Luke Stankavage

Disc Golf Putting Styles for the Close Range Basket

Luke Stankavage is a Charlotte, North Carolina resident who has excelled in academics while maintaining a varsity career in basketball at Ardrey Kell High School. Beyond competing on the court, Luke Stankavage enjoys playing both golf and disc golf.

A major element of success in the latter sport involves putting, or throwing the disc at short range into the basket. The basic spin putt involves placing the same type of spin on the disc as when driving off the tee. A repeatable motion whatever the distance, it ensures that the disc travels in a relatively straight line to the basket, minimizing the impact of any wind. One drawback of the spin putt is the possibility of a spit out, caused by the high speed at which the disc is rotating as hits the chains. In addition, if the basket is missed, the disc will tend to travel farther beyond the target than a throw with less spin.

The push putt is essentially a toss into the basket with a lobbing arc, rather than a traditional throw. This approach is similar to a free throw in basketball and can be highly accurate when the distance to the target is less than 30 feet. When the wind is a factor this may not be the best choice, as the disc is vulnerable to being blown off its flight path.

A less conventional option, the turbo putt appears like an overhand baseball throw and involves balancing the disc on the thumb and employing the other fingers to impart a spin upon release. This elevated release makes it an option when there is an obstacle such as a bush in the way that needs to be thrown over to land the disc in the basket. Challenging to learn, the turbo putt may also be less accurate than other throws at greater distances.

Pass and Attack-the-Rim Strategies for a Full-Court Press

Residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Luke Stankavage is an athlete who has excelled in varsity basketball at Ardrey Kell High School. A two-time all-conference record holder for points scored in a year, Luke Stankavage has a strong understanding of the strategies that allow an effective team to dominate the court.

One of the key challenges faced by any offense is the full-court pressure defense. This involves a concerted effort to force turnovers through trapping, pressuring, and harassing offensive players and, in the process, gaining easy fast-break basket attempts.

The key to addressing this pressure is to remain calm as a team and avoid turnovers. Attacking the press takes advantage of the defenders’ overcommitment to the ball and can lead to easy layups after slipping past the defense.

Reaching the other side of the press is not always easy. While dribbling into the lane can be effective, it requires beating the defender one-on-one. A better approach often involves a pass through traffic to a teammate who can cut into the paint. This effectively creates a two-on-one situation, where the player can either go for the rim or kick it out to a teammate following behind as they enter the paint.

In cases where the player does get caught in a trap by two defenders far from the hoop, the key is to stay low and continue to face them, rather than turning the back and retreating, letting them dictate the next move. Keeping the dribble alive, the player looks for a quick outlet pass to a teammate who can swing the ball to the next open teammate, or takes it to the hoop himself.

A Historical Breakdown of 3-Point Shooting in the NBA

Scoring in the National Basketball Association (NBA) has increased on a relatively consistent basis year-over-year since the 2003-04 season, when teams averaged 93.4 points per game. NBA teams averaged 100 points per game in 2008-09 for the first time since the 1994-95 season and, following a three-year period in which they averaged fewer than 100 points per game, have exceeded that threshold every year since the 2013-14 season. Teams averaged 112.1 points per game in 2020-21, which was the highest since the 1970-71 season. A major reason for the boost is the increased emphasis on 3-point shooting.

Although the NBA introduced the 3-point line for the 1979-80 season, it wasn’t used much at that time. In fact, teams attempted less than three 3-point attempts per game and made fewer than one 3-point field goal per game. It wasn’t until 1987-88 when teams averaged five 3-point attempts per game. In 2020-21, NBA teams attempted an average of 34.6 3-point fields per game.

The way in which NBA teams orchestrate their offense has especially changed over the course of the past five years. The 3-point shot attempt rate has increased not only leaguewide in each of the past 10 seasons (from 22.2 percent to 39.2 percent), but also at a greater rate over the last five years than the prior five. Teams attempted an average of 29 3-point field goals per game in 2017-18. They averaged 34.6 attempts in the 2020-21 season.

Moreover, only six of 30 teams took at least one-third of their total shots from beyond the 3-point line during the 2015-16 season. That number increased to 28 teams last season. The Washington Wizards (31.9 percent) and San Antonio Spurs (31.4 percent) were the only two teams below this threshold.

The careers of Ray Allen and Steph Curry are great case studies to highlight the change in offensive strategy in the NBA. Both are regarded among the best 3-point shooters in league history, but Curry overtook Allen for the all-time lead in 3-point field goals in 511 fewer games.

Curry broke the record during the Golden State Warriors’ 105-96 victory over the New York Knicks on December 15. He finished the game with 2,977 career-made 3-pointers. The Warriors and Knicks attempted a combined 82 3-pointers in that game, which Warriors head coach Steve Kerr noted was “a testament to Steph’s impact on the league.”

However, it’s not as if Curry alone has shaped the offensive strategy among NBA teams. There have been many coaches, including Rudy Tomjanovich and Stan Van Gundy, who have placed increased emphasis on 3-point shooting over the years. Mike D’Antoni might be the best example. His Houston Rockets took more than 45 percent of their field goals from 3-point range in 2016-17 and finished second in the league in total points scored. The Rockets took more than half of their shots from 3-point range the following season and ranked first offensively.

Another reason for the increase in 3-point attempts is that teams have finally figured out these shots provide more value than mid-range jumpers. From 1998 to 2018, teams averaged 1.16 points-per-shot on corner-3 attempts and 1.05 points-per-shot on above-the-break 3-point attempts. In contrast, they averaged only 0.79 points-per-shot on mid-range and in-the-paint attempts.

Some of the Most Unforgettable Super Bowl Moments

The Super Bowl is the biggest single event in the United States by a significant margin. It is also the most-watched event in the country, producing nine of out 10 most-watched broadcasts in the country, all having more than 100 million viewers each. For over 50 years, the event has served many Americans with plenty of memorable moments.

One of such moments occurred in the 2008 Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots as the Giants’ David Tyree produced a magnificent helmet catch to defeat the Patriots. The 16-0 Patriots were already on course to become the first team to complete an undefeated season since the Miami Dolphins in 1972, but the Giants, who had won 10 and lost six, had plans to spoil the party.

The Patriots were 1:15 away from winning the game and completing the season undefeated. However, the Giants Eli Manning and David Tyree produced an unforgettable moment to spoil the party. Manning somehow managed to escape the pressure from multiple Patriots defenders and launched the ball downfield to David Tyree, who produced one of the most iconic catches in the game’s history, catching the ball from 32 yards. With the ball slipping off his hands, he held on to it by pressing it against his helmet to score the crucial touchdown.

The Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 produced one of the most memorable moments in NFL history in another game featuring the New England Patriots, this time versus the Seattle Seahawks. With 20 seconds to play and a 28-24 lead, New England’s undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler produced one of the finest interceptions to deny the Seahawks right on the touchline. The interception ensured that the Patriots maintained their lead to clinch the title.

The Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was primarily to blame for Butler’s interception and the ensuing loss following a bad call he made as the Seahawks set up at the 1-yard line of the Patriots following a circus catch from Jermaine Kearse. Instead of handing the ball to “beast mode” Marshawn Lynch to make a game-winning score, Carroll opted for a pass from Wilson to wide receiver Ricardo Lockette which Butler picked off to seal the win for the Patriots.

Football is a heavy contact sport involving a lot of crucial tackles throughout games. However, one of the most memorable tackles was made by Rams Linebacker Mike Jones when he took down the Titans Wide receiver Kevin Dyson at the Rams 1-yard line in the Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000 when the St. Louis Rams lined up against the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans had shown their excellent fighting spirit by recovering from a 16-point deficit but were trailing again in the dying seconds of the third quarter and were trying to break the Rams defense to make a game-tying touchdown and take the game to overtime.

With six seconds to play, the Titans were at the Rams l0-yard line and lined up tight end Frank Wycheck in front of Kevin Dyson to distract Rams Mike Jones and allow Dyson to run freely and make an easy touchdown and take the game into overtime. However, Jones, who appeared to take the bait at first, stayed back at the last second to tackle Dyson to prevent a potential game-tying touchdown and ultimately secured the Rams their first Super Bowl title.

A Look at Some Effective Basketball Drills

The goal of professional basketball players and teams is to be among the best in the game, and it is achievable; however, not without practicing to develop the needed skills. Successful players and teams engage in routine exercises that help perfect fundamental basketball skills. These exercises are commonly known as drills in basketball. Drills are essential for all levels of basketball, from recreational to youth and professional. It helps players and teams master basic skills like ball passing, shooting, handling, speed, conditioning, dribbling, footwork, offensive rotation, and defensive movements.

One of the most common basketball drills is two-ball dribbling. This drill is especially beneficial to players who want to improve their ball-handling with both hands. Typically, basketball players dribble with their dominant hand, but with the two-ball dribbling, players can master the use of both hands.

There are different ways of performing two-ball dribbling. A player can simultaneously bounce the ball with both hands while going from one end of the court to another. Another method is by practicing uneven dribbles where one ball bounces higher than the other. No matter the type of two-ball dribbling, it is essential to keep the head up to master the different positions of the ball every time without looking at it.

Another effective basketball drill is full-speed shooting. It helps guards and small forwards who want to shoot better when changing from defense to offense or vice versa, especially when getting exhausted. Players can perform full-speed shooting by practicing shooting around the top of the key (the area in front of the three-point line, past the free throw line). It helps players envisage the ball entering the basket when shooting.

Full speed shooting helps players improve shooting when in motion and the right amount of energy required to shoot when fatigue begins to set in. To practice this drill, run from half-court to anywhere at full speed and shoot the ball. It can be repeated many times alongside techniques like dribble pull up or stop-and-pop.

The George Mikan drill is another top drill performed by players. This drill was named after NBA legend, George Mikan. It helps centers and power forwards improve their layup footwork and scoring with either hand when they are close to the basket. The Mikan drill is practiced by standing on one foot and holding the ball above the shoulders and every other close-up layup. Then, go back and forth from each side of the basket while keeping the ball high to protect it from defenders at the same time.

Further, the three-man weave is common among basketball players and coaches alike. The effectiveness of this exercise has been proven over a long period. It teaches players footwork, passing, conditioning, and other fundamental basketball skills. Additionally, it helps teams master synchronized movements on the court. The primary goal of the three-man weave drill is to get the ball over to the opponent’s side as quickly as possible without bouncing the ball. Moving the ball to the opposition’s half is faster with this method since passing is usually quicker than dribbling when trying to go past an opponent.

Teams perform this drill by lining up three players at the end of the court with one player in the middle. The middle player passes the ball to a receiver and runs behind that person. Repeat the process to the other end of the court. At that point, the player closest to the basket attempts a layup.

Some of the Best American High School Basketball Players of All Time

When ranking top high school basketball players of all time, there are some factors to consider. Many dominant players in high school do not eventually begin a professional career. As a result, the players reviewed below include players that excelled in high school and subsequently went on to play in the NBA.

The first player is Jason Kidd from St. Joseph Notre Dame, California. Kidd, at the height of 6 ft 5, thrilled the audience. His basketball acumen, strategy, and team spirit may have contributed to his overall success. At St. Joseph Notre Dame, Kidd won back-to-back state titles in 1991 and 1992.

During his high school years, Kidd was elected California Player of the Year twice and the Naismith Player of the Year( in 1992), making him the best player in the country at the time. Kidd is still the all-time national high school steals leader. Jason Kidd announced his retirement from the NBA on Monday, June 3, 2013, following a 19-year career, and has become a successful basketball coach.

Another is Bill Walton from Helix High, California. Bill Walton’s high school season was remarkable for the number of games he played. Walton was a strong shooter from the paint and an even better rebounder as a center. Walton concluded the season with 29 points and 25 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 78 percent from the field as a senior. Thanks to Bill Walton, Helix went unbeaten that year, going 33-0 and winning the state title.

In high school, Walton was a strong force, finishing with a 49-game winning run and two state championships. Even though Walton’s career was shortened by injury, the things he did at Helix are still spoken about today.

Oscar Robertson is another high school basketball legend. With his help, Crispus Attucks High School, Indianapolis, Indiana, made national history in 1955. Attucks became the first all-Black high school to win a state championship in 1955 and 1956. After averaging 24 points per game as a senior, Robertson was voted Mr. Basketball in Indiana.

His 45-game winning run and spectacular high school career came to an end with his second championship with the Attucks. Robertson, also known as The Big O, is the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double during his career.

Another high school basketball legend is Kevin Garnett from Farragut Academy, Chicago, Illinois, was the first youngster in 20 years to declare for the NBA draft directly after high school. And he went on to inspire a slew of other young players to follow in his footsteps. Garnett averaged 27 points and 17 rebounds per game in his final two years of high school, receiving South Carolina’s Mr. Basketball honor and leading his team to the state championship game while attending Mauldin High School.

Garnett was also named Mr. Basketball in Illinois and USA Today’s National Player of the Year, averaging 25 points, 17.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 6.5 blocks per game. In addition, he was chosen No. Five overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves after being voted the McDonald’s All-American Game’s Most Outstanding Player.

NBA Players That Were Spotted in Varsity Basketball

A Charlotte, North Carolina resident, Luke Stankavage is currently a student at the Ardrey Kell High School. Luke Stankavage has a 4.4 GPA and plays basketball in the varsity team of the high school.

Varsity basketball is a place full of opportunities for students with tremendous talent in the sport. There were many players over the years that received offers from big teams in the NBA. Tyson Chandler is a basketball player that was spotted in varsity basketball and was one of the most sought players of his generation. Tyson Chandler was acquired by the Chicago Bulls who at the time wanted to create a young and talented team that could challenge for the title in a few years.

Josh Smith is another player that received huge offers from NBA teams while he was still playing varsity basketball. Josh Smith was a part of the Oak Hill Academy’s team when the team made 38 consecutive wins in the National High School Championship and went undefeated for an entire season. Josh Smith was acquired after that by the Atlanta Hawks and played for them for eight straight years.

Basketball at South Kent School – Preparing Players for the Next Level

Luke Stankavage is an accomplished basketball player who starred for Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he ranks second all-time in career scoring. Luke Stankavage shot 47 percent from the field during the 2019-20 season and averaged 20.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He played on the varsity team at South Kent School during the 2020-21 season.

The basketball program at South Kent has produced over 60 NCAA Division I players and more than a dozen players who have gone on to play in the NBA or other professional leagues. Dorell Wright, a graduate of South Kent in 2004, was the first of 10 alumni to play in the NBA. He was selected by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft and played 549 games through 11 seasons. He averaged 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game and won a championship with the Heat in 2006.

Jack McLinton, a teammate of Wright on the ’04 South Kent team, played at the University of Miami and was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft. Other South Kent alumni selected in the NBA Draft include Isaiah Thomas, Maurice Harkless, and Tremont Waters. Elijah Hughs was chosen by the New York Knicks in the 2020 NBA Draft.

South Kent alumni have also played in the Japan Basketball League and Chinese Basketball Association. Jermaine Middleton, another ’04 graduate, played for the Harlem Globetrotters. At the college level, South Kent alumni have played for schools such as Seton Hall University, Boston University, Syracuse University, and the University of Louisville. Four players from the Class of 2021 were recruited to play at NCAA Division I programs.

Patrick Cantlay Wins TOUR Championship and $15 Million Prize

Ardrey Kell High School alumnus Luke Stankavage achieved a 4.4 GPA and 1,390 SAT score and was a member of the school’s Student-Athlete Leadership Council. A member of its varsity basketball team, he averaged 20.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game during the 2019-20 season. Luke Stankavage also enjoys playing and watching golf in his free time.

Patrick Cantlay scored the biggest victory of his career on September 5 as he won the PGA TOUR Championship and secured the FedEx Cup. He also won $15 million in prize money. Cantlay, who had also won the BMW Championship the week prior, finished the TOUR Championship at 21-under-par. World No. 1 Jon Rahm finished one stroke behind at 20-under-par and received $5 million in prize money.

Cantlay held on to that one-stroke lead on the par-5 18th hole in part due to an impressive 6-iron shot he placed within 12 feet of the pin from 218 yards away. He secured the victory with a birdie on the final hole. Kevin Na, Justin Thomas, and Xander Schauffele rounded out the top five.

A 29-year-old native of California, Cantlay was sidelined for nearly three years due to a back injury but cemented his status as one of the top players on the PGA TOUR this season. He won four tournaments, while no other player won more than two.

James Conrad Makes the Greatest Shot in History of Disc Golf

Ardrey Kell High School senior Luke Stankavage belongs to the National Honor Society and the Student-Athlete Leadership Council. He also plays the point guard position on the school’s men’s basketball varsity team, the AK Knights. When not busy with school, Luke Stankavage plays Frisbee golf.

Frisbee golf, also known as disc golf, is one of the fastest-growing sport in the world. Its popularity was evident in the Pro Disc Golf Association’s (PDG) June 2021 World Championships held in Ogden, Utah. Over the 5-day event, 288 competitors vied for the crown in two venues that complement the level of the game’s difficulty. The Mulligans had sand and water obstacles that prevent opportunities for participants to finish with a birdie. On the other hand, Fort Buenaventura’s vegetation poses more challenges.

The excitement of the World Championship came just before the playoffs. Five-time world champion Paul McBeth entered the tournament as the favorite. James Conrad, who ranked 10th, drilled a shot from 247 feet for a birdie. Considered the “greatest shot in the history of disc golf,” Conrad forced a playoff event with McBeth. Conrad became the eventual winner and improved his rank to sixth.