thomashager

Actually, pretty sure Hoop Dreams 14U (8th grade) finished in top 14 last year. That's primarily how they ended up ranked #13 in the end of year AAU ranking (and the pre-season this year). They lost to Houston Defenders trying to get to 9th place, and there were 4 teams vying for 9th place. So I suppose that could mean 12th or 13th, but 13th is what was said.

First let me say that I realize that the top 6 or so players on this team are tegularly being "recruited" by other programs, some more than others. Regarding the players that "make this team a top 25 team," I assume you are referring to the 2 that already have D1 offers - Williams and Goodin. This is Williams 3rd year with HD and Goodins 2nd. Dow and Perry go back the farthest with this team as they've been with Mike since 4th grade. Regarding my son, I'm not sure where you're getting your info or where you've watched us play, but playing time isn't an issue. He has started for the team all year and I'd say he's probably in the top 3 in minutes logged on the season. No way to prove that but I've watched most every game . It's not as if he's sitting a lot. Honestly, there's time he has to ask to come out. Regarding more looks from college coaches, are you better off being the go to guy on a decent team or a significant contributor on a team with a chance to be top 10? And yes I believe he's a significant contributor. He draws the tough defensive assignment, averaging double figures in points and getting several assists and boards per game. Seldomly turns the ball over. His game is not flashy but he makes the team better in a lot of ways. Hopefully that gets noticed, and I think it will going into his last 2 years of AAU ball. Obviously, my son's choosing the latter option of wanting to be on a (potentially) high level team. Hes just an inselfish kid. I feel like its the right choice in the lo g run but you never know. Only time will tell.

It's AAU basketball so anything is possible. That said, as of right now, that seems highly unlikely. There could always be a player coming and a player going but the core group has been with Mike Scott for a long time. There have been a couple of major additions the last couple of years and it has worked out very well for those players. Time will tell. There are always changes but I cannot see the team "splitting up."

Nice looking player. How tall is he? What were his stats last year at NCC?

Losing by 5 to Team Penny isn't anything to be ashamed of! How'd it end up? Best of luck.

This is a great basketball school. Any player would be fortunate and should be excited to play there. Being in Central Kentucky, I haven't seen this young man play, but congrats to him. Great accomplishment!

I hope HD 15's bounce in Orlando. There will be very tough competition down there. We even have the Atlanta Celtics in our pool. Pool play starts tomorrow. Granted, I'm a little biased, but this team is so good when they are hitting on all cylinders like they did in Atlanta. I was there for that and they got better every single game. They looked really, really good.. They played as a team. They all played well which is what it takes to beat the caliber of teams they beat in Atlanta to win it ( and will face in Orlando). And yes I think they are loaded as well. Two freshmen already with D1 offers (Goodin and Williams) and another with a lot of contact from D1 schools. Another 2 to 3 players that have an opportunity to have their education paid for via a basketball scholarship as well if they continue to develop. If the core sticks together over the next 2 years, they can be an elite team.

Hoop Dreams 15U-17U all made it to the Platinum bracket of the Adidas Invitational. Only know details for the 15's. They went 3-0 in pool play winning by 28, 36 & 23 points. Four players averaged double figures in pool play. Also, they are missing forward Malik Dow due to an injury.

Nice! I remember that picture on your website from your coverage of our Christmas tournament this past year.

I've also heard that Chris wants to play again, but we will have to wait and see if that materializes. And the surpriseplayer is one that'll help us for several years to come....

Yeah, that was unfortunate. And IMO Kyle is already one of the best around, much like his father has been for several years.

A few things from a Mercer standpoint.... they need to improve their chemistry - figure out their roles -which will come with time. They had a key starter out in Davis. They have a player that I think is really going to surprise some folks as the year goes along. While they are lacking bigs, they are very long and have some athleticism - advantages that can be utilized with in right types of defensive schemes.. Finally, once the roles are figured out, I think they can present match-up problems for opposing teams' defenses. I'm confident that Coach Britt will bring them along. Got to watch both teams play other teams as well. It'll be interesting to see how they fare in the regular season against each other and, more importantly, overall within the 12th. I think both should be top 5 in the region, and both better than last year. They are very different teams with different strengths, each with the potential to be good in their own ways. On a personal note, I know I always enjoy watching Will and Hagen playing against each other.

^^^^^sorry, that was in response to PP's comment/question.

I certainly can't speak for Manimal or Derby State - or for Mike Scott (HD) for that matter. But I think Mike would welcome that so long as he maintains full control of the program. I believe thats very important to him.

You are correct about the AAU rankings. As kids move into high school, AAU nationals don't seem to be such a big draw - or AAU sanctioned events in general. That's why I think their rankings aren't as relevant for 15U and up. And you are also correct in that we likely wont be going to nationals this year. Good luck down there. I'm sure Derby State 14's will represent well.

Yes, both Carson and Malik are getting some interest from D1 schools - and that was before this weekend. If the team can contnue to improve, I would think that's only going to help them (and other HD players) get more looks down the road. As for Manimal, I was very impressed by them. Extremely well coached and good group of kids. Unfortunately, winning a tournament in Lexington probably doesn't get them much attention nationally. The possibility of them being ranked would be dependent upon how they perform at some of the bigger tournaments. And I'm unfamiliar with where they've gone and how they've done. But again, I think they too will keep getting better. I'm sure there are some folks on here who could speak to this.

This is not a ranking service that I've heard of. I looked at the site and it seems to encourage feedback from readers to make the case for their teams??? I've always tended to look at the 5 Star ratings (and no I'm not just saying that now because they rated HD highly 😄). I have also looked at AAU club power rankings, though those aren't as inclusive beginning with the high school year (useful for 14U and below) - and only updated once/year I believe. HD 15's ended last year/started this year #13 in their rankings. That said, it surely doesn't mean HD is THE #6 team, but it's certainly good to be recognized as such by one of the prominent ranking services. Also, 3 of the Indivisible Hoops' rated teams - Atlanta Celtics, TX Pro and Southern Kings - played in the 15U MDC last weekend. And the GA Stars are listed in the "others," and they were in it as well. HD actually beat both GA Stars and Southern Kings while there.

4x second place, a final four and elite eight? Not saying should be #1 but, if playing in good tournaments, why not top 15? The Atlanta field was very strong and Derby should've won that (though they finished 2nd). I think a case can be made for top 15 recognition.

After winning the Nike Memorial Day Classic this past weekend, HD 15's are now ranked #6 in the nation by Five Star Basketball (out of New York). Top 10 as follows: 1) DC Assault Gold 2) IN Elite 3) Team Scan (NY) 4) Team Penny (Memphis) 5) Chauncey Billups Elite (Denver) 6) Hoop Dreams 7) Boo Williams (VA) 8) Atlanta Celtics 9) Wisconsin Academy 10) CP3 All Stars (NC) - and they moved up a few spots to 10 based on their performance in the Memorial Day Classic) Was hoping to see Derby State 14U break the top 15 after their strong performance there but they didn't make it. They still represented very, very well. Heck of a team.

HD 15's beat CP3 All Stars in championship 82-59. Played so well together and got better every game. Three dominating performances today against quality teams/programs. Got better every game.

HD 15's beat Southern Kings 67-48. Play in championship at 5. Derby also won in their age group in convincing fashion to advance to championship game. Both teams beating prominent programs and representing Kentucky very well.

I think we play the 3rd and 4th at Catholic then go to Georgetown camp. So our time at Centre is later in the month.

How'd you all do at KBA this weekend (Manimal)?

Hoop Dreams 15U beats Jackson Tigers (Nike EYBL program) 73-42. On to final four.

Hoop Dreams 15 won big in final game of pool play to finish with first seed. Won 1st game of tourney play 67-50 vs Team Nashville. Play tomorrow morning against the Jackson Tigers for a chance to get to final four.