketball Group 3 state semifinal between Ocean City and Colts Neck on Tuesday, it appeared that a valiant comeback would come up short.
The Cougars' star senior Lukas Sloane had single-handedly cut Ocean City's five point lead to just one point, and he added to that heroic effort with yet another score to give his team a 44-43 lead. But just a few moments later, Sloane fouled out with a team-high 17 points.
What seemed like an unfortunate ending was just the start of another chapter in the most miraculous story of the Shore basketball season. After Ocean City swiftly regained the lead, Colts Neck shut out the Red Raiders in the final two minutes. It set the stage for senior Dillon Younger as he drove into the paint with a clunky and gritty move that was finished off with a 10-foot jumper through contact to give the Cougars a 46-45 lead.
"Our best scorer is out," Younger said. "I needed to just step up. And obviously our whole team got us there. Rebounding, defense, making them turn over the ball. So I just knew it was my time to get that basket."
Appropriately, the Cardiac Cats capped off the comeback victory with two defensive stands. Colts Neck beat Ocean City 47-45 and secured its place in the state championship at Rutgers on Saturday. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done. And it was the perfect finish for a team that has been defined by a willingness to win by any means necessary.
"We all knew we had it in us," said Younger. "We love each other. We're good friends off the court."
The love extended to the devoted student section, The Den, that provided home court advantage throughout the team's run to a sectional championship and traveled to give the Cougars a home court advantage even while being 70 miles from home. The Den stormed the court in the aftermath of the momentous victory.
"The Den didn't travel an hour and 30 minutes to watch us lose," Sloane said. "I had to get the fans what they wanted."
The constant for the Cougars was their defense, and senior Dan Buoncore set the standard with multiple steals including a steal-and-score in the closing minutes of the fourth.
"I love my teammates. Us seniors, we've been playing together for four years, we've been staying ready for this moment," said Buoncore. "And most importantly we play defense."
The Cougars overcame a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter to topple an impressive Ocean City that came into the game with a 22-6 record. The Red Raiders were beset by a devastating injury just 18 seconds into the game when the team's lone senior and leading scorer, Ben McGonigle, exited the game with an apparent ankle injury. But that loss seemed to galvanized the talented group as they seized control in the second quarter and extended their lead in the third. Luke Tjoumakaris had a game-high 21 points for Ocean.
But Colts Neck would not be denied. And no matter how much the Cougars had struggled in various aspects, they found ways to turn those shortcomings into strengths. They were an abysmal 10 of 20 at the free throw line and struggled on the glass, but the turning point of the game came when Sloane crafted a three-point play. He made his first free throw and grabbed his own offensive rebound on the second and put it back in for a score to cut Ocean City's lead to 41-40 midway through the fourth quarter.
"This is my senior season, I've gotta give it all that I got," Sloane said. "I don't think we crashed the boards one time, so I was thinking, let's give them something they ain't seen. He came out with the ball on his hip and I just took it and scored."
Colts Neck coach Steve Jannarone admitted he wasn't thrilled with the principle behind the play, but praised the execution from the star senior.
"That same play, he did it against Ewing and I was ready to strangle him," the coach said. "So the fact he ignored me and got it was to his credit because he knows what can and can't do."
That level of confidence is a theme for Colts Neck, as they've made fools out of naysayers and established themselves as the Shore Conference's unsung elite team. This run is particularly impressive given the recurring state-wide narrative that this winter was a "down year" for boys basketball at the Shore.
"I think the Shore speaks for itself," Jannarone said. "Anybody that thinks we have to prove anything hasn't been watching."
They'll face reigning state champion Ramapo in the Group 3 final, giving the Cougars one more chance to stun the entire state with another upset. But it's difficult to imagine how any moment could top the theatrics of Tuesday night's semifinal.
"It's just surreal," said Younger. "All my friends here - it's just an amazing experience. Can't ask for better."
olts Neck residents familiar with the Colts Neck Inn Steak & Chop House will notice a difference the next time they dine at the restaurant. For one thing, the restaurant is now rebranded as the Colts Neck Inn Steak House. But perhaps more noticeable is the complete overhaul of both the interior and exterio...
olts Neck residents familiar with the Colts Neck Inn Steak & Chop House will notice a difference the next time they dine at the restaurant. For one thing, the restaurant is now rebranded as the Colts Neck Inn Steak House. But perhaps more noticeable is the complete overhaul of both the interior and exterior.
The renovation was long overdue says George Mavrookas, whose father, Louis, owns the spot. He says it’s been more than 20 years since the last renovation. The project took four months to complete, but the Colts Neck Inn Steak House is now ready to serve. Gone is the outdated dark mahogany woods and burgundy and green color palettes. In its place is a mixture of grays, blacks and golds. “It’s a sexier, more modern look,” George says. The whole interior, including the dining room, bar, and banquet rooms have all been completely renovated. This even extends to plates, flatware, and booths.
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The menu still boasts traditional steaks, filets, and ribeyes (which are hand cut and never frozen). However, these classic dishes are plated with new sauces and sides. For example, the ribeye steak was previously served with a baked potato and vegetable of the day. But now, they serve it with fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, chimichurri, and steak sauce. “We wanted to make sure that each plate feels unique,” George explains.
New to the Colts Neck Inn Steak House are contemporary dishes such as sushi and a raw bar. They also serve chicken parmigiana, chicken dishes, salmon, and halibut. Meanwhile, the kids’ menu offers options like pasta and chicken tenders with French fries.
As for the new liquor menu, they offer specialty martinis like Peach Passion. This combinesGrey Goose Peach + Rosemary Vodka with Peach & Passion Fruit and bubbles. The Spiced Pear is also popular, with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, pear nectar, fresh lemon, and cinnamon. Signature cocktails include the Apple Bourbon Smash and Spicy Pineapple Margarita. Of course, they also have draft beers, champagne, sparkling wine, and white, red, or rose wines.
The Mavrookas family has owned the Colts Neck Inn Steak House since the 1970s. (It’s been in the family for three generations at this point.) They also own the Colts Neck Inn Hotel next door. Established in 1717, the Colts Neck Inn is the oldest inn in New Jersey and the sixth oldest in America.
Visit the Colts Neck Inn Steak House at 191 County Road 537 W in Colts Neck. To learn more:
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-462-0383 |
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Does this Restaurant accept Reservations?
Yes, they accept reservations.
Are there Gluten-free options?
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
Are there Vegetarian options?
Colts Neck Inn Steak House offers vegetarian dishes, yes.
Does this Restaurant offer Takeout?
They offer takeout, yes.
Does this Restaurant offer Delivery?
No, they do not offer delivery.
Do they have a Liquor license?
Yes, they serve a variety of cocktails.
Is there a Kids’ menu?
They have a kids’ menu, yes.
All Photos: © Colts Neck Inn Steak House
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.BASKETBALLAsbury Park PressCOLTS NECK – As the Colts Neck players celebrated with family and friends on the court in the immediate aftermath of a 52-43 win over Ewing in the NJSIAA Central Group 3 championship game, head coach Steve Jannarone had plenty of reasons to be emotional as he stood nearby.T...
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BASKETBALL
Asbury Park Press
COLTS NECK – As the Colts Neck players celebrated with family and friends on the court in the immediate aftermath of a 52-43 win over Ewing in the NJSIAA Central Group 3 championship game, head coach Steve Jannarone had plenty of reasons to be emotional as he stood nearby.
There was the team that had overcome the odds as a No. 4 seed to win the program’s second sectional title, and first in nine years.
“These kids are unbelievable kids,” Jannarone said. “They’re unbelievable in the classroom, on the court, especially the four seniors who start. They do everything you ask.”
And there was the legacy he holds so dear, with his father, Jim, a head coach at Howell and Manalapan, and Dennis Simpson, who he went to work for at Manalapan in 1986, both in attendance.
“I am more emotional about the fact that my father went to four or five sectional finals and never got one,” he said. “That he was here, that Denny Simpson, who was my mentor at Manalapan was here, and then we probably have 100 alumni here. That all makes it very special.”
Colts Neck (19-9) advances to the Group 3 semifinals against Ocean City (23-6), a 66-53 winner over Timber Creek in the South Group 3 final, next Tuesday (7 p.m.) at Deptford High School.
A year ago it was upstart Freehold Borough storming through the NJSIAA Central Group 3 bracket as the No. 7 seed, reaching the Group 3 championship game.
Now the Cougars are travelling the same path, getting 12 points from senior Nolan Duddy, who drained four 3-pointers off the bench, and 11 points from senior Lukas Sloane, who scored eight points in the first quarter as the Cougars jumped out to a 14-10 lead. Senior Dan Buoncore added 10 points.
It’s a stirring run by a team that started the season 6-5. Now the Cougars have won seven of their last nine games, with the two losses to Manasquan and Greater Middlesex Conference power Sayreville.
“We’ve had some growing pains,” said senior forward Bryce Belcher, who keyed the defensive effort on Ewing big man Joel Cineus, holding him to nine points. “A lot of us haven’t been healthy. I hurt my back early in the season, Lukas has been on and off with injuries. But as we get healthy you see how dangerous we can be as a team.”
It was the Cougars first trip to a sectional final since 2018, when they lost to Trenton in the Central Group 4 final.
“A good team always goes through adversity and I think that is our story here,” Sloane said. “We made corrections early in the year and now we are reaping the benefits.
“I had no doubt we could do it. We have team of hard-working guys. I never had a doubt.”
Colts Neck has never been to a state Group final. In 2016, the Cougars lost to Atlantic City, 55-50, in the Group 4 semifinals.
Coming off the bench at the start of the second quarter, Duddy promptly made a steal and then sank his first 3-pointer at the other end to push the Cougars lead to 17-10, before doing it again a few minutes later to give his team a 20-14 edge, after Ewing had made it a one-possession game.
“There is a kid who is a senior and playing time hasn’t there, but he stuck with it and when his number was called and he got the opportunity he delivered,” Jannarone said. “And in this day and age it is so unusual for a kid to have that kind of character and stay with it and be ready when he needed to be ready.”
Colts Neck had a 37-25 lead heading into the final quarter, but Ewing cut it to five points on several occasions before the Cougars put the game away at the free throw line.
Now they had into a clash with one of South Jersey’s best feeling good about themselves after rolling through the bracket.
“I don’t have to worry about confidence with this group,” said Jannarone, in his third season as the Cougars' head coach, having been a long-time assistant and head girls' basketball coach at the school. “They are resilient, they just play how they are going to play no matter who the opponent is. We have talked early in the year about walking into the gym with our chests out and a swagger and they do it, even after getting thumped at C'BA, or after getting manhandled by Manasquan. They just come in and we’ll work on it and we’ll fix it.
“I started with Denny in 1986 and since then we’ve had maybe three teams that have had that kind of mentality and character.”
Schedule / ScoreboardDate Opponent Result 3/31 @ Rumson-Fair Haven W 13-3 Game Details 4/2 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven W 10-0 Game Details 4/8 @ Matawan W 5-0 ...
| Date | Opponent | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/31 | @ Rumson-Fair Haven | W 13-3 | Game Details |
| 4/2 | vs. Rumson-Fair Haven | W 10-0 | Game Details |
| 4/8 | @ Matawan | W 5-0 | Game Details |
| 4/9 | vs. Matawan | W 9-5 | Game Details |
| 4/10 | @ Monmouth | W 7-4 | Game Details |
| Date | Opponent | Time | |
| 4/14 | vs. Monmouth | 3:45 pm | Pre-Game |
| 4/22 | vs. Howell | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 4/24 | @ Howell | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 4/28 | vs. Middletown South | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/1 | @ Toms River East | 7:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/2 | @ Shore | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/6 | vs. Shore | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/7 | vs. Ocean Township | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/8 | @ Ocean Township | 3:45 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/12 | @ Red Bank Regional | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/15 | @ Freehold Township | 4:00 pm | Pre-Game |
| 5/20 | @ Toms River South | 7:00 pm | Pre-Game |
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