Colorado Springs Program Profile: The Force Basketball
The Force basketball is one the most storied summer basketball programs in southern Colorado. The Force is a non-profit organization that is very affordable with most kids receiving partial to full scholarships.
Ken Lambrecht, owner/CEO, started the boys program 12 years ago and was part of the program for 20 years. He has won several tournament championships with both boys and girls. Ken was an assistant coach on two final four teams at Golden and Doherty high school. Over the past 20 years, The Force has helped over 100 kids receive scholarships to college.
15U
The 15U squad for the force is coached by Monty Taylor, head girls coach for Liberty high school. There are a couple notable players on the roster for this team. Edward Speller, a 6’4 versatile guard from Lewis Palmer. His ability to get to the rim in transition is his strong suit, but being an athletic shot blocker is what adds the versatility to his game. Also on the roster is 5’10 guard Colin Westfall from Lewis Palmer high school. Westfall is a very smart combo guard who can score, pass, and defend. Colin gives 100% effort every game, doing whatever it takes to win.
16U
16U squad is coached by Bryse Velasquez. Velasquez is a Doherty grad who played at Fort Lewis University and CSU Pueblo. He is also the owner/Head skills trainer of TOTAL basketball. Josh Rhodes, from Fountain Fort Carson high school, is the notable player to watch for this squad. He is a crafty, efficient, smooth 6’2 guard who knows how to get to the rim and finish, but can also defend off the ball.
17U
Chris Lambercht is the coach of the 17U team. Chris played at York college and UCCS. He has been coaching for 10 years and has won championships at the 16U and 17U division. Matthew Ragsdale is a notable name playing on this roster. Ragsdale is a 6’2 sniper with an masterful ability to shoot the ball. Playing at Lewis Palmer high school he has a high IQ and ability to use fakes to get in the paint, score or find teammates. Complimentary to ragsdale is 6’5 super athlete Tristan Platt from Vista Ridge. Pratt is very versatile and can guard 1-4 position, as well as shoot the ball from three and block shots with his athletic frame.