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September 1st, 2010

Boca Ciega(5A)

Indian Rocks Chr(2A)

Gulf(4A)

The Big 3 Of West Tampa Bay Are The Preseason Favorites To Make A Run For Lakeland!

Basketball season begins with tryouts and practice on October 25th for the prep girls of Tampa Bay.  While many teams have been resting and relaxing, these three teams have been training individually and with AAU teams to dominate the local competition and get to Lakeland for a title chase.  I know IRC and Gulf have never made the Big Dance, but let's talk about why this season may be their year!  Lakeland is almost a given in the mind of the Pirates!  They are going for their fourth consecutive trip!

Last Season:  Bogie (29-1), IRC (24-5), Gulf (24-5)

*Bogie lost in the 5A State Championship Game To Ft. Lauderdale's Dillard, 53-44 last season.  Bogie lost to Nova in the 5A State Semi-Finals, 42-41 in 2009.  Bogie lost to Winter Haven, 73-40 in 2008 in the semis.  Tamara must already have hotel reservations.  She's been there every year!

Bogie has USF-bound Tamara Taylor, the effervescent and confident all-state superstar, and some exciting and strong sophomores who have already tasted Lakeland from last season.  Bogie has actually been to Lakeland the last three seasons, so they expect to be in Lakeland!  They are not hoping and wishing to get there!  Will White is a relaxed and quietly confident coach, and his players, especially Tamara; don't realize that fear exists.  They play so relaxed, even in the pressure games!  Coach White deserves high marks for keeping his team cool and confident.

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If the sophomores come through, look for Bogie to get to Lakeland for the fourth straight season, with Tamara Taylor carrying the team when needed!  I haven't seen them lately, so I am anxious to see them back on the court!

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Indian Rocks Christian is an offensive juggernaut that can score points from beyond the arc, in transition and rip holes through your defense with powerful drives.  They are head and shoulders above the competition beyond the arc.  They are fearless and confident 3FG shooters with three excellent starting shooters in Tori Trador, Jessica Logemann and now, Kristen Scholl- a solid marksman.  Rachel Burnett, when she is rested, is also capable of knocking down five to six in a row, and no one in the gym is surprised.  Jami Ring, who will probably be a starter or sixth man, is also a knock-down sharpshooter.  Any team that drops into a zone is in for a very long night.  However, this season- they are not just shooters.  Rachel Burnett, Jessica Logemann, Kristen Scholl and Madison Rabino clearly are not afraid to mix it up in the paint; while Tori Trador has a newly-developed jab step and backdoor cut with speed that can leave a defender dizzy.

The huge advantage offensively for IRC is that they are the defending State 3FG Champs for all classifications.  Since they can destroy an opponent beyond the arc, they have excellent spacing and usually score off assists.  They now can take advantage of their tremendous strength beyond the arc.  You see... their upfakes mean something.  So, if a team closes out poorly, they will rip that defense to shreds!  IRC is a legitimate threat to win the National Team 3FG title.  Look for Tori, Jessica and Kristen to stroke about three 3FGs per game each, and another three to come off the shooting hands of Rachel, Jami, and a young crop of "Diaper Dandies" that are currently practicing high-speed shooting daily.  There is probably no team in the state that can match the depth of sharpshooters that IRC has. 

Since I know their players better than any others, I can tell you that Kristen is progressing at a high rate of speed now.  She is faster, stronger, and quicker than ever; and she is starting to be more assertive and demanding on the court.  This team needs leadership.  She is now a definite arc threat and one of the team's most versatile defenders. 

Jessica may challenge as the best 3FG shooter in the state.  Her accuracy is up a notch or two.  Jessica also can drive with authority.  Very few prospects have her size and strength with finishing skills like Jess.  Additionally, her passing arm is second to none.  She is a quarterback dressed in a girls basketball uniform.  She can rifle a pass the length of the court with ease!  If her defense ever matches her offense, she will instantly be regarded as first-team all-county.

Tori is the defending 3FG champ for Tampa Bay and a state champion contender again, and could be the best face-up defender on IRC with the best motor.  The cross-country star can run an opponent into the floorboards without breaking a sweat.  She has an excellent nose for the ball and has very good feet, similar to Jerica Coley.  If she puts on ten pounds of lean muscle mass and grows her fundamentals to scholarship-grade, she also is a first-team all-county player.

Rachel Burnett is a punishing inside player, who can rip holes with strong bursts and garner "and ones", like she did against Community School in the Regional Finals last season. 

 IRC does have some Achilles' Heels that they must address.  Some of their starters still are not in top condition, and they cannot defend in open space.  They must get lean and mean and work on their footwork and speed.  What would happen now, if a team plays slow ball against IRC? 

Only Tori Trador and Kristen Scholl are displaying a willingness to get out and defend.  So, if a team goes slow ball against them, what will they do; if some players cannot play pressure M2M? 

They will struggle.

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  The solution is simple:  Every IRC girl must be lean and mean and get their footspeed up to scholarship-level.  Honestly, the difference between getting to Lakeland or not will probably be conditioning and footspeed for the IRC girls. 

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Additionally, their defensive technique must grow to scholarship-grade.  If IRC takes care of conditioning and grows their scholarship-grade defensive fundamentals across the lineup, then they will be really, really tough to beat.  If they do not, then their 2A nemesis, Community School of Napes, will humble them again in the Regional Finals.

The other huge question mark is the fifth starting spot.  Jami Ring and Madison Rubino are in the competition with a couple others.  Jami brings perimeter marksmanship and better open space defense.  Madison, an eighth grader, is already blessed with a prep frame and is very strong.  She lifts three times per week, and she shrugs off contact like a senior.  Madison is also one of the most, if not the most- coachable prospects I have ever seen.  Her progress rate is tremendous.  She is aggressively learning the low-post game, which is exactly what IRC desperately needs to rein in offensive rebounds for putbacks and kick-outs.

Gulf HS is led by Senior- Nicole Adams, the two-time POY for North Suncoast, and D1 prospect.  Leighlani Paselio, junior, who also has excellent leadership skills and physicality, will greatly help Gulf this season.  Leighlani is taking better angles on her passing, passing through bigger windows, and is not afraid to be vocal to get her teammates in excellent position to ensure a solid pass or assist. 

When you first see Gulf take the court, you are instantly impressed with their physicality and fundamentals.  Defensively, they are one of the best in Tampa Bay. 

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If Gulf takes care of the ball and has more fun on the court, they will probably make their first trip to Lakeland this season!

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In order to get through the Districts and Regionals, ball security must be better than last season.  They sometimes struggle offensively with poor ball movement and take contested shots.  If they cut down on their turnovers and improve their shot selection, they will cruise through the Districts and battle intensely through the Regionals.  They have added depth and ball-handling with all-around freshman star, Kayla Kivinski- a shooting champion and the powerful sparkplug, Maddie Wilson, freshman. 

If you do not bring an aggressive mindset, Gulf will intimidate you from the jumpball forward, and the game is over.

Personally, I would like to see the team play more relaxed and confidently.  Sometimes, in the big games- they seem to be wound too tightly.  If they can play with more smiles and quiet confidence, they should be fine.  They are better than they think they are.

I am always rooting for Tampa Bay teams to make the trip to Lakeland.  Both Tampa Catholic (3A, defending state champs) and our southern friends, Bradenton Christian (1A), are always in the hunt, too.  Anyone else preparing to visit the "City Of Lakes" and the home of Publix Supermarkets as a team this season?

Why not make this an historic season?  Why not have a lifetime memory?

Work On Your Weaknesses!  Don't Glory In Your Strengths!

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Stage 3 Training!

Interested?  RSVP ASAP!

Contact me, Coach Ron now, 727-424-0049

Cost:  $20.00 per session or 10 for $150.00

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Contact Coach Ron, if interested in Stage 3!  727-424-0049

PinellasBigBasketball@Yahoo.Com

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Ron Brown, Big Basketball Teacher/Coach

Coach's Tip: 

Link up with Big Basketball, Gabe McMillen, and Jake Moore ASAP to grow your basketball IQ, develop your skills, and build your athleticism and strength!  Make this summer count starting early in the summer!  If your parents don't have the money, because of the stagnant economy; then you earn the money to pay the fees.  A college basketball scholarship has enormous value, why not invest a little now to get a big return with a quality college experience and education later! 

 Your call!  What are you going to do?

    +  +  = More Offers

      Coach Ron                      Coach Gabe                        Trainer Jake                                                                                                                                                                                              

A Proven Tampa Bay Formula For Scholarship Offers!

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Stat Stuffer or College Prospect?

Parents and Players:  Understand The Difference!

Neither Luke Loucks nor Okaro White Were Great Prep Scorers, But They Went High D1!

Luke Is Primarily Know As A Playmaker and Passer, While Okaro Is A Great Defender!

They Were Strong College Prospects, Not Stat Stuffers!  FSU Found Them!

The Attitude Of A Stat Stuffer:

1.  I don't care what my coach says, I'm getting my shots!

2.  The best team shot doesn't matter, if I get a good look; it's going up!

3.  I'm taking 12 - 15 shots per game, period!

4.  Whether the team wins or loses is not as important as my numbers!

5.  I could care less about my shooting percentage, I'm shooting!

6.  I've got to have the best numbers on the team!

7.  If my teammate shoots too much, then I'll jack it up, too!

8.  If my teammate gets to shoot 3FGs, then I'm shooting them, also!

9.  If my teammate releases early, then I'm releasing early!

10.  I've made a pact with certain teammates, so I'll get my touches!

11.  This season is my season!

12.  I'm winning team MVP, period!

13.  I deserve to be taken care of this season, because they owe me!

14.  I'm winning every award this season- no matter what!

The Attitude Of A College Prospect:

1.  I'm already a great shooter/scorer, so I'll work on other things now!

2.  I'm going to be the best defender on the team, period!

3.  No one will ever work harder than me in any game this year!

4.  I'll be the first one to dive on the floor and take a charge!

5.  I'll be the most coach-able player my coach has ever had!

6.  I'll make every teammate on the court look so much better!

7.  No one will talk with better communication on the floor than me!

8.  I'm going to lead the team and county in assists this year!

9.  Great grades and citizenship will never be an issue with me!

10.  My team is going to Lakeland where the college recruiters are!

11.  My frame is going to be super strong and athletic!

12.  I will never miss a training session or practice!

13.  I'm training with balance five hours daily in the off-season!

14.  Whatever the team needs to win, that's what I'll do!

College coaches have clearly explained these are the characteristics they want to see. 

Are you a stat stuffer or a true college prospect?

Do You Really Think A College Coach Wants A Stat Stuffer On The Team?  Absolutely Not!

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Hannah Demarest Now Has Eight Colleges Tracking and Interested!

Is Any College Tracking You, Yet?

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Tanner Wozniak (#23) and His Teammates On Dwight Howard's Warriors 17U AAU Adidas-Sponsored Team Celebrate Their Win Over The Weekend Of The Hoops Mountain Classic.  They Have Now Won Two Straight Tournaments And Are 12-0 In Those Two Major Tournaments!  Tanner Hit 25 3FGs In The Latest Tournament While Averaging 15ppg.

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Pro-Level Shooting Forms!

(Early Summer: Make Your Corrections Now!)

There are several variations on pro-level shooting forms.  

(Choose one and master it asap in the off-season!)

There are some fundamentals that are not optional!

        Nicole Adams

Tanner Wozniak                                                                                  JJ Reddick

The Late Pete Maravich

Rather than embarrass the many shooters and scorers with some very unflattering pics of their developing shooting strokes, I decided to take the positive approach and show all the ballers the best form shooters and encourage everyone to carefully study their techniques and choose from the pro-level forms of the above sharpshooters.  Andy Fullerton, Tampa Prep, could be in this group; but I don't have a pic of him, yet.

Kayla Kivinski is the best shooter at really squaring up to the basket.  I have told Kayla that shooting straight is a critically important foundational element to becoming a great shooter.  Regardless of the fact that she is only in 8th grade, her square-ups are amazingly precise.  Therefore, she is one of the straightest shooters you will see anywhere.  Kayla also is one of the fastest shooters, because she has a very clean stoke that moves along a single plane of motion.  There is no side motion in her stroke.  She places her guide hand at 8:00 o'clock to ensure that she has a pure seam-over-seam backspin on the ball.  Like Andy Fullerton, Kayla is one of the purest shooters of any shooter in the nation.  There are very few moving parts that can go wrong, so she can concentrate on knocking down shots in long strings of makes, which she did in as a shooting champion recently.

Nicole Adams is a true jump shooter with a high release above her head.  She also squares up nicely with her shot, which allows her to get closer to the arc than the straddle shooters.  On Nicole's jumpers, she is often around 18 - 24 inches off the floor which allows her to shoot over-the-top of most guard defenders.  Her release is not as fast as some players, but her release point is so high and her elevation is high enough that it usually does not matter.

Tanner Wozniak's pic is not a true representation of his current shot.  Tanner has been training with Jake Moore and on his own in lifting weights in a disciplined and structured manner.  As a result, he has a stronger body now which allows him to have a shorter and more compact stroke.  Tanner is much more efficient as a shooter now, but he is a relaxed shooter.  There is no tension in Tanner's body when he is shooting.  His muscles are relaxed and elastic which allows the ball to lay on the rim like butter, and it often drips through the net with a soft roll or bounce.  He reminds me of Pete Maravich, who I studied and actually interviewed, while he was alive.

Both JJ Reddick and Pete Maravich placed their guide hands at the classic 9:00 o'clock position when shooting.  Pete used to draw back his hand farther, yet his follow-through was much shorter with his shooting hand.  In these pics, both JJ and Tanner have a bit of a forward shoulder.  Usually Tanner's shoulder is not so forward in recent shooting sessions.

Here Are Some Of My Tips On Becoming A Great Shooter!

Place Your Feet About Shoulder Width Apart!

Get Into An Athletic Triple-Threat Position With Your Target Hands Extended!

Have Your Thumbs Parallel And Give A Clear Hand Target!

Place Your Hands Target In Front Of Your Shooting Shoulder!

Catch The Ball With Your Finger Pads!

You Control The Ball... The Ball Does Not Control You!

Square Up Your Hips And Shoulders To The Basket!

Keep Your Head And Shoulders Level!

Move The Ball Immediately Above Your Shooting Shoulder (or The Trigger Position)!

 Have A Nice Flow Of Energy Move Up Your Body From Toes-T0-Fingertips!

Look Dead Center At The Front Of The Rim!

Move The Ball Up In A Single Plane Of Motion!

No Side Movement At All!

Shoot The Ball Along A Single Plane Of Motion!

Reach High Into The Cookie Jar On Your Follow-Through!

Freeze Your Follow-Through To See If Your Hand Is Following Into The Net!

Drop The Ball Right Over Dead Center On The Front Of The Rim!

Do Not Miss Short... That Is A Sign Of A Lack Of Confidence!

Do Not Miss To The Side... Side Misses Mean You Are Not Shooting Along A Single Plane!

Make Sure You Go Straight Up And Straight Down!

There Is No Reason We Cannot Have The Best Shooters In The World!

As You Become Stronger, Clean Up And Shorten Your Shooting Form!

The Fewer Moving Parts The Better!

Stay Relaxed And Confident When You Shoot!

Take The Time To Find Dead Center On The Front Of The Rim!

See If You Can Break The Shooting Record Of 32 Makes In A Row!

You Play The Game At Game-Speed, And We Shoot At Game Speed!

Pick Up The Pace... Hustle!

Pass The Ball To The Shooting Shoulder Every Single Time!

Encourage Your Shooters!

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During our high-speed shooting sessions, I shout and repeat these fundamentals for one-full hour.  All of our shooters are verbally bombarded with these fundamental concepts until they could teach them word-for-word if they were coaching.  I want our members to think like player-coaches. 

Now, you know why we have some of the nation's best shooters coming out of our program!

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We Treat Our Prep Prospects Like College Players With Collegiate Level Accountability, While They Are Playing And In Training; So They Will Be Prepared To Step Right Into The College Environment And Will Not Be Shocked By The Increased Accountability Of The College Game!

We want players to push themselves, so we challenge them to move out of their comfort zones and grow their games to new levels! 

Players- your goal in college is to help your college coach be as successful as possible and excel by being extremely coach-able!  Our goal is for our members to move up into the college ranks with a full understanding of the responsibility of a college basketball team to perform at the highest standard.  We want our members to be solid student-athletes who understand that they have a responsibility to their college's basketball coaches to represent themselves well on their college teams.  Great student-athletes make every coach's job much easier!  I believe that each of our prospects wants to be a quality college player and is training now to become an asset to your college or university in your preparation process. 

College Coaches:  Ask me about our prospects, and I'll give you a straight answer. 

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America's College Coaches:

Discover The Best Prepared Prospects In Tampa Bay In Big Basketball!

Read About Their Preparation And Performance!

The philosophy of Big Basketball is to discover talented prospects who are high-character student-athletes with strong work ethics.  Then, we encourage them to strive for a master craftsmen's passion for excellence and become super coach-able for their future college coaches.  In order for college coaches to have successful teams, they must have the right kind of student-athletes.  We want every Big member to display leadership skills like a player-coach or team captain.  If a prospect doesn't meet our high standards, then we do not invite them to train with us.

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College Prospects' Websites

Hey Coach, Prospects' Key Info At A Glance!

                                                     
    Nicole Adams                                    Caroline Andreassen                 Flynn Bluett, Erskine Coll.  

      
                                                 
     Hannah Demarest                                     Tori Trador                                    Tanner Wozniak

BIG MEMBERS:  RECRUITING NEWS UPDATES!

     Flynn Bluett, Seminole HS Guard, Picks Erskine!

Tanner Wozniak Has A D1 Offer From FIU and strong interest from USF!

Hannah Demarest Drawing Interest From Eight Colleges!

Nicole Adams Now Drawing High D1 Interest In South!

Kayla Kivinski, St. Pete Times, Article/Video!

High D1 Interest Among BIG Prospects

Nicole Adams

Tanner Wozniak

Mid D1 Interest Among BIG Prospects

Hannah Demarest

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Gabe McMillen (green jersey), the Pinellas All-Time Scoring Champ, the Stetson Scholarship-Earner, and the Pro Player with A Team In Spain Last Season Is Now A BIG Trainer! 

Learn PG Skills From A Pro With A Silky Shot And Lightning-Quick Face-Up Separation Moves!

You Have 2,827 Reasons To Set An Appointment To Train w/ Gabe!

Coach Ron's Recommendation:  "If you want to train in a small group of four players and become a scholarship-ready prospect with guard skills asap, then Gabe is the one you need to train with immediately.  After watching his training with Flynn Bluett, Chris Whiting and Stephen Brown; I believe every scholarship-seeking player should set weekly appointments.  The $20.00 training fee for 90 minutes is a great value, and Gabe has a firm but quiet manner that prospects enjoy.  Gabe's training is as valuable as any session we offer in BIG Basketball.  I give him my highest recommendation and support!" 

How Do I Make An Appointment? 

I am helping Gabe with scheduling, because it is important to place four to six players in training of the same gender with similar ability, skills and work ethics.  Therefore, contact me and I'll help put together a strong small group session.

If you have specific questions concerning Gabe's curriculum,

contact Gabe, 727-251-6184.  

What We Do

We help a very significant percentage of Tampa Bay prospects earn basketball scholarships.  We communicate from an early age concerning the precise markers that must be hit, the gpa and test scores required to improve a prospect's attractiveness, and help prospects grow their games and basketball intelligence to the point where they are desired by college coaching staffs.

Many parents are startled by the high percentage of female prospects in our program.  Since fewer females compete aggressively for scholarships, the female prospects who do train hard and wisely have an excellent opportunity to earn partial or full basketball scholarships.

HERE IS HOW WE HELP...

We speak directly to college coaches on the behalf of our member players and try to help parents and their children find a great fit.  College coaches are regularly visiting this website.  You can also refer college coaches to this website.

We assist the communication process by helping prospects build websites where college coaches can quickly access the key information they will need to view in one location.

Many of our members are on track to earn basketball scholarships.  They are overcoming the national average of success of about one-percent of prep players.  We have a strong junior class and many underclassmen progressing very well.  Many players are also competing for combination scholarships, like academic, specialization, and athletic.  We are extremely proud of them all!

We are very direct about the process.  We communicate clearly what a college basketball scholarship-earner looks like and the steps necessary to earn one in the competitive environment of today.  Earning a basketball scholarship is reserved for coachable players with extreme work ethics.

We strongly encourage aggressive marketing and clear communication of your prepared children to the appropriate college coaching staffs on a consistent basis.

We teach the lessons of Superstar Signature Strategies, Techniques & Moves learned by studying the games and favorite moves of the best all-time NBA players and cutting-edge college stars' moves.  We evaluate member player's strengths and suggest the most effective moves, techniques and strategies. 

We study the best coaching strategies and teach your child to play like a player-coach on the court.  We also teach Quick-Hitters used by two or more players, and Team Dominators for the whole team to learn. 

We also teach the Speed-Reading the Key Reads.  Generally, new players come into our program with jumbled, hazy and slow-court reading skills, we will greatly help your child clarify his/her vision to see and create opportunities. 

Another new area of focus is to teach your child to discover his/her "Kill Zone"!  The "Kill Zone", a phrase coined by Kobe Bryant, is the starting spot to begin the most effective chosen Signature Moves by your child.

We will consider whether your child is a good fit for our training:

• Free Consultations
• Proven Results:  Numerous Referrals 
• Satisfaction Guaranteed

Tanner Wozniak (above left) is now one of the best big guards in the nation with some of the best skills of any prep player.  He looks rather non-threatening in the 7th grade!  Tanner starts on Dwight Howard's 17U AAU Warriors team.

Kevin Cantinol is now playing ball at Gulf Coast, after transferring from Ole' Miss!

Amber Jennings (left) and Rachel Briere are two of the top MS players in the state!

Nicole Adams, 2-Time North Suncoast POY For Pasco-Hernando Counties!

Nicole in BIG As 7th Grader!

Tanner is now a starter on the Elite Dwight Howard 17U AAU Team, also sponsored by Adidas.  Third from left in back row.

Interested In Training and Games?

Contact Information:

Coach Ron Brown  727.424.0049

pinellasbigbasketball@yahoo.com