1829 Cobra Preview “The Clash”

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 Practice Session Notes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra</strong> is an independent travel team that practices out of Waterford and plays in various competitive tournaments across multiple states. Their first tournament was last weekend at the April Showers Classic and their next tournament will be Friday-Sunday at S40 Events "The Clash" in Hamilton, Ohio. Head Coach and Director William Jones makes it clear to the team in practice that "This is not high school basketball". As a former Varsity high school and travel coach, someone who has attended/seen many JUCO-NAIA games this past season, I can confirm that the speed/intensity of the game in these events is more aligned to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Jones applies pressure to the fundamental drills, which begin in an elementary form and progress to high-speed combinations that will be necessary to perform in game situations. The girls showed mental toughness to continue performing new: side jabs, cross jabs, footwork, and finishes at full speed despite failure. By the end of practice, the entire group was performing the skill better than they started to begin practice. The intensity and demand that he requires of the offense to be "perfect" or else they start over immediately, teaches the girls to have high standards for their focus/performance and also keeps a realistic perspective of how precise and fast they will need to be with their spacing/reads to execute in the games. Jonesisms: "It's not a drill, it's the game...Slow will never work in the game"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a few unique components of this team that I have not observed before at the high school level. The girls all decide together which colored shirt they are going to wear to practice as a group (white or black). During practice they will write down extensive notes in their notebooks and diagram plays after drills or offensive segments. The reflection on what they are doing, why it's working or not working, and how they need to improve to perform better individually/team is essential to growth. My coaching curiosity was well-fed by attending [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra's practice on Wednesday. Below I will share the team's schedule for "The Clash", spring season, and brief observations/notes on their roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobras Schedule for "The Clash" April 19-21, Hamilton, OH</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":894972,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last='']-Cobra-Schedule-The-Clash.png?w=791" alt="" class="wp-image-894972" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66215df5a6c6e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra Travel Schedule and Roster</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":894969,"width":"734px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/Screenshot_20240418-093229.png?w=895" alt="" class="wp-image-894969" style="width:734px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":894968,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/IMG_20240418_093006-1.jpg?w=791" alt="" class="wp-image-894968" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":895053,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Arisara Macdonald","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rochester","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last='']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eArisara Macdonald u003c/strongu003e(2026, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) had extremely detailed notes with diagrams and full pages of important observations from practice. She is a lengthy/strong Guard/Forward hybrid who performed in every skill: ball handling, footwork, shooting, passing, IQ at the top of her team. Arisara finishes off one or two feet with equal precision and uses a balanced/high release form from the charity stripe. She was able to combine jab steps with a spin dribble and finish at the rim. Arisara verbally communicates with teammates and will direct them using hand motions during offensive plays. Arisara drained two 3's up top during the relocation shooting segment.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["835602"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_player_featured_image":895067,"_player_evaluations_1_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='835602' first='Brooke' last='Pizzala'] (2025, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) has a combination of skills that make her an effective SG/Wing on the court. She has the range and balance to create space off the ball and set herself up for open 3's. Brooke showed progress with the jab step dribbles and converted finishes at the rim going full speed. (MOI, Medical) u0022Brooke is discovering the type and level of prospect she can be, and it's exciting.u0022-Coach Jones","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["773854"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":895076,"_player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Julia Nourredine (2026, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) is a tough guard, as she clearly demonstrated at our Top 250 Expo last September. She refuses to miss out or fall behind and has a commitment to practicing whether she is at full strength or not. Julia is recovering from an ACL injury, but performed every drill and segment at practice she was permitted by the head coach. Julia's stationary side and crossover jabs were quick and balanced, she was effective integrating those jabs into full-speed situations and finished off two feet naturally at the rim. She transferred the ball well going full speed and was able to combine the jab steps with spin dribbles.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":895080,"_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Kaylee Whitney","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Lapeer","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last='']","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Kaylee Whitney (2026, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) improved her ball handling and footwork throughout Wednesday's session. By the end of practice she was using the jab steps and transferring the ball to finish left layups full speed. She shows mental toughness, coachability, and executes the offense very well during the 5 on 0 segment. Kaylee drifts with her shoulders squared to the rim in position to catch and release a quick shot. She knocked down multiple mid-range jumpers off of step back dribbles.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["431342"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_player_featured_image":895085,"_player_evaluations_4_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='431342' first='Emilie' last='Eritano'] (2025, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) is a compact PG who is clear leader on the team with how hard she plays, her experience playing at this level, and her skillset. Coach Jones refers to her during drill demonstrations and has high expectations for Emilie on the court. She was one of the quickest and most effective ball handlers during the stationary and combination drills. She finishes well off one or two feet and knocked down relocation 3's from up top. Emilie used fast dribbles with squared shoulders and balance, attacking downhill into a pro hop. She has a fluid transfer on her hip turns into a spin dribble finish (MOI, Social Work, Psychology).","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["854689"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":895031,"_player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='854689' first='Yasmeen' last='Dabish'] (2025, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) verbally encouraged her teammates on the court and moved very well in the offensive segment. She sets screens and pops, making quick reads and anticipating where teammates are going. Yasmeen makes strong passes and handles the ball well; she can integrate step back and jab dribbles on her way to the basket. Yasmeen has the ability to make smooth spin dribble transfers to her left and knock down mid-range shots off the dribble (MOI, Pediatric Surgeon).","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":895034,"_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"Jenna Hinzmann","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Southgate","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last='']","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eJenna Hinzmann u003c/strongu003e(2025, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) was an effective forward in the high post during the 5 on 0 segment Wednesday. She plays off the ball very well, finding her spots quickly, reading/anticipating where her teammates are moving to, and timing her screens. Jenna showed toughness to receive coaching and determination to continue improving throughout the session (MOI, Education).","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["796709"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_player_featured_image":895097,"_player_evaluations_7_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='796709' first='Gracie' last='Wright'] (2025, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) is an extremely athletic guard who can turn on the burners and accelerate. She was one of the most balanced and quick players during the jab dribble segments. She shows a toughness to receive criticism and then double down her focus/effort to improve at the task. Gracie drilled a 3 pointer on the move up top and knocked down mid-range jumpers with step back dribbles. Gracie improved her pause dribble using a chin lift as directed by coach and will continue to gain notice as she combines her athleticism with her progress on the offensive end (MOI Pre-Vet).","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["887998"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_player_featured_image":895038,"_player_evaluations_8_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='887998' first='Farida' last='Youssef'] (2025, [program_tooltip program_id='713458' first='1829' last=''] Cobra) is a guard who shifts gears with various attack dribbles to create scoring opportunities. She keeps control of the ball and combines jabs/crossovers effectively on her way to the rim. Farida finished layups at the rim with the footwork and ball-handling emphasized during the session. (MOI, Business)u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu0022Farida is stepping into a wider realm of basketball at the lead guard position, and she's ready for the challenge!u0022-Coach Jones","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":9,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66215df5a703c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of Prepare 2 Win Basketball. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at prepare2winbasketball@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->