Grind Region Preview: Arkansas Heat Elite
We may be in the middle of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Grind Region and here’s a look at Arkansas Heat Elite.
Arkansas Heat Elite will have teams in the 17U and 16U divisions of the Grind Region and will be at the Mayhem in the Plex, Show Me Showdown, and Grind Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with coach Karoma Smith.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
We started our organization to help our youth to become healthier contributing members in society. Our H.E.A.T. Inc Organization and Grassroots Basketball Program has been in existence for 12 years. We take pride in the lifelong relationships that are built.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Our goal is to give our student-athletes an opportunity to compete on locally, regionally and nationally against some the best teams and players for maximum exposure that will in turn create opportunities for them obtaining scholarships.
What is your program’s mission each year?
To help deter juvenile delinquency using basketball as an outlet to encourage our student-athletes to adhere standards within a team setting. Address academic deficiencies by providing tutoring and provide community service opportunities.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
Our 2020 and 2021 I believe are all college prospects.
2020:
*Jaaron Harriott
*Jacob Sanders
*Jason Bobo
*Danny Cartwright
*Dakovan Blackmon
2021:
*Caleb Allen
*Tim Williams
*TJ Stewart
*AC Conway
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
After playing in a few tournaments over the past 3 years we realized that Prep Hoops gives us the best opportunity for our student-athletes to gain the maximum exposure while competing in a region that college coaches are familiar with. Prep Hoops has proven that their coaches network is strong and that they’ve proven their abilities to promote student-athletes that compete in their events.