Jacob Long's Hot Streak

Max Preps Photo

A year ago Deer Valley guard Jacob Long was a small sophomore who was a spot up shooter for the Wolverines. After having a couple breakout games to close out his sophomore season, Long decided to join the Team Rampage Club (Vallejo, CA) in the middle of the AAU season. Long was one of two sophomores who played on the 17 and under Team Rampage team. Team Rampage Varsity Head Coach and trainer Brandon Bracy saw the potential in the young sophomore. "Jacob can shoot with anybody, and has a really quick release." Bracy said. "His jumpshot and shooting ability reminds me a lot of myself" Bracy added.

After finishing up the AAU season, Long continued to train with Coach Bracy, as he developed his ball handling skills, and shooting off the dribble. The hard work for Long is paying off tremendously as he has put up 3 straight 20+ games for the Wolverines. It started with 27 points against Antioch, then a 20 point performance against Bay Area powerhouse Freedom High School, and would follow up with 22 points against rival Pittsburg High School. Long is going all out to help lead Deer Valley into the playoffs as they have a 16-7 record overall, but only hold a 3-4 record in league.

Team Rampage Strengthens Up Staff

Fat Mark Photos

Exactly two years ago in the spring of 2015, Team Rampage director Antonio Hodges brought on a young 23 year old by the name of Brandon Bracy, to be the Head Coach of the Team Rampage program. With a strong local buzz, the interest level of the kids who wanted to play for Team Rampage continued to grow. As Hodges continued to mentor Coach Bracy, Bracy's skills as a trainer and coach developed as he was able to gain interest from players and parents, outside the solano county area as well. With the growth of the program, Hodges knew that he would need to bring in more coaches and trainers that have the love for the game, and could coach under his program.

Two years later, Team Rampage has managed to bring on two trainers and coaches that Hodges believes will be a great addition to the program. The first addition would be Ron Kinney who comes from Cleveland, Ohio. Kinney played for Walsh University (NCAA Division 2) in North Canton, Ohio from 2008-2012, before playing professionally overseas in Italy. Kinney also tried out for the Sacramento Kings organization after his experience overseas. Hodges expressed his excitement for Kinney, and how he could help the Team Rampage program. "Ron will be great asset to our program as he is an excellent trainer, and will be able to use his professional experience to help our youth".

Another key addition to the staff is James Harris, who comes from Oakland, California. Harris graduated and played for Saint Mary's high school in Berkeley, before moving on to play for the College of Alameda. Harris also participated in a few NBA Development league tryouts before deciding to train and coach full-time. James trains kids mostly in the Oakland, Richmond, and Hayward areas. "James has a passion for developing kids, and understands the process of preaching the fundamentals" Hodges said. "His teaching methods match what we are trying to teach our youth" Hodges added.

With the additions of Harris and Kinney, the Team Rampage staff looks to enter the AAU season with a team of excellent trainers and coaches. Kinney and Harris won't be the only additions however, as Team Rampage also plans to add former Vallejo High Superstar athlete Amos Carter. Carter plans to coach the 15 and under group, while Kinney and Harris will take on the two 16 and under groups. Brandon Bracy and former Napa Valley College athlete Chris Eidens will take on the two varsity groups. Team Rampage looks to start their season next month.