The Basketball Movement catches up with some of our favorite ladies following the conclusion of their high school seasons.
The Basketball Movement’s affiliate AAU program, Yanders Law has helped some of the area’s finest hoopers elevate their game beyond what the competition of Southwest Missouri may otherwise allow. Playing for Yanders Law and working out right here at The Basketball Movement allows for bonds to be built and a competitive edge to be sharpened.
We caught up with a few girls that have been staples of the Yanders Law program as well as gym rats of The Basketball Movement to see how things are going with school ball in the rear-view for a while.
Lyla Watson, Ozark (Jr.)
With her junior season at Ozark completed, Lyla Watson is ready for the next chapter. “It wasn’t the best season,” Watson says. “ I had some mental battles for sure, but I overcame them by the end. I am really ready for summer ball and then my senior season.”
Asked what she will be focusing on this offseason, Lyla says that she wants to focus on being more than a shooter. “I need to focus on a drive-first mentality and work on aggression,” Watson says. “I know that I can shoot the ball, but I need to keep focusing on all aspects. I am strong and I need to take advantage of that.”
Lyla is “extremely confident” in her shot, but her drive on the defensive end is what can turn the tides of a game even when shots are not falling. “I love the satisfaction of locking someone up,” Watson says. “Stuff like forcing five-second calls - it motivates me. That is what fuels my offense.”
Her time with Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement has transcended beyond hoops. In Lyla’s eyes, it is all like family.
“They have given me confidence and hope,” Watson says. “They have seen me and believed in me all along. It is so much more than a gym. I’ve learned how to work hard here and never give up. I couldn’t even shoot a right-handed layup when I started - they get credit for everything.”
From winning the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago to teaching Coach Rob the newest dance moves, Lyla’s time with us has definitely been mutually beneficial and we are so excited to see where she goes from here.
Ella Lippelman, Springfield Catholic (Sr.)
Having finished what she considers her best team and individual season, Ella Lippelman has wrapped up a great high school career. However - she is not finished yet.
Ella committed to continuing her academic and athletic career at Colorado College last August and is ready for the next step. In fact, she was in our gym the day after her season ended. “It is a weird feeling,” Lippelman says of her high school career being over. “The other girls (at The Basketball Movement) still have another year. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
When asked why she selected Colorado College, she pointed out that the school and the program checked all of her boxes. “For me, it has everything I’ve wanted,” Lippelman says. “Academics is so important and it is one of the top liberal arts schools. The coaches are nice and supportive and honestly remind me of Rob (Yanders) and The Basketball Movement. I wanted to feel supported and invested in.”
A part of Yanders Law since 6th grade, Ella has had the chance to be around coaches and trainers that set great examples. “They really care and that makes them different,” Lippelman says. “They will push you every single time until you can’t move - slacking off is not allowed. I wasn’t very good when I started, but here I have improved every area of my game.”
“Practices prepare you for game situations. Basketball IQ has been one of my biggest takeaways. Beyond that, they are as awesome at being there for you as a person as a player. If I ever needed anything, I know they’d be there.”
As she ramps up lifting and prepares her conditioning for playing at a higher altitude, Ella is not done with The Basketball Movement. She will remain a regular through school and be here most mornings over the summer in preparation. When she finds time though, Rob and Craig are going to need those Colorado College T-shirts.
Ruthie Brown, Clever (Jr.)
Having wrapped up her junior season with Clever, Ruthie Brown says that he feels that she still has unfinished business. “It was a bit of a rough season,” Brown says. “I’ll definitely be making up for that next year and working extra hard this summer.”
Brown is already focusing on what she needs to work on to put her team in a better position next year. She will get plenty of opportunities to do so while playing AAU ball with Yanders Law this summer. “I’m going to focus on being more aggressive,” Brown says." “Playing at a higher tempo and getting stronger inside.”
Ruthie has been a member of #LawNation since about 5th grade and says she has come a long way personally in addition to her improvement on the court. “When I started, I didn’t really talk to anyone, didn’t know how to play,” Brown recalls. “Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement have completely built up my confidence and transformed my play. It’s like a family.”
Also a member of the team that won the national Nike Tournament of Champions, Ruthie is has been a cornerstone of the Yanders Law program over the years. Playing with many of the same girls for a long time, dinners and experiences on road trips, competing, and winning are all a part of what has made her time with the program special.
Already equipped with the needed work ethic, we are pleased to have been able to provide the tools to help Ruthie along her journey. She is a highly versatile player and absolutely has what it takes to help a team at the next level.
Riley Arnold, Blue Eye (Jr.)
Coming off of a third-place finish in Missouri Class 2, Riley Arnold and her Blue Eye teammates are feeling good. Not many teams get to end their season on a win. It wasn’t first though, and Arnold will be back again next season. “With the tie for third the last year, this means we’ve done it back-to-back,” Arnold says. “We will hopefully be back again next year.”
To make that happen, Riley will be spending the offseason working on everything that goes into being a floor general. “I’ll be focusing on continuing to improve my ball-handling and point guard skills,” Arnold says. “All of that will improve getting to play with Yanders Law as well.”
“(Yanders Law) is a really hard-working club,” Arnold says. “It has taught me a lot about basketball and life honestly. Always being pushed hard has helped me to develop my skills. Every workout I’ve been through here has been challenging and I’m always ready for the next.”
Riley is also active in cross country, track, and volleyball. Whatever path she chooses to pursue, coaches should know that she works hard, is aggressive, always fights to win, and has leadership qualities that are not easily taught.