Before the next episode drops — a pause.

The transfer portal has thrown this mini-series for a loop, and rather than just explain the delay, this felt like the right moment to say something about it. The transfer portal has changed basketball. But this episode isn't really about basketball. It's about what gets lost when the exit is always available — and what gets found when you choose to stay. A personal reflection on identity, heartbreak, and the kind of development that only happens when you remain loyal to the soil.

EPISODE TWO OF THE COLLEGE MARCH MINI SERIES

In this episode of The Bucket Podcast, Sky sits down with Fairfield University standout Kaety L’Amoreaux, 2026 MAAC Player of the Year, to explore the moments that shape a player beyond the stat line.

From a small-town upbringing in upstate New York to becoming one of the top players in the country, Kaety reflects on the path that led her to the Division I level—navigating recruiting, adversity, and the transition into a leadership role on a team with championship expectations.

The conversation moves through the realities of growth: learning how to respond to failure, finding confidence under pressure, and understanding what it takes to compete at the highest level while staying grounded in who you are off the court.

At its core, this episode is about something harder to define—the space where preparation meets instinct… where the game slows down… and everything starts to connect.

A conversation on flow, identity, and learning how to trust what you’ve built—when it matters most.

EPISODE ONE OF THE COLLEGE MARCH MINI SERIES

Host Sky Stickney sits down with former Washington 4A Player of the Year Jo Lee from Glacier Peak High School, now a freshman at Le Moyne College.

After a high school career defined by production, recognition, and deep postseason runs, Jo has arrived at the level so many chase — only to find himself in a new role.

What follows isn’t frustration... In a season of waiting, Jo reflects on identity, faith, and what it means to stay grounded when the game stops giving back.

As the conversation unfolds, a different kind of strength begins to take shape — one not tied to minutes, points, or recognition.

This episode explores the space between who you were and who you’re becoming… and what holds you steady in between.

After the last two episodes reached more listeners than could have been anticipated, host Sky Stickney takes a moment to say THANK YOU, reflect on the growth, the messages arriving from around the country, and what it means to build something that resonates.

This week creates space to revisit recent conversations while also looking ahead. With many previously featured athletes still competing deep into their postseason runs — and an announcement of new special mini-series focused on high-level collegiate transitions on the horizon — the story continues to unfold in real time.

New episodes return next week.
For inquiries and direct communication: hello@bucketpodcast.com

Host Sky Stickney travels to Portland, Oregon to sit down with Central Catholic High School senior Robbie Long III.

Robbie's day-to-day consists of unseen moments where habits are built, trust is formed, and leadership takes shape long before a game ever tips off. Through conversations with mentors, trainers, and those who have watched his development closely, a philosophy begins to take form — one rooted not in highlight plays, but in the details most people overlook.

And on a Tuesday night rivalry game that had been circled on the calendar for months, that philosophy is tested in real time.

Sometimes the moment that defines a game isn’t the shot everyone remembers.

Sometimes it’s the quiet decision made in the margin.

On this episode, Sky Stickney sits down with Oregon girls basketball standout Taylor Donaldson of South Albany high school — a 2,167+ point scorer climbing into the top ranks in state history — to explore what true craftsmanship looks like.

Off the court, Taylor is known for cookies and cake pops she makes for others. On the court, she’s built her game the same way she bakes — through repetition, precision, and care.

Sky is joined by Karen Bornarth, Executive Director of the Bread Bakers Guild of America to unpack the discipline, vulnerability, and generosity behind mastering something...

This isn’t just about the game.

It’s about The Craft.

Host Sky Stickney travels to Prineville, Oregon to sit down with 6’10” senior Bryce Lowenbach and Crook County head coach Jason Mumm.

After moving up from 4A to 5A, the Cowboys are ranked number one in the state of Oregon — but inside the program, the language is different. Coach Mumm doesn’t talk about “program changers.” He talks about “program continuers.”

Bryce, a skilled and analytical big man, brings the ball up the floor and works through his progressions with quiet precision. No wasted movement. No unnecessary words. Just structure.

In this episode, Sky explores what it means to build something that lasts — and the responsibility of being part of the framework that holds it all together.

Snow stacked along the sidewalks.
Four-degree air.
The kind of cold that settles into a city and stays there.

In this special bonus episode, Sky travels to Syracuse, New York to sit down with two of the top high school basketball players in the state — Eli Prince of Westhill and Jahzar Greene of Bishop Ludden-Grimes.

Same city. Same winter. Different rhythms.

Eli moves with steadiness — shaped by structure, patience, and a long view of the game.
Jahzar plays with urgency — forged through setbacks, ownership, and work.

Through two individual conversations — no coaches, no panels — this episode explores how environment shapes athletes differently, how honesty reveals depth, and how two players can share a map without sharing the same road.

Winter doesn’t form everyone the same way.