Hi guys, as you all saw recently, I’ll be hosting a basketball camp before departing for Australia. I sincerely hope to see all of my friends and their children during the two-day event!!
Advance sign-up for the camp would help me A TON, because I’d have an idea for how much help to get, etc.
To register your child, click below and fill out the form.
To pay, please click the Green button below.
Thank you to everyone!!
I can’t wait to see you all at the gym!!
Houma-based pro basketball player Sumar Leslie is leaving for Australia in about a month to continue her professional career.
Before she goes, she wants to share some of her knowledge with the young players who will carry the game into the future.
Leslie announced this week that she is hosting “Farewell Houma” on Jan. 28-29 – a two-day basketball camp that will be open to local children who want to get better at basketball fundamentals.
The Vandebilt graduate and former Nicholls All-Conference standout said the camp will be fun and is designed to show her appreciation to the community for their continued support.
Cost for the event is $25 per child and discounts are available for parents with multiple children.
Leslie is leaving in the coming weeks to play for the Werribee Devils – a professional team in the land down under.
“I am where I am today because of God-given ability and because of a group of wonderful people and coaches who supported me and taught me the right and wrong ways to do things – both on and off the court,” Leslie said. “I want to give some of that knowledge to kids so that they can have the confidence to play to the best of their abilities. We will learn fundamentals, yes. But I also want everyone to have fun – lots of fun.”
Leslie said the desire to teach younger players is a huge passion – one she’s had her whole life.
In her offseason, Leslie does stuff like this full-time, operating The Young Generation (TYG) – an athletic training service that has allowed her to work with more than three dozen kids from Lafourche, Terrebonne and other places in the Bayou Region.
Leslie admits she started TYG because others urged her to do so, but she wasn’t sold that she’d actually enjoy working with children. She thought her path would maybe be training older, college-bound players.
“It takes a lot of patience to work with the young kids,” she said. “I didn’t know if I had that much patience at first.”
But Leslie said all those fears were erased once she started attending Biddy and AAU games and seeing her pupils develop into better, more well-rounded players.
“I love to see them play,” Leslie said. “I can’t go to all of the games, but I go to as many as I can. When I don’t get to be there, there’s nothing I love more in the world than a text message or a call from a parent telling me that their child played well or had success. The world is so negative today. Everyone is so quick to say point out what someone can’t do. I love to hear about what people achieved. That energy gives me power and makes me feel good.”
The camp will take place at Lisa Park Gym, and Leslie said she is making plans to come up with drills and other exercises to keep the children engaged and active throughout the two days.
She said that players of any skill set will be welcome, and high school players who would like to help as counselors are welcome to do so.
“Any help would be welcome and appreciated,” Leslie said.
The local pro said she will accept sign-ups on the day of the event, but she would prefer to get sign-ups early, so that she could get an idea for how much help to get from other area coaches before the event.
To sign up, email sumarlesliebasketball@gmail.com or call 985-991-8251. •
After months of deliberation, research, hard work and patience, Houma guard Sumar Leslie finally knows where she will play her basketball in the 2017 season.
She’s taking her talents to the land down under.
The area pro announced this week she’d signed a one-year deal with the Werribee Devils in Australia – a team that competes in one of the top professional leagues in the Southern Hemisphere.
Leslie, 26, said the opportunity was too good to pass up, adding she can’t wait to get started in the season, which begins March 2017.
It will be her third professional season after graduating from Nicholls State University in 2012.
“It’s just such a blessing,” Leslie said. “Everything just sort of had its way of falling into place. I had interest from places all over the world – some places I didn’t even know
Dribble Drive
existed, and to me, that’s such a blessing to be in such high demand. But at the end of the day, something always felt right about Australia. I’d go through some of my options, then I’d always get back to Australia and how much I loved the country, the team and the vibe. I just think it’s a great place, and I am so, so excited to get started.”
Werribee is getting a standout combo guard who is in the best shape of her life.
Leslie said she’s trained harder in the past year than ever before, and she will report to the team in tip-top shape.
The local pro said she found Werribee through extensive online research by both she and members of her inner circle.
They are a program that is familiar with the area, having also signed Nicholls men’s basketball players Jeremy Smith and Fred Hunter in the past.
Leslie said she chose the Devils after getting contract offers in Serbia, Brazil, Puerto Rico and also from another team down under.
She said what drew her to Werribee was the hospitality of Devils coach Mahaela Jackson, who Leslie said was open and honest with her throughout the process.
The Devils were a rebuilding team last season but are expected to contend far more favorably in the new season, thanks to Leslie and a couple of the Australian natives the team has signed in the offseason.
“This is wonderful news,” Jackson said. “The whole team is very much looking forward to having her join our family and looking forward to a great season. … She’s a wonderful woman.”
“Coach Jackson and I really meshed from the first time we met and talked, and I just decided right away that she was someone that I’d like to play for,” Leslie added. “A lot of times, I’ve learned that coaches like to sugar coat things or paint a picture that’s not really there – especially in professional basketball. But (Jackson) was honest with me about what the team could offer, what the roster was like, and what we needed to do to make this work, and that was a big attraction to me.”
Leslie said she doesn’t like putting expectations onto herself before a season, but history shows that Werribee can expect a versatile scorer who is an absolute monster as an on-ball defender.
The Vandebilt Catholic graduate and all-time school leader in points, assists and steals, was an All-Southland Conference pick for the Colonels in her senior season with Nicholls, which allowed her to sign her first pro contract in Puerto Rico with the San German Atleticas in the fall of 2012.
Leslie joined that team in the middle of the season and took them from outside of playoff contention all the way to the league semifinals, averaging 15 points per game, while leading the league in steals.
After sitting out the 2013 season to rest her body after the rigors of a college and pro season back-to-back, Leslie later returned to action as a member of the Louisiana Bayou Angels in 2014, averaging more than 20 points per game with eight assists and six steals per game.
But with Werribee, she thinks that she can do even better, because of the hard work she’s put in along the way to get ready and also the people she’s playing for while there.
In 2014, Leslie started The Young Generation (TYG) – a youth basketball training program that has helped close to 40 children in the area, ages 5-18.
She said she wants everyone in the program to know she’s playing for them in the upcoming season.
“I’ve gotten so much support from everyone along the way, and it really warms my heart and makes me so happy,” Leslie said. “I will be gone for a couple months, but I want everyone in the TYG family to know that I love them and I appreciate them all so much. I come from a big family, but I also have made more family in that process, and I am taking everyone’s warmth, support and love all the way with me to Australia and using it to motivate me to do the best I can to make everyone proud.” •
Hey guys – I was blessed to be in The Houma Times for a Q&A. Enjoy!
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AGE: 25
TOWN: I’ve lived in a few different places, but I’ve been from Houma for most of my life.
FAMILY: I am the seventh of eight kids born to Raymond and Patricia Leslie. My family empowers me. I love those people dearly.
PROFESSION: I am a professional basketball player when basketball is in season. When it’s not, I am a youth basketball instructor and overall wellness/fitness coach.
HOBBIES: I love to spend time with my family, but I also love fashion and to make music.
WHAT IS A TALENT YOU HAVE FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT: I can sing. A lot of people don’t know that I’ve had a few recorded singles and I spend a lot of time in the studio making music.
IF YOU HAD TO SPEND A YEAR ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU TAKE ALONG: A basketball, of course! I can make a rim out of something on the island. God’s word is in my mind. I’d need a basketball to stay sane.
YOU’RE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY WINNER. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO: I’d definitely take care of all of the people who have taken care of me. Trust me, that’s been a lot of people over the years. I’d then probably build a gym where I could train children and allow them to learn the game that I’ve been blessed to play my whole life.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL: My mom. Mama Leslie is my inspiration and my hero. She is the mother of eight, but a mom-figure to dozens more. She is always upbeat and positive and always knows how to say something to make someone feel loved. She is my role model.
IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO, WHO WOULD YOU BE AND WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPER POWER BE: If I were a super hero, I would have the super power of always knowing how to say something to give a person confidence. Too many people don’t believe in themselves.
PROUDEST MOMENT: My proudest moment was the day that I got the call that I was going to go play professional basketball for the first time. A day later, I was on a plane headed to Puerto Rico.
WHAT’S ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Some Herbalife Aloe, lip gloss and my notebook that I use to keep notes of the players I train.
HOW DO YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU: Always positive. God’s daughter.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM ADVENTURE: To visit New York City and walk Times Square with the people I love.
I WISH I COULD DO ___ BETTER: Swim.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM JOB: I have it currently – being a trainer and professional basketball player is my dream.
WHAT WAS YOUR BEST GIFT EVER?: Positivity. God gave me the gift of positivity.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A dental hygienist.
Hi guys,
I hope everyone is doing amazing!! I’ve been busy with TYG. The growth the program has experienced is such a blessing!! Thank you to all the children for showing up to work each day driven and ready to work!! Thanks to the parents for investing in your child and trusting in me to enhance their skills. Here are some shots of our recent sessions!!
To get your child involved, please call me at 985-991-8251!! Please note that I am super busy and not often by the phone!! If having problems calling me, please feel free to call Casey Gisclair at 985-258-1287!!
Thanks so much and God Bless you all!!!!
-SL7
P.S.
I want to congratulate 6 members of our program who have been named South Lafourche Biddy Players of the Week during the season.
Congrats to Blaze, Bobby, Madison, Madison, Kylie and Mak!!! I am so, so, so proud of you ladies and gentlemen!!!
Also, another Leslie was born into the world this past week!! My brother Ike and his wife Bree gave birth to their first child, Kysen!!! Say hello to Kysen, ya’ll!! In 3-4 years, we will be watching him work on the floor!!! 🙂
It is an absolute honor and blessing to be featured on the front page of the sports section in my home town!! Wow! I am truly honored! Makes me feel good – like the work I am doing is beginning to pay off!
I’m on the front page! Heeeey!!
Working with The Young Generation has been the highlight of my past several weeks. This young lady here is something special!!
My friends and family,
The past few days and weeks have been something special! Since getting injured, I’ve sort-of been very, very cautious in my rehab and recovery so that I wouldn’t re-injure myself and set myself back in my recovery. But through faith in God and belief in myself, I’ve really pushed myself hard in the past few weeks to find out exactly what I could do.
And I feel AM-AZING! I am able to do all of the things that I used to do without pain – something that I didn’t know would be possible again this soon. I’m blessed, and I thank each and every one of you who have prayed for me or been by my side along the way!
But waitttttt…. there’s more!! LOL (don’t mind me; I’ve always wanted to say that)
In the past few weeks, I’ve been blessed to train several amazing young men and women who are trying to grow their talents within the game of basketball. You know, it’s unbelievable how much talent is in this area. I’ve always said that Houma-Thibodaux is so underutilized when it comes to colleges looking at our players. I want to help change that! I will work with my clients as hard as I possibly can to make sure that we all get better each and every day! I love what I do, and I’ll keep doing it, so give me a call today!
985-991-8251
Let’s get better together!
Yours,
SL7
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P.S. There was an amazing article on me in the HoumaTimes this past week. Read it here! 🙂
http://www.houmatimes.com/sports/article_7cb4221c-bc5c-11e4-b0dd-3b03311571ef.html
One game will decide Sumar and the Atleticas’ season.
After a season full of games, the San German Atleticas’ season will come down to one game.
After playing to a stalemate in Games 1 and 2, the Atleticas will play a decisive Game 3 tilt with Juncos to decide the teams’ first round series.
The winner will move on to the Semifinals. The loser will go home. The game will be played in San German and it will tip off at 7 p.m.
“We’ve played them three games in a row now,” Sumar said. “We played them two times in the playoffs and we also played them in our last regular season game. We know them and they know us. There are no secrets anymore. It’s all about competing and executing and the team that wants it more will walk away with a win.”
To move on to the next round, San German will need to contain Juncos’ post player Monique McLean.
The former St. Johns’ star scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Game 2 — a game Juncos controlled from the opening minutes.
In Game 1, San German attacked the post and fouled her out of the game.
“We cannot allow her to play as freely as she’s played so far this series,” Sumar said. “We need to come up with a way to contain her without allowing their other players to get free.”
One way that the Atleticas could offset McLean’s impact is through outside shooting. San German has shot just 4-of-25 from behind the 3-point line in this series.
The winner of this game will advance to the semifinals to meet No. 2 Carolina, who had a first-round bye.
Sumar said she and her team are ready for the challenge.
“I fear no man,” Sumar said. “I will be ready for the challenge and ready to do my best to help my team win.”
It’s TITLE TIME!!
SL7 Nation,
It’s playoff time!
The Atleticas will begin their run toward the Puerto Rican Championship tonight at 7 p.m. when they begin a Best of 3 playoff series with Juncos.
The game will be in San German and it will be televised online at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com/.
“We’ve been preparing for the playoffs all season long,” Sumar said. “It’s finally here. We believe we’ve done everything to prepare ourselves. Now it’s time to take action and make our move.”
Against Juncos, San German will be meeting a familiar foe.
The Atleticas faced the 8-12 team in their final regular season game – a 74-66 Atleticas’ victory.
In that game, San German used a combination of size and unselfishness to push forward.
The Atleticas out-rebounded Juncos 43-38 in the win and had an 18-14 lead in assists.
“It’s always good to play someone you’re familiar with,” Sumar said. “But we know the last game means nothing. We will have our own unique set of challenges to conquer to obtain victory in this game.”
Following Game 1, the Atleticas will travel to play Game 2.
If necessary, San German will play a Game 3 tilt with Juncos on Wednesday.
“It’s that time,” Sumar said. “It’s time to step up our games and see how far we can take this thing.”
Below is the game schedule:
GAME 1: Juncos @ San German – Saturday 7 p.m.
GAME 2: San German @ Juncos – Sunday 5 p.m.
GAME 3: Juncos @ San German (IF NECESSARY) – Tuesday 7 p.m.
Sumar looks to lead the team to victory.
Sunday night’s game between San German and Carolina presented a good news, bad news situation for SL7 fans.
Start with the bad – the Atleticas blew an early first quarter lead and lost again – their fifth-straight defeat.
Now for the good – Sumar is setting Puerto Rico on FIRE!!
For the second-straight game, Sumar led San German in scoring, posting 21 points in the 85-71 defeat.
She is averaging 22 points per game in her past two games and is up to more than 14 points per game this season.
“I’m just feeling more comfortable and am making more shots,” Sumar said following the game. “That’s all it is – the ball is just going in the basket now.”
Against Carolina, things looked great early for San German.
The Atleticas led 21-14 in the opening quarter, thanks to a fierce defensive push.
But the team couldn’t maintain its intensity and faltered late, falling in defeat.
Sumar will look to continue her hot shooting tomorrow against Juncos in a huge game with playoff implications.
A victory would lock San German into the No. 4-seed.
A loss would open the team up to scenarios that could push them as far down as the No. 6 seed.
“This is a huge game and we know we have to be ready to play,” Sumar said. “We’ve said this before, but for us, the playoffs begin now.”
Juncos is led by former Miami All-American Renee Taylor, who averages more than 20 points per game.
The team has stumbled as of late, posting just a 3-point win over Ponce in its last game – one day after being thrashed by 33 points by Carolina.
That game will be televised online at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com.
SL7 - The Official Site of Houma's only professional basketball player 