U17 USA Basketblog

With Training Camp resuming for the U17 USA World Championship team, a few of the team members will be leading the way sharing some of their experiences with us as they prepare for their trip to Spain. Sedona Prince (SP), Christyn Williams (CW), Samantha Brunelle (SB), and Charli Collier (CC) will be our guides.
 
Look for our #U17USABasketblog updates on the website and Social Media!
 
 
A few of them checked in here as they arrived back in Colorado Springs at the US Olympic Training Center:
 
 
What was your reaction when you found out you were one of the 12 members of the U17 World Championship Team?
 
CW: My reaction when my name was called I was just in awe, I didn't even know what to say. I shed a tear when Charli came and hugged me because she said "We did it, we aren't alternates anymore". Just knowing all the hard work I've put in since I got cut last year and to see it finally paying off is just the best feeling ever.
 
SP: I was amazed and blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization.
I knew that I was going to have to work very hard and try to focus on the goal of winning a gold medal. 
 
 
SB: My reaction when I found out I had made the team was priceless. My mouth semi dropped/ smiled huge, my eyes got really big, and I had an amazing feeling on the inside.
 
 
 
 
What did you do to prepare for the return to Training Camp?
 
CW: The best thing I could do for my body to prepare myself for training camp is REST because we are about to be playing non-stop for a month. I went and put some shots up though… I just took it easy for the most part. 
 
SP: Worked on my shot and handling. I also worked on my mindset and focused on being the best player I can be.  
 
SB: To prepare to come back for training camp I went to Richmond, Va to train with Mike Davis. We worked on a lot of step back moves and pick and roll situations, as well as staying mentally tough in tough situations (staying composed if I missed too many shots, or making the goal set before me.)
 
 
 
What is your mindset going into this experience?
 
CW: My mindset going into this experience is “the nerves are out of the way, I got through the hard part already.” I'm familiar with my coaches, teammates, the OTC etc. Now it's time to really lock down and focus. Just play ball, have fun, and compete! 
 
 
SP:  To essentially win a gold medal and to have a fun time traveling the world. 
 Also to meet amazing people and gain a lot from these experiences and come out as a better player. 
 
SB: My mindset going into this experience with team USA is, number one, we want to win the gold! Second, to get better and learn new skills at training camp (and even playing in the games). And lastly, to create great relationships with all my teammates and coaches.
 
 
 
 
What are your expectations for this team?
 
CW: My expectations for this team is to of course win the gold. But before then in training camp, I just would like to see our team chemistry steadily increase over the next week or so, and hopefully it carries over onto the court as well. I think we are headed on the right track, I can see us being life long friends.
 
SP: As I said before, a gold medal. I expect to go undefeated and have a blast while doing it.
 
SB: My expectations for this team is we always give our all in practice and games, play as a team (develop great team chemistry), and we play USA basketball! 


SATURDAY, JUNE 11th BLOG #2

The U17 #USABasketblog squad checked in a couple days into two-a-day practices. In talking to a few of these players it is clear, ball is life for them right now. They are learning the real “work” part of being great at this game, both as a team and as an individual. This is healthy growth and I believe so good for these young players to experience. 
 
They are developing an identity as a team. In order to achieve their goals, they will need to execute. Many young players do not grasp the logistics of the game; the flow of really playing together. It is evident as they all mention the emphasis on setting GREAT screens early in camp that this is a point of focus for this group. These fortunate 12 will get a taste of that with this USA Basketball experience.
 
 
 
SEDONA PRINCE
The practices have been difficult but very effective and fun at times. We play very well as a team and are all good friends so it is fun on and off the court. The first couple of days have been very long and hard, but it's great work and a great experience. 
 
We are working on lots of defensive work and setting great screens. We are also working on breaking down plays and conditioning. 
 
We are icing, sleeping and eating a lot when we are not playing. 
 
Seeing other athletes compete and train here is the best part. They are so self motivated and it makes being here very special. 
 
SAM BRUNELLE
It's been a great first few days of practices and scrimmaging!  First day back we focused more on reviewing plays and getting refreshed. We also did some good conditioning drills (which we keep excelling at everyday).  
 
The second day we put in a few more plays and inbounds plays too. We’ve had a big focus on defense too the past few days, whether it's drills or playing against each other.  
 
Today [Friday], we went through our plays and transition as well as getting guard and post work drills in. We also have been working a lot on setting picks and setting great screens. We have definitely been working our hardest and just keep getting better and better every practice. 
 
CHRISTYN WILLIAMS
We are working on executing our plays to perfection, also setting great screens.
 
Defensively we are working at stopping the ball in transition, communicating, and rebounding.
 
When we are not practicing we are eating, resting, and icing AND repeat!! Lol
 
The best part of being at the OTC is having the opportunity to interact with other athletes and also building close relationships with my new teammates.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17th BLOG #3

The U17 USA Basketball World Championship team finished up their training camp in Colorado Springs this week and early Wednesday morning began their trek to Europe. They will scrimmage France in Anglet, France on Saturday. Then it is on to Zaragosa, Spain for the U17 World Championships. They get in one more scrimmage vs Australia on Monday, and then the real action begins June 22 ^nd.
 
You can find the schedule on the USA BASKETBALL site.
 
As these talented players spend more time together, it is imperative that in a relatively short time, they become a unit. In conversations, texts, and FaceTime it is apparent that this is happening. These players are a fun group. We wish them the best as they begin to compete. Get Buckets in Europe! 
 
I asked them a few simple questions to get them going such as “Whom are you getting to know the best? / Who is the funniest teammate? / Who are emerging as the leaders? / How might this experience prepare you and/or help you with your college decision?” Here are some of the candid thoughts from the #USABasketblog squad:
 
 
SAMANTHA BRUNELLE
 
We had great last practice yesterday (Tuesday)! Went through our plays and made sure we knew all the different options. All of us are becoming a lot closer as a team as well, which a great thing. We keep bonding together all the time outside the court.  
 
Leaving for France today (Wednesday) couldn't feel any better with our team like we have now! Definitely ready to get the gold!
 
SEDONA PRINCE
 
Christyn is the person I'm getting to know the best that I didn't know a whole lot before. We both have the same sense of humor and like the same things.  
 
(I would say) Jannelle, and Destanni are the main leaders but it is mainly a group leading and we all are very responsible.  
 
(Who is the funniest teammate?)
Me, by far…  --- In TRUE Sedona fashion!! Lol (SL)
 
CHRISTYN WILLIAMS
 
I didn't know any of my teammates well, and now I know literally all of them. I know too much about all of them that I can't just narrow it down to one person. 
 
I would say that their are multiple leaders; too many to just narrow it down to one as well because each of us have different leadership qualities instilled in us. 
 
Janelle is definitely the funniest teammate.  She is hilarious!
 
I think this experience will help me make my decision because you get to experience a month of college practices and you really get to see a glimpse of what it's going to be like because they push you hard. So when I go on my visits, I'll just know this is where I want to go to school. 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22^nd  BLOG #4
 
Since we last checked in with them, the #USABasketblog group and their U17 FIBA World Championships team has travelled from Colorado Springs to France, played an exhibition game vs France, and then travelled to Spain and scrimmaged Australia. Somewhere in between they have had the chance to sight see these European countries as well. 
 
Things get REAL today as they begin pool play vs KOREA at 2:30pm (ET). The games are live streamed HERE.
 
I asked them about the travel, what it was like to put on the USA uniform, what’s next in the growth of this team, and asked them to shout-out a few folks back home. This is what they shared:
 
 
CHARLI COLLIER
 
The travel was quite long, but exciting for me because I was so ready to experience France and Zaragoza, Spain and get the chance to play with my team against all of these other great countries.
 
The feeling was awesome - haven't experienced anything like it before. Even some of France's fans were cheering for us and wanted autographs. It felt great to be able to put on that USA jersey and know that you are competing for your country and representing well.
 
The next thing for us would be "the process" - taking it one practice and game at a time
 
Spain is really different from France I think. I enjoy Spain and it's a unique tourist place.  
 
Shout-out to God, my Mom, Brother, Antuionette, my whole Barbers Hill basketball team, Coach Danley, and the whole Mont Belvieu community!
 
SAM BRUNELLE
 
Traveling overseas was fun, tiring, and exciting! The design on the plane was different from how the set up is on a plane staying in the US. The rows have three sections of seats instead of two.  They also served of three meals as well.  
 
France was a wonderful time!  The game against them was lots of fun and really competitive at the same time.  Getting to explore France was also a great experience too!  We got to walk around the streets and see the different homes and buildings, and we got to see the beach as well.  
 
Now that we are in Spain we have had a couple practices, and one scrimmage that we won against Australia.  We are definitely ready to start the real games now! 
 
CHRISTYN WILLIAMS
 
Traveling overseas was great, it's different here and kind of hard because it's rare if someone can speak English so you have to use a lot of gestures.  But I'm having fun with it! 
 
Putting on that jersey for the first time really made me feel how blessed I am to be one of the 12 to represent my country… Very humbling experience. 
 
What's next for the team is that we have a few more practices to really lock down on our offenses and defenses and then the tournament starts. I think we are well prepared. 
 
Spain is so much fun! The food has been good and everyone is really nice. 
 
I would like to shout-out my family for constantly supporting me in everything that I do, I just want them to know that it is much appreciated. Love you guys! 
 
SEDONA PRINCE
 
It was long but fun to take the flight with the team.
 
It felt good to put on the jersey; it helped to remind me that the real games are right around the corner.  
 
We have to get better at scoring from outside the paint and blocking out – we should own the boards! 
 
Spain is amazing, lots of cool places to sight see and the weather is nice. What an experience!
 
I want to give a shout-out to Coach Lange, my high school coach, & my Liberty Hill teammates. 
Also my Texas Elite team! Vivian, Tatum, Trinity, Lauren, Temi, Bryn, Cate, Ali, and Ryanne – and, I guess the coaches too ;-)

TUESDAY, JUNE 28th BLOG #5

For this #USABasketblog we changed things up a little. I certainly want to include the whole team in the sharing of their experiences, so I asked our four to grab some teammates and share a quick Q&A.
 
The team is coming off a opening round win over Brazil and will take on France in the round of 8 on Wednesday, June 29 ^th.
 
 
SAMANTHA BRUNELLE
 
Get to know my teammate, Maya Dodson
 
What is your favorite part about playing in Spain?
 
MD - getting to compete against other countries.
 
What is your favorite sports drink?
 
MD - Red Gatorade.
 
What does playing for team USA mean to you?
 
MD - means a lot because it's a big honor to play for my country and a great experience to play overseas.
 
Who is your favorite athlete?
 
MD - Serena Williams.
 
What has been most exciting part of your USA experience?
 
MD - playing the games. 
 
 
 
CHRISTYN WILLIAMS
 
Get to know my teammate, Janelle Bailey 
 
What is your favorite memory so far? 
 
JB - In a scrimmage with Australia being down by as much as 19 with 2:23 left in the third quarter and coming back to win by three. 
 
In what areas does this team excel? 
 
JB - This team definitely has team chemistry playing to rally when we get down. We never stop fighting and I think that you know if we have some flaws, that we try to work through them; you know, they might not be as easy as other components of the game. 
 
What's the best food you've had so far? 
 
JB - Definitely the pizza in France at the beginning of our trip. It was in the marketplace downtown. 
 
Get to know my teammate, Destanni Henderson 
 
If you could describe this team in one word what would it be? And why? 
 
DH – Underdogs - Because last year we didn't get the gold medal. 
 
What does the team have to continue to do in order to keep winning? 
 
DH - Execute offensively and defensively. 
 
Who's the most fun person on the team? 
 
DH - Sam Brunelle - Because she's very outgoing, energetic, and funny. 
 
 
 
CHARLI COLLIER
 
Get to know my teammate, Aquira DeCosta
 
What's an improvement from last year's team to this year's team?
 
AD - Team chemistry, focus, and coach-ability
 
How would you describe this year’s team?
 
AD- I would describe this year's team as energetic and very influenced by our coaches and staff. We worked really hard to get to where we are now and [are working] on accomplishing our goal, which is to win gold.
 
What would you describe your style of play as?
 
AD - I would describe my style of play as athletic and more acrobatic because of my ability to jump and be quick with what I do.
 
 
 
SEDONA PRINCE
 
Get to know my teammate, Taylor Mikesell
 
What is your main strength and weakness on the court?
 
TM - Strengths: shooting, scoring ; Weaknesses: rebounding 
 
Who is your idol or person you look up to the most and why?
 
TM - My idol is Steph Curry, because I feel like my game resembles his in many ways, and he is small and a lot of people don't think he should be where he is right now. 
 
What is your best experience from this trip so far?
 
TM - My favorite part about the trip so far is being able to build all these friendships with the best players in the country.