MTAG... MORE THAN A GAME
MTAG Basketball Academy believes that significant movements will result in impactful moments, leading to lasting memories.
Coach Jamie Nicholls Carbone
My passion for basketball began when I was just two years old, sitting on the bench as the ball girl, watching my dad coach the girls' varsity basketball team. As I observed the game unfold before me, I instantly fell in love with it. Throughout my high school journey, I had the privilege of playing on a competitive varsity basketball team (76-14) that clinched county and conference championships. Through dedication and teamwork, I set a record as the all-time leading scorer for both male and female players, with 1,818 points scored, a record I held for over 25 years. I was also invited to try out for the USA Women’s Basketball team. Subsequently, I was honored to receive a full Division 1 women’s basketball scholarship to Boston University. Some of my achievements at BU include reaching the 1,000-point milestone, scoring a game-high of 33 points twice, named rookie of the week, named MVP, team captain, Coaches Award and still maintain a top-10 ranking in 3-point percentage. Go Terriers!
My passion for basketball continued to flourish as I ventured across the country to the stunning state of Alaska. At the University of Anchorage Alaska, I had the privilege of serving as the Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach while pursuing my Masters of Education in School Counseling (K-12). Notable highlights included travel, recruitment, scouting, guard training, and involvement in the Great Alaska Shoot-Out. These enriching experiences brought me back home, where I served as a Middle School Counselor and coached the Girls 7th & 8th grade basketball team. Currently, as a mother of all boys, I am grateful for the opportunity to coach recreational and travel basketball and soccer. Furthermore, my sister and I manage and participate in a local women’s basketball league that we established in 2016.
What MTAG Basketball Academy Means to me...
To me, basketball transcends being more than just a game; it unites people, fosters lifelong connections, and creates cherished memories. Basketball gives individuals , no matter the age, a reason to gather together. We unite because each of us holds significance in this world. The connections, friendships, and obstacles we confront and conquer together are what truly matter. We appreciate the true blessing of basketball, a true gift given to us by God.
Coach Shelly Nicholls Fleming
I grew to love basketball from a young age. As the youngest and having to attend all my siblings' events; the gymnasiums, fields, and parks became my second home. I cherish the memories of when I finally got the chance to play, with my father as the coach of my travel basketball team. Starting my high school journey, I was fortunate to join the varsity team as a freshman and play alongside my senior all-star sister. Acting as the "6th man," I faced intense basketball situations on a competitive team and conference. These difficult and extreme experiences unexpectedly gave me the resilience and strength to face my next chapter. In my first year of high school, I faced a rapidly escalating illness that posed a threat to my life and made me question if I would ever play basketball again. Thanks to my determination, extended hospital stays, numerous prayers, and amazing doctors, I successfully conquered the illness that kept me away from sports for a few years. Coming back to the court meant a lot to me, bringing immense joy and a deep sense of gratitude for life.
After participating in just a few seasons during my high school career, I secured a Division II basketball scholarship to Long Island University, Southampton College. While playing for the women's basketball team, I had the chance to transfer to Division 1 Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. During my transfer year, we clinched the conference championship and progressed to the NCAA tournament. During my time at L.I.U, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education K-12. I excelled in honors courses, made the Dean's list, and was honored with the Physical Education Academic Award.
After graduating, I started teaching at a high school in lower Manhattan. Additionally, I coached Girls Varsity Basketball, Girls Varsity Volleyball, Boys Varsity Bowling, and Girls Varsity Handball. Meanwhile, I pursued my Masters in Educational Leadership and took on the role of Health and Physical Education Department chair. After becoming a mother to my daughters, I took a break from coaching high school sports and now find fulfillment in coaching their recreational and travel teams. Furthermore, my sister and I take pleasure in managing and taking part in a local women's basketball league that we founded back in 2016.
What MTAG Basketball Academy means to me...
Basketball holds significant value for me both on and off the court. During my challenging times with my health, the friendships nurtured, the sense of belonging to a team, and the relationships forged through basketball were incredibly meaningful. Basketball embodies mastering the basics, cherishing the sense of achievement on the court, and creating lasting memories throughout the journey. Life is a precious gift, and basketball acts as a channel to enhance those unforgettable moments.
Coach Richard Fleming
When I was ten years old, towering over the other kids in my Barbados neighborhood, I stepped onto a dusty basketball court with flip flops and instantly developed a passion for a game that would influence my entire life. In Barbados, soccer and cricket were the primary sports, while basketball was not as widely favored. Yet, my passion for the game drove me to try out for my high school team, where I successfully secured a position. Subsequently, I received an invitation to compete in the Tang Tournament, where Barbados' top players gathered to compete. The more I played basketball, the more I fantasized about coming to America to compete at the college level. With my dream, came dedication to gym workouts, maintaining good grades in university, and balancing a position at our Barbados bank. Fortunately, as I dedicated myself to my goal, more opportunities started coming my way.
During a visit to see my family in New Jersey, I participated in a NYC Nike tournament. The experience boosted my confidence and fueled my desire to excel on the court. This trip revitalized me, and I returned to Barbados with renewed determination to pursue basketball opportunities in the USA. Again, I went to work on and off the court. I wrote numerous letters to colleges, contacted many coaches, and reached out to anyone who could assist me. My determination was unwavering. My dream became a reality when I had multiple opportunities from Division I & Division II colleges. Being apart from my family in Barbados, I chose to enroll at Long Island University, Southampton College to be closer to my family in New Jersey. After graduating from Long Island University, Southampton College I had the opportunity to play basketball overseas, but unfortunately my immigration status prevented me from doing so. Instead, I became the Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at my alma mater. I am currently involved in several local men's leagues, and I enjoy coaching my daughter’s recreational and travel teams.
What MTAG Basketball Academy Means to me
Basketball is not just a game for me; it has breathed life into me. It has provided me with the opportunity to improve the lives of my family in Barbados and contribute to my country. Both God and basketball have shaped my life, granting me a beautiful wife and two lovely children. The sport has shared priceless life lessons on goal-setting, diligence, compassion, achieving dreams and experiencing miracles through faith.
MTAG Marketing & Sales Chris Carbone
At MTAG Basketball Academy, Chris Carbone is responsible for marketing and sales. As a successful business owner we are blessed to have his expertise on this MTAG team.
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