Grind Region Preview: STAT 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 STAT Elite.
STAT Elite will have teams in the 16U, 14U, and 13U divisions of the Grind Region. They will be participating in the #GrindSzn Kickoff, Mayhem in the Plex, and Grind Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with owner and coach John Hollmon.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
STAT ELITE was started in 2012 when a few of the athletes that I was training wanted to play in tournaments. We had some success, but it wasn’t until 2015 when our teams got more organized and serious. Every year we are improving and reaching more success. This year we will have 4 teams, two 16U teams, a 14U, and a 13U.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
The goal for STAT ELITE (all 4 teams) in 2019, is to help players to develop within a structured team environment and to present players with an opportunity to compete at a higher level. We strive to give our players maximum exposure by competing in top level tournaments that are heavily scouted. We are wanting to make a name for ourselves being one of the top organizations in Central Texas that not only develops the skill level on the court, but building the person off the court.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Our mission extends beyond the basketball court. From our founder to all of our coaches and trainers, we are competitive in our pursuit of helping athletes and individuals reach their potential. We are a helping hand to ensuring that student-athletes can fulfill their dreams and have the opportunity of receiving a higher education while playing sports collegiately. It is our responsibility as an organization to give all players a chance to reach their greatest potential. We will guide them and instill confidence to see that they evolve into well-rounded, hardworking, and responsible young adults. We set up the platform but it is up to the athlete to take advantage and put forth the hard work.
“I truly have a deep love for the game of basketball as it has taught me many great lessons in life. My goal is to share those valuable lessons with young athletes on a very similar journey.” -John Hollmon
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
I have a good core that will be returning this year, but a lot of new athletes will be joining as we have added more teams. Players to look out for is 6’4 sophomore(2021) guard Jackson Reid. He is a high academic lights out shooter, plays great help side defense. Jackson shot Shot 40% from 3 pointer and Shot 58% from field this past school season.
Also 6’9 Tyler Stephenson (2021) is coming into his own. He is an high academic student athlete, who is a coaches pleaser. Rebounds hard and will be the 1st one on the floor on loose balls.
Another player to watch out for is the extremely athletic Nijah Collier(2021). Standing 6’3’’ and flat out tough. Good penetrater that avg 8.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg this past school season.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We chose to join Prep Hoops because we wanted a competitive circuit that my guys would be successful, and be able to catch the attention of schools they would be able to play for in the future. With all of the summer ball rule changes We thought this would be a great opportunity for my groups. I hope to play in main gyms and in big games so others can witness what we are about.