Gems in the Gym: Rise Combine
According to New Oxford, the definition of a gem is a person or thing considered to be outstandingly good or special in some respect. Whenever I am doing skill work with high school groups, boys or girls, I usually wait…
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Continue ReadingAccording to New Oxford, the definition of a gem is a person or thing considered to be outstandingly good or special in some respect. Whenever I am doing skill work with high school groups, boys or girls, I usually wait until the end of the camp to check for their full information in order to stay unbiased on predicated ability due to age. I was shocked when I found out some of the age of the ladies because they played with a much louder game. Easily players that show small but games are big when they allow them to be unhidden. Check below for a few Gems in the Gym at the Rise Combine.
Kelis Grant-Class of 2023
Cedar Hill High School
I was excited to see her in the all-star game based off of her performance in the skill work part of the camp I instructed. At first,she was shy in the crowd and did not really demand the ball. Nonetheless, when she got the ball her hands, she did some real nice work. Jab cross over to the elbow with a pump fake then shot, with pretty form, from the elbow. Should definitely play with more confidence and to my surprise, she was significantly younger than I assumed she was based off her skill set and style of play. Negatively, she was hesitant to do much where she definitely should not be because of her skill set.
Mylassia Smith-Class of 2024
Frisco Memorial High School
Miss Smith is definitely a gem on any team. I was shocked, surprised and gasped at the fact when I found out that she was in the class of 2024. I knew she was young but not THAT young with the type of game she plays. Although small, Not afraid to get inside but makes good passes, great ball-handle mechanics and good form. Makes smart decisions that show she will have a high IQ as she continues to elevate her game.
Callie Cooper-Class of 2021
Richardson High School
The Callie Cooper. I really liked her game a lot. Why? Her ball-handle mechanics and court vision was on point. Considering the amount of time the ball was in her hand, she did not turn the ball over. The thing that I liked most was the fact that she keep her head up the entire time as she dribble and executed moves on defenders. Granted, she is standing 1 year older than many of the campers but she was definitely undersized and played with a bigger game mainly due to her handle and maneuver skills. It is obvious that she spends quite a bit of time in the gym.