Q+A: Tyson Etienne

February 2, 2018

Progress is impossible without change.

This summer Tyson Etienne had a tough decision to make. He enjoyed his time at Dwight Englewood High, but he knew it was time for a change of scenery. After a long time of deliberation on the matter, Tyson chose to transfer out of state to Long Island Lutheran.” I decided that was just the best choice for me right now as a player,” said Etienne. “I wanted to continue learning the game at an elite level. I love the coaching staff here. It just made sense.”

The leap of faith has paid huge dividends for Etienne. The crafty guard had a breakout year on the circuit for PSA Cardinals this past spring. Tyson has continued to elevate his game this season and the offers are rolling in fast. The explosive guard has offers from Cincinatti, Minnesota, Fordham, UMass, Old Dominion and more.

Recently we sat down to Tyson to discuss his summer on the circuit with PSA Cardinals, LuHi Basketball, The difference between high school basketball in New Jersey and New York and more. - Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

Respect The Shooter: Tori Hyduke

February 1, 2018

“I don’t get too excited about shots I make because I’m supposed make them. I’m more perplexed when I don’t make it.” - Jesus Shuttlesworth.

Once an afterthought in basketball, the art of shooting has become one of the games most interesting subjects to study. From Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Larry Bird and Stephen Curry all have different shooting mechanics in a sense but they all have been extremely effective from beyond the arc.

One thing about the art of shooting is clear though: there is a method to the madness. For those shooting savants, TheDribbleDrop has started a new feature series called “Respect The Shooter.” Each article will discuss the ins and outs of shooting.

Next up is Rumson-Fair Haven guard Tori Hyduke. The sensational shooter is averaging over 31 points per game this year. Hyduke is also knocking down 3 three pointers made per game thus far.

The George Washington commit has also knocked down 4 three pointers or more in a game seven times this year.

By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

TheDribbleDrop: In your opinion, who are the top three shooters all time?

Tori Hyduke: I’m going to stay current with players I have seen a lot of. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.

I’m taking into account pure shooting and scoring on the entire floor, which means the mid-range as well. Curry can shoot just about anywhere, but Kevin and Kobe were great from mid-range.

TheDribbleDrop: Tell me two or three drills you do to improve your shooting?

Tori Hyduke: I worked very hard this summer to improve my shooting off the dribble. This year I knew I would have to play a different role on my team. I prepared a lot this summer to put my team in the best position to succeed.

One thing I focused on was shooting the ball more everyday. I would have cones set up on the floor and shoot off the dribble from seven different spots around the basket.

TheDribbleDrop: Best piece of advice you got from someone teaching you how to shoot or from a fellow shooter?

Tori Hyduke: A lot of people like to talk about fundamentals, which is important. It’s important to learn proper shooting technique.

With that being said, some of the best advice I got was on the mental side. To shoot with confidence. Everytime I shoot I visualize myself making it and tell myself every shot is going in. It doesn’t matter who is guarding me or where I shoot from. It’s going in.

TheDribbleDrop: What’s more important: a quick release, foot placement or arm form?

Tori Hyduke: Foot placement is key. The best players can hit shots off balance but that’s extremely difficult to do. I think it’s very important to keep your feet square to the basket.

TheDribbleDrop: Would you say shooting more about your arms or legs when extending your range?

Tori Hyduke: Legs. My AAU coach Mary Beth Chambers used to tell me that you shouldn’t be shooting with your arms at all. It’s all legs. She’s someone I respect a lot and she knows her stuff. Especially the deeper you go in regards to range. You have to use your legs.

TheDribbleDrop: Which rock are you guys shooting with: Wave ball or Evolution?

Tori Hyduke: My personal ball that I practice with is an Evolution.

TheDribbleDrop: If I were new to shooting a basketball, what’s the most important piece of advice you would give me?

Tori Hyduke: Keep your body square to the basket and keep your follow through up. It’s very important that you keep your checkpoint until the ball goes into the basket.

Coaches Corner: Ranney Coach Tahj Holden

February 1, 2018

In basketball, much attention is paid to the players, and rightfully so. But watching a good coaching duel develop can be like watching a work of art being created in front of you.

TheDribbleDrop has always appreciated all facets of the game and will be linking with a distinguished high school basketball coaches every week to discuss the ins and outs of the game and what happens in-between the lines.

This week, Ranney head coach Tahj Holden. During our interview he discusses the her offensive philosophy, the importance of remaining composed as a coach, his thoughts on the shot clock and more .

By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on IG and Twitter

Gameday Playlist Vibes: Sajada Bonner

January 31, 2018

For many, music is a push factor against the demons of anxiety and nervousness before a competition. For others, a pre-game playlist is a "Secret sauce" used to stir up and release whatever is channeled within them in an effort to lead their team to victory.

Today we begin a new series titled "Gameday Playlist Vibes," which feature must-play pre-game songs from rising basketball stars in New Jersey. Next up is St. John Vianney guard Sajada Bonner. The sensational guard is having a breakout year. Last week she posted a career high 31 against Rumson-Fair Haven! Enjoy the jams from the junior guard below.

As told to by Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

Q+A: Jabri Abdur-Rahim

January 30, 2018

Versatile: 1) able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.. Or

2) embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills.

Being versatile is a key factor in what makes Jabri Abdur-Rahim tick. When the talented wing moved to New Jersey, he searched for a balanced environment that provided high quality basketball and academics. Jabri didn’t have to search long as he found a home at Seton Hall Prep.

The match-made in heaven has reaped a fruitful harvest for both parties so far.” I know basketball is something I want to do in the future, but it’s important to get a good education,” said Jabri. “Seton Hall Prep had the best balance of basketball and academics in the state.” In regards to his play, no word better describes Jabri than versatile. He’s crafty down low and shows amazing skill and coordination for his size away from the rim. His ability to be effective on both sides of the floor is a major reason Seton Hall Prep is a contender to win it all this year.

Recently we sat down with Jabri to discuss, Team Rio, Team U.S.A. mini-camp, Seton Hall Prep basketball and more. - by Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

TheDribbleDrop Diary: Diamond Miller, Entry #2

January 30, 2018

Franklin wing Diamond Miller was one of the best surprises in New Jersey Basketball last year.

Anyone who caught her play during the season knew she was in for a big tournament run. Miller showcased a skill set well beyond her years in 2017. On offense, she was one of hardest players to guard, averaging 19 points and 2.5 three pointers made on offense. While her offensive production was more than welcomed, it was her defensive prowess that propelled her team to elite status. She was a beast on the glass averaging 7 rebounds per night. She played the passing lanes relentlessly, logging close to 3 steals per night. Miller protected the paint as well, punching 4 blocks per night to the stands. Miller was everywhere!

It's only right that we paid homage by selecting Miller as a diarist for us this year. Check back throughout the season as Diamond gives us an insider look at the life of a star student athlete playing basketball on the highest level in New Jersey.

As told to Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

Gameday Playlist Vibes: Ron Harper Jr.

January 29, 2018

Today we begin a new series titled "Gameday Playlist Vibes," which feature must-play pre-game songs from rising basketball stars in New Jersey. Next up is Don Bosco guard Ron Harper Jr. Enjoy the jams from the Rutgers commit below.

As told to by Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

Coaches Corner: Franklin High Coach Audrey Taylor

January 29, 2018

In basketball, much attention is paid to the players, and rightfully so. But watching a good coaching duel develop can be like watching a work of art being created in front of you.

This week, Franklin High head coach Audrey Taylor discusses the her offensive philosophy, creating the right environment in practice and more .

By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on IG and Twitter

Q+A: Alex Imegwu

January 26, 2018

There’s something special about “Pirate Nation.”

Seton Hall Prep has a well versed history of producing high quality teams and players. Notice that I mentioned “team” first. Being apart of something bigger than yourself is something that kids at this school hold in high regard. It’s takes a selfless type of kid to be apart of the Seton Hall Prep family.

Alex Imegwu is what “pirate nation” is all about.

The senior forward is a great kid who thinks big picture all the time. Throughout the interview, he always found a way to circle his answers back to the team, his coach and winning. One would think this kid is deflecting to hide something, but near the end of the talk you can tell this is a team first kid. With that being said, one thing you can’t sweep under the rug is dynamic skill set. Alex can do it all. He’s a hybrid wing player that can defend multiple positions with ease. Offensively, Imegwu is a well rounded player that doesn’t force anything. The sensational senior can play above the rim whenever he likes, but he is known for his jump shooting this year. This kid is STRAPPED.

Recently we sat down with Alex to discuss “the big three,” his college recruiting, pirate nation and more.

By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop

Respect The Shooter: Alex Klatsky

January 25, 2018

“I don’t get too excited about shots I make because I’m supposed make them. I’m more perplexed when I don’t make it.” - Jesus Shuttlesworth.

First up is Ranney guard Alex Klatsky. The sensational shooter has averaging 3 three pointers made per game thus far. Klatsky has also knocked down 5 three pointers or more in a game three times this year.

By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop