philtenn

Now, now, Dragonmaster, I limited my remarks to only the AAU coaches because I was trying to stay on topic (traveling teams) and that was the common theme for all those girls. They all played for the same AAU coaches and I thought that was noteworthy. Most of them played for those coaches back when they were 9 and 10 years old to high school. So I've know them and I'm very familiar with their coaching. Plus, I don't have any personal experience with most of the high school coaches of the other girls, but I will give credit to Coach Durham and Coach Condra of White Station High School for their help in developing my daughter during those years. Kaitlin has certainly told me that they helped her expand her game on offense and defense and prepared her for college play AND college expectations which is probably just as important. No dis intended. By the way, good luck this season. I can pull for Collierville now that WS is no longer in the district. : )

Can't deny that!

Great weekend for college freshman with Memphis Elite roots: Sarah Watkins gets 20 in 21 min for Arkansas; Chi Chi Okwumabua starts for Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Megan Miles of Oglethorpe wins the 3-point competition at their jamboree in the Womens' AND Men's divisions; Kaitlin Murphy averages 11 points for Furman; and Jasmine James leads 21-ranked Georgia to an upset over 13-ranked Oklahoma with 15 points. These girls were coached by Memphis Elite coaches Brian Miles, Wayne Kelley, Andre Pruitt, and Greg James. Shows you what quality coaching early on can do.

Add Jasmine Robinson at #44 of Memphis Overton. Way to go Memphis: 2 players in the top 50. Nice showing for Tennessee overall.

If I had it, I can't find it now. Can you send me a private email?

Thanks PHargis. That's a lot of good information. Just curious, but why would you be surprised that I would make such a post?

Nope. I'd like to know what the opinions are out there concerning sport psychology - it's importance, whether there is any focus on it in programs, and who is considered to be good at it or helpful in the area. I'm not giving out my name, office address, phone number, nothing like that at all. Just looking for opinions since it's an area that I am (of course) very interested in. I'm especially interested in sports psychology for children and adolescents because that's a group that can be hurt if it is used without recognizing the fact that these are developing human beings, not just developing competitors. I'm hoping to learn some things.

Actually, I am one.

My observation of recruiting is that you've got to have certain physical skills to be considered. However, it seems to me that girls that are not particularly physically gifted can still get a scholarship if they demonstrate strong mental skills. A great understanding of the game, the ability to keep your cool and keep your head in the game when things aren't going well, and strong leadership skills are all assets that someone with average athletic ability can learn and are very valued by college coaches. I've seen girls that I thought were not athletically gifted get the chance to play in college over a more athletic player basically due to the mental/emotional skills (and strong fundamentals). Is this just my experience or have others seen this? How well are girls being taught mental skills? Do you believe that sometimes a specialist could be helpful in teaching mental skills and if it is helpful who are some good ones?

Years ago, I would have agreed with you. But, right now, it looks like the difference between AAU and Exposure is getting smaller and smaller. With the recruiting emphasis starting at 13 and 14 years old now, "younger players getting to play in the team concept" is being threatened. I do agree that there are positives with the exposure events. I think it's a shame for parents and players that with AAU now morphing toward more of an exposure event philosophy there is one less option for the serious competitive player.

I hear that saying from time to time so you're certainly not alone in believing that. And, to a certain degree, I agree with that statement. But, it seems to me that statement is only true for the major D1 schools and the players who are good enough to play for them. For those girls (and this is the large majority) who better fit mid-majors, D2, D3 and NAIA schools, I think it's a big mistake to believe in that statement. Those schools do not have the recruiting budget to scour the entire country for talent and they don't have the luxury to just check out the top 50 girls listed on HoopGurlz list - they don't have a chance of getting those girls. Many times they just focus on the girls in their region. If you're a good player who isn't in their region, there is a good chance that they will never know you exist. In my opinion the vast majority of the parents and players need to be more proactive in the recruiting process. Don't get overly dependent on your high schools or AAU coach in finding a school for you. Find the school YOU want to go to and that fits YOUR academic and other requirements, and start recruiting them. Be careful how you do it, but you can learn how to do it through some great books out there on the subject. It's important to learn about the unwritten rules of the recruiting game. Finally, even if you are a major D1 quality player and all you have to do is wait for those schools come see you play or read about you in the newspaper, you're still doing yourself a disservice by just waiting. Most of the major D1 girls are not going to make a living in basketball so education remains the priority. And not just any education. You should be looking for the best education that fits your interests and your individual gifits. The best basketball school recruiting you may not be the best school for your education. The point is, don't just sit there waiting for the team to find you. Be proactive and your chances for success on AND off the court will go way up.

Yes, she did play with the Wings. Before that, she played with the Memphis Waves and was part of the team that won the National Championship. I think it was 11u. Yes, she did play with the Wings. Before that, she played with the Memphis Waves and was part of the team that won the National Championship. I think it was 11u.

I know that Mary Jackson from Memphis, TN is playing for Louisville in the Final Four. Are there any other Tennessee girls playing on any of the other teams?

Melissa Leibschwager, graduate of Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN, won the NCAA Division I regular season 3-point percentage title for this 08-09 season, hitting 47%. Tonight on tv she won the ESPN women's 3-point shooting contest in Detroit and nearly beat the Men's Champ. Melissa is the daughter of Troy and Lisa Leibschwager who still live in Memphis. At Furman, she not only holds the 3-point shooting percentage record but also is 2nd all-time for career free throw percentage, 89%. On top of her court accomplishments she was a 3-time SoCon Honor Roll selection for her academic accomplishments. She ends her career at Furman University this year and has been accepted to the UT Pharmacy School. Congratulations, Melissa. You are a true student athlete. And soon you'll see how working so hard at both academics and basketball is going to really pay off.

Hold your heads high. You had a great season and finished with a great game. The game just went two seconds too long. Good luck to the seniors: Erica, Jamilla, and Jasmine. I'm sure you've got more great games ahead. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />