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.

James Alexander, a dynamic figure in basketball, combines a rich playing history with impactful coaching roles. A standout player, James earned acclaim, including being named the 2004 Region XX Division III JUCO Basketball Most Valuable Player and securing a spot on the 2003-2004 2nd Team JUCO All-American list during his time at Montgomery College-Rockville. James concluded his college playing career at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. There, he distinguished himself as a 1500-point scorer, a three-year captain, and a three-year starter.

Transitioning to coaching, James...

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...

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...

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...

Brice Scott – a proud Hoop Dreams alum. His hoops journey lead him to Lexington Catholic High School, where he honed his skills and graduated in 2019. Brice took his game to the next level, by joining the Transylvania University basketball team.

Certified Personal Trainer - International Sports Sciences Association

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...

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.