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Joyce Ekworomadu

DIRECTOR, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS

Joyce attended Texas State University where she averaged 18.9 points a game, was Southland Conference Player of The Year, led the team to the school’s first ever Conference Championship, became the 5th player in Texas state history to record over 1500 points and 600 rebounds, became the 1st player in the Southland Conference to sign a WNBA contract and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. Post college, she played in the WNBA, Poland, Italy, the National Nigerian Basketball Team and is the 12th female of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. She has traveled to over 40 countries playing the game of basketball. As the Director of Basketball Operations and Account Manager at Ballogy, she blends her extensive experience in basketball with a deep commitment to operating and constructing player development curriculum. With a focus on strategic planning and execution, she contributes to the continuous enhancement of Ballogy’s training programs and user experience. In her role as an Account Manager, she cultivates lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their success by tailoring solutions to their unique needs. Joyce is dedicated to shaping the future of basketball through innovative technology and collaborative leadership at Ballogy.

by Joyce Ekworomadu on Oct 29, 2024

In Texas high school basketball, few names carry the weight of Coach Brion Raven, head coach at South Grand Prairie High School. His journey from NBA aspirations to coaching young athletes is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community.

The Journey to High School Coaching

After graduating from Texas A&M, Raven’s path seemed destined for the NBA, with internships at the Charlotte Bobcats and Philadelphia 76ers. But when his father fell ill, he shifted his focus to stay closer to family, eventually coaching women’s basketball at UTA. His high school coaching career began shortly after, and he hasn’t looked back.

“High school coaching allows me to stay local and have a deeper connection to the community,” Raven shared.

A Winning Culture

Now in his seventh year at South Grand Prairie, Raven has built a powerhouse, reaching the state tournament three times in the last four years. His team this season is led by Taylor Barnes, ranked 70th nationally by ESPN HoopGurlz, and a core group of seniors Raven expects to shine.

“We lost a big senior group, but Taylor Barnes and the other seniors have stepped up,” Raven said.

Adaptability on the Court

Raven’s ability to adapt his coaching style is key to his success. “In high school, you don’t get to recruit your players. You have to play to your team’s strengths,” he explained. Over the years, his teams have played everything from fast-paced, full-court games to inside-out strategies depending on the talent available.

“I stay up-to-date by watching NBA, WNBA, and international basketball, where ball movement and teamwork are key,” Raven shared.

Challenges Beyond Basketball

While coaching comes with its ups and downs, Raven emphasized that the toughest challenges are often off the court. “Helping players deal with family issues or personal struggles is the hardest part, but it’s also the most rewarding,” he reflected.

From 15 Losses to Regional Finals

One defining moment came during Raven’s first season at South Grand Prairie, where his team, mostly sophomores, lost 15 games. Despite the tough season, they made a surprise run to the regional finals. “That group grew so much, and by their senior year, they were the first team I took to state.”

Looking Ahead

With a record of 179 wins and just 39 losses, Raven’s impact is undeniable. As he prepares for another season, his focus remains on helping his players grow on and off the court.

“We’ve got a great group this year, and I think we’ll be in the mix for the state tournament again,” Raven said confidently.