Fundamentals Key Success Of Hoop Dreams In Idaho At DSC



The Hoops Dreams program out of Idaho has built a strong reputation in recent years, and the success of the organization has come from a simple mantra.

“We make a commitment to just get better every day, and I think that’s a little unique,” said Coach Shambric Williams. “We work hard on fundamentals, and we start them as early as the third grade. Those fundamentals are our foundation.

“As our kids get older, in high school and on into college, that work on fundamentals really starts to pay off. Our players are known for their fundamentals, and for playing hard.”

Those characteristics will be on display this spring at the  2015 Deep South Classic, which will be played in Raleigh, NC on April 24-26. The Deep South Classic, which annually features the nation’s top travel programs, will once again have the entire tournament in one facility — the tremendous Raleigh Convention Center.

Hoop Dreams will also see top-flight competition throughout the travel season as a member of the All Star Girls Report Summer League.
“We have reached the point where we are really looking to grow through challenges, and the girls really enjoy challenging themselves. Playing in the League is just what we wanted,” Williams said. “We are looking forward to that opportunity to challenge ourselves. Our group this year has a mix of talented young players and veteran leaders, so it’s going to be fun.”
The leadership for Hoop Dreams comes mainly from the trio of Destiny Slocum (2016, 5-7, PG, ASGR’s No. 10 ranked national prospect in the class), Tori Williams (2017, 5-9, CG, No. 110) and Dominique Williams (2016, 6-0, F, No. 155).
“Destiny can do anything you would want a point guard — or any player — to do,” Williams said. “She is a high energy player on both ends of the court, and she can create her own shot. She is going to do whatever she can to be the best player she can be. And, it’s her leadership that makes us a tough out.
“With Tori and Dominique, that gives us three players who are basically interchangeable, and that’s a great tool for a coach. They can all shoot the three, handle the ball, and they go hard on the defensive end. Tori is a great passer and a great shooter, and she has an IQ beyond her years. Dominique is an inside-outside player who can stretch the floor with her shooting.”
“Slocum is committed to Washington, and she will be a good one,” said ASGR analyst Bret McCormick. “She is a great athlete and a great scorer. She can score from anywhere, and she is a tough competitor. Tori Williams is a strong athlete with a good skill set and deep three shooting range. Dominique also has great range, and she is a little taller. She is a good inside-outside player.”
Hoops Dreams is also expecting big things from Mandy Simpson (2017, 6-1, F) and Cassidy Keys (2017, 5-8, G) this spring.
“Mandy is a stretch four who can post you up and hit the three,” Williams said. “She is still growing into her body. When she gets stronger, she will be a much better player. Cassidy is another high-energy, versatile player. She can slash to the basket, shoot the three, and defend multiple positions.”