So after Friday night's session and the first of three sessions Saturday I can say that things are going well at the Nike Regional Skills Academy here at Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.).  Friday night the kids all got a wake up call when some were faced with Gannon Baker and his intensity/passion for the first time.  He really is pushing the kids hard like he does at the national academy and gets on the kids who aren't working hard or look disinterested which I think is great as so many people cater to the star players. 

As is typical of a Baker led Nike Skills Academy there is an early emphasis on ball handling and they build on it from there into one-on-one and two-on-two drill work.  Scrimmages were okay but definitely not what this event is about.

The highlight of the two scrimmage session so far is the block party Gennifer Brandon has treated us to.  Her leaping ability and aggressiveness on defense are sure fun to watch.  Kaleena Lewis is playing much older than a baby-frosh, Afure Jemerigbe is fantastic at attacking the cup and getting into the paint or what they're calling the "kill zones" here at the camp.  Lots of kids working hard, a few that aren't but all in all the intensity level is starting ot pick up here Saturday. 

I've got to get lunch and head back to the gym but for those of you that need up to the minute updates I hope this suffices until I get back and write a report on the action.  I'll try to post another blog entry tonight as well.