A lot of organizations in travel basketball have a bad reputation because they’re in it for the wrong reason. There are teams that play for the notoriety purposes and the brand name on the jerseys. Established out of Knoxville, TN, Team Ambition is a tried and true organization that believes in trusting the process and putting kids in positive situations.
They want to teach strong values through their organization. This is a Christian focused program that believes in hard work and dedication. The coaching staff has many years in non profit work. Overcoming adversity is something kids should learn while they are young because it prepares them for life ahead.
Team ambition pushes for the generalized question, “what’s next?” Whether that may be college ball or just simply education. This is an organization that wants to achieve life goals. Everybody has a development process, Team Ambition takes a different approach to it. They take their kids through a training camp called Ambition University. It breaks down all aspects for student athletes and what it takes to get to the next level. The next step is showcasing their talent on the big stage.
Hope Holt (PG, 5’7, 2021) attends Oak Ridge High School in TN. The energy she plays with illuminates throughout the gym. She brings a certain mentality to the game that allows her teammates to feed off of. Very shifty guard who knows how to create scoring opportunities. Holt can do it all honestly. Her solid frame allows her to bully herself through the lane, she can stop and pop, extend out to the three, and facilitate very well. This athlete leads the ship with the ball in her hands; a true floor general. Her team looks at her like a leader. She is currently committed to Motlow State.
Morgon Webb (SG, 5’7, 2021) attends First Baptist Academy in TN. Webb can and WILL shoot the lights out the gym if given the opportunity. This is a player who has had multiple 40 point game glimpses. She can wreak havoc in multiple ways. She is a sniper from outside that does not hesitate. Her catch and shoot game is dangerous. Defenders must account for her each possession. Webb knows how to move without the ball as well. Webb is currently committed to Roane State.
Gracie Hearon (Post, 6’1, 2022) attends Oak Ridge High School in TN.. Physicality is the name of the game. She is going to bang down low. She is a very disciplined big with active hands and great footwork. It’s the small things that people notice. Most of the blocks she gets is from having her hands up denying the basket. Offensively, she finishes strong around the rim. Hearon is going to be that player that gives you a little of everything. Each game she has a stat in each column. There’s nothing better than that.
Catherine Hendershott (CG, 5’8, 2021) has a story to her that will put her in the spotlight this summer. Her high school has been a journey. Her first two years was at Webb School in Knoxville that didn’t have much exposure. She then went into being homeschooled and didn’t play AAU either last year. In her senior year, she enrolled into FBA with high hopes of making a name for herself. The coaching staff refers to Hendershott as their “hidden gem”. She has a very stocky build and plays fearless. She has a solidified defensive presence which elevates through her whole team. Her ability to play the passing lanes, get steals, and score in transition is impressive. She takes pride in playing on ball defense. She’s one of those players that won’t let up. Teams get overwhelmed with her motor.
Jayla Hardy (SF, 5’10, 2021) attends Signal Mountain High School in TN. The coaching staff praised Hardy claiming “… she is a player any coach would love to have.” She comes from a long line of athletes. The sports background in her family is very extensive. Hardy’s strong frame allows her to get to the basket with ease but she can still step out and drain the three if needed. She’s an all around player pretty much. She currently holds some mid major interest and offers.
Aniyah Johnson (CG, 5’8, 2022) and Samiyah Smith (PG, 5’6, 2022) also attend First Baptist Academy in TN. Both athletes have a scorers mentality. Johnson is a great facilitator. The way she distributes the ball and sees the floor is like she has a sixth sense. From long range, she can be an issue. Smith attacks the lane with force but is real smooth with the left. Both players have non stop motors. They get up and down the court with quickness. Smith is a dog on defense as well. It’ll be a long day with these two on the court.
Semaj Clark (SF, 5’10, 2022) attends Oak Ridge High School in TN. She is a jack of all trades. When you see her post game numbers, there will be a stat in each category. Scoring 20 points seems easy for her at this point. From beyond the arch, she is automatic. She does a great job at setting her feet and has a quick release. Defensively, she’ll get steals and rebounds and go coast to coast. There are multiple ways she can score and cause havoc on both sides of the ball. This is a special player.
Most of these girls go to school together so the chemistry is already set in place. The athletes are the core of the program. As the front runners, they represent Team Ambition well. This summer this will be one of those teams to look out for. Welcome to the Insider Exposure League!