Tell us about yourself?
I'm a 5'10 combo guard. I love to play basketball any chance I get or if not I'm hanging out with my friends, playing games, etc. My goals for my high school year is to receive a scholarship and play DI or DII basketball.
What was your best game?
My best game I ever had was at a tournament for AAU. We traveled to Boston and we were down a couple of players. So my coach said I need to step up the scoring. When the game was over I ended up having 30pts, 7 rebs, 6 asst, 4 stls an the mvp of the tourney.
Why are sports/education important to you?
Well, sports and education are important to me because I would like to play basketball in college and receive a good education.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can make myself better in basketball by being more vocal to my team on the court. Also, when someone is down and not having a good game pick them up so they can build their confidence.
What is your dream college?
My dream college is UCONN.
If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I will give my all in practice and games. I will do the little things that nobody would think of. I wouldn't back down from any challenge that is tossed my way.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
If you have a goal already set, give it 110% to accomplish that goal of your life. The choice you choose will be the career in the future in your lifetime.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I will like to give a shout out to my guys at SoSportz for giving me this chance!! www.sosportz.com
Tell everyone about yourself? My name is Rodderick Dewaine Barney Jr. I'm an 8th grader attending school at Rippon Middle in Woodbridge, VA. I play AAU basketball with Virginia Dynasty. In school I’m an A and B student. When I finish my homework I’m in the gym working out with my VA Dynasty team at Freedom High School. Before basketball God, Family, and school come first.
What was your best game? My best game was when I was playing with the older Virginia Dynasty team. I had 20 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists. As I was playing I felt unstoppable. Every time I received the ball I had that mentality that nobody can stop me. When I got in the zone it was a wrap.
Who is the best player you have played against? The best player I played against was my friend Malik in an AAU game on December 5 on a Sunday. As we were on the court you would never think that we were friends. I say that because Malik and I were just playing so aggressive. Malik and I were crossing each other up, hitting jumps shots in each other’s face, talking smack, and more. We both ended up having about 14 or 15 points. I love playing against aggressive players because it makes me a better ball player.
How do you make your team better? I make my team better by giving them a prep talk. If I see something is not right or we aren’t playing to our potential, I tell them that we need to get it together if we want to win this ball game. Also if I see that someone made a mistake or missed a shot I tell them it’s ok and to keep their head up. It’s my job as a point guard to lead the team, control the tempo, and make my teammates better.
Who is your favorite player? My favorite player is John Wall from the Washington Wizards. I admire John Wall because he has the full package a point guard can have. What I like about John Wall is that he has the ability to get to the free throw line, he has a mix of scoring and passing, he has a good pick and roll play, and an ability to create his own shot. I’m not saying that’s all he can do but John Wall is something special.
Why are sports/education important to you? Sports/education is important to me because without an education you cannot get into college. That’s why it’s very important that you get your school work done because if you can’t get your school work done in the classroom you won’t be able to play the sport you love. School comes first before sports remember that.
What advice can you give other student-athletes? Stay in school and get good grades. Remember without those grades you won’t be able to play the game you love. NO GRADES NO PLAY.
Send a shout out to SoSportz: Thank you SoSportz for giving athletes the opportunity to expose themselves!!!
Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm an 11 year old from Miami, Florida. I'm 5 foot and I weigh 93 pounds. I play quaterback, wide reciever, kick return, and safety. I play AAU basketball and I play point guard and shooting guard.
What are your dreams in life?
My dreams are to make it to the NBA or NFL.
What was your best game?
My best game was our first home game. I scored 4 touchdowns, threw 1, and we won 49 to 0. I also caused a safety and had monster hits.
Why are sports/education important to you?
So I can get a scholarship and be successful.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can work hard and stay focused.
How do you make your team better?
I keep them pumped up and make them believe in themselves. I also congratulate them for making good plays.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Never give up, play your hardest, have fun, never be scared, and play your game.
Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Kevawn Lord and I'm a 6'1 rising sophomore guard that plays for Amherst High School. I play basketball everyday, all year long and hope to reach my full potential and play at the highest level I can.
What are your dreams in life?
My dreams are the same as any other athlete. I want to play at a good D1 college basketball program and then see where I can go from there.
What was your best game?
I was playing an AAU game in Worchester and I had 26 points in a hard fought losing effort against a team from Cape Cod.
Why are sports/education important to you?
I love playing sports. I don't know what I would be doing if I couldn't spend my time playing basketball. I need to focus more on my education just like I do my sports. I plan to focus a lot more on school, but still put in work on the court and in the gym.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
A few things that I can do to improve my sport is by working hard practicing, getting in the gym as much as possible, and to stay focused on my goals.
How do you make your team better?
I take basketball seriously and try to do the things that my team needs. If we're losing and no one else is scoring then I'll score. If we need a 3 then I'll find us a 3, whether I shoot it or find an open man.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Definitely stay focused with your grades and keep playing hard.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Shout out SoSportz for letting student athletes gain support and exposure. Its a great site helping players get the accolades they need to further their game.
Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Fahmi Farah and I am a rising sophomore at Amherst Regional High School. I play basketball every season. I try to stay humble and I work hard. I am a 5'8 point guard and I'm skinny but am starting to hit the weights and get stronger. Last year I played AAU for Dunbar community center in Springfield.
What are your dreams in life?
My dream is to play division 1 basketball then get drafted into the NBA.
What was your best game?
My best game was in an AAU tournament in Hartford, CT. I had 20 points and I missed only 2 shots, was 5/6 on 3's and the team started to play really well especially on the defensive end. There were four other players in double digits that game and it went from a close first half to a blowout.
Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports are important to me because I have loved playing since before I could remember and I always loved to compete and hate to lose in anything. Academics are important because you cannot achieve in basketball without academics. I have seen a lot of players who have had the talent and didn't make the grades so I’m trying to do the opposite. You can't play in college without the grades.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can make myself better at basketball by working hard everyday, staying humble, always going 100%, setting goals then going out and attaining them. To get better you have to play with people better than you or just as good, never play below your competition level. Be a student of the game and never stop learning.
How do you make your team better?
I can make any team I am on better by being a leader on and off the court and keeping my team involved at all times by distributing the ball. I have always been a guy who likes an assist just as much as a score. By working hard, being the first guy in the gym and the last one out will send a message to your team and they will want to do the same. Always lead by example.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Always keep focused, work hard in school and on the court. Improve everyday, have pride, and never be afraid to guard or play with somebody. Carry yourself as if you are already a college basketball or NBA player but never be cocky. Always be respectful and listen. Actions speak louder than words.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I would like to thank SoSportz for supporting me. It’s a great program for exposure and seeing other athletes with the same goals that I have.
Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is James Howard West, IV. My family and friends know me as Lil' J. These days, I go by JJ too since I'm a huge JJ Reddick and Duke fan; and I can shoot the lights out! My other favorite player is Allen Iverson, because I plan to be the next big thing out of Va in his image. I am a student athlete, with a big emphasis on the student part. Having both my mom and dad as teachers, there is no slacking off when it comes to school.
Being a part of the gifted education program and the Math & Science specialty program at my school, I have to work extra hard to maintain good grade or I lose out in the gym. (Yes, my mom will take basketball away if she is not pleased with my grades). Outside of that, I have a little brother Jalen (7), and a little sister Jayel (3) who are some of my biggest fans. I was born in Washington, DC on June 25, 1998. I then moved to Woodbridge, VA when I was 1 year old and have been there ever since. Those who know me say I was born with a basketball in my hand. I started playing on a recreation team when I was 6 years old, but was always in the gym with my dad who has been a basketball coach for the last 12 years.
My dad is currently the head boys basketball coach at Freedom High School where I would play unless I go private school. When I was 10, I started playing with Team Takeover and had the opportunity to travel up and down the East Coast. Just this past Spring, I left the team to play for my Dad under his organization -VA Dynasty. That is where I feel at home and motivated to be me on the court. With that said, I plan on making some noise with my new team Virginia Dynasty starting the new 2011 AAU season. Remember my name- James Howard West, IV. You can follow me on my Youtube account by typing in James West 4th. I'll rep Va to the fullest two up two down.
What are your dreams in life?
My dream in life is to finish high school with honors and go on to Duke University with an academic scholarship to study within the field of Science. It is also with great ambition that my hard work in the classroom continues to carry over to the basketball court so that I can play for Coach K. Then its on to the NBA so my mom can retire.
What was your best game?
I had plenty of good games. The one I can recall recently is when I scored about 27 points and 8 assists. That was a great game because I was allowed to "DO ME" and still get my teammates involved.
Why are sports/education important to you?
Both of those things can help me be more successful in life. My mom always tells me that "education comes first because you can always break your leg". Both of my parents have instilled in me how important education is and once that is taken care of, the sky's the limit. That's why I can't come home with a C, and I always have all A's.
What can you do to make yourself better on your sport?
To make myself better, I need to work harder in my daily workouts, perfect my defensive play, and most importantly, play every game like its my last. My dad works me and my future back court mate out R.J. Barney as he prepares us for Freedom. With me and R.J. we will when two state titles for my father I promise.
How do you make your team better?
That's the first part of my game- I am a team player. I have great court vision which makes me able to see where my teammates are to get them the ball. I can score when I want, but like Lebron I choose to get everyone touches, because team comes first.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Keep working hard in the classroom first, then carry that same work ethic into practice and into the game. Hard work and discipline is what gets you to the finish line.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I would like to thank SoSportz for supporting student-athletes and for taking the time to get connected with me. This is a great website, and I predict this to be a high class source for athletes like me to get exposure. SoSportz is great, and I plan to have them track me through my career and my recruiting process. God Bless.
Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Daniel King and I am a 9th grader and I will be attending Southfield-Lathrup High School next school year. Also I am ranked one of the top 8th graders in the state of Michigan. I averaged 17 pts and 6 asts this AAU season.
What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are to become a McDonald’s All-American and get a basketball scholarship to any Division 1 college program. Also I want to make it into the NBA and become a NBA all-star point guard.
What was your best game?
My best game to me was when we to a AAU tournament and I won MVP and I had 28 pts and 8 asts.
Why are sports/education important to you?
That is important to me because I need education and sports is my passion. Also you need education to really succeed in anything you want to do in life.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can become some of a better off-guard and learn how to rebound a little bit better.
How do you make your team better?
I involve all my teammates and keep everyone happy while playing my all around game.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To never give up on your dreams and to work hard everyday because it’s always someone out there working on their game when you're not.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz is the future of recruiting and they are the best! Thanks SoSportz this how to get your name out there.
Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Dontae Jones and I am a junior at Ewing High School. I'm 6'4 and I play the 2 and 3 on the court.
What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are to make it to the league one day but if I don't succeed in that, then I would like to do something with the law.
What was your best game?
My best game was this year in AAU. I had 15 points and two dunks.
Why are sports/education important to you?
Education and sports are important to me because playing basketball all year around keeps me out of trouble. Education is important because even if I don't make it to the pros, with a good education I will be ale to find a good job.
What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can make myself better by practicing on my own, running to stay in shape, and get in the weight room. I have to work hard to better my overall game.
How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by in practice always pushing my teammates to make them work hard. When the entire team is on the same page, we have a better chance of being successful.
What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My advice for other players is to never give up and always have a good attitude when you play because you never know who is watching you play.
Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Shout out to SoSportz!!!!!
