Crushing The Quarantine: Part 1
It feels like we’ve been locked in for a while now. Gyms have been closed and games have been stopped. Here in Michigan, our high school basketball players are known for their grit and toughness so there are players dribbling…
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Continue ReadingIt feels like we’ve been locked in for a while now. Gyms have been closed and games have been stopped. Here in Michigan, our high school basketball players are known for their grit and toughness so there are players dribbling in the basement, running, and playing on a hoop in the driveway. Our Michigan high school athletes aren’t just maintaining, they are GETTING BETTER. Let’s look at some players and what they are doing in order to crush the quarantine. We will look at a workout they’ve done at home, areas they are trying to improve, and a quote from each athlete.
Kailee Davis Kailee Davis 5'4" | PG Detroit Renaissance | 2021 State MI
2021, PG, Detroit Renaissance
SKILL FOCUS:
Lower body strength
Core and cardio
WORKOUT:
Davis has been focused on maximizing her physical conditioning and strength. She does 2 a day workouts specifically designed in these areas. Davis starts first thing in the morning with a quick workout, then later in the day she does a core training session.
QUOTE:
“I will be a better player during this time because it gives me a head start to be prepared for AAU, so I can work on my craft and get in better shape, so I will be ready for high level basketball.” – Kailee Davis Kailee Davis 5'4" | PG Detroit Renaissance | 2021 State MI
Kate Jacobs Kate Jacobs 6'3" | C Hartland | 2022 State MI
2022, C, Hartland
SKILL FOCUS:
Adding post moves – She’s been watching film and working with Coach Luke Lloyd to learn new moves and polish the ones already in her arsenal.
Speed – Jacobs wants to be fast enough to be the first player down the floor every time.
Basketball IQ – She’s been watching replays of WNBA and NCAAW games. Players that she’s focused on watching include Emma Meesseman, Elena Delle Donne, A’ja Wilson, and Lauren Cox.
WORKOUT:
Jacobs’ workout routine has included speed and agility training, weight training, ball handling, and shooting. She has taken advantage of the Michigan Mystics hosting zoom calls 6 days a week. Jacobs has been working with Coach Lloyd from Dribble Stick through video calls. They’ve worked on expanding her post skills and improving her ball handling. She’s been going on runs at least 5 times a week as well as finding workout videos online that are helping her build strength. Jacobs has followed Megan Gustafson, from the WNBA, who has tweeted variations of the Mikan Drill. She has recreated these drills at home. Jacobs has been doing a shooting drill that involves making 20 shots from 6 levels of the court. Jacobs has been shooting at least 50-100 free throws daily.
QUOTE:
“I will be a better player because of the quarantine because I have been working on multiple aspects of my game. I will be in better shape than ever before the next time I step on the court. I will be able to adapt to situations because of growing my basketball IQ and staying mentally tough. I will also have a much larger skill set than ever before. I cannot wait for the season to start!” – Kate Jacobs Kate Jacobs 6'3" | C Hartland | 2022 State MI
Nya Thomas Nya Thomas CG Belleville | 2021 State MI
2021, G, Belleville
SKILL FOCUS:
Strength
Ball handling
Getting more lift on her shot
WORKOUT:
Thomas has put equal focus on her physical conditioning, strength, and improving her skills. She has been doing a lot of weight lifting and workouts that build core strength. Thomas has used the HomeCourt app in order to work on her dribbling.
QUOTE:
“This quarantine is going to make me a better player because it’s giving me time to work on my game individually and take time out to get stronger.” – Nya Thomas Nya Thomas CG Belleville | 2021 State MI