Galen Harkness • September 29, 2024

7 Key Lessons for High School Players to Elevate Their Game

At EYG Basketball, we believe in helping high school players reach their full potential by focusing on the bigger picture. Here are seven essential lessons that can help you become a better player and teammate:

7 Key Lessons for High School Players to Elevate Their Game


At EYG Basketball, we believe in helping high school players reach their full potential by focusing on the bigger picture. Here are seven essential lessons that can help you become a better player and teammate:


1. Understand Your Role


Not everyone needs to be the star. Your contribution—whether it's defense, rebounding, or smart passing—can be just as valuable. Embrace your role, and do it to the best of your ability.


2. Put the Team First


Basketball is a team game. While talent matters, teamwork wins games. Prioritize the success of the group over individual stats, and you’ll see better results for everyone.


3. Study the Game


Becoming a student of the game can give you an edge. Watch film, learn your opponents’ tendencies, and study your own performance to find areas to improve. Basketball IQ can take you further than just physical skills.


 4. Play Smart


Effort is important, but playing with intelligence is critical. Make the smart pass, take the high-percentage shot, and always be aware of what's happening on the court. It's about playing efficiently, not just playing hard.


5. Stay Humble


No matter how good you are, there’s always room for improvement. Stay humble, listen to your coaches, and remain coachable. Great players never stop learning.


6. Value Defense and Hustle


Scoring isn’t everything. Defense, hustle, and the little things win games. Embrace the grind of doing what others won’t—like taking charges or contesting every shot.


7. Confidence and Humility Can Coexist


Believe in yourself, but stay grounded. Confidence helps you perform under pressure, but humility keeps you improving. You can balance both to become the best version of yourself.


Conclusion


These lessons are about more than just basketball; they’re about becoming a better teammate, a smarter player, and ultimately a stronger competitor. At EYG Basketball, we’re here to help you grow in every aspect of the game. 


Now, let’s get to work!


How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size

How to Impact the Game—No Matter Your Size

By Galen Harkness • April 30, 2025
Every player wants to make an impact. Score. Steal. Pass. Rebound. Make plays. Help your team. That's the fun of the game. But what if you're not the biggest or the tallest player on the court? Don’t let size hold you back. What matters more is your effort, mindset, and willingness to work. Here are 5 ways smaller players can consistently impact the game: 1. Run the Floor Sprint hard every time. Even if you don’t get the ball, you put pressure on the defense —and open up opportunities for your team. 2. Cut with Purpose Move without the ball. Defenders relax when you stand still. Cut hard, look for gaps, and make plays from movement. 3. Push the Pace When you get the ball, go. Put pressure on the defense before they’re set. Play fast. Make good decisions. 4. Get Paint Touches Attack the paint. Great things happen when you get inside—draw defenders, finish strong, or kick out to teammates. The paint changes the game. 5. Hustle Plays Win Games Dive for the loose ball. Battle for rebounds. Take charges. Be feisty, relentless, and tough to play against. What Separates Players? Mindset. Do you believe you belong? Do you believe you can make a difference? Keep showing up. Keep working hard. Keep finding ways to impact the game. Your size doesn’t define your value. Your effort and mindset do. https://www.loom.com/share/0c0113c8b25c422ba7e10803b818d6b0?sid=ccecfb29-bc1a-4dc1-ac51-a0ba204e3d18 The video below is of TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. The average height in the NBA is 6'7". TJ is 6'1" and has a MASSIVE impact on the game. He does all the things listed above and more.
A black and white photo of a person 's hand holding a basketball.

He hit 8 threes in one game—here’s how it happened

By Galen Harkness • March 30, 2025
Last night, one of our EYG players hit eight threes in a single game. Not because he got hot. Because he made the decision to shoot— And had the confidence to let it fly. That confidence came from 7 months of consistent training: 4 workouts per week 2 full seasons of 5-on-5 play Mostly group training, with a few private sessions He had a goal. He showed up. He did the work, even on the hard days. And when the moment came, he was ready. This isn’t the end of his journey. It’s just a stepping stone. If you know a player with a goal—someone ready to work— EYG is here when they are. Let’s keep growing. Keep working. Keep dreaming. Keep elevating your game.

How to Make Everyone Around You Better on the Court

By Galen Harkness • March 18, 2025
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