Rising BlueStar Camp

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">November 2, 2025 | Grace Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rising BlueStar team camp delivered an intense, high-impact day of basketball development, designed to sharpen individual skills, strengthen team dynamics, and deepen strategic IQ. Led by elite coaches and trainers, the camp blended rigorous drills, live scrimmages, and specialized clinics—all while fostering leadership, communication, and competitive fire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Target Participants: Rising BlueStar varsity, junior varsity, and middle school players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Camp Structure</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Skill Development Stations</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ball-handling under pressure<br>- Shooting mechanics and form<br>- Defensive footwork and lateral quickness<br>- Precision passing and decision-making</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coaches tailored instruction to each player's skill level, emphasizing fundamentals with progressive challenges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Real-time coaching feedback sharpened execution and boosted in-game awareness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Controlled Scrimmages</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- 1v1 isolation battles<br>- 3v3 half-court sets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emphasis on applying new skills, reading defenses, and communicating under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Specialized Clinic</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Guest Coach Naomi Gipson led a valuable session on mental toughness, followed by a player Q&amp;A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Coaching Staff</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Head Coach: Trev Bruno – No Ceilings Sports<br>- Assistant Coach: Naomi Gipson – Mental Performance Specialist, Former Cal Lutheran University player<br>- Guest Trainer: Carlos Baker – 10,000 Hours Player Development</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Standout Performers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Player | Height | Graduation Year</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Katalina Atencio | 5'2" | 2028</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atencio brought relentless energy to every drill and station, hustling without pause. What truly stood out was her finishing ability, effortlessly converting layups with either hand as she attacked the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1068677' first='Layla' last='Gonzales'] | 5'7" | 2028</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1068677' first='Layla' last='Gonzales'] showcased rock-solid fundamentals and polished shooting mechanics, capped by a high, consistent release on her jumper. She drained one- and two-dribble pull-ups going left from the left wing, while also knocking down catch-and-shoot threes with ease.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Zaniyah Gonzales | 5'3" | 2029</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zaniyah Gonzales, a crafty guard with a tight handle, impressed with her footwork and balance. She masterfully used pivots to create space, moved intelligently off the ball in DHOs and down-screen curls, and showcased a silky midrange jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Hailey Oothoudt | 5'5" | 2029</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oothoudt emerged as an intriguing prospect, confidently sinking multiple midrange jumpers throughout the day. She fired crisp passes right into teammates' shooting pockets and flashed active hands on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Kiana Guzman | 5'7" | 2029</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Guzman was a whirlwind of high energy — quick, tough, aggressive, and vocal. She held her follow-through on jumpers, deployed a slick up-and-under for easy buckets in the lane, and anticipated passes brilliantly to rack up deflections on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Outcomes</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Sharpened individual skills (shooting, defense, ball-handling)<br>- Stronger team chemistry and on-court communication<br>- Deeper understanding of roles, spacing, and strategy<br>- Elevated confidence for competitive play</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Exclusive Opportunity</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Selected participants from this camp will earn a trip to the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona — the first time the event will be hosted at Footprint Center (home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**<strong>Disclaimer</strong>** The five standout players highlighted in this article -- Atencio, L. Gonzales, Z. Gonzales, Oothoudt, and Guzman -- are recognized for their strong performances at the Rising BlueStar Camp. However, they are <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">not</span></em></strong> the selected participants for the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona. That process is ongoing and has not yet been finalized. Final decisions will be based on coach evaluations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->