Check out live streaming coverage of the MAIT, Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament Thursday–Friday–Saturday on FasttrackScouting.com featuring nationally ranked teams Findley Prep, Montrose Christian, Montverde Academy, Orlando Christian Prep and many more!!!

To watch the live games:
Go to main site: www.fasttrackscouting.com /> Click on Live Streaming
Click on View Live Event 1
Enjoy!

To watch the archived games:
Go to main site: www.fasttrackscouting.com /> At the top of the page enter “mait” in the search bar on Fasttrack
A list of videos will pull up from the Montverde Invitational
Note that videos will be ready to view starting on Monday

As many of you may know, Fasttrack Scouting has been live streaming and taping high school and college sporting events in high definition for over 3 years now throughout Florida and surrounding states including schools in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola.

Today we learned that there are now 2 schools in Orange County Florida that refuse to allow companies and/or individuals to video tape and/or live stream their sporting events for recruitment purposes.

I am mostly disappointed for the kids at these schools because they will not have the same opportunities other schools afford their students. It is these two athletic directors out of the hundreds we work with on a continuous basis that are too small minded to see how game footage broadens the collegiate opportunities for student athletes. There are thousands of college coaches that insist on seeing game footage before they ever consider a player a real prospect. If players cannot gain access to quality footage how can they get recruited? What options are there for them?

I am also disappointed that a school can restrict an individual from performing a task that parents and fans are permitted to do. Is it even legal? Is it fair? I don’t know but it is certainly frustrating for those of us that make secondary income providing such a service for students and their families. It may not be a lot but in these economic times $75 - $100 a game can go a long way for someone with a family of their own.

So, what is it Orange County, are you going to let two athletic directors that don’t know anything about recruitment and/or just don’t care if their student athletes go on to college make a decision that will affect the whole school and community?

You have a voice–email me if you would like to send your comments to OCPS. I can be reached at erika@fasttrackscouting.com.

written by: Erika Rossi-Raia

Sophomore Focus
By: Rick Staudt & Jim Clark

December 22, 2009

Arlington Country Day seemingly reloads every year with D-I talent. In last year’s run to the Class 2A state title, it was freshman Shawn Smith that provided a spark off the bench. This year as a sophomore the 6’3 wing continues to grow into a high-major prospect.

Currently averaging 11 points a contest, Smith finds himself in the role of a part-time starter. If Coach Rex Morgan goes with a more “traditional” lineup, then Smith is once again the sparkplug off the bench. Should the Apaches go “big” then Smith starts at the wing guard spot.

“When Smith goes in the game, either as a starter or sixth man, you know he’s going to make something happen right away”, says ACD assistant coach Antwain Tennell. “He brings energy to the defensive end and provides an offensive spark with his ability to get to the rim or knock down open jump shots. At the end of the game he may not have a lot of “doubles” but a little bit in each category. Shawn does what needs to be done and has a great attitude. He’s also a solid student, sporting a GPA over 3.0.”

According to Tennel, schools such as Ole Miss, Missouri, Clemson, West Virginia, South Carolina, and LSU have contacted the ACD coaching staff about Smith.

Freshman Focus
By: Rick Staudt & Jim Clark

December 22, 2009

The past couple of years, Boyd Anderson in Fort Lauderdale has sported some high caliber guards. The one constant has been a big guy in the middle to allow those guards to do their thing. First it was Ivan Aska, now a sophomore at Murray State in Kentucky. Now it is Travis Elliott, a 6’8 physical player who is headed to High Point in North Carolina in the fall of 2010. Next it will be 6’6 Andre Horne, currently a freshman at BA.

We’ve seen Horne listed as tall as 6’8 but that clearly isn’t true. What is true is his solid physique and athletic ability. He runs the court well, gets off the floor quickly for rebounds and to challenge shots, an battles inside for his spot in the paint at both ends of the court. His scoring opportunities at this time off of rebounds, transition baskets, and dump-offs from guard penetration.

Horne is averaging just shy of a double-double at this point in his first varsity season. As one member of the BA coaching staff puts it, “Horne makes Elliott work hard in practice every day. It only serves to make both of them better.”

Here are 5 questions you should ask all prospective coaches to help you determine what schools might be a good fit for you:

1. How would you describe your coaching style? It is important that the coach’s motivational and/or teaching style matches your personality and learning style.

2. What is the typical day for a student-athlete? You will want to know what is expected of you in terms of practice, training, classes, travel, study, housing, etc…in advance so you can prepare yourself for that type of schedule. Many first year athletes are surprised by how regimented their schedule is during season and how limited their personal time is.

3. What position will I play on your team? Often times a student-athlete will not play the position they played in high school so it is important to ask and prepare yourself to be able to play both positions. Coaches value flexibility.

4. What academic support programs are available to student-athletes? You want to attend a school that has tutoring programs available to their athletes. College courses can be tough especially for an athlete that has a busy schedule. You don’t want to fall behind and a tutor can help you achieve your academic goals.

5. What characteristics do you look for in a student-athlete? Know what your coach is looking for in a new recruit and/or student-athlete. If you share those characteristics or think you can achieve those expectations then that school may be a good fit. If you don’t have those characteristics you can either work on improving in those areas or continue looking at other schools that may be a better fit.

The big thing is don’t be scared to ask coaches what they are looking for and what their program is all about. You want to pick the right school for you otherwise you will not be successful and everyone including the coach will be disappointed. This is an important decision so choose wisely and ask lots of questions. This is your life.

Written by: Erika Rossi-Raia