FROM THE HARD WOOD TO THE SOFT FLOOR HOW KATHLEEN ANDERSON KEEPS ON EXCELLING.

Kathleen Anderson & Relay Team

What it takes to do well when you are a two sport star, Gthing go inside with one of them in finds out want it takes to keep on going.

Gthing: How did your AAU basketball season go this past year ?

Kathleen: Our season went pretty well. We started out kind of slow in Virgina losing games to bigger 5th grade teams, but we played well as a team and beat most of the teams we played. The teams we lost to were mostly 6th and 7th grade teams.

Gthing: How was National for you and your Comets team this year ?

Kathleen: I wasn't able to attend the Nationals this year because I was busy qualifying for the Junior Olympics in Detroit. I qualified in the 100M 200M and 4*100 relays. For the 4*100 relay team I ran with the older girls and we were ranked top 20 in the nation. For the 100M, I finish 2nd in our area ( PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD ). I heard our Comets team did pretty well at the beginning at Nationals, but the other 5th grades teams were just a lot bigger in Tennessee.

 

Gthing: What did you do this summer ?

Kathleen: I finished out the Comets season, winning 2nd place in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals, I won the Philly Archdiocese 100M Dash Championship, won a Mid-Atlantic AAU Track and Field Championship, competed in the Junior Olympics in Detroit, played summer rec basketball and went to some basketball camps and clinics.

Gthing: Do you think your speed on the court helps your game ?

Kathleen: Definitely! Getting out ahead on the fast break and breaking presses are where my speed really helps me. I can usually get to the basket pretty quick or if that isn't there I can always look for an open teammate or can quickly pull up and take a shot.

Gthing: What's your plan for this winter and AAU this coming season ?

Kathleen: Right now I been attending Stronger Team Nation / Top Notch Drillz Clinics every week and working with the "shoot away" gun. I am working to improve my speed, agility, ball handling and shoot. It's is almost November, so I am really focused on my upcoming  school season at Villa Maria Academy, in PA. This will prepare me and have me ready, once the AAU season comes around.

 

 

 

Diary Of Baller: Ayanna Jones (Absecon, NJ) Part # 5

 

AYANNA & LEXI

 

I've been working hard on my game and my school work. On Monday I had workouts from 3-4, I work on my jump shot and foul shots plus some of my moves. After that I went to my cousins soccer game against Hammonton, they lost 4-2, I went home afterwards to studied for my physics and math test. On Tuesday I went to workouts from 3-4:30, I work on my jump shot only, I'm trying to get better at my shooting. On Wednesday I had a math and physics test. I got a 97 on my math test and a 93 on my physics test, I was so proud of myself.

 

 

I also went to workouts from 3-3:30. I did 30 foul shots and 20 jump shots and I lifted weights. On Thursday I went to Holy Spirit High School Clinic from 6-8 and the rest of my night I finish my media project on the Breakfast Club. On Friday I went to a sleep over that one of my friends was having, we had a lot of fun, I really enjoyed it.

 

 

On Saturday I went to Coach Woody's practice from 11-1:30, he told me I do better when I shoot the right way than the wrong way. I will work extra hard to get my shot 10 times better before the season starts. On Sunday I went to Galloway Township Middle School from 9-12, afterwards I had a game at my school against Ocean City. I took a picture with my friend in teammate Lexi, I never thought me and Lexi would be on the same team. I was kind of tired after the game, but some how I got enough energy to go to Fear Factory with my cousin.

 

 



 

RECAP: TEAM MILLER EXTRAVAGANZA

 

LANIYA MILLER (Class of 2018)

 

Every time Gthing sees Laniya play we are very impress with this young ladies skill set. When we first seen her play at Hoop Group in Neptune New,Jersey we knew she would be special, she doe's everything that a coach could ask for which is her dad. She is about 5'9 and can rebound like she is bigger then that though, Miller has a nice little handle can move very well. Laniya will be a complete player once she develops a good enough jump shot to were as she will be able to take you inside in out. When Miller does that, Gthing definitely knows she will be one of top in her class for the the State of NJ.

 

 

 



Diary Of A Baller: Ayanna Jones (Absecon, NJ) Part # 4

AYANNA JONES

This week I didn't do a lot. On Monday I had gym and I ran my mile in 7 minutes. Next period I had a math test and got a 97 on it. I had workouts from 3-3:30 and thought I did good. On Tuesday I didn't go to school because it was the Eid, for those that don't know it is a Muslim holiday. I really had fun, I got to see people I haven't seen in a long time. On Wednesday I had a half of day at school because of the PSAT, freshman aren't allow to take them. On Thursday I had a rough day I got a 86 on my test and I wasn't to happy with it, I'm usually hard on my self when it comes to grades, because I know I can do better than a 86.

I ran my mile in 8 minutes in 45 second my lowest time ever SMH. On Friday I went to the Atlantic City High football game against Buena, Atlantic City won 46-19, it was Atlantic City first home game this year because they we're waiting on the new artificial turf since last year when Hurricane Sandy destroyed half of the old field. After the game I went out with a couple of friends, we all had a blast.

On Saturday I went to my brothers football game against Ocean City, Absecon Blue Devil's won a close one 28-26. My brother played really well I was so proud of him, afterwards I went to my cousins game. On Sunday I went to Absecons Emma C Attales Middle and Elementary School basketball courts and played 1 on 1 with my mom, she thinks she won but she didn't, theres only one real baller in the Jones house in that's me. After that I went to my game at my school, we played against Ocean City.

Signing Off
Ayanna Jones.

 

 

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE TALENT DOWN IN THE DIRTY SOUTH IN ATLANTA, GA. FOR THE FALL FINALE HOSTED BY FBC.

 

Mikayla Coombs & Kasiyahna Kushkituah

 

FBC is always finding good talent and putting out good talent. They are very known throughout the south on the AAU Curcuit, after speaking with Marc Tampa he told Gthing that a few player's on there team are being heavily recruited.

 

CHECK OUT THIS LINK TO READ MORE ABOUT FBC.



 

 

Diary Of A Baller: Ayanna Jones (Absecon, NJ) Part # 3

 

Ayanna Jones & Felicia

 

This week wasn't as busy as last week. On Monday workouts got cancelled because of the tornado warning, but I dribble outside. After I studied for my physics test. The next day was hard for me but I work through it. I ran my mile in the gym at 8:30am when last year I ran it at 7:34 and in workouts I wasn't making my shots. On Wednesday I had a much better day, I went 15 - 20 at the foul line and I ran my mile in 7:01, which is better than both my times before. Then I supported the Mustangs

NEW EXCLUSIVE: GTHING'S ONE ON ONE WITH LANCE MILLER.

 

After being invited to a couple of Team Miller's Tournaments,

Gthingbasketball was able to finally sit down in talk

to one of Villanova's All-Time greats Lance Miller.

Tell the basketball people who you are ?

I'm from Bridgewater, NJ. My high school team won three State Championships. I scored over 2000 points in high school, I was a Four year starter at Villanova University and  I'm also member of there Hall Of Fame Team.

When did you start coaching ? And why ?

I started coaching in 1996. I saw girl's not being taught proper basketball. I love coaching them, I treat them no different then the boy's.

How does it feel to coach your daughters ?

Exciting, and challenging at the same time. When I coach I don't see daughters I see players.

When do you have time to coach, train and work and be a parent ?

None, my day is none stop. I'm busy 24/7 and 365 days a year.

How much more longer do you thing you can keep going ?

I really don't know, I can tell you this much.  I know that I'm having a lot of fun Right Now !!!

After this interview With coach Lance Miller Gthingbaketball  went inside in did a exclusive interview with three of  Miller's daughters, who actually are current members of his Team 

Miller's Team.

GTHING: SO HOW IS IT PLAYING BASKETBALL FOR YOUR DAD ? 

Andreana Miller: Playing for my dad is such a great experience, he knows this basketball game better than anyone I know and I love that about him. He teaches me everything I know about the game.

Laniya Miller: I really do enjoy playing for my dad, he just wants me to succeed and try to do my best. Even thought at times it does get frustrating and confusing. Hard work pays off, and I'm continuing to remember that. I love being a Miller.

 

Diamond Miller: It is crazy at times. He's hard on me, but at the end of the day he loves me and just wants me to get better. 



 

IMAGE PROFILE: TIANA JACKSON ( TEAM MILLER )

 

Name: Tiana Jackson

 

Team: Team Miller

 

Position: Point Guard

 

Class: 2019

 

State: NJ

 

Event: Team Miller Extravaganza

 

Profile: This is one tough cookie, she is small in size, but big at heart. Jackson has all the necessary tools to be a good point guard. Tiana has great court vision while going up in down the court, she play's very calm in poise for her age and seems to be a leader on offense and defense. Don't let her fool you if you see her play, she loves to pass the rock put Tiana sure can score when have to, she's not that strong but has other skills to make up for that.  

 

 



 

 



 

 

GTHINGBASKETBALL WAS IN THE HOUSE AT TEAMMILLER FALL EXTRAVAGANZA.

 

 

 

GthingBasketball was in the house this past weekend at the Team Miller Fall Extravaganza/Coaches Choice Tournament. There was a lot of new talent and new faces for this event, the gym was rocking like it normally does when Mr. Miller has a Girl Tournament, coming this week Gthing will go inside in give you the One on One interview with Lance Miller and some Recaps of this weekends Tournament.



 

Dairy Of A Baller: Ayanna Jones (Absecon, NJ) Part # 2

 

 

Ayanna Jones

 

 

This week was a bit more busy for me. On Monday I had a math test and got a 93 on it. I was proud of my 93, but I will study harder to get a perfect score. After school from 3-400 I had workouts and I worked really hard on my jump shot and creating my own shot. When I was finish I studied for my physics test for an hour. On Tuesday I had workouts from 3-4:30 and lifting, my arms felt like noodles afterwards,"Laugh out loud".

 

 

I also did the beep test again and I pushed myself to beat my personal highest score and I did. On Wednesday I only had lifting from 3-3:30 then I went to a soccer game at Mainland Regional and we won against Absegami. Shortly after that I had to meet my cousin from North Carolina for the first time in my life, so I did the family thing for the rest of the night.

 

On Thursday had workouts at Holy Spirit High School from 6-8, afterwards I went to a Fall Classic basketball game at the Pleasantville Rec Center. On Friday I had a long day and night, we had our pep rally ,and this was my first one of the year an I had a blast. Mainland is really a great high school. I then went to the Mainland football game, it was a terrible lost against Holy Spirit the score was 41-0 Spirit, I still believe that we were a better team then them just not on that night. Then at 1am in the morning I went in camp out all night for the Jordan #5 Bel Airs at sneaker Villa. I went with some friends and we sat outside from 1:30am to 9am. On Sunday I went to workout from 9-12, then I had a game at 12:45 at Mainland, this was my busies weekend since school started, but this is what I must do to get better in basketball in school.

 

Sincerely,

Ayanna Jones



 



Diary Of A Baller: Ayanna Jones (Absecon, NJ) Part #1

 

 

Ayanna Jones

 

 

       Dear Basketball World,

 

 

I would like to thank G-thingbasketball for including me in the "Diary of a Baller" series. My name is Ayanna Jones and I am a freshman at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood, NJ. My dream is to become a player in the WNBA. To achieve my dream I workout 6 times a week on my game to become better and get good grades. Last Monday on the 23rd I had a pre-quiz in math and I got a 98 on it. That day after school I had weightlifting from 3-3:30, and from 3:30- 4:30 I shot around working on my jump shot and foul shots.

                 Gthing Alum Sears Selects Delaware U.

ALEXIS SPEARS (LENAPE, NJ)

Just found out threw a reliable source, that Spears will be attending the University of Delaware next fall. Gthing seen Spears play for the first time this year and we were very impress with the way she moves with and without the ball for her size, being 6'2 she's very light on her feet and should play a major roll for there University.

Gthingbasketball would like to congratulate Alexis and her family with this great accomplishment. We look forward to watching you play next year on TV. good luck.



UPDATE: NICHEL TAMPA

NICHEL TAMPA (CLASS OF 2017)

Gthingbasketball: How was the summer season and what was  your accomplishments ?

Nichel: The summer season was really fun. We (FBC SE Elite - 2017) played our first exposure tournament in July (Fila National) in the top 17- under division and finished 3rd! From that tournament onward, dozens of colleges followed us to the rest of the tournaments in July. We won the 15-under division of the last  tournament we played in versus the NYC Gauchos 2015.

Gthingbasketball: Tell Gthing and the basketball world the places and tournaments your AAU team attended ? What was the toughest competition ?

Nichel: We started out in Atlanta at the Fila Nationals, in then to the Battle in the Boro in Nashville, TN. The 2nd half of July took us to the Battle of Bayou in New Orleans, and then finish at the Garden City Classic in Augusta, SC. By far the toughest competition was at the Fila Nationals, as we played in the top 17- Under division. My team is all 2017, with two 2018's. We fell short at the Boro playing 14U, but finish 2nd in the top 2015 division in New Orleans and won the 2015 division in Augusta, Ga.

Gthingbasketball: What is your current class ranking, in how do you feel about it ?

Nichel: According to All-Star girl's Report, I am currently ranked #4 nationally and was #3 when I was first interview by Gthing. I would like to be higher, but it's all someones opinion. All I can do is continue to work on my game and get stronger and better. In this ranking, I'm still the #2 point guard, so that's a good sign.

Gthingbasketball: Have you received any letters from any colleges and if so from were ?

Nichel: Outside of my scholarship offers from the University of South Carolina and the University of South Florida I have letters from approximately 40 schools. Most notably are Notre Dame, Ohio St, Miami, LSU, Louisville, UCLA, Stanford, Penn St.

Gthingbasketball: What high school will you be attending and why ?

Nichel: I will be attending Saint Francis High School, because it provides me with the right balance of great education and great basketball exposure. For education they are a private school that does a great job of preparing you to receive a college education. Their girl's team also won the Class A State Championship last year and over the past couple of years, they've had several girls go to or verbally commit major division 1 schools. Two of my FBC teammates are also going to Saint Francis, so it will be a really nice freshman class.

Gthingbasketball: What position will you be playing and do you think you'll be starting ?

Nichel: I will primarily play shooting guard, but will get time at point. We have 3 great senior guards so most likely won't start. However, we played together all of this past June in high school leagues and I played a lot, so I'll get plenty of time.

CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE ON TAMPA AND SOME OF HER GEORGIA FBC TEAMMATES.

UPDATE: AMAYLA (MAY- MAY) SHARIF

May-May Sharif (Class of 2019)

Gthing: So May-May tell Gthingbasketball and all of the followers how your AAU season went this year ?

May-May: My AAU season went pretty good although I would have liked for our team to have done better at the Nationals.

Gthing: How was the Nationals for you and the Comets team this year ?

May-May: Coming off the # 8 National ranking last year, we didn't do as I expected, but yet we still done good considering we were undersized.

Gthing: Did y'all place, in what was Comets record down there ?

May-May: We didn't place at all this year, We ended up with a 3-3 record. All the teams we played had some really big bigs, so my teammates and I done a good job overall.

Gthing: Do you think that playing other positions, rather than your true one, has help your game ?

May-May: Yes I do, playing the 3, 4, & 5 has help my game because it allowed me to defend bigger players and at the same time learn to be able to get to the basket and get my shots off over bigger defenders.

Gthing: What can Gthingbasketball aspect from May- May next AAU season ? 

May-May: Gthingbasketball can expect me to play more of the point guard and the 2 guard position. I didn't get the opportunity this AAU season but normally I play the 1 or 2. Next year I'm looking forward to playing the point.

Gthing: In what part of your game will you be working on during the off season ?

May-May: I definitely will be working on my jump shot, my father says he is going to have me go to the shooting clinics and making sure I get a lot of shots up during the off season. Also, I will always continue to work on my ball handling skills and defense.

SACRIFICES MUSLIMS MAKE DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN JUST TO PLAY BASKETBALL.
 

AYANNA JONES (CLASS OF 2017)
 

Gthing: Let the basketball world know how difficult it is being muslim and playing basketball at the same time ?

 

Yea-Yea: The difference is since I'm a young muslimah, I have to cover up my body. So when I play basketball I wear a long sleeve shirt and tights under my uniform, I also have to pray fives time a day.

 

Gthing: How difficult is it during the month of Ramadan to fast and still play basketball ?

 

 

Yea-Yea: I wouldn't not say it's difficult, I prepare myself the night before the game by eating plenty of protein and drinking lots of fluids. I also have to know my limits.

 

 

Gthing: Tell the basketball world, and other Gthingbasketball  followers, who don't know what Ramadan is, explain it to them ?


Yea-Yea: Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. This is when the 1st verses of the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (Saw). All Muslim abstain from food, drinks, and other activities, from dawn to dusk for 29-30 days. When Ramadan ends we have a feast called Eid Al fitr, there is a lot of food and gifts at the Eid. I really enjoy the Eid.


Gthing: How did it feel playing up this year for your AAU team ?


Yea-Yea: It was hard at first, being one of the two eighth graders on a tenth grade team, but the more games We played the easier it became.


Gthing: What did you learn from it ? And if any, did it help you.


Yea-Yea: I learned how to think smarter, about the choices I make while on the court and off, I believe it prepared me for a higher level of basketball.


Gthing: The rumors are that you will be attending Mainland Regional H.S. in Somers Point, N.J. next year, Why the choice school ?

Yea-Yea: Mainland is a blue ribbon high school, and education comes first.

PHILADELPHIA BELLES TAKE OVER SHY-TOWN:

( L - R )  Lauren Ross, Danielle Patterson, Jaala Henry

Coming fresh off a undefeated tournament in Hampton,VA at the Boo Williams 15U Invitational, the Belles had no time to celebrate there hardware, the only thing they had time for was to just grab a fresh change of clothes so they could get right back on the road in head to the Mid-West. The Belles next stop was the Nike Invitational Tournament which was held in Chicago,IL. in there to the Belles rang the bells of all the competition that came there way. They went 6-0 in the tournament, to bring home the Chip, they are a total of 11-0 in the last two tournaments, in so far this year there coach has played them up in the 15U Division which is great exposure for his team since they are a bunch of 6 Thur 8 graders.

PHILADELPHIA COMETS: KELLY JEKOT

KELLY JEKOT (CLASS OF 2016)

 

Kelly has been playing great ball all season for the Philly Comets, the 6'0 point guard has shown this year why her name keeps buzzing on the AAU circuit. She made it to the final cut for the USA Basketball Women's U16 Team, out of 124 players she was one of the remaining hopeful's. Kelly lead her Cumberland Valley Team to the PIAA Class AAAA finals, the second leading scorer on the team at 16.2 and just about four rebounds a game is why Jekot name is making waves across the country.

NEW JERSEY COMETS DUO THREAT (CLASS OF 2016)

                     Maggie McIntrye                        Mary-Kate Gedaka     

This Duo Threat has the inside in outside game that every AAU and High School team would love to have, these two girls have been playing together since elementary school and they have been putting up descent numbers while together. Maggie McIntrye is a point guard who likes to control the offense, her basketball IQ allows her to do things an see things that most guards can't, she has a jump shot that she can knock down from time to time in big games. Mary-Kate has improve her game since last year, when Gthing first spotted her down in Lakewood,NJ. she was a post player with a ton of moves near the basket. So far this year Gedaka has shown some ball handling skills even playing point at different times of the game, Mary-Kate is the total package and should be able to take the Comets and Gloucester Catholic High School (NJ) team very far.

                         

AYANNA MAZYCK: PHILLY FREEDOM

AYANNA MAZYCK (CLASS OF 2017)

A wing player who can and loves to get up in down the court, this girl has the ability to play mutable positions. Ayanna is very quick, she is hard to stop while in the open court because of her size and ball handling skills. Mazyck likes to attack the basket, she has a well enough jump shot which should help her out on the next level, Ayanna can create her own shot which is good for a eighth grader.

 

 

JAHNIECE JAFFE: IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 

JAHNIECE JAFFE (CLASS OF 2014)

 

( DM PANTHERS )

 

Up in Hershey, PA last weekend Jahniece was dropping buckets like it was raining, she displayed her talent to the college coaches and the on going spectators that were there. The 5'1 point guard showed a lot of heart as usual, while playing against bigger and stronger guards. DM Panthers went 4-1 in the tournament, they got knock out by the Stings of Baltimore, MD.

 

 

RECAP: PHILLY COMET'S TOURNAMENT JUNE 2013.

 

SYDNEY WAGNER (CLASS OF 2017) PHILLY FREEDOM

 

Sydney has a lot of swag in her game, she is a floor general, and she knows how to do play that very well. Wagner plays the point guard position but has the ability to play the two guard, she has a well enough mid-range game for a 8th grader. Wagner can play up tempo and can run with the best of them, her team went 4-1 in the tournament.

 

Name: Amber Gemer

 

Team: Comets

 

Position: Guard

 

Class: 2019

 

State: PA

Profile: Gemer is a crafty point guard, she has been running the offense for the Comets the past two seasons. Amber loves to control the offense by setting up her other teammates and getting everyone involved, she has a nice handle and can use either hand while pressure. Amber doesn't take a lot of shot's, but she can make them when necessary.
 

 

Name: Cilah Womack

 

Team: Philly Freedom

 

Position: Wing

 

Class: 2017

 

State: PA

 

Profile: Wing player who can also play the guard position, she loves to play at a fast pace. Womack likes to attack the basket with her speed, she is a good finisher around the rim. Cilah is a great defender, and can just about guard any position, can shoot the long ball or short ball from anywhere.

 

 

JULIE CARNEY: PHILADELPHIA COMETS

 

JULIE CARNEY (CLASS OF 2017)

 

At the Comets Tournament 2 weeks ago Julie finally had her breakout game, with two starter's out with injury Julie took full advantage of her time while on the court. She has a all round game, but her best thing is shooting the rock, Carney plays with no fear, attack the basket at time, shooting from anywhere on the court. Now that Julie is on the Gthing radar, let's see if she can keep up the momentum going down to the Junior Nationals.

AMAYLA SHARIF: PHILADELPHIA COMETS

AMAYLA SHARIF (CLASS OF 2019)

May is the spark plug for her Comets team, her game has change since the last time GThing seen her play in 2012. She has pick her game up since the departure of her former teammate Lauren Ross who is now with the Philadelphia Belles, Amayla has a all round game, put her strongest asset is attacking the basket, she is very athletic and has tremendous speed, Sharif can get up in down the Court like a deer. Aggressive on defense which helps her on offense, because of her good hands and eyes she gets a lot of steals. 

BRITTANY GARNER: PHILLY FREEDOM 

BRITTANY GARNER (CLASS OF 2018)

The 6'3 7th grader, that's right 7th grader, has everything to look forward too in the near future. She can play   everybody, this isn't someone with just height and size, she can actually put the ball in basket. Brittany has low post moves and a bunch of drop steps that she uses during games to help her get to the basket with ease. Garner moves very well up in down the court which makes things a lot easier for her while playing against up tempo teams, her team when 4-1 in the Philadelphia Comets Tournament June 8 in PA.

RECAP: PENN JERSEY TOURNAMENT AT RICHARD STOCKTON STATE COLLEGE IN GALLOWAY,NJ.

Sara Peretti (Class of 2019) Lady Starz

All eye's were on Sara after this tournament, the 5"10 6th grader showed why she will be talk about for a few years. Peretti is fundamentally sounded and does a lot of things to perfection, she runs floor well, she can rebound and knows how to use her long frame. Sara offensive ability's are great, she can put the ball in the basket with some low post moves, she is very coachable, which should help her in the near future.

Other Performers

Name: Alyvia Essex

Team: DM Panthers

Class: 2016

Position: Forward

State: NJ

Profile: Very athletic girl who can play motable positions, she has a nice stroke and can drain the long ball. Essex is quiet on the court, but not on defensive, she is very aggressive an has a mean  streak.

Name: Alexis Harris

Team: DM Panthers

Class: 2015 

Position: Combo Guard

State: NJ

Profile: Smoove guard who's has been working her way back from injury, she has all of the potential to be a great guard. Alexis has a nice mid-range game and long range game, she has a ton of moves, an one thing about Harris, is that when she's hot she's hot.

Name: Jahniece Jaffe

Team: DM Panthers

Class: 2014 

Position: Guard

State: NJ

Profile: Small but very tough, she put up good numbers during the Penn Jersey Tournament. Jahniece has a nice shot, she can easily knock down ten and twelve footers, Jaffe likes to play bigger than her size.