Mike Scott, the visionary founder of Hoop Dreams, has been the driving force behind its evolution since 2007. With an extensive background in basketball at all levels, Mike's passion for player development is unparalleled. His commitment to individual improvement, team dynamics, and character growth has transformed Hoop Dreams into a thriving hub for aspiring athletes. Mike's journey through basketball is one of dedication, connections, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Beth Scott, an integral part of Hoop Dreams since its inception, brings a unique blend of coaching expertise and organizational prowess. Initially a coach, Beth now excels in managing back-end operations with her exceptional communication skills and attention to detail. From software services to scheduling and billing, Beth ensures the seamless operation of our programs. Her dedication keeps the gears turning smoothly, facilitating every aspect of the Hoop Dreams experience.

Mark Davidson plays a vital role in the seamless functioning of Hoop Dreams operations. With a diverse skill set and unwavering dedication, Mark contributes significantly to our daily operations. From on-court training to meticulous backend work, Mark's versatility and commitment shine. As a dedicated team player, he helps solve challenges and ensures our digital presence aligns with our training excellence. His holistic approach keeps the organization running smoothly, reflecting his passion for every detail that shapes the Hoop Dreams experience.

Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, John Say made a significant impact in basketball from the get-go. As a freshman, he secured a spot in the Adidas top 150 rankings. His high school career saw impressive averages of 17.5 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, playing under the guidance of coach Chris Chaney at DME Academy.

Transitioning to junior college at Western Wyoming, Say led the team to its best-ever finish and earned NJCAA Academic All-American first-team honors. Despite a coaching change at Niagara University, he continued his pursuit of excellence.

Say has since pursued a successful professional career, playing in various countries, with his most recent stint in Valencia, Spain. His journey is a testament to his talent, resilience, and passion for the game.

Ismaila "Iso" Kane, a distinguished former professional basketball player, graced the courts of both the NBA and the NBA G-League. His stellar career includes notable achievements such as winning the McDonald's All Team Tournament at the McDonald Classic in El Paso, TX, and earning the MVP title at the Sprite Ball Tournament in Senegal. Ismaila's impact extends to international competition, having been selected for both the U16 and U18 national teams of his home country, Senegal.

Certified Personal Trainer - Fitness Mentors Board of Certification

Born in Lexington and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, Tahiru 'TA" Mohammed is a dynamic individual currently pursuing his academic journey at the esteemed University of Kentucky.

An ardent lover of sports, Tahiru thrives on the energy of physical activity, from intense workouts to simply embracing an active lifestyle. Beyond the realm of sports, he reveals a passion for the extraordinary, wearing his superhero fandom proudly. In the age-old debate of DC versus Marvel, TA proudly stands on the side of DC. TA brings a blend of athleticism, academic pursuit, and a love for the extraordinary to every facet of his life.

Personal Trainer Certification - International Sports Science Association

A standout from Houston, Texas, Nick Garth made his mark as one of the most prolific shooters in Southland Conference history. A three-time All-Southland Conference selection and 2019 First-Team All-SLC pick, he graduated as Lamar University’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (320) and ranked fifth on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,758 points.

Over 127 career games, Garth averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, cementing his reputation as a dynamic offensive threat. His senior season saw him lead the team with 16.6 points per game, earning three SLC Player of the Week honors and recording a career-high 36-point performance.

Garth’s shooting ability and leadership extended beyond college, shaping his professional basketball journey. His dedication to the game and sharp scoring instincts make him a valuable mentor for the next generation of athletes.

Koko, originally from Congo, Africa, brings a unique passion and energy to his role as a trainer at Hoop Dreams. His deep love for basketball, which was nurtured through his college experience at Campbellsville University, now fuels his dedication to coaching. Graduating from Campbellsville gave Koko not only a solid foundation in the sport but also a profound understanding of the game’s impact. His background allows him to connect deeply with younger generations, blending his rich cultural heritage with his excitement for the sport. This connection enriches his training approach, making him a truly inspiring figure for aspiring players.

Damian "Coach D" McPherson, originally from Piscataway, NJ, is a basketball enthusiast who honed his skills at Cecil Community College before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) on a full scholarship. It was at EKU where Damian formed a lasting friendship with teammate Mike Scott. Despite his self described "energetic quiet" demeanor, Coach D played a role in founding Hoop Dreams in 2007.

Coach D has since moved into a career with Toyota while remaining actively involved in developing athletes and prioritizing family time. Described by his college coach Travis Ford as "an extremely hard worker who does everything in his power to see that the team succeeds," Coach D currently serves as the 11u Head Coach at Hoop Dreams. He continues to contribute to Hoop Dream's and his team's success while maintaining his dedication to the sport and his community.

A Paintsville, Kentucky native, Colby Fugate has built an impressive basketball career through hard work and dedication. A former All-State standout, he was known for his scoring ability and leadership on the court. He went on to play at Campbellsville University Harrodsburg to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level. His deep understanding of the game and commitment to player development make him a rising star in the coaching world.

With aspirations of becoming a Division I head coach, Colby is dedicated to impacting lives beyond basketball. His coaching philosophy extends past wins and losses—he strives to help athletes grow as individuals, instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic that carries into life beyond the game.

Beyond the court, Colby spends time working with Dream Care Learning Center and its after-school program, where he mentors and supports young students, making a daily impact on their lives. His commitment to both basketball and youth development makes him an invaluable asset to our program.

Born and raised in Lexington Ky, DeShante’ has had a passion for basketball her entire life. And has shown an immense passion in giving back to the community that developed her to the individual she is today and developing young athletes. She is an alumnus of Bryan Station High School and the University of Louisville where she completed her first degree is Exercise Science. She is currently coaching middle school girls basketball at Bryan Station Middle School.

Ross Gostomski, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2023 with a degree in Kinesiology. During his academic journey, he actively contributed to the basketball community, having worked at the University of Kentucky, Alabama, and Oregon men's basketball camps.

In the 2022-23 season, Gostomski served as the men's basketball manager at Georgetown College, showcasing his dedication to the sport and his commitment to contributing to its growth and development.