Q&A: Johnnie Bratton, Rockies Basketball Club

Coach Johnnie Bratton is no stranger to the club basketball scene. He is known for his competitive edge and desire to help young players grow both on and off the court around Colorado. He has been coaching for the Rockies since 2001 and became the program's director in 2013. The Rockies Basketball Club is an all-girls club team that aims to help girl basketball players around Colorado obtain college scholarships. Our Marcell Kelly caught up with Bratton to see what he has to say about his program that is well known around Colorado and on big stages against teams from all over the nation. &nbsp; <strong>Marcell Kelly: How would you describe your culture with the Rockies?</strong> Johnnie Bratton: The Rockies have always been known for their intensity and hard work. A culture that began when Kim Lalonde Thompson resurrected the Boulder Rockies after a few years of dormancy. We have always endeavored to ensure our student-athletes adhere to the highest standards of the game. Our vision drives the organization and helps to keep all within their due bounds. Empowering girls and young women through basketball by teaching discipline, commitment, focus, teamwork, and leadership skills for LIFE! Our mission is to develop basketball players capable of competing for scholarships in furtherance of their academic and career goals. This requires skill work and attention to details beyond those required on the court. &nbsp; <strong>Given all of your years with the Rockies, what stood out to you the most this summer about your team?</strong> The thing I found most intriguing about this year’s teams is their resilience. Contrary to the naysayers of the day, these kids are no better or worse than their predecessors. The difference is in adult leadership. We operate from the perspective that we are either coaching players to or allowing them to conduct themselves a certain way. College coaches have made it clear that players coming to their programs are often immature, pampered, self-centered individuals who have no concept of team before self.<strong> </strong> <strong>Tell us a little bit about the journey for the Rockies with being in the Blue Star Basketball league? </strong> The Rockies are one of the original eight Blue Star teams that now includes 24 teams. Our success competing against the country’s top competition is unmatched. Two USJN/Nike National Championships, one Blue Star National title and a runner-up finish in 2015. We expect to continue as a member of the newly formed Blue Star League and the only non-shoe sponsored program. &nbsp; <strong>How did this summer wrap up with the 2020 girls?</strong> The 2020 class led the Rockies to a 7-4 Blue Star League finish and made it to the sweet sixteen at the national tournament. The team also won the Battle at the Border championship in Kansas City. *Note: Blue star Travel Team class of 2020 - Seneca Hackley, Olivia Waufle, Jessica Hoffman, Hannah Bano, Sara Reiner, Lindsay Anhalt, Krystina Hagood, Tosjanae Bonds. Class of 2021 - Alexis Garcia, Jadyn Luna, Skyler Boylan. &nbsp; <strong>Which 2020 players stood out the most this entire summer? </strong> Seneca Hackley was a standout the entire campaign. She’s the first Rockies player to be selected to the All-Star teams in all five of our major tournaments. That’s never happened before. &nbsp; <strong> What was the biggest takeaway this summer for you?</strong> Players seeking scholarship opportunities will need to make decisions concerning the time they can commit to the sport. Players are now bigger and more skilled than ever before. A player who works casually will be hard-pressed to impress college coaches with their basketball skills. &nbsp;