Post season review Impact Player of the week #6

Southwest Washington NW Girl's B-ball Impact player profile;

JUSTINE JOUDREY

Heritage High School
Sophomore 2011 #21

Unlimited POTENTIAL, Justine is the youngest of 3 kids of Denise and step father Randy Neaphen. Standing 5'10 and 150lbs, Justine,("The Truth" as I call her) {get it Truth & Justice - Justine - Truth} (anyway, maybe it will catch on, lol...) she has uncanny ball handling skills for a girl her size, can drive to the hoop with the best, and has good range from 15 foot in. (Don't be mistaken she will hit the 3 pointer also).
As a freshmen at Heritage, she started on the varsity and was selected 4A all league 2nd team. This year she lead Heritage to 2nd place in the Greater St. Helen's 4A League and was selected All League 1st Team. This is a young lady that we will have the pleasure of watching play for the next 2 years in high school. If she reaches her potential we will be watching greatness grow up. Her potential is limitless. She works hard, and coach Rogers who lost the best player ever for Heritage, Kiesha Gordon '08, is very excited about seeing what Justine will be able to do.
Justine started playing ball, she says "since I could think for myself". Having an older athletic sister, that she looks up to, and an older brother that help her get tough, she picked up a basketball at 5 years old and has not put it down yet. She said she enjoys the rush, and the feeling you get when you make that 'sweet pass' or drive to the hoop for 'the foul & one'. Justine already understands the benefits of working hard, and she will keep working until she reaches her goal. College ball and more.
getting to know a little about Justine; favorite song - Crawling by Linkin Park; favorite movie - Billy Elliot and Love & Basketball; favorite class - Sports Development; her hobbies include playing videos, hanging with friends, and of course basketball. I have been working with Justine since the 7th grade, and she became attached to my daughter Jazmine whom she says is her inspiration for playing. (Thank you). Justine feels as if this year's team at Heritage should win the league title and place in the state tournament. Good luck.
She's receiving college looks from D1 schools and letters of interest all ready. It's still early in the process, she's only a sophomore, but it looks like her path has been laid out already.

Impact Player of the week #10

Southwest Washington, NW Girl's B-ball Impact player profile;

HEATHER ANN CORRAL

Prairie High School

Freshman class of 2012 #14

Yeap it's Corral, at Prairie, four more years. And judging from first impressions, Prairie may regine supreme for those four years also. Heather is the second of three daughters of Art and Hala, (they must be doing something right, let's check their menu {smile} what are you guys eating). Heather stands 6'0 feet tall, already, as a freshman. She's agile, quick, a good ball handler with a nice shot, what else can you ask for, o'yeah a great role model in sister Ashley. Heather says it help to have watch her sister growing up. She sees Ashley as a great player, with lots of passion and drive and she trys to bring that to her own game. Heather says that although their games are somewhat similar she feels she's a better defender and likes to drive to the basket more. Coach Aldridge calls her "Rookie", her friends call her "Slick", Either way this slick rookie in high school ball has made a huge impact, now and years to come her in Southwest Washington. This year she help lead Prairie to an undefeated season, and made All League 1st team.

When I ask her about following in her sisters foot prints, she seemed more the prepared for the challenge. And when ask about the pressures of going to a established basketball institution like Prairie, she express honor in going there, and looking forward to continuing the tradition. That's why they say Prairie doesn't rebuild, they just reload. Heather is a great young lady, and on her way to building her own legacy. Good luck.

things to know about Heather; favorite song - If I were a boy - Beyonce; favorite movie - Love & Basketball and Zoolander; favorite class - Math; Hobbies include soccer, listening to music, hang with friends and family, and reading; Inspiration - of course older sister Ashley; she contributes her basketball training to her mom & dad.

Post season review Impact Player of the week #9

Southwest Washington, NW Girl's B-ball Impact player profile;

Nicholette (Nikki) Bond

Skyview High School, - Freshman class of 2012, #22

Watching flowers blossom is a beautiful sight. That's what we've got here in Nikki. A shy, quite young girl, just a freshman in high school. But on the basketball floor, you're seeing this talented, aggressive, basketball player growing up. Arguably one of the most talented freshman out of this talent rich pool of freshman in Southwest Washington. Nikki is only 14, but she doesn't play like it against 16 & 17 year old's, she more than holding her own.

Nikki is the only child of Ken & Michann. Growing up in Vancouver she has played on many club and AAU teams in the area, honing and perfecting her skills. Currently she works out with Matt Conboy (a personal trainer) to whom she credits with giving her confidence to be ready for high school ball. Confidence is what she's got. When ask about her goals for Skyview she quickly said, humbly "going to state and winning it". You can't help but be drawn to here youthful exuberance and energy, and I wouldn't bet against her prediction. Although maybe not this year (but you never know). This was a very successful freshman campaign for Nikki and the Storm. 1st Place in the GSHL 4A and Nikki received All League 1st team honors. Congratulations.

getting to know Nikki, her favorite song - My Wish by Rascal Flatts; favorite movie - Love & Basketball; favorite class - English; hobbies include dancing, drawing, writing, and camping; She draws inspiration from her mother Michann and her auntie Annette and she wants to say thank you to everyone that's helped her along the way; Nikki says one day she'd like to design shoes and sports apparel. She lives in the right area for that. Although I can almost guarantee she'll be leaving for college basketball after high school.

Top Player of the Area "Poll"

The voting went pretty much as I had anticipated. I think everyone agrees, the player with the biggest upside in Southwest Washington is Carly Perkins of Kelso High School. Tall, strong, athletic, long arms and good basketball skills. Her potential is way up there. (smile) Lindsey Levanen of Prairie High School received the second most votes. She probably has the best basketball I.Q. of all the players in Southwest Washington. At 6' feet tall she can play inside and outside, and like Carly is only a Junior and will be back next year. Daron Dean of Hockinson High School is the prototype power forward. Strong, powerful, attitude, soft touch around the rim. She will be a good college player and will surprise some schools that might pass up on her because of height. She received the 3rd most votes on the survey.
Thanks to everyone who participated.

Post season review Impact Player of the week #7

This week's Southwest Washington
NW Girl's B-ball Impact player profile;

Shamerica Scott

Fort Vancouver High School
Sophomore 2011 #40

Exploding on the scene. Watch out basketball community, here she comes. Shamerica Scott is a virtual unknown to the high school varsity basketball community. After playing JV for Fort Vancouver, and playing over the summer in the traveling team circuit with Premier Elite, she has raised eyebrows and made waves with the basketball crowd. So much so, that without a minute of "high school varsity experience" she has received over a dozen 'letters of interest' from college coaches around the country.
Shamerica raised by her mom Holly, along with two brothers and a sister is from Tulsa Oklahoma. She started playing ball early in life, but didn't play organize ball until the 8th grade. She's such a natural athlete. Aggressive, strong, tough, quick, did I say aggressive, o'yeah aggressive. She's unpolished with her basketball skills for now, but she loves to learn and works very hard. She's all out, all the time. It will not be long before she sharpens those basketball skills and becomes even a more dominate basketball player in SW Washington... Scary.
Fort Vancouver won the 3A league title last season, and made it to state tournament in Tacoma. Losing a stellar senior class, this season was suppose to be a rebuilding year, but with the likes of Shamerica many schools in the area new they were in for a fight when facing Fort. I guarantee you this, she'll bring her lunch bucket every game, her opponents better bring theirs. Shamerica injured her knee mid way through the season and was force to the side line. She is rehabbing and looking forward to returning her junior season.
get to know a little about Shamerica; favorite song - I want to be close, Avant; favorite movie - Color Purple; favorite class - Math; hobbies include, playing basketball, drawing, writing, rappin' and dancing. She says her inspiration is Jesus and her mother. She hopes to lead Fort to the district playoffs this year, and would one day like to become a doctor or a lawyer.

The Les Schwab Roundball Shootout

The Blue team - coached by Clark College coach Nancy Boone blew a 13 point half time lead, to lose to the White team coached by Concordia College coach Aaron Christen by 6. The game highlighted many of the senior hoop stars from Southwest Washington. No star shined brighter than the White team's Gabi Dixon of Battle Ground, scoring 16 points, getting MVP honors and singing the national anthem before both games. Congratulations to all the seniors that participated and good luck in the future with your basketball and life.

Spring Club ball action is cranking up

This weekend mark the beginning of spring play for many of the club teams in the area. Two local teams, Vancouver Heat and Premier Elite participated in the Auburn Riverside tournament this weekend. While neither team came home with the Championship, both teams played well as many of the players got their first taste of tournament ball.
On the injury front, Justine Joudrey the superb guard from Heritage, broke hear hand in the first 30 seconds of the game between the Heat and Premier Elite. The Heat prevailed in that game with a last second 3 pointer made by Skyview's young talented guard Nikki Bond. Shamarica Scott a wing from Fort Vancouver didn't play for Premier Elite, still recovering from knee surgery. Maddie Van Liew another fine young guard from Skyview help lead the Heat to that victory and played well all tournament for the Heat.

Post season review Impact Player of the week #5

Southwest Washington NW Girl's B-ball Impact player profile;

McKENZIE LYNN HEBERER

Woodland High School
Junior 2010 #22

McKenzie is the only child of Maury & Mona Herberer. Growing up in Southwest Washington, the family move to Alaska for a few years, then back to the main land to Kelso WA., and now living in Woodland, McKenzie (Ken'z) didn't start playing basketball until later in life. After moving back to the state of Washington, she started playing organize ball with "Nuthin but Net" in the 7th grade. Most recently after two uneventful years at Kelso High School, learning the game and growing up, Ken'z play for Woodland High School this year, earning All League honors. Over the few years Ken'z has filled out her 5'11 frame and should is now a force inside. She has a feathery touch from 15 feet in, and will shock her opponents with her length and strength. She sort of reminds me of 'Bill Lambeer' from the Detroit Pistons back in the day.
Ken'z exploded on the Greater St. Helen's 2A league, as a basic unknown. If she works hard and stays focus she can help Woodland reach the top of the 2A again. Coach Flannagan is delighted to have Ken'z around and hopes she'll help lead his team to yet another league championship. No doubt if they get there, she'll play an important role in making it happen.
things to know about Kenz; favorite movie - The Notebook; favorite song - The Good Stuff by Kenny Chesney; favorite class - Mechanics; hobbies include hunting, fishing, four wheeling, and having fun with her friends. She's very close to her mom and dad and feels they are her inspiration. Kenzie has college admiration's and with her size and hard work she can get there playing ball. She hopes to get into forestry or fish biology one day, becoming a gaming warden.

Post season review Impact Player of the week #3

This week's Southwest Washington NW girl's b-ball impact player profile:

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LINDSEY MARIE LEVANEN

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Prairie High School

Junior 2010, Wing/Forward #34

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Lindsey and her younger brother live with their parents Lee and Debbie in the Battle Ground / Brush Prairie area. A good student and just a great all around girl, Lindsey stands 6 foot and has a fantastic athletic body that could play college ball now. I believe she's the most talented high school girl's basketball player in Southwest Washington, and yes she's only a junior. Lindsey is fundamentally sound, can play the post or move out to the wing and will provide solid play for the Falcons.

Lindsey has been honing her basketball skills since she was in the 3rd grade where she showed basketball aptitude to her parents. She's been playing club ball since she was in the 6th grade, (Nuth'in but Net, Prairie Select, and Premier Elite) and you can tell that her hard work has paid off. Expected to be the team leader at Prairie High School (one of the top high school girl teams in the state) , Lindsey gives a lot of credit to Falcon former star, Ashley Corral for showing her how to be a team leader on and off the floor. Keeping the team's spirits up and staying positive. When ask about the pressure of keeping the winning tradition at Prairie going, Lindsey responses, yes there is pressure but that just inspires me to play harder. Coming off the bench her freshman year, then starting her sophomore season, now the weight of carrying the best program in the area rest on her broad shoulders. Yes, she can handle it, and she'll stay humble.

things to know about Lindsey; Favorite movie: 27 Dresses-Favorite Song: "Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood-Favorite Player: Ashley Corral and Candace Parker-Favorite Team: Tennessee-Favorite Class: US History and Chemistry-Hobbies: include quading, camping, and hiking. She says her inspiration is her grandpa; she's been contacted by Gonzaga, U. of San Diego, St. Mary's, Brown, Dartmouth and many others. Her future includes playing ball in college and studying Biology or Physical Therapy.

Why do we shake hands after the game?

DO YOU REMEMBER ME WRITING THIS ARTICLE A FEW WEEKS BACK.

If you have looked at today's Columbian newspaper, at the announcements of the Greater St. Helen's Girl's All League Teams in 3A and 4A, you'll notice some of the glaring omissions and placements and you may understand why I wrote this. I was angry, hurt and disturbed and I remain that way. Read between the lines.

We shake hands as a reminder that it's only a game. No matter how intense, how controversial, how angry we get, how emotional we get, and sometimes even how physical we get, it's only a game and after it's over, it's over, we go back to life. After you walk off the floor of competition we should all be friends, and show respect for one another.
Common courtesy, respect, be nice and friendly to everyone, basic life philosophy.
Coaches, especially need to be held to a higher standard in this area. We are teaching young adults. High school coaches with personal agenda's needs to stop. It's ugly and hurts the valuable lessons I would think we are trying to teach the girls playing our sport. Holding grudges, not giving recognition, playing time, or their "just do them", because of ill feelings you may have about overzealous parents and/or the players outside associations, is childish and it needs to stop.
This is not what I want from the sport I love, and deep down inside, you don't either. Let's shake hands, and be courteous.
A very good friend told me that I shouldn't say anything, I'd be banging my head against the wall because many of the high school coaches feel I'm the problem or people like me, "Club team coaches, and personal trainers". I don't mean to anger or intimidate anyone. I'm in it for the kids. Yes, I'm a big guy, I have a big loud voice, I'm opinionated... so what. I'm extending the olive branch. Let's Shake...

Post season review of Player of the week #1

Every week, we will profiled an impact player in Southwest Washington. The First Week;



CAITLYNN LEANNE JACKSON

Kelso High, junior 2010, point guard #4

Caitlynn is the youngest of "3" of Noelle & Jon Jackson. Fighting with her two older brothers is probably what gives her that toughness she exhibits on the court. It's was that toughness that work against her in the '07 - '08 season and in summer play. Unaware to Caitlynn, her parents, or her coaches, Caitlynn's knee cartilage was deteriorating. Playing through the pain last season and over the summer became old hat for her. Simply icing up and back for the next game. But looking back on it, she should have gone to see what was wrong. It wasn't just typical aches and pains, but something really serious. Finally when the pain became to much to bare, she went to the doctor. They found a complete absences of cartilage in the knee. Basically her knee was rubbing bone to bone. An operation was necessary in an attempt to rebuild cartilage and adjust the knee cap.

Caitylyn came back on the court late November early December. Obviously not 100%. And with her coach not wanting to take chances with her health, limited her playing time. But by the end of the league season, Caitlynn showed what she can do. Averaging over 13 points a game in the last 7 games, and being a game changer in many big games for Kelso down the stretch. Any observer could clearly see that the reason for Kelso's late season success, rest on the shoulders of this 5'5 guard, along with Carly Perkins her teammate. Kelso finished 3rd in league and 2nd in the district tourney. How or why she didn't make the all league at least honorable mention team is a tradgedy.

Things to know about Caitlynn; favorite movie - Eagle Eye; favorite song - Let it Rock, by Kevin Rudolf; favorite players - Candace Parker & Jason Kidd; favorite team - Seattle Storm; favorite class - Language Arts; Hobbies include, hanging out, listening to music, and dancing. Caitlynn says her father is her biggest inspiration. She has been contacted by University of Portland, South Carolina State, Northwest Nazarene, Montana Tech and others, and she wants to continue her basketball career in college and study nursing.

Washington State High School Results

In the 1A, LaCenter High School was the sole representative from Southwest Washington. They were able to compete in 3 games at state not making it to the trophy round but represented well. Congratulations to the Wildcat's on a great season after winning the Trico 1A championship. (A link to the brackets is available just click)

In the 2A, Hockinson High School was the representative from Southwest Washington. They also were able to compete in 3 games but not making it to the trophy round. Congratulations on fantastic season and the first ever trip to state for the Hawk's, GSHL 2A Champions. (A link to the state brackets is available just click)

In the 3A, Prairie High School represented Southwest Washington at the state tournament for the 12 year straight. The Falcon's did make it to the 4th place game before losing, yet still capturing the 7th place trophy. Another great season for the Falcon's, GSHL 3A Champions. (A link to the state brackets is available just click)

The 4A didn't have a representative to state. Although it was as competitive a 4A league race as we've seen around here with 3 teams coming down to the last week with a chance to win. Skyview HS won both the League and Tournament championship with Heritage HS and Kelso HS as runner's up in each respectively. 4A state bracket.

Southwest Washingtons Impact Players

The unofficial, unscientific voting for Impact players in Southwest Washington is in. Congratulations to all the young ladies that played this year. Those of you that worked hard in practice, pushing the starters and impact players to be there best. Those of you whom played important roles on your teams helping your team to success, and those of you on the JV teams and floating up, working hard and waiting on your chance. It was a great '08 - '09 season. Thank you.
Here's the results. Nikki Bond of Skyview and Shelby Williams of Ridgefield both recieved 27% of the votes, Lejla Mlivic took in 19% and Daron Dean 16% both from Hockinson and Carly Perkins from Kelso got 15% of the voting. All are very deserving, and it was fun to see how the votes would swing daily. Everyone of the girls in the area all deserve recognition and hopefully learned and grew as a result of their participation in high school athletics.
Now let's move on to spring and summer hoops. Yeah!!!

Summer Team Organizational Meeting

"Premier Elite" will have two summer teams. One that mainly stays and plays in local tournaments, the All Star Team. (the All-Star team is a developmental team) And one team that will travel the West Coast and play in Big Tournaments, college viewing tournaments, the Elite Team. (the Elite team is only for players that want to play college basketball)

Now the first priority for the Elite Team will be players that played on this Spring's team, but I realize that a few of the Spring players will not be able to participate in the summer. So a few positions will possibly be available for the 11 man Elite Team.

If you are a player, have a daughter that's a player, or know a player that might want to play, you need to come or have them come to this meeting. We will be discussing logistics, finances, and setting plans.

Saturday April 11th at 1:30 pm, at Green Meadows Athletic Club.

Call me for information 360-991-2566

Premier Elite Teams

There are two "Premier Elite" teams for the spring. Both are very young, but exciting. An Elite team called Black and the All-Star team called Gold. Here is a list of the players.

Black
Shamerica Scott - Fort Vancouver High School - sophomore - 5'9
Justine Joudrey - Heritage High School - sophomore - 5'10
Caitlynn Jackson - Kelso High School - junior - 5'6
Melissa Williams - Camas High School - sophomore - 6'0
McKenzie Heberer - Woodland High School - junior - 5'11
Tori Conley - Skyview High School - sophomore - 6'0
Haley Smith - Camas High School - junior 6'0
Nettie Gould - Heritage High School - junior 5'4
Sarah Mason - Skyview High School - sophomore 5'9
Carissa Collins - Heritage High School - junior - 5'6

Gold
Katelyn Henson - Camas High School - sophomore
Makenzie Helem - Kelso High School - freshman
Audrey Frazier - Evergreen High School - junior
Charlene Hillman - Evergreen High School - sophomore
Jennifer Patterson - Mountain View High School - freshman
Shalimar Allen - Heritage High School - sophomore
McKayla Bradshaw - R.A. Long - freshman
Demia Browning - Jason Lee MS - 8th grade
Shanna Romig - Covington MS - 8th grade
Chaysee Telles - Pacific MS - 8th grade
Bree Cunningham - Covington MS - 8th grade
Emily Ponce - Skyridge MS - 8th grade
Sydney Vaughn - Jefferson MS - 8th grade
Jatay Sewell - Alki MS - 7th grade

I am very happy to introduce these young ladies. They are working hard, learning and developing. Getting better everyday, and after all that's what it's all about. We have a very young team this year, but very competitive. We look forward to representing Southwest Washington in many tournaments and I rest assure they'll do you proud. Every year there are always injuries, and illness, plus vacations, but we will make the best of what we have.

Y.E.A. Tournament in Tacoma

What a great tournament in the Tacoma area featuring some of Washington state's best club girl's basketball teams. "Baden" of the Seattle area, "Y.E.A." of Tacoma, Auburn Riverside, "Seattle's Best", and a team out of Spanaway, plus "The Shock", and of course yours truly "Premier Elite" all participated. They had an 8th grade division, a J.V. division, and the high school division. Good games all weekend. Lots of nail bitters. Baden featuring some of Washington's best high school players won the high school division tournament. Premier Elite ended 2 - 2. The J.V. division Premier Elite team went 0 - 4 with a lot of close games. I could give you excuses, players not playing (vacations and injuries) but you play with the cards your dealt.

Next up Mid Summer Nights Madness tournament April 17 - 19 in Seattle. We'll give you complete updates.

Again I request any and all local teams please keep me informed with tournament action, I'll be happy to post your information.

RE-post; AAU/Club Teams help/hurt HS Teams?

Surprising results in a poll taken in December last year. 65% of you say yes, spring and summer play helps high school teams, 35% of you say no, AAU/Club teams hurt high school teams. Honestly I'm shocked at the number of you that say it hurts. As a club team coach, I'd like to know what we can do to change that perception. I'd love to hear from those that voted it hurts, with an anonymous comment to find out what can be done to change that perception. I realize I have many high school coaches that read this blog also, so please help me. Let's work together. I'd like to change that perception and do more to be a benefit to the high school teams. We all want success for the kids, above everything else. Please leave a comment or send an email lanpdx2003@yahoo.com

GSHL 2A Unofficial All Impact Player Team

Look like the voters have spoken, the "unofficial voting" of the impact players for the GSHL 2A was overwhelming. Again the intent was to give the talented basketball players in our area some exposure and recognition for a job well done this season. Obviously some players receive more votes than others. (some have more ambitions parents and or friends) Plus I must have a lot of Hockinson people looking at the blog. And of course it doesn't hurt to dominate the league. Not to take anything away from that great team. All in all, the girls all deserve to be acknowledged. The voting for the 2A it went like this. The 1st place team Hockinson dominated the voting, Daron Dean of Hockinson receive the most votes 44%, followed by teammate Lejla Mlivic with 35%, from Ridgefield, Shelby Williams got 34% of the votes followed by Hockinson players Michelle Haagen 25% and Amanda McCarty 21%. Now let's look at all the Southwest Washington players.

GSHL 4A Unofficial All Impact Players Team

The "unofficial voting" of the impact players for the GSHL 4A is in. The intent was to give the talented basketball players in our area some exposure and a "pat on the back" for a job well done this season. Obviously some players receive more votes than others. (some have more ambitions parents and or friends){haha}. But all in all it went great. We ended the voting Sunday noght and here are the results. Nikki Bond of Skyview receive the most votes 58%, followed by Carly Perkins from Kelso got 51% , Kailee Oliver from Skyview received 40% of the votes and Justine Joudrey of Heritage & Caitlynn Jackson of Kelso received 31% a piece. I fell all these girls, and the other 6 in the voiting, all deserve a large {round of applause} for a great season. Now we move to the GSHL 2A.