What does it take to make a Junior College basketball team? In this episode of Making the Team, I sit down with Coach Andrew May, head coach of the powerhouse Snow College Men’s Basketball program. After finishing last season as the #1 ranked JUCO team in the nation and currently sitting at #4, Coach May shares exactly what it takes to succeed at the JUCO level — on and off the court.🏀 Topics we cover include:How to stand out and make a JUCO rosterThe differences between JUCO and 4-year programsThe raw reality of junior college basketballBuilding a winning culture at Snow CollegeAdvice for high school players, parents, and coachesWhether you're a student-athlete, a parent, or a coach, this conversation offers a rare look into the mindset, structure, and recruiting expectations at the JUCO level — from one of the best in the country.Be sure to check follow the Snow College Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/snowcollegemensbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team⏰ TIME CODES ⏰0:00 Intro0:38 Reality of JUCO Ball5:17 Importance of Academics7:31 Winning and Recruiting11:40 Player Development14:50 Structuring Effective Practices20:02 Recruiting: Players Who Stand Out28:47 Physical Conditioning Expectations30:44 Recruiting: Snow's Appeal to Players36:00 Recruiting Process40:10 Persuasion vs Manipulation42:08 Player Roles45:00 Parent Roles in College46:21 A Player's Daily Schedule50:41 Game Day & Travel53:52 Crazy Manager Stories56:40 Jimmermania59:22 Living up to Expectations1:03:28 After a Win/After a Loss1:06:35 Process over Outcome1:08:04 Best Part of Coaching1:09:33 Hardest Part of Coaching1:13:50 A Coach's Control Mid Game1:16:30 Passions Outside Basketball1:17:51 Instagram Question1:21:14 Gift of Communication1:22:36 Electrifying Moments1:26:31 GOAT & Mt. Rushmore1:26:51 Advice for High School Senior

In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Connor Patten, head basketball coach at Tintic High School, a small-town program in Eureka, Utah.

Tintic is a 1A school - the smallest classification of high schools in the state. Coach Patten opens up about what it’s really like to lead a basketball team in a community where every player matters, every season is personal, and resources are limited — but passion runs deep.

🎙 Topics include:

Coaching challenges at a small high school

How to build a strong team culture with a small roster

Balancing mentorship, leadership, and development

The emotional highs and lows of rural coaching

Why small schools still matter in the world of high school sports

If you’re a coach, player, or sports fan who believes in the power of heart over hype, this conversation will inspire and motivate you.

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews from Making the Team – where we highlight athletes and coaches shaping the game from the ground up.

Be sure to follow Coach Patten's journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/coach.patten/

Follow Tintic basketball here: https://www.instagram.com/thsbbasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

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⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

0:00 Intro Teaser

0:20 1A Realities

2:38 What Tryouts Are Like

3:59 Player Development

5:47 Youth Development Pre High School

8:30 Hopes and Dreams of 1A Players

11:01 Picking a Staff

14:15 Travel & Rivalries in 1A

16:43 Swag and Fundraising

18:43 Rural Economic Drivers

22:44 Building a Culture of Winning Now

26:25 Scouting Other Teams

30:23 Connor's Coaching Journey

37:18 Coaches and their Spouses

38:43 This Upcoming Year

43:20 Coaching Hard is Caring

45:33 Entertainment in a Small Town

48:36 School Boundaries

49:35 Multi-Sport Athletes

52:12 Connor Outside Basketball

53:08 Message For Players and Parents

58:08 No Quit Mentality

#basketball #podcast #basketballpodcast #makingtheteam #smalltownsports

In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Parker Van Dyke, former University of Utah basketball standout and current professional player, to break down his incredible journey through the game.

From AAU tournaments and Utah high school hoops, to playing for the Utah Utes in the Pac-12, and now taking his game to the professional level, Parker shares the highlights, the grind, and the moments that made it all worth it.

🎯 Topics covered:

Growing up in the Utah basketball scene

Dominating High School Basketball

Playing for the U of U and hitting clutch shots

The transition to professional basketball

Lessons learned from AAU to college to the pros

Advice for young players trying to make the team

If you’re a basketball fan, athlete, or someone chasing your dream — this episode is full of real talk, insights, and inspiration.

📌 Subscribe to Making the Team for more interviews with top athletes and coaches.

Be sure to check follow Parker's journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/parkervandyke/

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

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⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

0:00 Intro Teaser

0:37 First Meeting Parker Story

1:45 The Importance of Intense Practice

3:44 When Basketball Became Life

6:07 Multi-Sport Athletes

8:12 Getting Over Perfectionism

11:02 AAU Successes

17:27 Parker's Shot Form

20:45 High School Moments

26:42 Daily Routine in High School

29:07 Effective Training

32:46 College Recruiting Experience

35:31 Advice to College Recruits

37:01 Why The University of Utah

39:58 High School Regrets

41:51 2 Years Off Basketball - Mission

43:45 Coach's Quote - Embrace Your Role

48:08 Taking the Weight Room to Another Level

52:06 College Daily Routine

53:52 College Conditioning

56:30 Importance of Diet

58:14 College Game Experience

1:00:01 Toughest Player Parker Played Against

1:01:38 Chad Chadrickson

1:02:56 The Dunk

1:05:23 UCLA Game Winner

1:11:04 Toughest Atmosphere to Play

1:12:34 What Parker Would Change About College

1:15:05 Professional Basketball: Overseas

1:22:29 European Basketball Money

1:24:55 G League: Austin Spurs

1:27:11 Game Day Traditions

1:29:54 Picking Number 5

1:31:48 Most Influential Basketball Movie

1:32:30 Favorite Shoe

1:32:55 85 Point Game

1:36:09 Parker on Winning

1:40:00 Blind Ranking/Guessing Basketballs

1:48:18 Life Outside Basketball

1:49:58 Favorite Pokemon

1:51:15 Staying Grounded

1:52:58 Parker's Future Hopes

1:54:00 Where to Play in the Offseason

1:56:13 Was It Worth It?

#basketball #podcast #basketballpodcast #makingtheteam #parkervandyke

In this heartfelt interview, Making the Team host Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Gus Sopeña, head coach of the Summit Academy boys basketball team, for an honest conversation about the emotional and mental challenges of coaching — and the deep rewards that come from helping young athletes reach their full potential.

Coach Sopeña opens up about:

The pressure and expectations coaches quietly carry

What it means to truly care about your players

How high school basketball shapes character beyond the court

The moments that make it all worth it — even when no one’s watching

Why building a strong team culture is more important than just winning games

📌 Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or sports fan, this conversation is a reminder that coaching is about people first — and that some of the most meaningful victories happen off the scoreboard.

📌 Subscribe to Making the Team for more interviews with top athletes and coaches.

Be sure to check follow Summit Academy's journey on their Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/summitacademybasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

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⏰ TIME CODES ⏰

0:00 Intro Teaser

0:30 Getting into Coaching

8:52 Coaching Interview Process

22:23 From Assistant to Head Coach

23:55 The Bountiful Experience

33:00 The Life of a Coach

39:15 Mental Struggles of Coaches

40:45 Summit Academy Opportunity

47:00 Building a Winning Team

52:58 Balancing Coaching and Caring

1:02:27 Practice Plans

1:06:05 Conditioning Philosophy

1:11:05 Communication Between Players and Parents

#gussopena #basketballcoach #summitacademy #highschoolbasketball

In this inspiring interview, Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Patrick Amico, the head coach of the Pine View High School Boys Basketball Team. Known for his leadership both on and off the court, Coach Amico shares how he's working to give his players more than just a basketball season — he’s giving them a high school experience they’ll never forget.

🏀 Topics covered include:

• How Coach Amico builds strong relationships with his players

• His coaching philosophy and why character matters as much as wins

• What it takes to lead a high school basketball program in today’s world

• Why giving kids a great high school experience is his #1 goal

• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Pine View basketball program

Follow the Pine View Program here: https://www.instagram.com/pineviewpantherbasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:30 Successes of Last Season

4:00 What Coach is Learning

5:17 UVU Story

7:29 What Players Impress You

8:36 What Players Should Do Outside Practice

10:14 For Parents11:13 Coaching Staff

13:21 Accountability vs Relationships

14:47 Player Roles

15:55 Tryouts

17:06 Conditioning

17:44 Coaching Style

19:31 St. George Basketball Culture

21:19 Creativity vs Structure

22:48 Coaching in the Social Media Era

24:26 Mental Support for Players

25:53 Pre-High School Youth Programs

27:38 Referee Relationships

29:35 Assistant to Head Coach Shift

31:56 Life Outside Basketball

34:19 Balancing Everyone's Opinions

35:50 Fundraising

37:34 Helping Players Get To The Next Level

41:14 Go Where You Will Play

42:22 Coach's Legacy

43:39 Message For Pine View Parents

45:14 Hardest Part of Coaching

46:33 Best Part of Coaching

47:33 Advice to Seniors

#basketball #patrickamico #pineviewbasketball #pineviewhighschool #highschoolbasketball

Coach Jon Judkins share what he and his staff at Utah Tech look for when recruiting high school players to make their D1 Basketball team.

Coach Judkins is headed into his 21st season as the head coach of the Utah Tech Trailblazers Mens Basketball Team and is a Six-time Pacific West Conference Coach of the Year winner.

Coach Judkins (622 career wins and counting) became the first men’s coach in Utah collegiate basketball history to reach the 500-win mark back on January 28, 2017.

He then became the all-time winningest college coach in Utah history with career win No. 583 in 2021.

Prior to his arrival at Utah Tech, Jon was the head coach at Snow College for 13 seasons. In 2014, Judkins was inducted into the Snow College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Judkins played for one season at Dixie State (junior college) in the 1983-84 season before transferring to Utah State, where he became the first Aggie to post a triple-double. During the 1987-88 season, he helped lead the Aggies to the PCAA title and an NCAA Tournament bid.

🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history.

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:40 Biggest Accomplishment

2:36 Division 1 Adjustments

4:07 Recruitment Process

5:04 How to Get Seen

7:45 Role of High School Coach in Recruiting

9:23 Role of Parents

11:41 The 4 P's

13:51 Jumps from HS to JUCO to D1

14:36 Coaching Philosophy

16:30 Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal

19:44 Conditioning for Players

25:04 Weightlifting

26:10 Multi-Sport Athletes

29:07 Jon's Playing Experience

31:02 Early Coaching Career

37:50 Working on Skill vs Games

38:57 Stomping Foot

40:40 Advice to High School Seniors

46:01 What Does it Take to Win

#basketball #judkins #jonjudkins #utahtech #utahtechbasketball

Chris Jones has been coaching for decades, with most of his time at the college level with the University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminster.

He also coached professionally in England and now coaches the Highland Rams high school team in Salt Lake City.

Highland made it to the state championship this last season and Coach Jones shares his experience and knowledge about the game of basketball, coaching, and the lessons that come from this beautiful game.

Coach Jones shares the hard truths and proud victories from a decades-long career that’s impacted generations of athletes.

🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history.

Be sure to check follow the Highland Rams Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/highlandramsbasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:52 Passion to Teach

2:34 Accountability vs Relationships

6:48 Playing the "Right Way"

10:20 Coaching College vs High School

15:51 College Recruiting Process

17:00 Getting on Recruiters' Radar

20:22 Realities of Playing in College

24:15 Highlights of Last Season

30:15 Winning Mentality

33:43 Tell The Truth

40:50 What is Coach Learning Now

46:35 Moving to Coach High School

51:29 Excitement for This Year

54:45 Close Games or Blow Outs

56:43 Coaching Influences

59:27 Rick Majerus Story

1:05:56 Rylan Jones Story

1:20:57 How to Play More

1:22:51 Time Machine Advice

1:23:49 Highland Program Legacy

1:27:23 Thanks all around

#basketball #chrisjones

We sit down with Rylan Jones — one of the most decorated high school basketball players in Utah history.

A two-time Mr. Basketball, state champion, and on the Utah high school basketball record books.

Rylan shares the highs and lows of his incredible journey through high school, college, and now professional basketball.From starring at Olympus High School to competing at the University of Utah, Utah State, and Samford, Rylan breaks down the behind-the-scenes stories — including his final college season, where he nearly upset powerhouse Kansas in the NCAA Tournament.🎙 Topics covered:

Growing up in Utah basketball culture

Winning a state championship and breaking records

College hoops at three different programs

Playing on March Madness’s biggest stage

Advice for young players chasing their dream

If you’re a fan of Utah basketball, high school hoops, or inspiring sports stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with top basketball talent.

Be sure to check follow Rylan's journey on his Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/rylanjones15/

Please consider following us on social:

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https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:52 Coaches' Quotes

2:37 Playing the "Right" Way

5:36 Dad Coach Relationship

7:04 Getting Teammates to Play Better

9:10 What Should Kids Work On?

12:27 Calm, Competitive Mentality

13:52 Move From Logan to Olympus

16:30 Olympus Successes

20:42 Countering Scouting Reports

24:34 College Recruitment Process

27:55 University of Utah Experience

32:18 From the U to Utah State

37:30 Transfer Portal Experience

43:13 Samford Experience

48:12 Getting in Shape

49:48 NCAA Tournament Kansas Game

54:39 Next Play Mentality

57:48 Playing in Home Town

1:02:22 End of Season

1:03:53 Playing Professionally

1:06:08 The Future

1:09:00 Game Day Traditions

1:11:02 Outside Basketball

1:12:33 Staying Grounded

1:14:26 Advice to Freshman Self

1:16:01 Was it Worth It?

#basketball #rylanjones

Coach Landen Cummings just finished his first year at East High School in Salt Lake City and he talks about what he looks for in players, lessons he's learned so far, and what he looks forward to with his team in the upcoming year.

Landen lives basketball. Playing in college and coaching through AAU, as an assistant high school coach, and now a varsity head coach.

Be sure to check out the East High Basketball Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/easthighbasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

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https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:25 Pressure of Past Successes

2:22 Successes From Last Year

6:00 Advice for 1st Year Coaches

9:11 Building a Culture

12:00 Balance of Discipline and Caring

14:46 Looking to This Year

18:02 Coach Cummings' Style

19:17 Tryouts

24:32 Participation of Bench Players

26:50 Message to Parents

31:02 Picking a Staff

38:40 AAU vs High School

43:03 Time Outside Basketball

44:55 Landen's GOAT

47:29 How Playing Experience Impacts Coaching Style

50:00 Coach's Legacy

#basketballcoach #basketball #coaching

Coach Steve Galley is a legendary coach in the state of Utah. He started at Olympus High School, was the head coach at West Jordan and spent most of his career at Riverton High School - the school's first head basketball coach.

He was also the coach of the Riverton team that knocked Erik's team out of the state tournament his senior year.

Coach Galley is now a podcaster and professional coach for high-performance athletes and their parents.

Coach Galley's Podcast: The Stop Parenting & Start Coaching Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/@UC_x0vx8w5LP5VWjSXQzRW1A https://open.spotify.com/show/4a0hrAkcEcdUlvn6C47kuo

Coach Galley's Website:

https://createtransformbecome.com/

Coach Galley's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-galley/

Please consider following us on social:

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro

0:30 Toughest team/player to prepare for

1:46 Greatest Player He's Coached

2:25 Time Machine to Year

16:28 How Coaching has Changed

9:07 Imposter Syndrome

10:40 Parent Interactions with Kids

12:23 The Scoreboard of Society

18:12 Approaching Parents as a Coach

26:12 Player Pushback

28:02 Good Teams vs Bad Teams

31:24 Structuring Practice

33:48 Support Team for Players

36:07 Balancing Coaching and Friendship

38:30 Better Questions for Players

44:12 Understanding vs Doing

45:48 How Coach got into Coaching

51:02 Advice for Newer Coaches

52:00 High School Coaches are Set Up to Fail

58:53 How to Handle Losing Seasons

1:01:18 Stop Parenting & Start Coaching

1:05:50 Coach Galley's Other Interests

1:08:00 Connecting with Coach Galley

#basketball #highschoolbasketball #stevegalley

Coach Brian Allfrey just completed his first year as the Copper Hills High School Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. While this is his first year as the Copper Hills head coach, Coach Allfrey has been coaching for decades, and is one of the most well-connected coaches in Utah. He shares the challenges of being a 1st year head coach, coaching a star talent like Isaiah Reiser, and building good young men on and off the court.Fun Fact: Coach Allfrey coached co-host Eric Bland when Eric was in High School. Be sure to check out the Copper Hills High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/chhsbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro1:04 Successes This Year2:03 First Year Observations4:33 Coaching Talent6:06 Learning From Others9:01 Coach Allfrey's Coaching Philosophy12:21 How Basketball Has Changed14:56 Coach vs Player15:50 What To Expect From Tryouts18:21 Coaching Your Own Kids19:37 Advice to 1st Year Coaches21:21 Picking a Staff23:15 Juggling Work and Coaching23:58 Dealing with Countless Opinions27:07 Life isn't Highlights28:45 Relationship with Officials31:20 Changing Coaching Style34:15 Developing Youth Programs37:07 Coaching and Family Pressures39:36 Developing College Players41:06 Advice for Parents of Players43:22 Practice Time46:39 Balancing Minutes and Conditioning51:43 Hopes for Copper Hills Program59:00 Scheme or Players1:00:56 Players or Coaches1:03:51 Message for Copper Hills Players and Parents#basketballcoach #basketball #coaching

Isaiah Reiser is entering his senior season as the point guard of the Copper Hills High School basketball team. He is set to become the all-time leading scorer in Copper Hills school history and shares his mindset, work ethic, and goals for his basketball career.

Isaiah's IG:

https://www.instagram.com/isaiah.reiser/

Special thank you to DMCreative Films for the awesome highlight videos.

Give him a follow: https://www.instagram.com/dmcreat1ve_/

Be sure to check out the Copper Hills High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/chhsbasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1

https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

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Chapters:

0:00 Highlight Intro

0:49 1000 Point Mark

2:00 Balancing Scoring and Teammates

2:46 Youth Basketball

3:50 Family Influence

4:37 Other Sports

5:12 Isaiah's Strengths

6:56 Dealing with Pressure

8:30 Struggle with Perfectionism

9:55 Favorite Move

10:15 Preparing for Other Teams

11:40 Teammates

13:10 Upcoming Team

13:42 Not Overlooking Teams

14:30 Region Rivals

15:12 Game Day Traditions

17:20 Emotional Style

18:20 Favorite Shoes

20:05 Playing for Coach Allfrey

21:12 Building Team Chemistry

22:24 Realities of High School Basketball

25:45 Work Outside Practice

26:56 Best Player Isaiah's Played Against

27:37 Favorite Off-Court Moments

28:05 Instagram Question

29:17 Where Isaiah Wants to Improve

30:48 Isaiah's Future

31:38 Isaiah Outside Sports

32:03 Advice to Freshmen

#isaiahreiser #copperhillsbasketball #highschoolbasketball #basketballtraining #podcast #basketballplayer

35-Year Basketball Official reveals the realities of high school officiating.

For any athlete, coach, or parent, this information is a must-watch to better understand how to work with referees, even if you disagree with calls. Turns out, most people don't actually know basketball rules, and your fiery taunting of referees is not helping, but hurting your team.

Special thanks to Bret Kinghorn for being willing to answer the tough questions and provide these valuable insights.

Please consider following us on social:

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Chapters

0:00 Teaser

0:55 Getting Started in Officiating

2:30 How to Become a High School Ref

6:05 How Referees are Evaluated

9:54 How to Talk to Referees

12:32 Are Make Up Calls Real?

13:48 What is a Charge?

15:07 How to Handle Missed Calls

18:04 Players Talking to Referees

19:20 Parents Talking to Referees

21:15 Throwing a Parent Out

22:41 Trigger for a Technical

23:55 Personal Relationships with Coaches

25:31 Humanizing Officials, Coaches, and Players

27:50 Game Preferences

28:25 What Makes a Good Coach or Player?

30:02 Do Officials Know Good Players?

33:05 Flopping Rule

35:10 What is a Travel?

39:55 Rules that Aren't Rules

41:58 The Art of the Call vs By The Book

44:55 Rivalry Games

48:10 Not Working Games with Certain Coaches

50:03 Worst Thing a Parent Has Said

52:32 Funny Parent Stories

56:00 Referee Shoes and Uniform

59:06 Clothing Mishap Story

1:00:52 Handling Injuries

1:03:22 Throwing a Jump Ball

1:03:54 Over and Back Rule

1:04:32 Equality is NOT the Job

1:06:52 Player Trash Talk

1:08:30 Does Arguing with Refs Help?

1:10:37 Official Shortage

1:13:24 Greatest Athletes He's Officiated

1:17:15 Bothered By Missed Calls

1:18:00 Why Referee?

Ike Palmer is a 6'6" wind currently playing at Utah State Eastern. In his freshman season, he averaged 17 points per game and is a force to be reckoned with.

Ike had a stellar high school career at Herriman High School and currently holds several school records, including scoring 39 points in a game.

Ike shares his perspective on the transition from high school to college athletics.

Follow Ike here:

https://www.instagram.com/ikepalmerr/

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1

https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

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Chapters:

0:00 Highlight Reel

0:35 High School vs College

1:32 Workout Routines

1:58 College Practices

2:41 College Recruitment Process

4:28 Being a Scorer

5:41 Ike's Stats

7:24 Helping Former Teammates

7:53 Different Coaches

9:00 Family Influences

10:10 Mentality from Rookie to Veteran

11:28 College Game Day & Travel

12:29 Advice to Freshman Self

12:51 Best Players Ike's Played Against

14:04 High Intensity Environments

15:01 Basketball Shoes

15:29 Favorite Basketball

16:11 Work in the Offseason

16:27 Utah Top 50

17:50 Biggest Jumps as a Player

18:39 Memorable Plays

19:14 Basketball Terminology

20:04 Signature Move

21:05 Advice to Younger Players

21:43 Dealing with Failure

22:30 Advice to Parents

It's easy to give in to self-doubt and the urge to quit, especially when facing challenges. But by focusing on mental strength and grit, you can learn to believe in yourself and push through those tough times.

Lance Gummersall is entering his 19th season as a coach. It will be his 2nd year as the Riverton Head Basketball Coach and he shares the challenges and struggles of building a program from year one.

Lance shares how a competitive drive and will to win is impossible to ignore, but the life lessons for the kids are most important.

Special thank you to Jackson Bilawa for the great coaching videos and pictures.

Be sure to check out the Riverton High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/rivertonhoops/

Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1

https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:26 Our Town

1:14 Positive Memories

3:40 Player Sentiments

4:59 Balancing Competitiveness

9:02 Tryout Experience

11:21 How to Stand Out as a Player

13:24 Building Youth Programs

18:50 Players Transferring

19:31 Coaching Mentors

24:04 Scheming with the Team

25:36 Picking a Staff

28:40 Relationship with Referees

31:05 Playing Underclassmen

33:26 What Separates Great Players

35:14 Why Does Lance Coach?

38:53 Toughest Years

44:25 Sneaker-head

45:51 Designing Gear

47:58 Filtering Everyone's Opinions

51:57 Game Day Decisions

54:45 Team Shoes?

55:32 Wrapping Up

#basketball #highschoolbasketball #coach #coaching #podcast

Bryker Couser is a vocal senior team captain of the Davis Darts. They are fresh off their 2025 Utah 6A State Championship and Bryker made some crucial plays down the stretch to put the game away for his team. Bryker talks about accepting his role on the team, being ready for big moments, and his future. Special thank you to Red Petal Media and Isaac Fisher SportsPhotos for the insanely awesome highlight videos and pictures. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters: 0:00 Highlight Reel1:01 Recap of Bryker's Dagger 34:06 State Championship Environment5:58 Bryker's Role9:13 Bryker's Youth9:56 High School Work11:20 Pressure12:15 Fear of Failure13:27 Finality of High School14:44 Coach Sims16:22 Assistant Coaches18:07 Questions from Instagram23:00 Relationship with Teammates24:00 Game Day Traditions27:29 Realities of High School29:32 Future Plans30:03 Was it Worth It?31:18 Advice to Freshmen#basketball #highschoolbasketball #basketballtraining #podcast #basketballplayer

Coleman Atwater is one of Utah's top basketball players. He is a prolific scorer, and the senior leader of the State Championship Davis Darts. He led the state in 3 pointers and was the 2nd leading scorer in 6A. Coleman is a serious athlete, but he's also brilliant, earning academic all state honors. He has devoted a lot of time and energy to becoming the player and young man he is. We hope you enjoy his insights. Special thank you to Red Petal Media and Isaac Fisher SportsPhotos for the insanely awesome highlight videos and pictures. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters: 0:00 Introduction1:30 Recap of this Season3:51 Coleman's Role5:01 Dealing with Defensive Attention6:58 Battles with Opinions9:42 Whose Opinion Matters11:55 Coleman's Work Ethic16:25 Signature Spin Move18:28 Becoming a State Champ21:17 Playing for Coach Sims24:57 Game Day Traditions28:35 Coleman's Teammates30:09 Favorite Shoes32:35 Off the Court Passions34:22 Questions from Instagram37:32 All Star Game39:14 More Qs from Instagram43:38 Becoming him46:36 Advice to Freshmen

Bennett Wright is a Senior Team Captain for the 2025 6A State Champion - Davis Darts. Bennett shares his basketball story and how accepting his role to make the team better meant putting aside some personal glory to achieve success for the entire team. We are grateful to have him on the show and hope you enjoy his perspective. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Bennett's Highlight Intro0:46 Recap of this Year4:05 Kumbaya Moments & Communication6:04 Bennett's Youth7:22 Bennett's Love of Basketball7:53 Winning the State Championship9:19 Bennett's Playing Style9:52 Bennett's Favorite Players10:18 Game Day Traditions11:43 Favorite Shoes12:28 Team Captain Roles13:30 Playing for Coach Sims14:08 Teammates14:35 Fighting Perfectionism15:09 Off the Court Life15:43 High School Basketball Experience17:30 Questions from Instagram19:13 Advice to Self#basketball #davishighschool #utahbasketball

Croydon Christensen is a 6’6” Senior Team Captain for the 2025 6A State Champion - Davis Darts. He is a foundational piece to this team and their success.

Croydon shares his thoughts on the season and how he has managed to successfully navigate the stresses and pressures of high school life, all while being an incredible, two-sport athlete with basketball and baseball. We are grateful to have him on the show and hope you enjoy his perspective.

Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/

Please consider following us on social:

https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1

https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/

https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team

Chapters:

0:00 Croydon Highlight Intro

0:55 Recap of this Year

2:30 Croydon's Youth

6:18 Trying Out as Freshman

7:19 Defining Role on Team

9:38 Two Sport Athlete

11:23 Talking Baseball

12:46 Dealing with Pressure

15:18 Croydon's Teammates

17:20 Questions from Instagram

18:46 Croydon outside sports

19:39 Croydon's Future Plans

20:48 Role as Team Captain

21:30 Balancing Opinions

22:55 Game Day Traditions

25:45 Coach Sims

27:37 Memories to Remember

28:44 Advice to Self

#basketball #davishighschool #utahbasketball

Luke Owen is the Varsity Team Captain of the 2-time State Champion Olympus Titans in Salt Lake City, Utah.Luke's character, toughness, and work ethic propelled him into a starring role for his senior season at the basketball powerhouse - Olympus High. Luke is a great basketball player and a solid young man. We hope you enjoy this interview with Luke Owen and learn something from his experience. Luke's Accolades:• 2024/25 2nd Team All State• 2024 & 2025 State Championships• Team CaptainPlease consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamCHAPTERS0:00 Luke Intro0:40 Recap of the year1:32 Taking more responsibility2:44 Dealing with pressure4:14 Growing up as a kid6:13 Growing into high school role8:42 Role Models9:18 Different Arenas10:11 Biggest rival11:26 State Championship Behind the Scenes12:14 Playing for Coach Barnes14:27 Sneakerheads talk shoes15:58 Game Day Traditions18:04 Playing Style18:52 Mission Call19:15 Luke's Best Shot20:45 Family Legacy21:08 Luke's Teammates23:20 Luke's Stats24:12 Realities of High School26:03 Looking back on High School27:11 Luke off the court27:26 All Star Game28:57 Favorite NBA & College players29:55 Questions from Instagram33:12 Siblings and family35:04 Parting Advice#basketball #highschoolbasketball #lukeowen #olympusbasketball