The Nike Regional Skills Academy provides a unique opportunity for elite athletes to both learn the skills they need to play at the next level, as well as test their abilities against other national caliber athletes. For 2009 events are being held in 5 Regions: South (Atlanta GA), West ( Santa Anna CA), East (Philadelphia PA,) SouthWest (Dallas TX,) and Midwest (Indianapolis IN.) Participation is by invitation only from Nike, with each event limited to around 40 of each regions top high school players. A change from previous years is that for 2009 the event has no juniors, instead being limited to freshman and sophomores, along with a few exceptional 8th graders. This is a masterstroke on the part of Nike that benefits both the players and the colleges recruiting them. By providing earlier instruction more time can be spent with the fundamentals of footwork and mechanics, and elite players now have more time to develop and implement new skills. Since improvement just over the course of a 2 day camp was both obvious and dramatic, its a sure bet that the overall result will be a higher level of play over entire recruiting classes nation-wide.
The Indianapolis Skills Academy saw 42 players in attendance from all over the Midwest, including MI, WI, MN, OH, IL, PA, IA, MO, and of course Indiana. Although still youngsters, some have already made their college commitments while many more have offers under consideration. The Indiana players included sophomores Bria Goss (Ben Davis) and Katrina Blackmon (Marion), freshmen Shelbi Chandler (Pike) and Natalie Cohlmeyer (Evansville Memorial), and 8th grader Taya Reimer (Hamilton SE).
The Academy is run by Nike's head trainer, Ganon Baker, who also trains their NBA and WNBA athletes, Ganon is part trainer, part motivational speaker, and 100% a force of nature, imparting an unparalled level of energy to each drill and movement. Ball handling and footwork are a major focus, with an eye to using those skills to break down your defender. The training was just fabulous, combining creative and innovative approaches to fundamental mechanics with a level of intensity that only Ganon can generate. We recommend you visit ganonbakerbasketball.com for more information on his outstanding training services.
Assisting Ganon on the court were a host of basketball personalities including Dee Brown (retired NBA), and Family members Katrina Merriweather, Amber Harris, and TaShia Phillips. Motivational speakers included Tamika Catchings (WNBA - Indiana Fever) and Family member Shyra Ely (WNBA - Seattle Storm - Chicago Sky). ESPN scouts Chris Hanson and Mark Lewis were in attendance as well . You can click on our headline for a link or go to hoopgurlz.com for their full reports on all the RSAs.
Overall the event was just a fabulous learning experience for the girls and a real eye opener of the energy needed to play at the next level. Special thanks to Nike's Mary Thompson, along with Ganon Baker, for the opportunity to be a part of this event. Also a special thanks to Kevin and Roxanne Merriweather, and all the camp staff for pulling it all together.
(click on headline for link to ESPN report)
