http://corisebb.com/ Rise Basketball - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:07:50 GMT Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:07:50 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/18223/Finishing-A-Game blog After playing a close intense game of basketball, those last few moments can feel anxious or exciting. This is the time to trust the work you've been putting in and stay in control. In those last few moments it is prior disciplines that make the difference between a win or a loss.  At the end of a game you need to be controlling the offensive pace. In order to do this effectively you have to stay calm. If you've been putting the reps in, trust that. Don't take dumb shots. A good rule of thumb is keeping the opponent on defense for 15 seconds unless we're down. We are looking for high percentage shots. Think layups and mid range shots. Be prepared to get fouled. That takes me into the next important thing. Knocking down your free throws. They can make or break a game. You need to be putting time into shooting free throws. This is considered for some to be the easiest shot in basketball. You should be aiming to be at least a 70% free throw shooter and then grow from there. Lastly, whether we are up, down or it's tied, defensive stops are most important. Working on your defensive skills as much as your offense is key to finishing games strong. If you're playing for Rise, you are expected to be a strong defensive player. Defensive laziness (especially at the end of a game) could result in a loss for our team and might compromise your minutes in the future. Get ahead of this by putting the reps in before game time.  When you're putting in the work, the results show. Muscle memory takes over and you become more confident. More games are won and the game becomes more fun.  Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/18223/Finishing-A-Game http://corisebb.com/blog/18173/Getting-into-Basketball-Shape blog For this week's blog post I wanted to go over something that doesn't really get mentioned much. Your overall health and the shape you are in are key things necessary to keep you strong and safe while on the court.  As we all know, every sport requires you to be in a different type of shape to excel at it. For basketball, it requires cardio endurance, strength and speed.  In order to keep your heart in good shape while you're running up and down a court at game speed, you must focus on your conditioning. Your ability to outlast your opponent for a full game is a huge advantage that is overlooked. When you're working out, think more sprints over long distance running.  Weight lifting is also required to be in good basketball shape. Start light and slowly build muscle. This allows you to finish stronger, take hits better and overall be stronger with the ball while it also helps with your cardio endurance.  Last and most importantly, I want to discuss your sleep and nutrition. These two things are critical when it comes to remaining healthy and being able to continue to play ball at a high level for a long time.  You have to treat your body well by getting adequate sleep, good hydration and the correct nutrition while you're growing. It is that much more important when you are an athlete.  Make sure you are making healthy choices with your meals and snacks. Be sure to be drinking water throughout your whole day and more after games and practices. Try to eat plenty of healthy carbs, proteins and fats so you don't feel sluggish and heavy.  If you do these things consistently you will feel stronger, have less injuries, and be a better ball player. These habits aren't the fun parts of basketball, but they will be the things that set you apart from your opponents and have you feeling good throughout your basketball journey. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/18173/Getting-into-Basketball-Shape http://corisebb.com/blog/18098/Fall-Season-Focus blog As we start our next season I feel it's a good time to go over the focus and goals of a fall schedule. This will be a short blog post because the message is simple. This is your season to get better.  In our sport, winter is our time to shine. Basketball is THEE winter sport in the US! Spring and summer is when we travel, grow team chemistry, and see how we stand up next to other teams nationally, but Fall is when we take all of the information we've learned since last winter season, put a plan together, and GRIND OUT!  This should be a time of pure focus on development and grit so you are prepared for the upcoming season with your high school or feeder team. This is the time of year where you just put your head down, do the reps, put in the work, and keep your mind focused on the end goal.  Winning games is always a great feeling and it should be what we always strive for, but during this time of year, I just want to try to get through to you that your growth and development is what matters right now.  You should have a ball in your hand every single day and be getting the work in outside of practices and games. My advice is to build a schedule for yourself. Take it seriously and stick to it. You'll be proud of yourself and feel different walking into winter season.    Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/18098/Fall-Season-Focus http://corisebb.com/blog/18038/Team-Roster-Results blog Team Roster Release.....What a suspenseful time for us all! When a new season approaches there can be a few unknown situations for young athletes.  In this age range things can change dramatically in a quick amount of time. Kids can grow 8 inches in a matter of months. A kid that has been consistent with individual workouts and his time in the gym is now experiencing higher stats than a kid who was better than him just a few months ago. New kids from all directions start showing up at tryouts.  In club basketball, you're always fighting for your spot. It can feel like a lot of pressure sometimes. But as a coach, my job is to mentor you on and off the court and I want to be real with you all. Life is always throwing changes at you. Your ability to adapt, keep a focused mindset and learn from the change is crucial for life in general. It is no different in terms of basketball.  At Rise Basketball we appreciate those with a strong mindset and work ethic. We love to see the players we coach learning and growing all the time. For that reason we have no worries about the healthy pressure that comes with fighting for your spot from season to season. We want you to have a mentality that is thrilled for and welcomes competition, because after all, we are playing a competitive sport. Sometimes that competition just happens to be against potential teammates in tryout situations.  With all of that said, let's go over the possible outcomes... For all of you who made a team, Congratulations! Rise is happy to have you representing us! We take pride in every player we choose to have play for us.  Some of you are just excited to play, while others are aiming for a specific team roster to see your name on, but sometimes we go into a tryout and something is just off.  Maybe you're feeling a little injured, maybe your family had company and you didn't get good sleep the night before, maybe you ate too heavy of a lunch, maybe it just wasn't your day. It happens to us all. This is why I always hold two sessions for you all to showcase your talent. But things do happen and sometimes they don't go the way you'd planned.  After tryouts you may find yourself on a team you weren't expecting to be on or not on a team at all. Yes, it can be initially crushing and maybe even embarrassing. This is not the end of the world! It just means there were players that happened to showcase their skills better than you were able to at that time.  The feeling of that experience should always be motivation for you to get better. Make the best of the season with the team you're on and finish it stronger and better than you were.  For those that didn't make a team, get in the gym. Put the time and work in. Show up strong the next time. Feel free to also read over the "Tryout" blog for pointers and tips on what we're looking for. For others, this is a really exciting time! Finding out you've been selected for a top team is a great feeling. Maybe it's proof your hard work in the gym is paying off and you deserve that rewarding feeling. Maybe your height and confidence both grew over the summer and you were able to take advantage of those changes.  Some of you may have had a really good tryout, but there are other guys right on your heels. Either way, you showed your best abilities and now you're on the top team roster!  You should be proud of yourself, but as I said before for those that didn't get the spot they wanted, this is not the end of the world. The real work needs to continue throughout the season. Growth and development are still at the forefront of our mindset no matter how good we think we are.  Things are always changing. Each season gives you an opportunity to grow and come back stronger. I hope you are as excited as I am about the upcoming season, and I wish you well as you start school in the coming weeks.  Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/18038/Team-Roster-Results http://corisebb.com/blog/18007/Fall-Tryouts blog Fall tryouts are upon us, and soon after school will be starting. It's an ongoing busy time for parents and players, both. Here at RISE, we are continuing to focus on growth and development before the winter basketball season.  As tryouts approach, I wanted to give a few tips and pointers to any players choosing to join. This is what I am looking for during the two sessions:  First and foremost I'm noticing your effort and energy. I want to feel like you're going as hard as you possibly can. I am also looking for players who are coachable. Coachability and being able to push yourself to another level is what is required for a young player's success. Second on my personal coaching list is defense. I was a defensive minded player and I am a defensive minded coach. When you are playing for me, I will expect your full, constant effort on defense. It is crucial to understand that defensive laziness, but then going hard on offense does not work for me. I expect you to do both.  Another thing I like to see is players sharing the ball. On a successful team players need to have chemistry and trust for one another. Sharing and moving the ball with your potential teammates in tryouts shows me your level of basketball IQ and willingness to be a coachable, unselfish, team player.  I'm also looking for players that talk. I want to hear you talking to each other on offense and defense. Without clear communication there can be so many avoidable mistakes. When in a fast paced, high action situation, things can get a little off. Speaking loud and clear while running plays and constant chatter on defense is something I believe is necessary to get everything back into alignment.  Lastly, just come in and be you. Play your game and be confident. As a coach, I will see everyone's individual strengths and weaknesses. Don't worry about hitting every single shot. Don't worry about flashy show moves. I just want to see where you are and how being on a Rise team could make you better. See you Aug. 1st and 3rd!  Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/18007/Fall-Tryouts http://corisebb.com/blog/16618/Rise-Basketball--Elevating-Youth-Basketball-in-Colorado-with-a-Focus-on-Defense-Skills blog Rise Basketball, stands as a premier youth basketball training organization dedicated to developing smarter, faster, and more confident players in Colorado. At the heart of Rise Basketball's approach is a holistic and disciplined training program led by DJ Stelly, a coach with years of high-level playing and coaching experience. While the program focuses on overall skill development, one of the essential pillars of their training philosophy is building elite defensive capabilities—a vital aspect often overlooked in youth training. A Foundation Built on Defense Defense is more than just preventing the other team from scoring; it forms the backbone of a championship-level team and the foundation for long-term player success. Rise Basketball understands this deeply, incorporating defense-focused drills and strategies in every workout, scrimmage, and skill session. DJ Stelly's coaching emphasizes defensive fundamentals such as positioning, footwork, anticipation, and communication on the court. Developing these skills early builds a player's basketball IQ, making them not just reactive but proactive defenders. Personalized and Group Training with Defensive Intensity Rise Basketball's training environment balances individual attention with team-based drills to foster competitive yet respectful development. Whether training one-on-one or in small groups, players engage in rigorous defensive scenarios that challenge their timing, stamina, and mental toughness. The intense defensive drills push players to understand angles, contest shots without fouling, and develop quick lateral movements that effectively shut down opponents. This type of focused defensive training is crucial for youth players aspiring to play at higher levels where defense can often be the differentiator in tight games. Accountability and Long-Term Development A unique feature of Rise Basketball's philosophy is its strong emphasis on accountability and development beyond just time on the court. Defensive skills, in particular, thrive on consistency and mental discipline—players are coached to take ownership of their defensive responsibilities both during practices and games. DJ Stelly instills perseverance and resilience, encouraging players to maintain defensive intensity for entire games. This accountability creates a mindset where defense becomes second nature rather than an afterthought. Furthermore, the coaching does not merely focus on physical skills but also builds the "mental defense" components: reading opponents' tendencies, understanding team defensive schemes, and making split-second decisions to adapt in real time. This comprehensive approach ensures players are not just defenders but leaders on the floor who communicate and coordinate with teammates to create a cohesive, impenetrable defense. Impact on Player Confidence and Growth Defense training at Rise Basketball directly contributes to the confidence and all-around growth of players. As young athletes master defensive skills, they experience the satisfaction of disrupting opponents and making pivotal plays that help their team win. This contributes to a stronger sense of self-confidence, resilience to adversity, and a deeper love for the game. In summary, Rise Basketball at offers a robust youth basketball training program that prioritizes defense as a key skill area. Through expert coaching by DJ Stelly, combined with personalized workouts, team-oriented drills, and a culture of accountability, players are equipped to become elite defenders and well-rounded athletes. Whether a beginner eager to learn the basics or a competitive player aiming for elite levels, Rise Basketball provides the tools and guidance essential for mastering defense—and basketball as a whole. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT http://corisebb.com/blog/16618/Rise-Basketball--Elevating-Youth-Basketball-in-Colorado-with-a-Focus-on-Defense-Skills http://corisebb.com/events/3286/Bigfoot--NV- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:53:59 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3286/Bigfoot--NV- http://corisebb.com/events/3289/JPS--CO- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:55:45 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3289/JPS--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3281/GTE--CO- events Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:27:10 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3281/GTE--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3288/JPS--CO- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:55:27 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3288/JPS--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3263/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School events Cresthill Middle School: 9195 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:44:30 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3263/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School http://corisebb.com/events/3284/Prep-Hoops--KS- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:54:18 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3284/Prep-Hoops--KS- http://corisebb.com/events/3280/GTE--CO- events Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:26:49 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3280/GTE--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3262/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School events Cresthill Middle School: 9195 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:44:10 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3262/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School http://corisebb.com/events/3261/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:43:41 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3261/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3283/Prep-Hoops--CO- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:52:12 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3283/Prep-Hoops--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3287/JPS--CO- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:55:06 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3287/JPS--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3260/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:42:57 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3260/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3259/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:42:30 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3259/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3285/Bigfoot--CO- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:53:17 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3285/Bigfoot--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3282/Prep-Hoops--CO- events Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:51:56 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3282/Prep-Hoops--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3258/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:41:56 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3258/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3257/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:32:45 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3257/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3256/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:31:56 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3256/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3255/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:31:44 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3255/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3253/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School events Cresthill Middle School: 9195 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:31:09 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3253/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School http://corisebb.com/events/3254/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School events Cresthill Middle School: 9195 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:31:30 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3254/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School http://corisebb.com/events/3279/GTE--CO- events Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:24:10 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3279/GTE--CO- http://corisebb.com/events/3252/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:30:45 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3252/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3251/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy events Skyview Academy: 6161 Business Center Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:30:01 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3251/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Skyview-Academy http://corisebb.com/events/3250/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School events Cresthill Middle School: 9195 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:30:24 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3250/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School http://corisebb.com/events/3249/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School events Cresthill Middle School: 9195 Cresthill Ln, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:30:33 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/3249/Spring-Summer-Practice-Schedule---Cresthill-Middle-School http://corisebb.com/events/2988/GTE-Winter-SlamGold-Crown-Winter-League events Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:10:41 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/2988/GTE-Winter-SlamGold-Crown-Winter-League http://corisebb.com/events/2987/GTE-Winter-Slam events Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:10:12 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/2987/GTE-Winter-Slam http://corisebb.com/events/2986/Gold-Crown-Rocky-Mountain-Hoops-Classic events Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:09:53 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/2986/Gold-Crown-Rocky-Mountain-Hoops-Classic http://corisebb.com/events/2985/Gold-Crown-Tip-Off-Tournament events Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:09:17 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/2985/Gold-Crown-Tip-Off-Tournament http://corisebb.com/events/2984/GTE-Colorado-Springs-Kick-Off-Tournament events Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:08:46 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/2984/GTE-Colorado-Springs-Kick-Off-Tournament http://corisebb.com/events/2983/SOAR-Academy events 4107 S. Federal Blvd Englewood, CO 80110 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:34:34 GMT http://corisebb.com/events/2983/SOAR-Academy