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Relentless on the Court: How Lasir Prince Ford Combines Training, Mentorship, and Leadership to Rise Above the Competition

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Lasir Prince Ford is an emerging basketball standout who plays point guard for Posterboy Skills Academy in Apple Valley, California. He continues to sharpen his game through intense training sessions at Integrity Basketball Academy in Hesperia, where his focus, discipline, and work ethic set him apart from other young athletes. Beyond his academy training, Lasir also puts in one-on-one sessions with his AAU coach, Mr. Mike Bobby, who has been instrumental in his growth as both a player and a leader. With a combination of natural skill, relentless determination, and the guidance of trusted mentors, Lasir has developed into a point guard who commands the court with confidence. His dedication to the game, both physically and mentally, reflects his drive to compete at the highest level and push himself toward greatness.

What AAU team do you play for, and what position do you usually play?
Posterboy Skills Academy, point guard.

How did you first get involved with AAU basketball, and what drew you to it?
I started training at 7.5 years old and started to play park and rec at 8 years old. I scored 50 points, and my parents decided to put me in AAU for better competition.

What’s been your favorite tournament or city to compete in so far?
Grassroots Circuit, Orange County, CA.

Describe a standout moment or game during your AAU career that you’ll never forget.
Going against a highly ranked team in Las Vegas this year and being the youngest kid on the floor. I scored 34 points in that game.

How do you mentally and physically prepare for long tournament weekends?
I train a lot with Integrity Basketball Academy and Posterboy Skills Academy. This prepares me to have a lot of confidence and focus to deal with long tournament weekends.

What’s your pregame routine when you’re traveling for an AAU event?
I listen to a lot of Kobe Bryant interviews and clips to get me in that mode. They help me focus and lock in before games.

What role do you play on your AAU team—scorer, leader, defender, spark plug?
I’m all of the above with all the work I put in. I’m the top scorer, the leader of my team, one of the best defenders, and my energy is unmatched.

Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve faced on the AAU circuit and what made them tough?
I’d say on the Grassroots Circuit. I can’t remember their team name, but they had a complete team top to bottom, which made me train even harder.

How has AAU basketball helped you grow as a player and as a person?
AAU has helped my development a lot. It pushed me to train harder, focus more, and be more prepared than ever. As a person, it helped me focus more on details in school, learn how to be a team player, and strategize and plan better. I also learned that consistency is key and that dedication and commitment mixed with passion and hunger will get me to the next level.

What’s the most challenging part about playing on the road so often?
I love playing on the road. You meet new people, different teams, and different players, which makes me compete even harder.

Do you have a favorite gym, city, or showcase event you’ve played in? Why?
My favorite gym is Integrity Basketball Academy. I also like playing in the 24/7 tournaments showcase in Orange County because they give out MVPs of the game, and I win a lot of them.

What kind of impact has your AAU coach had on your development?
The impact Coach Bobby from Posterboy Skills Academy has on my development is everything. He helps train me, gives me a ton of advice, and puts me in the best position to excel into the best version of me.

How do you handle pressure when college coaches or scouts are watching?
I was taught pressure does not exist. It’s all mental as long as you’re prepared, focused, and confident. As long as you put in the work, make or miss a shot, the next day you still have to put the work in regardless, so why worry?

What’s your mindset when you’re coming off the bench vs. starting a game?
I’m always in kill mode no matter the situation. I’m not training every day to be good, I train to dominate everybody.

What are your goals for this AAU season—personally and as a team?
My AAU goals this season are to make my teammates better and give them the confidence they need. That will make us a better team overall.

What’s one area of your game you’re locked in on improving right now?
Making my teammates better. That is something I want to focus on consistently.

Do you model your game after any pro or college players? Who and why?
Yes, Kobe Bean Bryant. The work he put in, the dedication he had, and the killer instinct he carried inspire me.

What’s your go-to move or skill that sets you apart on the court?
My dribbling ability, speed, court vision, and shooting. These make me stand out against opponents.

What advice would you give a young player just starting their AAU journey?
Train hard, put in the work, and get better every day. That is the key to success.

Have you earned any championships, awards, or honors?
Since I’ve been playing AAU for a year now, I have won 11 championships. I also earned multiple MVP awards and team MVP awards every season.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

We Speak AAU Basketball

Fueled by Ambition: Randy ‘RJ’ Ratliffe Jr.’s Quest for Excellence

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Randy “RJ” Ratliffe Jr. is a fierce and determined point guard who brings leadership and heart to every game he plays. Representing Team Mamba, Fayetteville Stars, and Kings, RJ has built a reputation as a competitive and aggressive player who thrives under pressure. While he also excels in soccer and football, it’s basketball that holds his deepest passion and love. From an early age, guided by his parents’ support and coaching, he has developed a commitment to the game that fuels his drive both on and off the court. As a young athlete balancing multiple teams and responsibilities, RJ’s focus on growth, teamwork, and resilience sets him apart as a rising star to watch.

What first got you into basketball, and how old were you when you started playing?
My parents got me interested, and I started playing at 4 years old.

What’s your favorite part about the game of basketball?
My favorite part is making a comeback.

How would you describe your playing style?
I would describe my playing style as competitive and aggressive.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about that role on the court?
I play point guard, and I enjoy being a leader.

Who is your biggest basketball influence or role model?
My biggest basketball influences are my parents.

What has been your most memorable moment on the court so far?
My most memorable moment was when I won my 8U Parks and Recreation championship with both my parents coaching me.

How do you prepare mentally and physically before a game?
I pray, stretch, and go over my strengths and weaknesses with my parents.

What’s one skill or part of your game you’ve worked hardest to improve?
I have worked hardest to improve my left hand.

What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced as a basketball player, and how did you overcome it?
My toughest challenge was playing with older kids. I overcame it by realizing that I am just as talented as they are.

How do you handle pressure in close games or big moments?
I handle pressure by praying.

What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
Leadership is very important and a big responsibility. I lead my team by encouraging my teammates.

How do you stay motivated during practices or when the season gets tough?
I stay motivated by focusing on my personal goals.

Do you have any pregame rituals, routines, or superstitions?
Yes, I pray, stretch, and kick it with my dad before games.

How important is team chemistry, and how do you help build it?
Team chemistry is super important. I help build it by trusting my teammates, passing the ball, and treating them with respect on and off the court.

What’s one lesson basketball has taught you that applies to life off the court?
Basketball has taught me that sometimes life is not fair; sometimes you lose, and sometimes you win.

What are your goals this season, both individually and as a team?
Individually, I want to improve my left hand and work hard. As a team, I want us to work together to win as many games as possible.

How do you balance academics, personal life, and basketball responsibilities?
I have a very strict routine enforced by my mom.

What’s your favorite part about being part of a team?
My favorite part is meeting new people and making friends.

If you could play one-on-one with any player, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would play one-on-one with Kobe Bryant because I can learn a lot from him as a point guard.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years with basketball?
I see myself as an outstanding middle school phenom.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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