PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast

Cory welcomes back Coach Alex Popp, one of prep basketball's most respected voices, now the new head coach at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts. With a background that includes leading Vermont Academy, five years at powerhouse IMG Academy, and a post-grad playing year at Northfield Mount Hermon, Coach Popp brings unmatched perspective on what it takes for players to thrive in the NEPSAC and beyond. In this candid conversation, Alex breaks down the real factors families must weigh: Should your child chase playing time on a less talented team, or compete for minutes on a stacked roster? How do you find the right academic and athletic fit? And what does true college placement strategy look like in today's transfer portal and NIL era? Coach Popp shares actionable advice on maximizing summer exposure events, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why relationships—not hype—drive recruitment. 

In this revealing episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Curtis Peery, Head Coach of Massanutten Military Academy's post-graduate basketball program. Coach Peery, a former D1 assistant at Maryland Eastern Shore, shares a major program update - Massanutten's basketball players no longer participate in military drills, making it significantly more appealing to recruits. Peery provides an insider's look at what Division I coaches actually discuss in recruiting rooms, emphasizing how small details like hustle and effort often determine scholarship offers. With his team finishing third in the Elite Prep League and reaching the Elite Eight nationally, Peery breaks down his development system that has players in the gym three times daily and gaining up to 23 pounds of muscle in a single season. Perfect for families considering the prep school route as a college basketball pathway.#CurtisPerey #MassanuttenBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #ElitePrepLeague #D1Recruiting #BasketballDevelopment #MilitaryAcademy

This week, host Cory Heitz sits down with Cary Herer, Head Coach at CATS Academy Boston and a driving force behind one of NEPSAC AA's fastest-rising prep basketball programs. Cary brings a unique blend of experience, from playing under John Calipari at UMass to building powerhouse grassroots teams and now leading CATS Academy into the elite NEBL league. In this candid conversation, Cary breaks down what truly sets CATS apart: relentless player development, unmatched college exposure, and a no-nonsense approach to preparing athletes for the next level. He shares how his program guarantees improvement and visibility, but never promises playing time or scholarships-emphasizing competition, accountability, and fit. Families will hear straight talk about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and why the right prep environment matters more than ever. If you're navigating the prep school basketball journey and want honest, actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen.Ready to find the right path for your player? Subscribe and get the facts on prep basketball success.

In this compelling episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Shavar Bernier, head basketball coach at the prestigious Taft School. Bernier shares his unique journey from being a first-team all-state player in New Hampshire to taking a gap year, attending Bridgton Academy, and eventually finding his way to Connecticut College before becoming a successful prep school coach. With remarkable candor, Bernier discusses his coaching philosophy centered on hard work, grit, and love for the game, while offering invaluable insights into how Taft prepares student-athletes for college basketball. Parents and players will appreciate his honest perspective on the importance of morning workouts, player development strategies, and how the right prep school environment can transform a young athlete's future. This episode delivers practical wisdom for families navigating the complex prep-to-college basketball pathway.

In this week's episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, I sit down with Craig Carter, the new head coach at South Kent School who took over for Raphael Chalias last August. Coach Carter shares his journey from the playgrounds of Brooklyn to playing at Rutgers and coaching at the D1 level for both men's and women's programs. He offers valuable insights on basketball development, the recruiting landscape in today's environment, and how he's transforming the South Kent program with his “Trust and Believe” philosophy.

In this insightful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Jared Grasso, head coach at the Knox School on Long Island. Coach Grasso shares his journey from Division I point guard to becoming one of the youngest head coaches at Bryant University, where he tripled their win total in his first year. Now at Knox School, he's building what promises to be a national powerhouse program, already boasting a 31-5 record in just his first year.We dive deep into Jared's innovative recruiting strategies during his college coaching days, his philosophy on player development, and his vision for Knox School. As someone who coached at the Division I level for 21 years, Jared offers invaluable perspective on what it takes to succeed at higher levels and how prep school can be the perfect bridge for developing players.

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of documentary filmmaking with John Dorsey, the acclaimed director behind ESPN's 30 for 30 classics “The Marinovich Project” and “Pony Excess.” From his early days at Propaganda Films alongside legendary directors like David Fincher and Spike Jonze to his work on Johnny Cash's iconic “Hurt” music video, John shares incredible stories from his remarkable career. We explore the delicate art of documentary storytelling, discussing how he convinced the reclusive Todd Marinovich to participate in his film and navigated challenging interviews with Marv Marinovich. John also offers unique perspective as an SMU alum who witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the football program's death penalty, providing thoughtful commentary on how college athletics has evolved over the decades. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, sports enthusiast, or simply love great storytelling, this episode offers invaluable insights into the craft of documentary filmmaking and the changing landscape of sports media.

In this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, we dive deep into the world of prep school basketball with Coach Brian Fruscio of Canterbury School. From his early days growing up in a blue-collar town in upstate New York to building Albany Academy into a powerhouse program and his current role at Canterbury, Coach Fruscio shares invaluable insights on player development, college recruitment, and the evolving landscape of prep school basketball. He discusses the importance of competing versus merely playing hard, the role of multiple sports in athlete development, and how to navigate the challenging journey from high school to college basketball.

Join us as we sit down with Billy Thom, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Millbrook School, for an insightful discussion about prep school basketball, college recruitment, and holistic student development. We explore Billy's journey from being a student manager during Davidson's historic Elite Eight run with Steph Curry to building a unique basketball program that emphasizes both athletic excellence and personal growth.

Coach John Zall shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the complex landscape of prep school basketball. From college recruitment strategies to player development philosophies, Coach Zall offers invaluable insights for athletes and families considering the prep school path. Drawing from his experience both in prep school and professional basketball, he discusses the importance of academic-athletic balance, the evolving recruitment landscape, and what it truly takes to succeed at the next level. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this episode provides essential guidance on making informed decisions about prep school basketball and maximizing opportunities for collegiate success.

We're excited to bring you our latest episode featuring Connor Merrill, Head Basketball Coach at Deerfield Academy, where we dive deep into the world of prep school basketball and player development. From Coach Merrill's own journey as a post-grad at Vermont Academy to his coaching stops at Springfield College and Middlebury, we explore what makes Deerfield's program unique in NEPSAC Class A. Our conversation covers everything aspiring student-athletes need to know - from reclassing benefits to college placement strategies - plus we get some fascinating insights about The Holdovers movie filmed on campus and what it really takes for guards to make it at the D1 level.

In our annual State of the Union episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we take you through our extensive tour of prestigious prep schools across the country, sharing exclusive insights and emerging trends in the prep school basketball landscape. During our journey, which started at IMG Academy in Florida and stretched through New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, we uncovered fascinating developments in program expansions, coaching changes, and the evolving NIL landscape. We're particularly excited to share observations about the growing emphasis on girls' programs, innovative NIL proposals, and the changing dynamics of prep school recruitment. Our travels included meaningful visits to historic institutions and conversations with influential coaches who are reshaping the future of prep school athletics

Join us for an insightful conversation with Coach Jon Stone, who's been leading the Hun School basketball program for 25 years. We dive deep into the Maple League, one of prep basketball's most competitive conferences, and explore how Hun balances elite academics with high-level basketball. Coach Stone shares his journey from playing hockey in Rochester to professional basketball in Europe, before finding his home at Hun.Learn why Hun only takes two post-graduates per year and how they maintain their stellar academic-athletic balance. We explore what makes a D1 guard in today's game, the unique aspects of Hun's academic curriculum including their innovative Next Term program, and how the school prepares student-athletes for both college academics and athletics.

In this powerful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Chris Herren, former NBA player and recovery advocate, to discuss the critical issues of substance abuse and addiction among young athletes. Chris shares his personal journey, offers invaluable advice for parents and players, and provides insights into current trends in youth substance use. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports or concerned about addiction prevention.

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Cade Lemcke from Blue Ridge School. Cade dives into his journey from Rochester, New York, to Hargrave Military Academy, where he played alongside future NBA stars, and then on to the University of Virginia. With over a decade at Blue Ridge, Coach Lemcke shares his insights into developing high-level basketball talent within a rigorous academic setting. We explore the advantages of a post-grad year, the competitive dynamics of prep school basketball, and the unique aspects of a boarding school environment that goes beyond just athletics. Cade's passion for molding players' skills, character, and work ethic shines through in this conversation, making it a valuable listen for players, families, and coaches alike.

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Harry Morra of Perkiomen School. Coach Morra shares his journey from playing and coaching basketball at various levels, including his extensive experience as an Associate Head Coach at Lehigh University, where he played a key role in recruiting and developing high-level players. We discuss his unique coaching philosophy, his first season at Perkiomen, and what it takes to build a competitive basketball program at the prep school level.Coach Morra also reflects on his playing days at DeSales University and his experience playing overseas, including a stint with the Belfast Star of the Sea in the Irish Superleague. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development both on and off the court, particularly for student-athletes seeking to succeed at the next level.

This episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast features an engaging conversation with Coach Max Gordon from St. Paul's School. We dive into Coach Gordon's journey through New England prep schools, his insights into coaching, and what sets St. Paul's apart. Topics covered include the differences between reclassing and post-grad years, finding the right fit for players, and the development of high academic and athletic programs. Coach Gordon also shares his thoughts on recruiting strategies, the balance of academics and athletics, and how to prepare athletes for the next level in college basketball. If you're navigating the world of prep school basketball, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we welcome back Joe Mantegna, the head coach of Blair Academy and assistant coach for the South Sudan Men's National Basketball Team. Joe takes us on an incredible journey from the team's humble beginnings in the Afro Basket qualifiers to their historic participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. We dive into how South Sudan went from being ranked 83rd in Africa to securing a top 25 spot in the world, almost beating Team USA in a thrilling warm-up game. Joe shares his unique perspective on the dedication, talent, and teamwork that made this journey possible and how these experiences will shape his coaching at Blair Academy.

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Lamar Reddicks of Milton Academy to explore his unique journey from player to coach, and the incredible impact he's had on prep school basketball. We dive into Lamar's background, from growing up in Milton, Massachusetts, to playing at Bentley University, and eventually coaching at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Boston University. With 17 years at Milton Academy under his belt, Coach Reddicks shares his insights on what makes Milton special, the challenges and rewards of recruiting and developing players, and his approach to preparing athletes for the next level, especially in today's ever-changing landscape with the transfer portal and NIL opportunities.

In this episode, we connect with Coach Rock Battistoni of Loomis Chaffee to explore his remarkable journey from prep school athlete to head coach at one of the nation's top prep schools. Rock shares his experiences transitioning from D3 basketball at St. Lawrence to D1 at George Washington University, followed by his professional career in Germany. We dive into his coaching philosophy, how he navigates the complexities of today's recruiting landscape, and what makes Loomis Chaffee a premier destination for student-athletes.

This episode, we're joined by Drew Dawson, the Head Coach of Choate Rosemary Hall. Drew shares his journey from central Pennsylvania to playing Division 1 basketball at Lafayette and the University of New Hampshire, and how his experiences as a player shaped his transition into coaching. We dive into the realities of D1 basketball, the complexities of the recruitment process, and the importance of holistic player development.Drew discusses the evolving landscape of prep school basketball, the significance of education in a student-athlete's journey, and how meditation and yoga play a crucial role in player development. We also explore the unique aspects of Choate Rosemary Hall, its prestigious alumni, and why it's an excellent choice for aspiring student-athletes. 

▶️Show NotesIn this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, director Mike Nicoll discusses his new movie, The Spoils, which peels back the layers of corporate influence to paint an honest, foundational portrait of America's basketball infrastructure. Nicoll shares his love for basketball and how it has been the focal point of his life. He explains that his filmmaking strategy is to tell stories that he can tell better than anyone else, and he felt that the AAU basketball world was not well understood by most people. Nicoll also discusses his previous film, At All Costs, and how it focused on demonstrating the interconnectivity of the American basketball system. The conversation explores the evolution and growth of the Compton Magic AAU program and the challenges faced by players and their families in the basketball system. It discusses the need for deepening the audience connection with the film 'The Spoils' and the importance of having a North Star in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the role of USA Basketball and the NBA in shaping the future of the game, as well as the changing mindset of parents in the basketball world.

Welcome to another episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast! We're thrilled to have Joe Scott, head coach of Air Force, join us for an insightful conversation. Joe dives into his extensive coaching journey, the evolution of his strategies, and the profound impact of the Princeton offense on modern basketball. We discuss the unique challenges of recruiting at Air Force, the critical role of academics and character, and the invaluable benefits of prep schools for player development. 

Join host Cory Heitz on the PREP Athletics Podcast as he interviews renowned basketball performance coach and motivational speaker, Alan Stein Jr. In this engaging episode, Alan shares his incredible journey from being a college basketball player to becoming a sought-after performance coach for elite athletes. With years of experience working with top talent, Alan offers invaluable insights into the psychology of performance, the importance of preparation, and the secrets to achieving success on and off the court.

Welcome to another episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast! This week, we're thrilled to host Adam Donyes, the visionary founder of Link Year Prep. Adam brings an incredible depth of knowledge and experience in guiding student-athletes not just towards athletic success, but towards becoming well-rounded, resilient individuals ready for the challenges of college and beyond.In this episode, Adam shares the story behind Link Year Prep, a unique post-graduate program designed to help student-athletes bridge the gap between high school and college. He delves into how the program emphasizes personal development, mentorship, and academic preparation, setting it apart from traditional prep school programs. Adam discusses the importance of developing character and leadership skills alongside athletic prowess, creating a holistic approach to student-athlete development.

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Terrell Ivory, the head coach at Phillips Academy Andover. In this episode, Terrell shares his inspiring story, from his post-graduate year at Andover, to playing at Davidson College, to his professional basketball career in England. He also opens up about his coaching experiences at Blair Academy and Colgate University. Terrell emphasizes the importance of education, hard work, and balancing academics with athletics. He discusses the significance of relationships and truly caring for the well-being of players, both on and off the court. As a coach, Terrell is passionate about helping young athletes reach their goals and improve in all aspects of their lives.Key Takeaways:Post-Graduate Year at Andover: How it set the foundation for Terrell's future success.College Basketball at Davidson: What it was like playing and learning under Coach McKillop.Professional Play and Coaching: Insights from playing in England and coaching at Blair Academy and Colgate.Transformative Power of Education: How education can create positive change and personal growth.Skills for D1 Level Guards: The importance of selflessness and doing the little things to help the team win.Running a Marathon: Lessons in discipline, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity.Gratitude and Positive Mindset: Essential elements for personal happiness and success.Terrell's story is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the transformative impact of great coaching. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or a parent, you'll find valuable insights in this episode.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction and Background6:08 Transition to Davidson College9:08 Lessons Learned from Coaching at Blair Academy14:13 Witnessing the Success of Steph Curry at Davidson17:56 Gaining a New Perspective at Colgate University30:44 The Fulfillment of Coaching and Youth Development34:04 The Transformative Power of Education36:47 What It Takes for a Guard to Play at the D1 Level39:33 Lessons Learned from Running a Marathon46:32 The Importance of Gratitude and a Positive Mindset#PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruiting #AthleteDevelopment #BasketballCoaching #D1BasketballConnect with Terrell: Email | tivory@andover.eduInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/teivory1981/Twitter | https://twitter.com/ivory3383Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Mike Panaggio discusses his experience at prep school, his career in the financial industry, and the founding of DME Academy. He emphasizes the importance of effort, excellence, and sacrifice in achieving success. He also shares his thoughts on the value of college education and the unique aspects of DME Academy, including its focus on character development and social fitness. Panaggio discusses the recruitment process for DME Academy and the success stories of top players who have come through the program. In this conversation, Mike Panaggio discusses the impact of cell phones on students and the importance of limiting overcommunication. He also shares his experience at Deerfield and how it influenced his approach at DME. Mike emphasizes the importance of speaking in absolutes and instilling a mindset of continuous improvement in students. He also talks about his personal interactions with DME students and the value of mentorship. Mike discusses the multiple teams at DME and the placement strategy for college-bound students. He shares his vision for DME, which includes stronger academics and more international showcases.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background05:27 Discussion on Prep School Experience08:54 Transition to Financial Industry and Founding DME Academy11:29 DME Academy: Focus on College Marketing and Assistance16:13 DME Academy: Unique Approach and Special Sauce22:19 Finding Top Players and Success Stories25:43 Discussion on Top Players and Recruitment29:04 Fostering Social Fitness at DME Academy29:37 The Impact of Cell Phones on Students31:24 Speaking in Absolutes and Continuous Improvement32:50 Mentorship and Personal Interactions at DME38:28 The Multiple Teams and Placement Strategy at DME47:56 The Vision for DME: Stronger Academics and International ShowcasesConnect with Mike:Website | https://dmeacademy.com/Email | mjp@dmedelivers.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/dmesportsacademy/?hl=enTwitter | https://twitter.com/dmesportsacad?lang=enConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this bonus episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, Cory Heitz discusses the lack of a crystal ball in prep school basketball and the importance of making the best decision possible. He emphasizes the role of the coach in choosing a prep school and advises families to do their due diligence and research. He also shares his own experience of attending a military academy's prep school and the positive outcomes that can come from taking a leap of faith. He encourages listeners to make the best choice they can, but reminds them that nothing is permanent and changes can be made if needed.Takeaways-There is no crystal ball in prep school basketball, so it's important to make the best decision possible.-The coach-player relationship is crucial in choosing a prep school, especially for a post-grad year.-Families should do their due diligence and research to find the best fit for their child.-Taking a leap of faith can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.-While it's important to make the best choice the first time, it's also okay to make changes if needed.Chapters00:00 The Lack of a Crystal Ball in Prep School Basketball01:27 Choosing a Prep School Based on the Coach-Player Relationship03:49 Taking a Leap of Faith in the Prep School Experience05:10 Making the Best Choice the First Time, but Allowing for ChangesConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this episode, Coach Cory is joined by Coach Trey Morin of Phelps School, Coach John Zall of Vermont Academy, and Coach Lamar Reddicks of Milton Academy. They discuss current trends in the prep school world. They highlight the importance of prep school as an option for players, especially with colleges trending older and the need for advocates in the recruiting process. The coaches emphasize the exposure and connections they have to college coaches, which helps their players get placed in college. They also discuss the importance of finding the right fit for players and how prep schools prepare students for college both academically and personally. The coaches share their criteria for potential student-athletes, including a desire to be at the school, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to improving as a basketball player. They also highlight the benefits of living on campus and having easy access to gym facilities. The coaches emphasize the importance of access to facilities and the opportunity to play with and against talented players. They highlight the benefits of AAU basketball for exposure and the value of the scholastic period in prep schools.Takeaways-Prep school is an important option for players, especially with colleges trending older and the need for advocates in the recruiting process.-Prep school coaches provide exposure and connections to college coaches, helping players get placed in college.-Finding the right fit is crucial, considering factors like academic reputation, location, and coaching staff.-Living on campus provides easy access to gym facilities, allowing players to work on their skills and improve.-Prep schools also prepare students for college life by teaching life skills and providing a supportive community. Quality over quantity is important in basketball training-AAU basketball provides opportunities for exposure and playing against good competition-Prep schools offer a unique experience and the chance to play against high-level competitionConnect with Coach Trey Morin:Email | tmorin@thephelpsschool.orgInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/phelpshoops/Twitter | https://twitter.com/treymorinhttps://twitter.com/phelpshoopsConnect with Coach John Zall:Twitter | https://twitter.com/VermontAcadHoopInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/vermontacadhoop/Email | jzall@vermontConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

SummaryIn this bonus episode of the Prep Athletics podcast, Coach Cory recaps his experience at the 2024 Final Four. He flew down to Phoenix to support his cousin Brad Miller, who played for Purdue. He describes the mix of fans from each school, with Purdue, NC State, UConn, and Alabama all showing strong support. Cory shares his experience at a packed Purdue bar, where Brad was treated like a celebrity. He also mentions celebrity sightings and the excitement of being in a stadium with a large crowd. Cory concludes by expressing his enjoyment of the event and his willingness to attend again in the future.TakeawaysAttending the Final Four is a fun and exciting experience, especially when you have a team to cheer for.The mix of fans from different schools adds to the atmosphere of the event.Celebrity sightings and being in a packed stadium contribute to the overall enjoyment.Despite the outcome, Cory is grateful for the opportunity to attend the Final Four and considers it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.Timestamps00:23 | Intro01:07 | The Mix of Fans from Each School01:42 | Going to a Purdue Bar02:24 | Getting to the Game03:23 | Celebrity Sightings03:57 | Prep School Connections04:34 | The National Championship Game05:37 | Main TakeawaysConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

SummaryIn this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, host Cory Heitz interviews Joe Busacca, the head coach of Hotchkiss School. They discuss the unique aspects of Hotchkiss as a high academic prep school, including its location, boarding program, and extensive facilities. Busacca emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with his players and helping them improve their skills. He also talks about the college placement process and the role of essays and interviews in the admissions process. Busacca shares his approach to recruiting and developing players, as well as the benefits of having a smaller team. In this conversation, Joe Busacca discusses his journey as a basketball player and coach. He shares how he transformed himself from a poor shooter to a skilled player through hard work and dedication. He also talks about the challenges he faced as a college coach and the importance of developing a winning culture. Joe emphasizes the qualities of a successful point guard and the level of competition in Division III basketball. He concludes by advising student-athletes to find the right fit in a college program and to ask important questions during the recruiting process.Chapters00:00 | Introduction and What Makes Hotchkiss Special02:09 | Recruiting and College Placement04:43 | College Placement and Differences in Game Length08:15 | Admissions Tips for Applying to Prep Schools12:40 | Coaching Career and Transition to Hotchkiss22:49 | Transition to Amherst College25:08 | Coaching at Amherst and Differences from Curry College29:25 | Coaching at the D1 Level and Qualities of a Point Guard34:07 | Best Player Played Against and Coached Against35:49 | Favorite Movie and Hobbies36:20 | Final Thoughts and Advice for RecruitsConnect with Joe Twitter | https://twitter.com/joebusacca2Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/joebusacca2/Follow Hotchkiss HoopsTwitter | https://twitter.com/HotchkissHoopsInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hotchkisshoops/Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this conversation with Tom Bower, President of Athlete Advantage, we cover the changes in the NIL landscape,  including mistakes and risks, finding an attorney for deals, donor fatigue, the employee model for college athletes, and NIL in the Ivy League. On top of that, we discuss hiring an agent for NIL deals, capitalizing on marketability, creative fundraising for college athletes, discussing NIL during recruitment, and locker room issues involving NIL. We also go into NIL for high school and prep school players, compliance and transparency in NIL deals, setting up an online store for NIL, the percentage of profits for athletes, and the best and worst case scenarios for NIL. This conversation explores the importance of building a brand as a student-athlete and how it can lead to business partnerships. It also discusses the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) as an added tool in sports.Chapters00:00 | Introduction and Overview00:36 | Changes in the NIL Landscape04:03 | Mistakes and Risks in NIL Deals06:07 | Finding an Attorney for NIL Deals08:24 | Donor Fatigue in NIL Deals11:19 | Employee Model for College Athletes13:23 | NIL in the Ivy League14:04 | Hiring an Agent for NIL Deals17:00 | Choosing the Right Agent22:26 | Capitalizing on Marketability24:46 | Creative Fundraising for College Athletes29:49 | Discussing NIL during Recruitment32:49 | Locker Room Issues and NIL35:05 | NIL for High School and Prep School Players36:09 | Compliance and Transparency in NIL Deals38:24 | Setting Up an Online Store for NIL41:06 | Percentage of Profits for Athletes44:25 | Best and Worst Case Scenarios for NIL47:21 | Final Thoughts48:29 | Building a Brand for Business Partnerships50:39 | Building a Brand as a Student Athlete52:35 | NIL as an Added Tool to SportsConnect with Tom:Website | https://athleteadvantage.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/TomBowerIILinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-bower-b5541149/Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

SummaryIn this conversation, Tim DiFrancesco, former head strength coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, shares insights and experiences from his time in the NBA. He talks about working with Kobe, Pau, Steve Nash, Metta Sandiford-Artest, and other NBA legends. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and open-mindedness in achieving success. Tim discusses the challenges of building trust with players and managing different training approaches. He also highlights the significance of recovery methods, such as float tanks, and the common training mistakes basketball players make. Tim shares his favorite lifts, his favorite Lakers player to work with, and his hobbies.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:25 The Importance of a Growth Mindset03:22 Building Trust with Players06:01 Working with Players' Personal Trainers09:41 Challenges of Managing Different Training Approaches10:03 Kobe Bryant's Work Ethic and Recovery14:55 Recovery Methods in the NBA15:54 The Benefits of Float Tanks18:32 Players' Work Ethic and Mindset21:20 Focus on Injury Prevention and Durability24:26 Best and Worst Parts of Working with the Lakers27:00 Impressive Non-Star Players28:24 Changes in Training Basketball Players30:49 Common Training Mistakes32:45 Changes in Nutrition Approach34:05 Recommended Supplements35:29 Favorite Lifts36:44 Favorite Lakers Player Worked With37:27 Coolest Celebrity Interaction38:59 Favorite Movie of All Time39:25 Hobbies Outside of Work40:10 The Basketball Strong Podcast44:49 Where to Find Tim DiFrancescoConnect with Tim:Website | https://www.tdathletesedge.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/tdathletesedge?lang=enInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/tdathletesedge/?hl=enLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-difrancesco-29502710Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

Description:In this podcast episode, Cory interviews Hollman, a former prep school basketball player who is now a walk-on at James Madison University. They discuss Hollman's decision to do a post-graduate year, his experience at Tilton School, the benefits and challenges of prep school basketball, dealing with homesickness, and how prep school prepared him for Division I basketball. They also talk about the importance of choosing the right coach, Hollman's decision to attend James Madison, his experience as a walk-on, and the unseen pressures in Division I basketball. Hollman shares advice for kids considering a post-graduate year and offers insights into his career and personal life. The episode concludes with a discussion on Hollman's favorite movie and hobbies, as well as final thoughts and advice for listeners.Timestamps: 00:00 | Introduction and Post-Grad Year Decision01:12 | Choosing Tilton School02:10 | Benefits and Challenges of Prep School Basketball03:27 | Dealing with Homesickness04:18 | Surprises and Preparation for Division I Basketball05:36 | Advice for Kids Considering a Post-Graduate Year06:28 | Importance of Choosing the Right Coach07:25 | Choosing James Madison University08:10 | Experience as a Walk-On09:34 | Best and Most Challenging Parts of Being a Walk-On11:38 | Impact of James Madison's Top 25 Ranking12:37 | Unseen Pressures in Division I Basketball13:38 | Advice for Hollman's Brother and Others14:52 | Best Wins and Toughest Opponents16:57 | Favorite Movie and Hobbies17:38 | Final Thoughts and Advice18:31 | Social Media and ConclusionConnect with Hollman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_hollman_/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/H_smith25Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

SummaryFormer Oak Hill Academy coach, Steve Smith, discusses his experiences coaching NBA players, the importance of work ethic and desire, the impact of specialization in sports, changes in the game, recruiting and placing players, and the opportunities he had as a college coach. He also discusses his career decisions, coaching against LeBron James, his biggest win, his favorite movie, and his connection to Al Pruitt and Henry Clay. Coach Smith reflects on his decision to stay at Oak Hill despite other opportunities, including an assistant job at Louisville, and dives into winning the Geico National Tournament in 2016.00:00 Introduction and Background01:16 Coaching NBA Players02:16 Work Ethic and Desire03:16 Specialization in Sports04:41 Injuries and Training07:33 Changes in the Game08:32 Strength and Conditioning10:25 Surprising Players11:50 Building a National Powerhouse15:10 Recruiting and Placing Players19:53 Changes in College Recruiting23:13 Transfers in High School and College25:04 Building a Team at Oak Hill29:27 Recruiting Process at Oak Hill34:15 Choosing College Programs39:05 What it Takes to Play at the D1 Level43:20 Opportunities as a College Coach44:46 Career Decisions and Staying at Oak Hill47:08 Coaching Against LeBron James50:18 Biggest Win of Steve Smith's Career52:40 Favorite Movie of All Time: Hoosiers54:58 Connection to Al Pruitt and Henry Clay58:48 Closing RemarksConnect with Steve:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ohacoachsmith/Twitter | https://twitter.com/OHACoachSmithConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

SummaryIn this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, host Cory Heitz interviews Coach Thomas Adams-Wall from Western Reserve Academy. They discuss various topics, including growing up on a prep school campus, the benefits of playing multiple sports, choosing the College of Wooster, coaching at Western Reserve Academy, recruiting and college exposure, admissions for student-athletes, coaching McDonald's All-American Chris Livingston, the challenges of placing girls in prep schools, placing boys and girls in college, admissions criteria for student-athletes, and more. Coach Adams-Wall shares his insights and experiences as both a coach and an admission officer at Western Reserve Academy.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background02:02 Growing Up on a Prep School Campus03:24 Playing Multiple Sports vs. Specializing04:20 Choosing the College of Worcester07:14 Coaching and Working at Western Reserve Academy10:01 Recruiting and College Exposure13:19 Admissions and Student-Athletes16:33 Coaching Chris Livingston and Girls vs. Boys Basketball20:22 Challenges of Placing Girls in Prep Schools21:48 Placing Boys and Girls in College23:38 Admissions Criteria for Student-Athletes25:33 Quick Hitters28:15 Favorite Movie and Hobbies29:38 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationConnect with Thomas:Email | adamswallt@wra.netWebsite | https://www.wra.net/athletics/our-teams/girls-basketball-varsity Twitter | https://twitter.com/TAdams_WallConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

On this podcast episode we are excited to have former college coach Steve Schafer join us.  He currently works for College Athlete Advantage which is a company that helps athletes with college placement.  In this conversation Steve breaks down the differences between D2, D3 and NAIA, the challenges in placement in 2023, how his company's placement process works, recruiting websites, starting a college athletic program from scratch and much more.  Connect w/ Steve:Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachSchafer50Email: schafer@collegeathleteadvantage.comConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

This week we welcome author Níall Ó Murchú.  Níall and I connected in Poland in early 2020 at the Wim Hof  retreat in Southern Poland.  Níall was my group leader and he spent the week teaching us the power of breath and how you incorporate it with the cold.  Níall and I are both former hoopers who have wives named Josie!  In this conversation we discuss how he got introduced to the cold and Wim Hof, his record setting performance in the European U19 basketball games, tips for young athletes on how to incorporate these modalities and much more.  Hear us talk about climbing a mountain with just shorts and boots on while it was 17 degrees out.  I was trying to survive while Níall was profusely sweating.  And learn more about spending ten long minutes in a snowmelt creek.  I loved talking to Níall again and hope you enjoy it.  His books can be purchased in the linktree below.  Not too shabby that Oprah suggested a passage from his latest book, "The Power of Cold."  Connect with Niall:https://linktr.ee/breathewithniallConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this mini episode I share my pre-game songs from 8th grade all the way to my senior year at the United States Air Force Academy. Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1AwdczK0cSXqpdiMNxDMeY?si=917a1d99688249bbConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this podcast I am proud to have my prep school roommate joining us. Colonel Lawrence Yazzie and I met on the first day of basic training at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School back in July of 1995. We stayed up too long that first night w/ me asking Yaz about growing up on a reservation. He was just as enthralled w/ me being a Catholic from Kentucky. We have been tight friends ever since. Yaz (as he is called by his friends) was one of the first native americans to play Division 1 basketball. In our conversation he tells us how he got good at basketball while growing up in the Arizonan desert. He talks about why he chose Air Force and the challenges of playing there. Yaz was a 3 point sniper and he talks about coming off the bench cold at the end of games to try and bring his team back. We also touch on him playing with his brother in college and the time he infamously made Sportscenter. Yaz works in cybersecurity at a national level and gives tips to all the listeners on how to practice online hygiene. Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

On this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we welcome Fork Union Military Academy Boys Basketball Coach, Bob Williams. Bob shares with us his background as a player and starting out as a coach at a New York junior college. From there he had a successful career at both Glenville State and West Virginia Tech. Now in his third season at Fork Union, he talks about recruiting, placement, the military experience, the school's history and much more. Connect w/ Bob:Twitter |https://twitter.com/coachbobwillInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachbobwilliams/ Website | https://athletics.forkunion.com/sports/mens-basketballConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this episode we welcome La Lumiere School's Head Boys Basketball Coach, Pat Holmes. Pat has been the head coach since 2017 and has continued its national dominance. The previous two coaches are now D1 head coaches. Pat talks about the formula for turning La Lumiere into a national power and how he maintains it. We dig into how he chooses elite players for his roster, how he schedules his team, his gym being featured on ESPN, and much more. Fun fact: La Lumiere alums in the NBA have contracts worth close to $500 Million Dollars!! That is insane! I really enjoyed this interview and hope you all do as well. Connect w/ Pat: https://twitter.com/LaLuBasketball https://www.instagram.com/lalubasketball/?hl=en pholmes@lalumiere.org Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

On this week's podcast we welcome Northfield Mount Hermon Head Boys Basketball Coach, Michael Shelton. Michael grew up in Indiana and was a top player in the state. He played college basketball at Bellarmine before coaching at D3 Weslyan, D2 Univ of New Haven, and D1 Winthrop. He shares a lot of valuable insight on all three levels. He has also coached at Govenors Academy and Williston Northampton. Michael shares valuable information about different levels and the pros and cons of each. Connect w/ Michael: https://twitter.com/CoachShelton25https://www.instagram.com/mike25259/ msheltonbball@gmail.com Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this week's episode we welcome Jason Bradwell. Jason is a former college football player who is now a Division 1 basketball referee. We discuss why he got into this job, the differences in levels and tips for players, coaches, and parents. Jason also has two sons who played basketball at prep schools. He shares how they initially found schools and ultimately their process on choosing each one. Jason's older son went on to play D1 at Penn and his younger son is currently at Winchendon School under Coach Kevin Kehoe. Jason also runs the Northeast Prep School Showcase where high school basketball players can showcase themselves in front of prep school coaches. This event also has a forum to educate parents and answer their questions. Enjoy the interview! Connect w/ Jason: showcase.events.llc@gmail.com http://www.showcaseeventsllc.com https://twitter.com/showcaseevents_ Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this week's episode we welcome Andrew Osborne Academy Head Basketball Coach, Eli Gore. Eli has been around the game. He started his college career at a JUCO before transferring to D3 Salisbury to play for eventual D3 National Championship Coach Josh Merkel. After being an assistant at Salisbury he then went to Texas A&M - Corpus Christi. From here he went from low major to high major at UCONN. After a stint with the NBA's Portland Trailblazers he joined friend of the podcast Raphael Chillious's team at South Kent School. Eli offers a great perspective on all of the different levels he has coached and played at. Valuable for those trying to figure out the best fitting level to play at in college. Connect w/ Eli:https://www.instagram.com/coacheligore/?hl=en https://www.andrewsosborne.org/athletics/teams/boys-prep-basketball https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-gore-174451100tw https://twitter.com/CoachEliGore Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

We took a week 10 state road trip and visited 6 prep schools along the way. (Kiski, Andrews Osborne, Western Reserve, La Lumiere, Link Year, and Sunrise Christian.) We share some quick thoughts about each school. Then we talk about the following topics: -Should families promote their child and/or hire a college placement consultant even if you are already going to a prep school? -Coming soon: What do different offers mean? -Analytics podcast w/ Jamion Christian. I highly recommend this one for learning more about the future of hacking the game of basketball:  -What is your WHY? Really dig in and ask. I share my experience. -1st team vs 2nd team debate continues.Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...

In this podcast we have the pleasure of being joined by former D1 athlete Kirsten Jones. Kirsten played volleyball and transferred colleges before the portal was a thing. She also had both of her sons attend prep schools. She shares the process for finding the right school for each son, and then the steps taken to choose the right college. Her oldest son is currently in the transfer portal and she talks about the challenges with that. Her biggest piece of advice is to do your due diligence. Kirsten also has a book coming out in August called "Raising Empowered Athletes." I will definitely be buying this. She shared some thoughts on this as well. This was such an informative episode. Connect w/ Kirsten: Website: https://www.kirstenjonesinc.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/kirstenjonesinc Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p/CsUdUjQR_4j/Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...

On this mini podcast we talk about some of the trends/concerns we have seen in the last 6-12 months in the prep school world. In this episode we discuss: 1) Expectations vs Reality 2) A real life prep school vs High Academic vs D1 Walk On decision 3) Being Transparent w/ players and families doing their due diligence 4) Summer programs for International 5) Read the fine print of the contracts and student handbooks before putting down a deposit. 6) The future of prep school basketball and timingConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...

In this episode of the PREP Athletics podcast, we welcome Cushing Academy's head boys basketball coach James Cormier. James spent two years at Proctor Academy before playing at Le Moyne College. After his college career he got into coaching and worked at Northfield Mount Hermon under legendary coach, John Carroll. From here he worked as an assistant at Dartmouth where his father was head coach at the time. James has been at Cushing for over six years and has had great success to include coaching current NBA player David Duke Jr of the Brooklyn Nets. In this conversation we talk about his experience at prep school, choosing a college, what he learned coaching under John Carroll and his father, the Ivy League, Cushing Academy and much more. I really enjoyed this conversation with James. Connect w/ James:Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachJCorms Twitter | Team Account: https://twitter.com/CushingBBballInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/cushingbbball/ Website | https://www.cushing.org/athletics/winter-teams/basketball-boys-Connect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...

In this mini episode we discuss my experiences w/ cold water. It started when I went to train w/ Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece at their home in Malibu. From here I was hooked. I bought a chest freezer for my home in DC and now where I live in Colorado I take advantage of the frigid mountain streams. In February 2020 I went to Poland to train w/ the Iceman himself; Wim Hof. This five day experience changed my life. We also discuss some tips for how to handle the cold, hiking w/ no shirt on in 17degree weather, a 10 minute dip, the benefits of the cold and more. This is a fun episode. Please let me know if you have any questions. Here are some links that were mentioned in the podcast: Andrew Huberman https://hubermanlab.com/the-science-and-use-of-cold-exposure-for-health-and-performance/ Wim Hof Vice Episode https://www.wimhofmethod.com/iceman-vice-documentary XPT https://www.xptlife.com/aboutConnect with Cory: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw About Me Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...