Grind Region Preview: Kansas Grind 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 Kansas Grind Elite.
Kansas Grind Elite will have teams in the 17U, 16U, and 15U divisions of the Grind Region and will be at the #GrindSzn Kickoff, Midwest Grind Session, and Grind Region Finals.
Here’s a transcript of a conversation we had with program founder and coach Jaylen Thompson.
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
We started our program because many kids we train were unhappy in the situation they were in or was looking for a more competitive route. We have been around since 2016.
What is the goal of your program for 2019? What is your program’s mission each year?
Our mission is to leave better than you came. Building players to the next level. We teach discipline, hard work, teamwork, while also having fun and competing every possession. Our motto is “Heart over Hype”
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
I like to say we have a lot of sleepers who will shock a lot of teams. First is Kolyn Sauceda, he’s a high character kid and takes pride on the defense in. We need a stop he’s our guy. Second is Jaheem Ray, kid can score the basketball. He’s very undersized but plays all out. Avg. 16 for us last summer with 5 30pt games.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We choose Prep Hoops because of the platform they will give our athletes. Speaking with them really made us feel like it’s about the boys. We were looking to go harder this year and it was the perfect fit.