Good Luck this Holiday Season!

Many girls basketball teams across the land will be playing in games during the holiday season! I wanted to wish you all the best of luck and hope you all play each game aa if it were your last! Enjoy time with family, friends, teammates and coaches! Ill be keeping track of high school girls basketball, NCAA basketball abd of course the NBA .

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Coach Sykes

sheCANball Apparel Coming Soon!

Do you know a young girl who has truly shown the potential to be a great basketball player?  Do you know a star MVP player on your team who has showcased leadership qualities both on the court and off the court? Do you know a player who should be rewarded for improving a certain skill? Do you know a player who should be recognized as a player?  Our New Apparel Line is the perfect gift for ANY basketball player.

We're excited to share our new Apparel for sheCANball. These Apparel items will feature our sheCANball logo with a basketball emphasis for Basketball season! Our Apparel store will Launch soon! We will release the date during our next blog! Be on the look out for a secret code word for a special deal on our Apparel.

sheCANball T-shirts, Hoodies, Crew Necks, Tank Tops and more are perfect gifts for

Young girl basketball players, junior high school players, girl high school basketball players, Womens Leagues basketball players,  Most improved awards, Most Valuable Player Awards, Player of the Week Awards, All Team Awards, Participation Prizes, Tournament Prizes, League Prizes, Championship Prizes, Christmas Gifts, Birthday Gifts, Graduation Gifts, Encouragement Gifts, Holiday Gifts and many more reasons to give a girl a shirt that shows the world that sheCANball. It's fun and exciting to give!

Im excited and cant wait till the next time... keep ballin girl, the games not over yet! Coach Sykes sheCANball.com

Junior High Basketball

Junior High Basketball is the time where most young athletes begin to play in a structured, organized game of real basketball. Although many players will be new to the game, this is the time to learn the fundamentals of basketball. 


In Junior high school the game is taught with fun, and love and also learning the basics of the game. In junior high you will learn the technicalities of the game such as, dribbling, shooting, jump balls, out of bounds , sportsmanship, team work and so many other details of the game. Usually younger athletes are allowed to make more mistakes than more seasoned players. But over time you too will become more advanced, although on a smaller scale, if you continue to practice and work on the basics. 

Often times you will see junior high school players shooting free throws on a closer line than high school an d above, but don't fret, some junior high schoolers can ball, and have raised the bar with the knowledge and skills they have because they may have started at a very young age. 

Mostly all the players are shorter and slower than high school players, but that doesn't stop you from improving your skills so that you can have an opportunity to try out for your high school team when you reach that level. 

I encourage all young junior high school players to visit high schools and watch the games when season is in session. There is nothing better than to learn visually and to see the potential that you can reach, or even surpass. 

Here are a few tips for you junior high girls out there who are anxious to start the new season. 

#1. Don't be discouraged. There are many athletes with different levels of skills, this is the time to work on your skills and become a better player. Don't expect to play like Lisa Leslie or Tamika Catchings at this young age.  You will have time to improve, so just go out there and enjoy yourself. 

#2. Stay focused on having fun. I know that a lot of young athletes become frustrated when they miss baskets or forget a play. That is okay. Now is the time to really learn the game, especially if you were lucky enough to have a good coach, but even if you don't, the goal is to learn and have fun. 

#3. Work on your game daily. If you have the opportunity to have access to a court, or even have a ball with you, don't forget to add some extra workouts or practice on different skills in your backyard, or at the park when practice with your team is over. Individual skills are important to this team game and if you are not working on your  own time, you will miss o ut on that extra practice that could boost you to the next level. 

#4. This game is just a game. Don't get caught up in parents going over board or an over zealous coach who is pressuring your team to focus on winning. If you find yourself in this situation you should talk to someone about it. At the ages or 11-13 you should be focusing on improving and not trying to win a WNBA championship. So go out there and have fun. It'ts only a game! 

















NXN3WNNUWG3E

Believe you CAN

More than just a logo, it is real, it is true, it is life. YES YOU CAN

It is highly likely that I will sound like a broken record when it comes to your belief system, your attitude, and the way you think about your self ( YOUR SELF ESTEEM). Your entire world can change once you change the way you think about yourself, your skills, your abilities, your school work, your family, your friends the list can go on and on. If you have a desire to achieve something, you have already begun the first step in believing in yourself.

We all have dreams, some are big some are small, but the size of the dream doesn't matter if you don't believe in them. When we allow our thoughts to turn into dreams, desires, wants, and wishes it changes who we are, it puts us in a place to create something out of nothing. The world began as a blank canvas, and no matter how you believe we came to this point in time just know that something, someone somehow , said it, believed it and did it. Now I'm not saying its even possible to create a world in our solar system, but you can create your own world right here on earth by using the strongest muscle in your body. YOUR BRAIN. 

The moment you began to think, hey I want to play basketball, your brain began to create the you that you are now. You began to eat, sleep and think of nothing more than basketball. Then you started to figure out how to play, may you started in a park, maybe in the backyard, but you put action into this notion, this though. Then shortly after you began to feel good enough to try out for a team and surely enough you made it! NOW WHAT? Dream more, dream bigger, be specific, and take actions often. If you dream of touching the net, well work on it. Think, write it down and do it. Thats all this game is about. Putting your thoughts into actions and achieving your goals. No matter what your goal is, you can do it. If you want to play for your high school team, its possible, but its going to take work. You're done the easy part, now the hard part is being consistent and faithful to your goals. 

If you don't believe in yourself, it will be tough for others to take you serious and believe in you as well. You are your best friend, stop being your worst enemy. A majority of the time we ourselves are the reason we dont accomplish goals. We stop short, we give up we get down on ourselves and say I CAN'T. D o just the opposite and see how the quality of life changes for you in every aspect. Believe in you.

Heres a mental drill for you. 

Think about where you are and where you want to be within the next year. Be realistic as always, because you don't want to overwhelm yourself. 

Write down 5-10 things you want to accomplish this season.

Everyday do something to get closer to your goal. 

Talk to your teammates, your coaches, your family and your friends. 

Make it a point to get in extra practice, make it a point to say, I CAN DO THIS. 

Never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T because that is just a lie. 

Here is an example.

• Improve lay-up shooting
• Improve free throw shooting
• Increase vertical jump
• Run faster, be quicker
• Improve 3 point shooting
• Improve ball handling skills
• Get more assist
• Get more rebounds etc. 

All of these things are certainly doable, but you must believe first and take actions second. 

If you get stuck with anything, you can leave a comment or e-mail info@shecanball.com and I'll see how we can get your brain unstuck and get you on the path to greatness! 

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Become a GREAT free throw shooter

Free throws are an important aspect to the game of basketball. It takes extreme focus and a great body memory ( from LOADS OF PRACTICE) to have a great free throw shot.

It's amazing to me that the free throw seems to be one of the easiest shots, yet is one of the hardest shots to make for many basketball players of ALL levels. EVEN THE NBA AND WNBA! Just think about it, you are there, all alone, the pressure is on, everyone is watching you, lined up on the sides of you, fans in front of you, fans on the side, fans behind you, and the ref hands you the ball, your face is dripping with sweat, you are breathing hard from that last foul the opposing player landed on you and suddenly you zone in, hear your heart beat and remember the B.E.E.F.F. Remember you have 10 seconds to shoot the ball, so take your time and relax.

• Balance- Maintain a good balance. Locate the black dot on the floor, it's on every court in the world to indicate the middle of the basket. Place your shooting foot ( right foot for right hand shooters and left foot for left hand shooters) centered on the do. Keep your feet shoulder width apart. Get a good rhythm together, every ball player has their own rhythm, find yours. Repeat in your head,"bounce ... bounce..." and clear out all the noise and distractions on the court. 

• Elbow- Your elbow should be lined up with your shooting foot, remember  ( right foot for right hand shooters and left foot for left hand shooters) and make an L right under the ball. Spread your figers and have some space in between the ball and the palm of your hand. Your finger tips should be comfortably on the ball as well. 

• Eyes- Fix your eyes on the back of the rim, you should be looking through the net. Shoot towards the back of the rim.

• Focus- The crowd is going wild, your hearing the boos and the screams from the fans, the coaching staff on both teams yelling our directives and so forth. But this is your time alone with the basket. Focus on all the shooting drills you did in practice and on your own time. Nothing should enter your head except. Balance, "Bounce...Bounce..." Elbow, Eyes, Focus and follow through. 

• Follow through- Once you have completed the above and taken your relaxed, controlled free throw you should end with your hand looking like a duck bill and slightly leaning forward. 

Here is the full breakdown

1. Step up to the free throw line.
2. Pay attention where you put your shooting hand leg. That means, if you are right-handed, line up your right foot exactly even with the basket right on the line. Vice-versa for left handers. This will improve your free throw dramatically.
3. Set your feet shoulder width apart.
4. Point both feet forward, squared to the basket. Your toes should point in the direction of the basket.
5. Bend your knees slightly.
6. Place ball in your shooting hand.
7. Don't use your Non-dominant hand to help shoot. Keep it straight! That hand is to guide and hold the ball in place.
8. Place the opposite hand on the side of ball for balance.
9. Aim for the back of the rim.
10. In one fluid motion, extend and bend legs and shoot with your finger pads. Snap your wrist to put movement on the ball.
11. Follow through the shot. Your dominant hand should stay up once the ball leaves your hand. Your non dominant hand should be down by your side

Here is an awesome video on proper free throw shooting. 

Expert: DW Walker
Contact: www.trainingwithdw.com
Bio: DW Walker, an alumna of Manhattanville College, spent her collegiate career as a varsity basketball and softball player while student training in both the sports medicine and strength and conditioning
Filmmaker: David Pakman

Getting off the Bench

Have you ever sat on the bench during a game, hoping you get selected to get in the game but your left feeling incapable, not as good as your other teammates or your coach just HATES you? Do you pout, huff and puff or roll your eyes if you only get to play in the last 2 minutes of the game?

STOP IT!! :-/

If you display negative attitudes on the bench, then what do you think your coach will think you will do on the court? If you practice hard and stay motivated your time will come. You have to remember basketball has strategies, and if you lack certain skills that may keep you on the bench for another year, or maybe even two. But REMEMBER! YOU ARE STILL ON THE TEAM. There are so many who would be honored just to get that status, so chill out for a minute and consider these tips to help you get noticed more in practice, and even on the bench and your coach just might call on YOU! So BE READY!!

P.A.C.K.S

1. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. You must schedule a personal workout that involves improving on the skills you lack in the most. Whether it be defensive or offensive skills, you need to work on these types of things on your own time as well as regular practice with your teammates. 

2. ATTITUDE. Your attitude = your Altitude, never forget that. If you miss a shot and you frown and move slowly on defense or do not follow your shot, that is displaying a poor attitude not only towards your coaches, but also towards your teammates, the opposing team, the refs, the scorekeepers , your parents and your fans. Who cares if you missed a shot, hustle back on defense, focus on getting the ball back and try, try again. YOU CAN DO IT! :)

3. COMMUNICATE. Talk to your coaching staff | Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Position coach, to see what you need to improve on, or simply ask what more can you do to get more playing time. Most coaches have an open door policy and encourage student athletes to engage in forms of communication that will help them improve.

4. KNOWLEDGE. Enlighten yourself. Do you know your coaches philosophy? Do you know what your coaches are looking for? Do you know ALL the rules to the game of basketball? Pick up a book on basketball rules, and practice what you have learned. Are you familiar with all the plays or at least most? If not work with a teammate or two, or three or 10 and get those amazing plays your coach has for your squad down pact! Watch the greatest and learn the game from them! Watch some WNBA, NBA, College to see how things REALLY should be done and try to apply the effort everyday. You cant learn everything about basketball over night. Remember its 90% mental and 10% physical so work on your mental game too! That includes Knowledge!

5. STAY POSITIVE. This may tie in with Attitude, but there is a slight difference. I cant stress enough the importance of staying positive in practice, in games and in life general. No one wants to be around a negative minded person. If you are on the bench, cheer for your teammates, smile and enjoy being at the game. In practice be more vocal and give 110 % of your physical abilities  The coaching staff will notice your effort and will remember you when it comes time to playing in the game. 

The 6TH WO(MAN)

Too many players in the Junior High, High Shcool and Collegiate level are concerned with Starting a game. Sure it shows that you have been selected by your coach as a star player, or someone who can get things going while others await the game. But there always, always , always must be a player off the bench who can continue the momentum on the court. That person is usually coined the Sixth (Wo)Man.

The Sixth Man is the key player to many coaches strategies as the star players, or starters will need a rest for a few minutes. The Sixth man is the player who takes on the challenge, has no issues coming off the bench, stays focused on the game so that when its their turn, there is no great difference between the star players and the bench players.

If you find yourself coming off the bench and able to average 15 to 20 minutes per game then you should take pride in the fact that your coaching staff and team has trusted you to take the wheel and keep the ball rolling! Dont be upset, be proud that you have been selected to take on such an important role inn this beautiful game of basketball. Remember, Everyone on the team is important, not just the scorers. Everyone!

Club Basketball

Ever thought about playing for more than one team? Well you can !! Club basketball is a terrific way to learn how to play with other girls, get major exposure in many many tournaments, and experience different styles of coaching. 

I had the opportunity to coach a 15u team In Laguna Hills California for Mercadel Basketball .

There was a team of 10-12 girls who tried out and made the team! This group of talented individuals also played for their respective high school, and sometimes their new Club ball teammate was their on high school rival! 

Playing for a club ball or traveling team is another way to increase your skills BIG TIME! Traveling to different cities ands sates also gives you an opportunity to check out your competition all around! 

There are hundreds of Travel ball, Club ball teams here in California and I know that you would easily be able to find a traveling/club ball team near you. 

Here is a list of just a few traveling teams around the country. I'm sure doing a google search will provide you with thousands of options! Get out there!! Play your game and you will notice the change!! Keep balling ladies!! Don't stop GET I GET IT!! 

1. Mercadel Basketball- Laguna Hills , CA
2. Arizona Elite- Arizona
3. Classic AAU BASKETBALL- Washington DC
4. Sycamore Athletic Basketball Club - Cincinnati
5. CT Storm- Connecticut
6. Western Fairfax Basketball- Centerville, VA
7. 4D All Stars - Torrance, CA
8. Double Pump and Run Basketball- California
9. National Juniors Basketball-Nation Wide
10. OC Elite

You can check out some awesome So Cal Teams Here

I'll be looking to advertise more Club teams soon! So check back often for updates!! 

Making the Grade 2.0

This piece Of good and solid advice is very important. I know I don't even have to talk to most of you about this, but If you were like me, and school just wasn't your thing, this advice is definitely for you! 

Young sister's! Stay in school seriously! For most teams all you need is a 2.0 to a 2.5 G.P.A. to stay on the team. Do you know how easy that is? That's just average, all C's and maybe a couple B's. they're not asking for perfection, and believe me, its nothing wrong with it either. I cant tell you how many times I've seen young gifted  basketball players lose their opportunity to have a wonderful collegiate career and possibly professional career because of poor grades.

 You have to motivate yourself. If you have class with some of your teammates ask them for your help if your stuck. No question is a dumb question. The only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked! You feel me? Anyways I just want to stress the importance of staying focused in school, not just to stay on the team, that's a good motivator, but for you in the long run. Your grades follow you every where and it says something about you. It says this person can follow directions, learn something, and apply it. Its no different than getting graded on the bball court; IE playing time, knowing the play, knowing the rules of the game etc. Its all the same! 

Well I'm going to tell you my little story, its a sad story but it ends in a happy ending. 

I'll be honest with you, I hated school. I didnt hate the teachers or the students, I just didn't like the concept of waking up extra early to sit for 8 hours in a classroom. I didn't understand the importance of keeping my G.P.A. up and how if I didn't do this my future could be shot. During my 10Th grade year I slacked a lot in high school. I skipped some classes, showed up late to others, but made sure I was on time and ready for basketball practice.  I didn't think much of it despite the warnings from teachers and then eventually my coaches. I was stubborn and it didn't stop me from doing what I was doing. 

The thing about being on a basketball team is that , yes, you do get a little love from you teachers. I mean we were able to leave school to go play games and we had a bit of celebrity status getting our face sin major news papers and much more. Well I took all that for granted and continued to skip class and not even show up on some days. I also had some other personal things going on then too, but it wasn't a good enough excuse to miss as many classes as I did. 

Well progress reports went out, and yes your coaches get this report as well as your parents. Sure enough I was called to the Head Coaches office, Coach om Pryor and we had a meeting about my grades and I was given a probationary period to either get it together or I was off the team! I had two weeks to prove that I could get to my classes and stay focused while I was there and between those two weeks, if i could make that effort, my spot on the team was mine.

Well Ladies,  I slipped , I didn't follow up with my part of the deal and two weeks later I was called into the office again. This time my parents were there and all the coaching staff. I was informed to turn in my uniform and to select a P.E. class for the remainder of the year. This killed me! P.E.!! I Haven't had P.E. since Junior High School. People in P.E. , I thought were lazy people who couldn't play a sport if they wanted to! Well that didn't matter to anyone because I had my chance.  I disappointed my family, my coaches, my teammates, my teachers, my school and my self. It wasn't a good feeling. The people that looked to me to make a difference, because everyone on a team is needed and important if they are doing what they need to do, are now looking at me like, "why did you give up on us". It just wasn't fun! 

So my Sophomore year of High School, I was a regular student. No traveling, no Sizzler meals, no practicing with  my team, No new jersey's no new bags, no new shoes, no NADA! This sucked big time! 

This taught me a lesson and I realized that my future depended on every decision I make in my life. Although I didn't wind up being Valedictorian of Gahr High I did finish school and got a chance to play with my teammates for 2 more years after that. I never wanted to feel that feeling of rejection ever again! So please if you want to take your basketball skills to the next level, you have to remember that your education comes first and foremost. If sports or anything get in the way, it can and will be taken from you. 

Ill tell you more of the story tomorrow in the next section... 

Feel free to ask me any questions , leave comments, and definitely subscribe to this blog. 

As I said before I'm here to give you my story, my advice and my love for basketball as you girls have. 

I'm excited and cant wait till the next time... keep ballin' girl, the games not over yet! 

Mone't ( but you can call me Moe)

Getting on the Team | Success Tips

Getting on the team is one of the most nerve racking aspects of starting basketball. Attending a try-out can be scary, but I will present you with a few tips on how to succeed in a try-out and getting you on the team with less stress and worry.  

Most coaches look for a certain types of players, sometimes they need to fill spots for those that have moved up in ranking ( Frosh to JV to Varsity) and some need to completely rebuild their team and their program. Try outs usually consist of fresh faces and players who are already on the team working their tails off to stay on the team. See I was always told that I could be replaced because there are hundreds of thousands of girls who want to be on the team as well. So this is where the tips begin if you follow one or even all of these tips you are sure to have a very high chance to getting on that team! 

Before the try-outs... I'm providing tips before the try-outs because you don't want to show up in a gym full of girls who have been playing a little longer than you have or who have already proved themselves to get a spot on the team the year before. Remember your competition's the girls who are trying out. Everyone wants to get on the team but honestly only 10-15 girls will make it. Period. 

#1. Work on basic skills such as ball handling. If you can purchase one or two  balls or borrow them from a relative, neighbor or friend do this... 

1. Dribble with both hands while in one place 100 times
2. Dribble with alternating hands ( at the same time) 100 times, 
3. With only one ball dribble 100 times each hand while jogging up and down the street, drive way or court if one is available. Do this 10 times up and back for each hand. This will increase your dribbling skills very quickly, at least to show that you have some dribbling skills. I'm sure the coach will assist you once you make the team. 
4. Also work on your lay-ups. Do 50 lay-ups on each side every day. This is a very important skill to have. Its the easiest yet most missed shot by newer players.

#2. Do a bit of working out. Basketball is a fast paced game and most great players play up to 40 minutes per game. Although this is rare in junior high school and even high school Its very very possible in college and above. I suggest you attempt 3 sets of the following every other day.

1. 10-20 push ups, 
2. 50 sit ups, 
3. 1 set of suicides ( this can be done in an empty parking lot), 
4. A mile run every day. 
5. Play Pick Up basketball. whether with a friend, a parent, sibling it doesn't matter. Playing basketball is a great way to learn how to play the game. It just takes practice! 

Stamina is very important in playing basketball, so is strength. Although this is a very very basic work out, it will help to  improve  in those areas. 

#3. Talk to the coach. This isn't intended for you to beg to be on the team or anything like that. Its to let the coach know your passion and desire to be on the team. No on is going to think your a butt kisser or anything like that, it just shows the coach that you are determined to work hard and put in the effort to be on the team. 

#4. Get to know the players already on the team. Hey they go to the same school as you and you probably have classes with them also. Talk to them and ask them questions about the team, what to expect and just generally talk basketball with them. Basketball players love to talk about the game most of the time, so chatting with a peer would be a great idea. 

During the try-outs. Okay now its time to show off your skills. Whether your a vet or a newbie these tips will help you get on the team. 

#1. Go Hard or Go Home. This statement is, what it is. If you don't work hard on the court, hustling, diving for the ball, sprinting up and down the court, defending your "man" etc, you will rarely make the team. I've noticed in my basketball days that coaches love hustle players. They might not be the best scorers or ball handlers but EVERYONE loves to see players give that extra effort. 

#2. Be a team player. Although your trying out with your competition you still can show major skill by passing the ball. Coaches love to see players who can share the ball and get their teammates involved. NO ONE LIKES A BALL HOG. So be sure to pass the ball then cut, a good player will recognize you and pass it right back for the lay up. 

#3. Dont be afraid to show off juuuust a little bit. If you have a special move and you know you can apply it correctly in a game like situation, try it out. Use your dribbling skills, or great footwork to get you recognized. Coaches like to see that players practiced their skills before they step into the gym. Players also like to play against good competition. 

#4. Be confident. I'm not saying be conceited I'm saying play with your head held high! If you miss a shot, sprint back on defense and get the ball back. Show the coaches that your a threat on either side of the court. 

My first high school try out experience... When I transferred school , from Lynwood High School to Gahr High school, I was asked by the school counselor if I wanted P.E. or a Sport. The counselor highly recommend I try to play basketball because of my height. I was pretty excited but scared because I never really played for a real team. Not saying the Lynwood traveling team wasn't real, but it wasn't my team that I could potentially play 4 straight years for. Anyways I looked at my father and said sure Ill give it a shot. 

 During this time, I was already asking my father to take me to the park to play, but this was serious. We practice after school and on the weekends. Like I said my father was killing me, but one day I did beat him and that's when he said I was ready.

 Try outs were coming up quick and my nerves were boiling. All I could think was, I'm not good enough, because those girls were just as good as the older Lynwood team. Once I stepped on the court things changed. I focused,I became a different person. When the whistle blew I was ready. I hustled, made great moves, passed the ball around to the other players and had a really fun and great time. 

There were over 60 girls trying out just for the freshman team, so the competition was high and there was only enough room for 13 girls. We had to wait almost a full week before the results were posted up at the gym. I didn't look until everyone else was gone. My heart pounded and my palms were sweaty. I slid my finger down the list and right near the bottom was Mone't Sykes Freshman team. I was excited but I didn't really show it, because I though tit was a dream, I hate to get excited about things and they don't come through.

Well this one did and I jumped for joy when I was called to the coaches office for an interview. I was explained to that I needed to have my grades up at a 2.0 and have my parents permission to travel to different schools and so forth. My height and weight was taken and my shoe sizes was requested for our cool new shoes we would get. 

All I can think was, that extra practicing really paid off. I wasn't nearly as good with the Lynwood girls as I was with the Gahr girls. I still needed lots and lots of training and practice but I made the team! And the rest was history. 

Ill tell you more of the story tomorrow in the next section... 

Feel free to ask me any questions , leave comments, and definitely subscribe to this blog. 

As I said before I'm here to give you my story, my advice and my love for basketball as you girls have. 

I'm excited and cant wait till the next time... keep ballin' girl, the games not over yet! 

Mone't ( but you can call me Moe)

Mone't Sykes Introduction | The Baller In Me

Welcome to Basketball Advice  for Young Girls! 

This blog was created for you young girls out there who are dying to either get on the team, get in the game, or even advance your game to the next level, PRO BALL. 

I understand first hand what many of you young girls are going through, whether you are in elementary, junior high, high school or even playing college ball. I've been through it all. Although I Started pretty Late, I still went on to traveling around the world playing the game that I loved. It wasn't always pretty or "fun" but that's life! I wish I had someone to look up to who has been in my shoes but unfortunately I didn't. I mean I did have my coaches, and my teammates to help me out, but to have someone who has been through the trials and tribulations of basketball as I have would probably have made the difference between me quitting due to my confidence dwindling down, or remaining on one of the WNBA's top teams. 

I will tell ya though that no matter what anyone can tell you, your final decision is all up to you and  you alone. NO ONE can take the steps that are needed to succeed but you. All I , or anyone else can do is provide good advice and pray that you learn it one way or another. 

I will briefly introducing myself now, but my story will continue through out my blog. 

My name is Mone't Sykes, I currently live in Los Angeles California. I am 5'11, 6'0 with shoes and I've played every position available from 8Th grade until I completed my basketball career 11 years later. I grew up in a household where my parents allowed me to experiment with different activities like ballet, tap, soft ball , drill team, modeling and acting. Although I enjoyed each activity, basketball was the only activity that I focused on for a very long time. To this day, many people are shocked to know that I started playing basketball very late ( according to most people). Like I said I was involved in ballet and tap around the age of 6-7, then I played softball around age 10-12. I was apart of the Compton Sounders Drill team between the ages of 12-13 and also did a little bit of modeling and acting throughout those time periods as well. 

During my 8Th grade year, I attended Hosler Junior High School in Lynwood California and I decided to play on the basketball team with some of my friends. Back then the WNBA didn't exist and for some basketball for girls was not an option after high school unless you went over seas. Well I didn't know about any of those options, it just never crossed my mind that basketball could be a career for me. I just wanted to find out how to play , have a little fun and that was that. 

My time on the Hosler team in my mind now, is very vague but I do remember tripping and falling on the basketball court, shooting up air balls and double dribbling all over the place. I also cried and I believe I quit at one point in time. I just didn't get it and the P.E teacher being the coach wasn't helping much either. 

I didn't get into the basic groove of basketball until I played for one of the most elite teams ( still to this day) Lynwood High School's Traveling team. This was the summer before I entered the 9Th grade. The girls on the team were awesome. The team record was amazing and the coaching staff was extremely tough on us, but they were nice off the courts of course! Although I was still learning the game, I had the opportunity to travel to different cities and play against other really good teams. I was on the JV team but we traveled and practiced most of the time with the Varsity team. This discouraged me a little bit, well actually a lot of bit because the girls on the Varsity team were HUUUUUGEE and extremely good players. I didn't my best to try and keep up but they seemed like grown women in grown men bodies passing me up as i try to figure out how to get as good as they were. 

I was excited to try out for the team once my freshman year started but my family had to move so we packed up and headed to Cerritos California. This is when I really gained alot of interest in basketball. A new city, new home, new school, and a new opportunity to play for another great school. I was scared and I was nervous so I asked my father to take me to the park around the corner and just play ball all throughout the night. My dad would dribble around me, i would foul him and it would just get frustrating, until the day I beat my dad in basketball. On this day, my father said, okay I think you might be ready to play in high school and the rest is history... Ill tell you more of the story tomorrow in the next section... 

Feel free to ask me any questions , leave comments, and definitely subscribe to this blog. 

As I said before I'm here to give you my story, my advice and my love for basketball as you girls have. 

I'm excited and cant wait till the next time... keep ballin' girl, the games not over yet! 

Mone't ( but you can call me Moe)