Hard Work Region Preview: Storm’s Coming
We may be on the tail end 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 Prep Hoops Circuit Hard Work Region and here’s a look at Indiana based Storm’s Coming.
Storm’s Coming will compete in the 16U age division of the Hard Work Region and will be at the Havoc in the Heartland, Summer Challenge and the Hard Work Region Finals.
I recently caught up with Storm’s Coming Director Derrick Hence to learn more about the program and what to expect from the team this season:
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
My father and I started Storm’s Coming Youth Basketball for my son who is on the team. We wanted to give him a strong fundamental base which we felt was lacking from many programs in our area. With over 30+ years of combined coaching experience and a true LOVE for the game of basketball we felt that putting together a team was the next logical step. Storm’s Coming is now in it’s 6th year. We started playing in local leagues then to One Day Shootouts and over the past 3 years we have been playing in regional and national tournaments. We have found our own niche being a single TRUE grassroots program in NW Indiana. Doesn’t matter where you are from, what economic or social background you come from…if you LOVE the game and want to improve, we have a spot for YOU!!!
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Our goal for 2019 is simple…Provide ours player with the tools needed to succeed on and off the court!!! Basketball is the tool they are using for exposure but what they do off the court is just as important whether it be in school or in their communities!!! Mentoring is IMPORTANT!!! We have seen too many programs that focus on status rather than the level of play and attitude of their players. We want to present our players as the complete package. As we always tell our players…YOU NEVER KNOW WHO’S WATCHING!!!
What is your program’s mission each year?
Our program mission is to guide our players in their pursuit to improve and advance their game. Putting them through high quality training along with competitive game play will help prepare them to play at higher levels with their high school programs and beyond.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
We have 4 returning players from the 2018 campaign. After tryouts we will be promoting our players for the 2019 season on our IG page: @storms_coming_youth_basketball. With some players still playing for their school programs in the state tournament we are having 2 tryouts like most area teams. Our 1st tryout was a huge success bringing in key exciting players!!! Looking forward to finalizing and beginning practice with this group.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We chose Prep Hoops after seeing another local program join. We had been looking at other circuits that would provide maximum level exposure outside of Nike EYBL and Adidas Gaunlet type options. Did my research, filled out the application and spoke with MiDian. I really really liked what you all have to offer. Cost, tournament locations, exposure opportunities and the competition participating were very key factors!!! Every year our program has improved. Each year we have challenged our players by increasing the competition we face. The Midwest Hardwork Region will be a GREAT test and challenge we are looking forward to competing in.