College preparation

Question
Hello. My name is Courtney, I'm 14, and about to be a Sophomore. I played JV basketball for Wando High School my 8th grade year, and started my Freshman year. This last summer I played for Charleston Stampede AAU team. I love basketball, and I have such passion for the sport. I do everything to get better. I have a very huge dream of one day playing in college. I have had different people tell me different things. I wanted to know, what do I have to do to get to the next level? How do I get noticed by college scouts and coaches? My high school coach is not very concerned what happens to us after he is done with us, so how do I put myself out there? I would be devastated if I was not given the opportunity to play in college. I just need somebody to talk to about all of this. This upcoming season, I will be playing on the Varsity team. Thank you for helping me and giving me some personal insight and help. I would love to hear someone's opinion and just have someone to chat with.

Answer
Hi Courtney,

I applaud your determination to improve.  That is the most important thing to focus on, the rest will take care of itself in time.  Focus on controlling the things you can.  You are already doing this through your playing on school and AAU teams.  Now is the time to add a weight and flexibility program to help you get stronger and quicker.  Keep focusing on improving your skills, especially your defense, rebounding, and passing skills.  You not only need to improve, you need to help those you play with improve and play better.  I've heard several college coaches pass on players who didn't play defense or handle the ball well.  They want good team players who will help make their teams better.  

Keep asking for advice from those who know the game, as feedback helps you get better.  Enjoy improving, playing the game, and making your teammates better as you play.  That is the real victory!  Seek tough opponents to guard and play against, they will help you to improve.  They can also become good friends.  When you practice simulate game situations, such as working on a crossover move from the 3 point line and only using one dribble before the layup.  Also practice counter moves, such as pulling up for a short jumper when cut off before or after the dribble above, or shooting a fading runner over a defender who slid over to help, or faking the crossover and shooting...  From the wing, toss the ball to bounce toward the free throw line, fake away and then step under the bounced ball to simulate receiving a pass to shoot or drivr off of when you practice alone.

I think you have the drive, just stay hungry for improvement and keep loving the game.  I managed to enjoy it most of my life, as a player and then as a coach.  Best of fun and luck!