April 28-29, 2012
Thorafare, NJ
Riverwinds Community Center in Riverwinds, NJ was the site for the NE Region Nike Skills Academy. 72+ players were invited to participate in a weekend filled with advanced level skills, drills and competition. The players were encouraged to “not be afraid” to try new things because that is what will make them better than they are.
The Skills Academy featured many highly talented and top level players; a few of the weekend’s top performers were:, Sierra Calhoun (Middle Village, Christ the King, HS), Bianca Cuevas (Brooklyn NY, Nazareth HS,), Lauren Brozoski (Brookville, NY, LI Lutheran HS), Jade Walker (Wayne, NJ, Depaul Catholic HS), Zaire O’Neil (Newark, NJ Malcolm X Shabazz HS), and Duke-Bound Erin Mathias (Pittsburgh, PA, Fox Chapel Area HS).
The Academy was loaded with talented players but also featured an experienced group of coaches: Mary Klinger, Rutgers Prep Girl’s Coach, Tim Ortelli, Rutger’s Prep Boy’s Coach, Bob Mackey, Christ the King HS, Vanessa Watson, Malcolm X Shabazz HS, Sharp Shooter and Coach, Kristen Somogyi, Micah Lancaster, I’m Possible Training and Josh Oppenheim.
The camp began with an informative talk by Kara Lawson, WNBA Professional with Connecticut Sun and ESPN Television Analyst. Kara gave the group 3 Valuable Media Tips (Always introduce yourself, Anticipate some of the questions you may be asked, Be wary of your surroundings with Social Media) followed by questions from the players.
The camp included four sessions of advanced skill work in all basketball fundamentals, along with competition in 3 on 3 and 5 on 5. Was a great representation of the Northeast Region as Nike continues to show why the are at the forefront of grassroots basketball.
