How We Scout Athletes
At AZNextGenSports, our scouting process is rooted in uncovering the full potential of each athlete we feature. We focus not only on their physical abilities but also on their personal attributes that can make a difference on and off the field. Here’s how we do it:
- Performance Analysis
- We attend games, tournaments, and showcases to observe athletes in real-time, assessing their skills, techniques, and overall performance.
- We evaluate athletes’ game IQ, decision-making under pressure, and their ability to adapt to various scenarios.
- Highlight Reel Review
- For athletes we cannot scout in person, we analyze game film and highlight reels, breaking down key plays and identifying standout moments.
- Character and Leadership Assessment
- Through interviews and discussions, we learn about the athlete’s character, leadership skills, and commitment to their team.
- We speak with coaches, teammates, and sometimes family members to understand the athlete’s work ethic and attitude.
- Comprehensive Reports
- We create detailed scouting reports that include strengths, areas for improvement, and comparisons to peers in the same position or sport.
- Reports also highlight intangible qualities such as teamwork, communication, and coachability.
- Exposure Opportunities
- We share these reports with coaches and recruiters, helping athletes gain visibility.
- By highlighting athletes across platforms, we ensure their talents are seen by the right people.
Why Scouting Matters for Coaches
Scouting plays a critical role in the recruiting process for coaches and programs. Here’s why:
- Finding the Right Fit
- Coaches need players who not only excel in their sport but also align with the team’s culture and values. Scouting provides insight into both the player’s skills and personality, ensuring a better fit.
- Maximizing Resources
- With limited recruiting budgets, accurate scouting saves time and resources by narrowing down the pool to athletes who meet specific needs.
- Minimizing Risk
- Scouting reduces uncertainty by providing a well-rounded view of an athlete. It helps coaches avoid investing in players who might not meet expectations on or off the field.
- Identifying Hidden Gems
- Some talented athletes may not have the exposure they deserve. Scouting helps uncover these “hidden gems,” giving coaches access to a broader range of recruits.
- Building Stronger Teams
- By recruiting athletes who are not only skilled but also disciplined and team-oriented, coaches can create cohesive units that perform better together.
Through our scouting efforts, we aim to support both athletes and coaches in making informed decisions that lead to success on the field and beyond. Let’s build winning teams together!
Coach Fish: (Sr. Editor, Scout)
Mentor to Aspiring Athletes
With nearly 15 years of experience in the recruiting and scouting industry, Coach Fish has played a pivotal role in helping college athletes transition to the professional ranks in football and basketball. His dedication to the development of young athletes is unmatched, fueled by a passion for guiding them toward their next level of success—whether on the field, court, or in life.
Coach Fish’s expertise stems from training under some of the industry’s top scouts, where he honed his skills in evaluating talent and identifying potential. His commitment to continued learning ensures that he stays at the forefront of the ever-evolving sports landscape, enabling him to provide valuable insights to athletes and coaches alike.
Beyond scouting, Coach Fish also serves as a coach for soccer and basketball, using his platform to emphasize the importance of academic achievement and holistic development. He firmly believes that good grades and strong character are just as vital as athletic ability when preparing athletes for long-term success.
Coach Fish’s approachable nature and genuine care for the youth make him a trusted mentor, motivator, and advocate. His ultimate goal is to inspire athletes to work hard, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential both in sports and beyond.
Coach Kelii (Scouting Director/ Contributor)
A Leader in Athletic Development and Scouting
Kelii is a dedicated and passionate coach with a deep commitment to helping high school athletes achieve their dreams of playing at the collegiate level. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Kelii moved to the West Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, in 2002. With over a decade of experience in coaching and scouting, he has become a trusted advocate for young athletes, combining his extensive knowledge of the game with a strong focus on player development.
Kelii’s coaching journey began in 2017 with the girls’ high school basketball program at Shadow Ridge High School (AZ). In 2018, he expanded his horizons by relocating to Southern California to coach at Yorba Linda High School. This opportunity opened doors to an internship with UCLA Women’s Basketball, where he gained invaluable experience at the collegiate level. He then joined Mater Dei High School, a powerhouse program known for its excellence in athletics.
After taking a year off from coaching, Kelii broadened his expertise by working with E3 Hoops Analytics LLC and the International Sports Academy from April 2020 to August 2021. These roles further honed his analytical skills and deepened his understanding of athlete performance metrics. His expertise led him to a coaching position with the University of Valley Forge men’s basketball program in Pennsylvania, where he contributed to developing student-athletes at the collegiate level.
Most recently, Kelii served as the assistance coach of the Dream City Christian Girls National Team in Arizona from July 2022 to February 2023. His ability to mentor athletes and foster a winning mindset has made him a sought-after coach and leader in the basketball community.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Kelii brings extensive scouting experience to the table. Over the years, he has meticulously evaluated athletes’ potential, both on and off the court. His scouting reports emphasize a well-rounded perspective, providing invaluable insights into players’ skills, game IQ, and character. Coaches rely on his expertise to identify talent and build cohesive, high-performing teams.
Outside of sports, Kelii serves as a Behavior Specialist, providing direct, intensive, short-term behavioral intervention support for students facing significant challenges. He also supports staff by modeling effective, student-specific behavior strategies to guide students through moments of crisis.
Kelii’s dedication to empowering athletes and his profound understanding of the scouting and coaching process make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to take their game to the next level.
Coach Val: (Education Specialist, Contributor)
Guiding Student-Athletes to Academic and Athletic Success
Coach Val is an Education Specialist with a passion for helping student-athletes find the schools that best fit their unique needs and aspirations. She believes that every student’s journey is different and that success lies in finding the right balance between academics, athletics, and personal growth.
With extensive experience working with youth and a deep understanding of the educational system, Coach Val is a trusted advocate for student-athletes and their families. Drawing from her background as both an educator, she has a unique ability to connect with students, understand their goals, and guide them through the often overwhelming process of choosing the right school.
Coach Val’s approach focuses on more than just athletic opportunities; she ensures that each student-athlete considers the academic rigor, campus culture, and support systems of prospective schools. Her personalized guidance helps student-athletes navigate scholarships, admissions, and eligibility requirements, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
By combining her educational expertise with her passion for sports, Coach Val is committed to setting student-athletes on a path to success both in the classroom and on the field.