The Kentucky Dream is a homegrown organization who embodies the vision of promoting local talent! There are kids with honest talent around this state that are being overlooked. They don’t go for the highly recruited kids from out of state and they don’t want an organization full of 20+ teams. Kentucky isn’t the biggest, but they have athletes that trust the process and they’ll be looking to put their state in the limelight! The coaches for the Kentucky Dream know they have something special and plan to use their platform to showcase their student athletes.
Only in year two, the Kentucky Dream has made a massive leap when it comes to progress. They created a culture within the organization already. There’s a tight knit family atmosphere here. The coaching staff wants to make sure there is a personal bond with each and every kid. In the near future they wish to expand further, but in moderation. The main goals are for every kid to be promoted the same way, be treated as an equal not by skill level, and ultimately to find a college to further education.
The league is a special opportunity. It brings teams from all over the country to compete at one location. A lot is to be gained from this league and it’s without a doubt that the Kentucky Dream will be looking to compete at the highest level. Let’s meet the team….
Emma Filiatreau (SF/PF, 6’0, 2023) has no clue how high her ceiling is! She’s a prototype stretch four. She’s going to be physical on the low block, active on the boards, and can pull it from three in transition. With that height, her versatility is very special. Her shot blocking ability may separate her from a lot of players. This is a long solid athlete that finds enjoyment from being a rim protector. Outside of basketball, Filiatreau is a country kid with serious work ethic. She helps out with her home life and then trains for basketball in her spare time. Very high upside.
Caroline Sivills (F, 6’0, 2023) and Filiatreau is a 1-2 combo. This athlete comes from a basketball background. She has two brothers that play college basketball, and she’s a coach’s daughter so she’s a natural student of the game. High basketball IQ. She has the perfect mixture of an old school/new school game. On one hand, Sivills is a very skilled post with an array of moves. She’ll hit you with a few drop steps, up and unders, head fakes, etc. On the other hand, one word…. lefty. She can shoot the lights out a gym if she has space. Defensively this athlete is a strong rebounder, active hands in the passing lanes, and knows how to maneuvers in the paint. Don’t let the size of these two athletes fool you, there a multiple ways they can beat you.
Reagan Jones (SG, 5’11, 2023) is the knockdown shooter for this stacked group. Jones is an unfazed shooter with range out the gym. Very long, lanky athlete which helps her shoot over defenders. There is a lot of plays ran through her as she’s very versatile with how many different ways she can score. Jones is that player that has to be accounted for always if your the defense. She’s a streaky confident shooter. Once she gets hot, she can hit 7-8 threes with no problem.
Carlie Thurmond (PG, 5’8, 2024) is a lightening jet! No exaggeration, Thurmond in the open floor is a speed demon. For some insight, she led Kentucky in scoring in soccer. Her transition play will stand out immediately if you see her play. Coach claimed, “Thurmond is always in go mode and she has a relentless motor.” Without the ball, she’s constantly moving and is another player that can drain the three at a high percentage. Defensively, she wrecks havoc. She plays on ball defense with active hands and creates a lot of turnover opportunities for this team. Even playing off ball, she closes gaps like a true ball hawk. This team is excited about her and she should have a great summer.
Niah Rhodes (CG, 5’6, 2024) is a stat sheet stuffer. If you need a bucket, this is your go to. Rhodes has a scorer’s mentality and will always find a way to get the ball in the hoop. She’s one of the primary ball handlers for this group so if she sees a lane or space coming up the court, she’s going to take it. She has a very quick stepback game that can be deadly. If we’re talking numbers, she has 20 to 30 pt games. This summer will be big for her.
Skeeter Mabe (PG, 5’10, 2027) is a star in the making. At 11 years old, college coaches started calling about her. She doesn’t get sucked into all of that though, she just loves the game of basketball. Her work ethic is top tier. She practices with the team throughout the week, and also has her own personal sessions. Mabe’s basketball IQ is off the charts. She understands the game and performs as a coach on the floor for her team. To sum it up, she’s a baller! She has the ability to score from all three levels, handle and distribute the ball like a guard, slash like a forward, and rebound like a big. The future is really bright!
As an organization, Kentucky Dream has the same mentality across the board. Parents trust the coaches, coaches develop the athletes, and the athletes showcase the product. It’s a system based off of trusting the process. Welcome to the Insider Exposure League Kentucky Dream!