#PremierLook at the First Half of the 18-19 Season

As it tends to do, the basketball season is basically halfway over and seems to have sped by thus far. As compared to the rest of the country, we in Texas get going a little early with official games the first week of November, and we’ve all blinked and now we are in early January.
 
Scrimmages, Weekday Games, College Games, Tournaments, Holiday Tournaments, and Marquee Matchup Showcase Events have kept everyone busy. Our  Premier Basketball team has been all over. (The Mark Williams  #WorldWideHoopsGlobal update coming soon.) Here is a run down of what we’ve seen: 
 

JASON KEY SHANE LAFLIN October Dave Neely JUCO Event Pelican State Extravaganza (LA) Arlington Bowie Preseason Scrimmage (multiple teams) Desoto Preseason Scrimmage (multiple teams)   November Cedar Hill/Allen SMU Practice Eastern Oklahoma State/Collin College (JUCO) Prosper/Sachse Desoto/Allen FRISCO ISD Tournament (multiple teams) Colleyville Heritage Tournament (multiple teams) Texas/UNT Duncanville/Desoto Arkansas/UTA Alabama/SMU Allen Hoopfest (multiple teams) Carrollton Ranchview Tourny (multiple teams) Plano West/Bishop Lynch Thanksgiving Hoopfest (multiple teams) UNT/SMU Cowtown Classic (multiple teams)   December Cedar Hill/Duncanville Allen/The Colony Utah St/UNT Lewisville/Irving MacArthur SGG -DC  Cal State-Bakersfield/SMU Oklahoma/SMU Mansfield ISD Tourny (multiple teams) Sandra Meadows (multiple teams) Keller Central Tourny (multiple teams) Oklahoma Panhandle State/UNT   November  Westlake vs Hendrickson Cedar Ridge vs Westlake Austin Bowie Be-YOU-tiful Tournament Arkansas @ UT-Arlington  Allen Hoopfest Tournament Cleveland State vs University of San Diego CAL vs Tulane (@ USD) Tulane vs Cleveland State (@ USD) CAL vs University of San Diego Purdue-Fort Wayne vs Loyola-Chicago Pitt vs Northwestern   December Michigan Mega Scrimmage SHE GOT GAME Classic – DC Nike TOC – Phoenix Sandra Meadows Classic Mansfield Spring Creek Invitational Vista Ridge vs Cedar Ridge Oklahoma State @ Texas UCONN @ Baylor SHE GOT GAME Classic – ATLANTA Oklahoma @ Texas   Upcoming HS events: Rose City Classic (NYC) Say Yes to Success Prep Nationals (NYC)

 
 
 
We have had the privilege of watching a lot of teams during this time. Here are some of the ones Nationally that have left a strong impression:
 
Bishop McNamara– The talent of McNamara is no secret to anyone, but the impressive thing is that it is not the “why” to their success.. They are tough, they defend, and they are arguably the best rebounding team in the country. Coach Frank Oliver’s squad shares the basketball… and doesn’t care who gets the numbers or the credit because per the relative matchup, it changes game to game. NC State bound  Jakia Brown-Turner is an All-American candidate, 2020  Madison Scott is as talented as anyone in the country and steadily improving, and Mississippi State signee  Aliyah Matharu is gritty, tough, and competitive and has also continued to improve. There is not enough emphasis and recognition for those players who steadily climb and improve over their prep careers instead of just being hyped and recognized as seventh graders as “great”. In this “chase scholarship offers” culture, the players who are steady and play their appropriate role until it is time for them to show how their preparation and work have defined a complete game don’t get enough credit. This McNamara team is full of them and Matharu is the lead example. “Fit” is misused and often misinterpreted, but I believe she found as near perfect of   fit possible in Mississippi State. When I’ve been asked, I’ve said I believe McNamara is the #1 team in the country from the tip-off this season. (Shane Laflin)
 
To Shane’s point, McNamara’s versatility on both ends of the floor is what makes them such a tough matchup. Brown-Turner, Scott, and Matharu lead a team that is COMPETITIVE above all else. The entire team is college-level-like in being vocal defensively as they do a lot of switching on-ball screens. The toughness aspect of Bishop McNamara is something that will be a common thread throughout the article of teams I comment on. Most know Brown-Turner and Scott pretty well, but I feel people are going to be surprised by Matharu when she steps on campus in Starkville.  Matharu is the head of the snake of an ultra-talented and complete team. (Jason Key)
 
Windward– Again, no secret.. Vanessa Nygaard is an incredible coach. From her demeanor on the sideline to her team’s poise and performance, her program is a great example of basketball success. They made a fantastic run at the Nike TOC by moving the ball, taking and MAKING great shots, and by rotating and rebounding. UCLA bound  Charisma Osborne is appropriately named as she clearly has the respect and admiration of her teammates. She carries a heavy load for them, but is not your typical volume shooter/scorer. She takes good shots.. shots she can and does make from all three levels.. but also creates and gets off the ball willingly possession after possession. The brand of basketball is fun to watch.  (Shane Laflin)
 
Miami Country Day– Nike TOC Champions for a reason: Resilience! This team won close game after close game. Their players do what they do and do not try to do too much.. they trust one another to do their jobs and they compete on every possession. South Florida bound  Maria Alvarez runs the show at the PG, Vanderbilt signee  Koi Love and her effort and versatility were on full display, junior post  Chantell Gonzales protects the paint, and freshman  Sydney Shaw adds some more athleticism and talent and plays a very mature floor game on both ends. Coach Ochiel Swaby and his squad deserve to be in talks for the best team because, trust me, they’d be in that game until the end.. it’s what they do! (Shane Laflin)
 
DEPSA (Detroit Edison)– Admittedly, I’ve only seen them in early season scrimmages, but goodness are they supremely talented, and not just as in potential, but in basketball players… talented! Mississippi State bound  Rickea Jackson is in the conversation for best player in her class and is truly versatile and an elite athlete. The 2020’s of  Shaulana Wagner,  Gabrielle Elliott, and  Ariel Jenkins all bring a unique set of skills to the table, and 2021  Damiya Hageman is as good with the ball as anybody with which she will match up.. This team can really break you down, and they can score it in a variety of ways. I hope to catch them down the road a bit. 
 
Christ the King– The preseason #1 in a few polls and for good reason – they are also supremely talented with a Division 1 player on every part of the court. In speaking of another senior who has been steady and continued to improve, Florida bound  Nina Rickards is good! She is a smooth operator and flat out knows how to put the ball in the bucket.  Kaelynn Satterfield (Ohio State signee) might be the toughest matchup in the country in terms of her being a forward who can play the “point-forward” type of game from the wing or at the 4 position.. coming off ball screens and distributing or scoring. Minnesota bound  Klarke Sconiors is active in and around the paint and is a strong finisher and super tough. 2020  Natalija Marshall  has an ideal frame for the hybrid post/forward that she is.. runs the floor with ease and has added a nice stop and pop jumper and even a more consistent looking three ball to her game to compliment her inside skills. I am waiting for her to turn the corner and be consistently at that high level every time I see her and also throughout complete games – don’t get me wrong, she is good – but she can truly be of the elite great players when this happens, and it very well can happen. This team plays with confidence and energy and when they are clicking on all cylinders, can be really tough to beat. (Shane Laflin) 
 
 
We are heavy in Texas and that is no secret. Here are some thoughts on a few of the Texas teams we’ve seen:
 
Cedar Hill– Quite possibly the favorite to win 6A right now. They are TOUGH. Coach Nicole Collins coaches them hard and they really guard, especially on the ball (shout out to a former player that I coached at UTA, CH assistant coach Kiarra Shofner, as I know she has something to do with this). Their roster has Wichita State signee  Dajinae McCarty who is playing as well as she ever has (and has seemed to add size and strength – great get for WSU), Vanderbilt signee in awkward matchup  Taylor Hutchins, and North Texas signee Destinee McDowell (transfer from Trimble Tech) who has really given them a boost. (Shane Laflin)
 
There are many aspects of Cedar Hill as a team that remind me of the 2018 Plano state championship team. First and foremost is the toughness and togetherness that Cedar Hill plays with. Cedar Hill is deep, athletic, physical and skilled. McCarty has produced at a high level for all four years of her career and has long been one of my favorites locally. Hutchins is a matchup nightmare and, now with the addition of McDowell, is even tougher to keep off of the boards. McDowell is the “Katie Ferrell (Plano 2018/UTA) secret sauce” of the 2019 class in Texas. McDowell has an old-school feel for the game that I hear many complain is missing in today’s new age style of play. McDowell sets physical screens that initiate most of Cedar Hill’s half court sets. Coming off the screens, McDowell is then a pass-first “point forward” who can also score from the mid-range or finish on the roll effectively. The “Big 3” are supplemented by a gritty group of guards in 2019  Kayla Harris-Williams, 2020  Kyla Howard/ Makalah Robinson, and 2021  Portia Adams. Versatile 2019  Imani Williams gives McDowell and Hutchins breaks when needed with effective minutes on the wing/post. I’ve seen multiple teams back down from Cedar Hill’s physical style of play and feel they are the prohibitive favorite for the 6A title headed towards March. (Jason Key)
 
 
Duncanville– As happens, part of the story here is the transfer of anchor inside,  Hannah Gusters. Moving on - Obviously, this changes Duncanville’s style and approach to things. They were already playing a bit more of a guard oriented style due to the depth in that position, but now are needing to do so even more. Super recruit 2020  Deja Kelly will need to carry more of the load, and sophomore  Nyah Wilson will need to produce. The main question may be their rebounding – as seen as their struggle lately. Sophomore  Zaria Rufus can help them with this as well as a collective focus and effort from the rest of their roster. Tempo is a must for them.. let’s see if they can play an organized and overwhelming chaos that has led to success in the past. They have time to adjust, but not much. We have already seen them drop a district game – unheard of in Duncanville in recent memory – to Dallas Skyline. Friday, January 25 ^this the rematch. (Shane Laflin)
 
 
Duncanville is going thru an obvious adjustment period with the transfer of Gusters. I would not be too quick to count Duncanville out as a darkhorse in 6A. Duncanville expects to win the biggest of games and that will show itself in the playoffs. Kelly, who reopened her recruitment this fall, has a renewed focus after getting comfortable early in the season. Kelly showed her elite skill at Sandra Meadows in December, catching the eyes of many of the top college programs in the country.  Wilson’s consistency and continued development is the key to how far Duncanville will get this spring. When she scores and defends to the level she is capable of, Duncanville can play with anybody. Rufus’ ability to rebound, defend the post, score down low, and stay out of foul trouble will be also be critical. 2019  Kinley Brown’s senior leadership, grit, and presence defensively will have to show this spring. Brown may very well be the one that is asked to hit a couple of critical late game shots come playoff time. (Jason Key) 
 
 
DeSoto– Young and talented, but they are not just that. They are tough and getting better. I challenge anyone to find another roster that gets as much as they do out of their freshman – at any classification in Texas (2022’s  Amina Muhammad and  Michayla Gatewood start for them,  and Ja’mia Harris,  Ayanna Thompson,  Jiya Perry, and  Tionna Herron all play and contribute). Houston bound  Bria Patterson continues to improve and so do her young teammates. They have size, length, athleticism, and skills – and they have bought into the defensive end. Coach Robinson coaches them hard and they have had a tough schedule thus far. Coupled with their district experience, do not overlook them in the post season. (Shane Laflin) 
 
Desoto is an extremely young and talented team that can beat anybody in a one game scenario. 2019 Houston commit Bria Patterson is the leader and only senior on the roster. Patterson is battle-tested and as physically talented as anybody in the class. 2020  Ash’a Thompson’s injury stalled Desoto’s progress early on this season, but as Thompson gets back on the floor – watch out. I thought Thompson was Desoto’s best player pre-injury and she is a REAL ascending prospect in the class. Desoto’s mix of sophomores and freshman is unparalleled nationally. While all ten have caught my eye at one point or another, I have been especially impressed with 2021  Kendall Brown and 2022 Amina Muhammad. The eleventh and quite possibly most physically gifted of the group (2022  Sa’Myah Smith) has not yet played this season due to injury. If Desoto’s young group figures out the turnover bug, they are a LEGIT threat. (Jason Key)
 
Cy Creek– The bottom line is this: they have two of the best guards in the state in sophomore’s  Rori Harmon and  Kyndall Hunter. These two are dynamite! They both shoot it with range and are terrors on the ball defensively. Harmon’s rise on her pull ups and mid-range game have really improved and Hunter is creating more off the dribble and relying a little less on the three ball all the time. Guard play can control a lot of games, and these two control their team. 
 
One of my favorite teams to watch during the Christmas tourney season, Cy Creek’s Harmon & Hunter are the best 2021 backcourt in the state and as good as any in the country. A highly anticipated regional rematch with Jersey Village (2019 Gonzaga commits  Kaylynne & Kayleigh Troung) seems inevitable. The winner of that game would be considered one of the favorites to make it to the state championship game in San Antonio. (Jason Key)
 
 
Timberview – This could be the most well rounded team in the state in terms of versatility and interchangeable parts. The entire starting lineup is headed to the Division 1 level:  Destiny Jackson to Rice,  Mikayla Hutchinson to SFA, and  Kennedy Wilson,  N’Denasija Collins, and  Timia Jeffersonare signed to play at Houston Baptist. They all defend and make timely plays. This team lacks the traditional “size” inside, but they are big guards/wings/forwards and they play excellent team defense, rebound well, and really get out in transition. (Shane Laflin)
 
Head Coach Kit Kyle has built a program that expects to be in contention for state championships year in and year out. The 2019 group looks to be the team to finish the job. I consider Timberview (along with Cedar Hill as a close 2 ^nd) to be the best team in the state. In watching Timberview, I’m most impressed with their unselfishness offensively. Vocal and connected defensively, Timberview is TOUGH!! Collins’ defensive versatility is the secret sauce. I have long been a fan of Hutchinson and her ability to get to the rim off the bounce is as good as there is in the state. Jackson is a silent killer who seems to embrace the big moments. The backcourt of Wilson and Jefferson are as steady as they come. 2019  Ari Clark, 2020  Nina Milliner &  Destiny Burton give Timberview big minutes game in and game out. (Jason Key)
 
 
Austin Westlake– Katie Hensle’s squad had two very quality wins on the first day of the Mansfield Spring Creek Invitational over Irving MacArthur and South Grand Prairie. They play multiple defenses and you can never count them out from a game plan standpoint. They are junior laden with  Shay Holle,  Presley Bennett,  Bailee Chynoweth, and Emily Seghars. Their lone senior is arguably their glue in  Kaylee Cunningham. They are running through district play this year and should make a run in Region 4. (Shane Laflin)
 
Katie Hensle is as quality a head coach as there is in the state. Hensle’s ability to maximize matchups while keeping teams out of what makes them comfortable is awesome to watch. Holle is a real deal athlete with burgeoning skill and confidence. Holle will be a highly coveted prospect as her career continues. Bennett is steady and skilled. Chynoweth is tough as nails and loves big shots. (Jason Key)
 
 
Pflugerville Hendrickson– I’ve received a few calls from the organizations that put out the various “Top 25” High School rankings who are intrigued by Hendrickson’s record (30-1 according to MaxPreps). They are currently undefeated in district play. Hendrickson made a deep playoff run into their region last year and look to be on the same track. Led by UTSA signee  Mikayla Woods and supported by quality role players and young talent such as 2021  Zoe Nelson, they will not be an easy out come UIL playoff time in February. (Shane Laflin)
 
   
We like to talk the game at all levels. We like to talk teams, and we definitely like to talk players. Here are some of the players on the National level that have made a real impression during the first half of the season (non Seniors): 
 
Dominique Darius– 2021 – Blair Academy (NJ) : Most recently seen at SHE GOT GAME Classic – DC; I know people don’t like the crossover comparisons all the time, but it is impossible for me not to think “Dwyane Wade” when I watch Darius play. She has a strong guard frame, rebounds on both ends, can guard, and has a mid-range game that stretches out to the three-point line as well. She’s not flashy off the bounce and to the rim, just gets the job done. The most outstanding traits I noticed were her leadership intangibles.. coaching up younger teammates, not letting a good thing go unnoticed, and numerous positive touches – high fives, pats on the back, and eye contact and dialogue with her coach. (Shane Laflin)
 
Yes sir!! LEADERSHIP qualities remind me of Ariel Atkins. Game is different than Ariel’s, but MOST SERIOUS – strong, skilled, and competitive. Complete basketball player. (Jason Key)
 
Jana Van Gytenbeek– 2020 – Cherry Creek (CO) : Stanford commit; Most recently seen at the Nike TOC in Phoenix; Jana keeps getting better.. she is the surefire leader of her team and has had that responsibility for multiple seasons.. She really sets the table for her teammates to be successful – and the passing is precision! She has worked to become a good shooter as well; three levels of scoring with a feathery floater, elevation on the stop and pop mid-range J, and a higher percentage from the three.  Her handle has added more shake and she is utilizing change of tempo better these days. Again… leader! (Shane Laflin)
 
Morasha Wiggins– 2021 – Kalamazoo Central (MI) : Most recently seen at the LBI Michigan Mega Scrimmage in Detroit; She was outstanding when I saw her, and in an event with a lot of talent, may have been the biggest take away of that weekend for me. Great size at the guard spot – and she does handle a workmanlike load of the ballhandling for her team – and truly an elite athlete. The rise on her jumper sets her apart.. and she has a nice touch from the three. She sees the floor well and distributes the ball to teammates.. the rise and explosiveness on her finishes at the rim and with her rebounding is not matched by many in the country. She also has a nice shake to her handle.. a PLAYER! (Shane Laflin)
 
Tonie Morgan– 2022 – Florida High School (FL) : Mosty recently seen at SHE GOT GAME Classic – ATLANTA;  Smooth and athletic scorer.. with nice size at the guard spot. She scored going left, scored going right.. and created off the dribble RT/LT and LT/RT.. She showed mid-range game and three ball ability.. What was very unique and made the biggest impression is when she drove the ball hard to create for teammates and delivered with sharp, timely passes.. a lot of young scorers are not only reluctant passers, but they just “throw” to someone vs truly passing. She delivers it so they can score. One to keep an eye on.. (Shane Laflin)
 
Sania Feagin– 2021 – Forest Park High School (GA) : Most recently seen at SHE GOT GAME Classic – DC; She has elite length and size for a player with forward skills.. She attacks the basket hard and finishes well with not only her athleticism, but good decision making and skills. Her effort on the glass is impressive and she showed legit range out to 15 feet. She is a good passer inside, in the H/L game, and on the perimeter. She is an effective shot blocker – all the way out to the perimeter. Definitely a stock riser for me. (Shane Laflin)
 
Caught my eye at Deep South last spring. Continues to improve. Elite size and athleticism. If /when she adds consistent perimeter shooting – WATCH OUT!!  One of the top players in the National Class. (Jason Key) 
 
 
It is hard to keep players in Texas too much of a secret, but here are some that maybe have not gotten everybody’s attention yet, but will: 
 
AJ Marotte – 2021 – Vista Ridge HS :I’ve been on Marotte for a couple of years now. Mid-range game has Vivian Gray (Argyle/Oklahoma State) elements to it. Hear to me now, listen me later… (Jason Key)
 
Aaliyah McMillan – 2021 – Cibolo Steele HS  :  First and foremost, best wishes for a FULL and SPEEDY recovery to one of the elite prospects in the state. Those that get injured not just once but twice are tough to watch. The upside to having these injuries is the tread that is left on the tires when projecting to the next level. McMillan can PLAY!! Her story reminds me of 2019 North Texas commit  Randi Thompson. In an unofficial poll of players, Thompson was a near-unanimous selection as best player at Sandra Meadows.  I have a feeling we will be saying the same for McMillan in the near future. (Jason Key) 
 
Sahara Jones - 2020 – Veteran’s Memorial HS :  Athletic, long, skilled and ultra-competitive. Elements of game are Zarielle Green-ish. (Jason Key)
 
Tommisha Lampkin - 2020 – Mansfield Summit HS : Has gotten fully back in shape from her comeback. Showed real flashes of athleticism on the boards combined with ability to put it on the floor from the pinch post. If/when she adds consistent shooting from the mid-range and beyond – WATCH OUT!! (Jason Key)
 
Zayla Tinner – 2020 – Amarillo HS : First caught my eye a couple of years ago. Strong, athletic and can really get cookin from 3.  Ascending prospect in the class. (Jason Key)
 
Rhyle McKinney - 2020 – Argyle HS : As skilled as any guard in the state. Can score from all three levels. Lethal in use of movement off the ball. Fun to watch. (Jason Key)
 
Shay Holle – 2020 – Austin Westlake HS : Real deal athlete with burgeoning skill and confidence; will be a highly coveted prospect as her career continues (Jason Key)
 
Jasmine Shavers – 2021 – Mesquite Horn HS : High level two-way ability. If/when she becomes more consistent offensively will be highly coveted on the next level. (Jason Key)
 
Emani Jenkins – 2020 – South Oak Cliff HS : Elite size and shooting ability on the wing. Has the physical tools to become an elite wing defender at the next level. (Jason Key)
 
 
   
 
SHOOTING
This seems like low hanging fruit, I know.. An easy thing to complain about. But, it does remain a concern. We have a lot of shot taking, but not a lot of shot making. This is due to a few things in my opinion: shot selection, degree of difficulty, poor passing to teammates, and conditioning. The value of being a good catch and shooter seems to be diminishing – players are clearly spending time with their handle and different difficult finishes – and some of that time would be well spent on spacing and relocation footwork and learning how to read screens (and some players setting screens). I bring up the passing aspect because it greatly affects a shooter’s rhythm, and I am seeing a lot of poor passing. I also mentioned conditioning because it affects players being able to be loaded from the base and shot ready and it is a factor in the consistency of shooting. An “upright and fatigued” player does not equal high percentage shooting. 
 
The growing trend is to be “versatile”, but versatility means being good at several things, not just trying them. To shoot the ball should be intentional, not a “chance” thing. Some fundamental fine-tuning would help here. Coaches at the next level truly value a screener/rebounder/defender and they value players who can catch and shoot, but don’t think they have to be a wizard with the ball as well. The game is missing some of the “specialty” players in different roles. The value of these things in HS players seems to be diminishing, but certainly not on winning teams and certainly not by college coaches – although they are harder to find. The value is diminished in attention seeking circles and highlight tape chasers. THE GAME VALUES IT THOUGH. Watch the games where there are “upsets” – those games have the “specialty” players. (Shane Laflin) 
 
As with all things that are discussed ad-nauseam, it’s because the struggle is REAL. The reason it sticks out to me so much is watching the college games where film, game planning, zones, and shot clock all become extremely relevant. If a player struggles to shoot, they will not be guarded in half court sets at the next level and it will eventually cost them playing time. As the women’s game has become more athletic and schematically complicated (and make no mistake, it has…) shooting is more relevant than ever. (Jason Key)
 
 
TOO MANY EURO STEP ATTEMPTS
Look, footwork is important in every aspect of the game. But, this is getting ridiculous. The degree of difficulty layups trend is something that needs to be corrected quickly. Euro steps are great in transition and when there is space, but this stuff in a crowd or in the half court with the defense completely loaded to stop the dribbler is just foolish. Players are banging into stand still defenders and wanting fouls and are creating impossible angles for finishes. 
 
In tight spaces the quick stop or jump stop onto two feet leading to a floater is a great option as well as the stride stop into a strong, loaded two foot attempt when contact is coming helps players finish. A made shot inside the arc is worth two points, and no difficulty points are added from the “judges” who watch the game through their cameras. (Shane Laflin)
 
Those that talk the game with me on a regular basis know how I feel about the euro. While the euro with a doubt has its place, I’m a much bigger proponent of the pull-up jumper as a whole. A notable floater game on the local HS level belongs to DJ McCarty at Cedar Hill. DJ is always on balance and uses it in applicable situations. Young players would be will served to catch a game and watch DJ put the floater clinic on.. (Jason Key) 
 
I would say the outstanding floater game award for the DFW Metroplex would be USC signee Endyia Rogers of Bishop Lynch. (Shane Laflin)
 
 
STAY FRESH
There are a lot of miles on these players these days. A lot of people are saying they aren’t tough, but I watch them play, they are physically tough. The thing may be, they are playing too much and they are fatigued from an overuse standpoint. There are A LOT of events out there. A LOT. Some respectable and reputable, some… not so much. I’m not here to draw the line in what is and isn’t, but do your homework. And also realize – even with the good ones – you can’t and shouldn’t do them all. 
Players should be able to get through their HS seasons without hitting a wall or having a nagging injury. And that means in leading up to and during their HS seasons, they need to be smart and take care of their bodies. And every workout doesn’t need to be a “grind” to the point of fatigue. Skill work does not have to be kill work. And skill acquisition to the point of implementation is as much mental as it is physical. (Shane Laflin)
 
I think all players should watch, listen, and learn from LeBron James on this subject. While nobody expects a kid to take care of their body to the level of LeBron, using the daily scheduling elements on a lesser level would be wise. Talk to college players about how their respective strength and conditioning coach (in my view the most important role besides HC on the college level) has changed their lives both on and off the court. Watching college games, the best teams are able to communicate (especially defensively) nearly as well in the 2 ^ndhalf as they are in the 1 ^sthalf. Reason?? – CONDITIONING!! Staying fresh both mentally and physically is quite possibly the biggest difference between good and elite at almost all levels of basketball. (Jason Key)
 
COMPETITEVENESS/TOUGHNESS
The longer I do this, the more value this element of the game has to me. Those players that all games matter too are the ones that rise above the crop long term. When I speak of toughness, I’m not talking about physical – you can’t play this game without being physically tough. I’m talking mental - who checks out because they have received multiple offers leading to underperforming HS a/o club teams?  Who cares about doing drills fundamentally correct at a random camp in September? Who cares about a possession when their team is up/down 15 in a 4 ^thquarter? The details matter…….  (Jason Key) 
 
In talking to people that have been around the game for many years (coaches, media, parents, players), I get the same resounding report: the game looks better (curb appeal) because it is being played by more players and more athletic players, but the quality of the play of the game has not necessarily improved. Basketball is a team game and there should be more good TEAMS – on every level. That is what parity really means. Not more mediocre teams out there, so no one can predict who wins and therefore it becomes an “even” playing field. Someone wins that mediocre game I know, but is that really good for the game? 
 
Players have to value slow growth and the people teaching and influencing the game must value fundamental growth over time – and they must also realize you can’t turn every player that walks into your gym into a big time scorer, but that there are still many things they can do to make this game great and be a great player .. in their role. They also must be able to see potential in a player who walks into they gym and resist the urge to anoint them “great” when they are so young. It works out for very few. (Shane Laflin)
 
PLAYERS: Keep getting better your entire career. Growth happens in millimeters, not in feet. 
 
We wish everyone the best of luck for the rest of the season. The post-season runs are always fun to watch – when players and teams are playing for CHAMPIONSHIPS. 
 
We look forward to the McDonald’s All-American team announcement in the coming weeks, always a much-anticipated event. 
 
We will see you in the gym!  We are everywhere with the  #PremierLook

Also, check out our spring/summer list of events HERE.