In this episode, I talk with former Sonoma Academy High School shooting guard, Ellie Stearn.

First, we hear a story about Stearn's first intereaction with SAHS Basketball Head Coach, Kevin Christensen, how she focused on perfecting the little things of the game, the one hour drive to school each day, and building self-confidence in herself.

Then, Stearn gives insights to her SAHS back-to-back league champions and MVPs, her teammates, one of her favorite quotes, and researching four year universities that fulfilled her academic and athletic needs.

Finally, Stearn discusses attending and playing basketball at Colorado College, the unique academic block schedule, advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with former Rancho Cotati High School and Santa Rosa Junior College shooting guard, Andrew Pengel.

First, we hear about Pengel's father being a Bay Area high school assistant basketball coach and Pengel watching practices at a young age, his family's support while playing CYO for St Elizabeth's in Rohnert Park, and some set backs that only fueled Pengel's motivation.

Then, Pengel talks about the summer before his ninth grade year waking up at 6 am and putting in multiple workouts a day, a breakout tournament in Corning, and shares his Rancho Cotati High debate with SRJC assistant coach, Maurice Thompson.

Finally, Pengel discusses his transition to playing at SRJC, a redshirt year that was a blessing, insights to motions offense, battles with teammate Spencer Langowski, and Emporia State University's connection with the University of Arizona and Coach McMillan.

In this episode, I talk with all-time great Piner High School shooter and former Windsor High Varsity Coach, Steve Kramer.

First, we hear about Kramer picking up the game of basketball in the second grade, learning to shoot using the carport as a target, getting his first hoop positioned under a street light, then his father's influence on making sure his feet were set and the rotation of the basketball on his follow through.

Then, Kramer talks about playing at Comstock Junior High- scoring 33 points in a game, a motivational talk with legendary Piner Coach Mike Gaddie before the start of his high school career, and recalls the top local teams and players he would watch.

Finally, Kramer dicusses playing at Santa Rosa Junior College, getting a full-ride scholarship and winning a NAIA national championship, beginning his coaching career at Piner High, becoming the first Windsor High School head varsity coach, the 2023 season, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with Cardinal Newman High School Varsity Men's Basketball Coach, Travis Taylor.

First, we hear about Taylor's youth playing pick-up basketball at Biella Elementary, Finely Park, the Boys and Girls Club, his undefeated middle school team, and watching Michael Jordan on the television at the Airport Club.

Then, Taylor talks about playing at Cardinal Newman High School- including his coaches- preparing for his senior year, the lifelong bond with his teammates, and his college roommate presenting his first coaching opportunity.

Finally, Taylor discusses moving back to Sonoma County, his years at Healdsburg and Windsor High, returning to coaching at Cardinal Newman, the dribble drive offense, and advice for young athletes, parents, and new coaches.

In this episode, I talk with Sonoma State University Men's Basketball Head Coach and new University of California, San Diego Assistant Coach, Rich Shayewitz.

First, we hear about Shayewitz growing up in San Jose and his neighborhood having a basketball court, his father teaching him how to pass and see the game, and getting some shooting lessons, at the Santa Clara University summer camp.

Then, Shayewitz talks about playing at Oak Grove High School, a great story from his junior varsity year, neighborhood friends that impacted his game, and selecting Sonoma State University.

Finally, Shayewitz discusses being overwhelmed and running "the loop" his freshman year, a Coach Pat Fuscaldo story worth "kicking" around, being a player-coach, coaching NBA guard Jaylen Wells, the UC San Diego men's basketball coaching staff, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with Santa Rosa Junior College Women's Basketball Head Coach, Lacey Campbell.

First, we hear how Campbell played sports with her older brothers growing up, being from a small community, her first time in an organized game, and imitiating Michael Jordan moves.

Then, Campbell talks about some set backs while playing at Point Arena High School, her father as a coach, the transition to playing at Sonoma State University, and some highlights from her time with the Seawolves.

Finally, Campbell discusses becoming the SRJC women's basketball head coach at 22 years old, her state championship team, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with former Analy High School shooting guard, Donny Guerinoni.

First, we hear about how Guerinoni was inspired by a Pine Crest Elementary staff member, playing in the fifth quarter for Brookhaven Middle School, and a Michael Jordan VHS his father gave him as a child.

Then, Guerinoni talks about his basketball development at Analy High School, how to work on the fundamentals of a conistent jump shot, a humble experience at Snow Valley Basketball School, and standout games, his senior year, in Sonoma County.

Finally, Guerinoni discusses playing basketball at West Valley College and at the University of Nevada, Reno, coaching at WVC, Stanford, LSU, TCU, and Harvard, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with former professional basketball player, Josh Akognon.

First, we hear about his parents' background and moving to Petaluma, his older brother's influence, and a neighbor who invited Josh to his first basketball camp.

Then, Akognon talks about his basketball development while at Casa Grande High School, the night he scored 54 points, his college recruiting process, and playing at Washington State University and California State University, Fullerton.

Finally, Akognon discusses when he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, playing on the Nigerian Olympic team, writing two books about his journey, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.