The highly anticipated June Ball Scholastic Off-Season has officially tipped off—bringing with it an exciting wave of opportunities for high school student-athletes to shine. This stretch of the calendar is more than just off-season basketball; it’s a platform for rising talent to compete, develop, and get noticed while proudly representing their schools.
This year, the spotlight is even brighter. Compared to years past, the level of commitment from scouts and evaluators has reached new heights. I, George Courtney, along with a respected team of seasoned evaluators— Chad Groth, Lew Roberts, Cedric Cobb, Gregg Rosenberg, Anthony Ray, Sam Cullen, Paul Suber, Christian Kolesar, Leo Scott, John Millyard, Pete Bernardo, and Vince Lombardi—have been working tirelessly to identify and promote the next wave of standout athletes.
Together, we’re championing student-athletes and ensuring they get the recognition they deserve. The June Ball off-season isn’t just about competition—it’s about opening doors, building futures, and spotlighting the stars of tomorrow.
June Ball launched with a strong start on the women’s side, featuring two standout events that set the tone for the season: the GC3 Hoops Starcade Shootout and the Area Codes Basketball “Remember My Name” College Prospect Showcase. These premier scholastic showcases drew impressive turnouts from college coaches, as well as regional and national scouting professionals—highlighting just how much attention is being placed on girls’ basketball talent this summer.
For parents and student-athletes, it’s crucial to recognize the value of participating in high-visibility events like these. Exposure to the right eyes—credible college recruiters, respected evaluators, and seasoned scouts—can significantly elevate an athlete’s profile. Increased awareness often translates directly into more opportunities: scholarship offers, recruiting interest, and future playing possibilities at the collegiate level.
The message is clear—June Ball isn’t just about games; it’s about gaining meaningful exposure, building your brand as a student-athlete, and taking that next big step toward your future in the game.
Chad Groth is a highly respected figure in the basketball community, known for his deep-rooted experience and unwavering commitment to identifying and promoting talent at all levels of the game. As the founder and driving force behind Area Codes Basketball, Groth has built a nationally recognized platform that helps student-athletes gain meaningful exposure and opportunities through elite showcases, scouting services, and player development.
Before becoming a nationally trusted scout and event organizer, Groth built a strong foundation in the game through years of hands-on experience. His basketball journey includes time as a front office executive with the Harlem Globetrotters, and a long-time talent evaluator with deep connections across the collegiate and professional levels. His ability to spot under-the-radar talent and help athletes navigate the recruitment process has made him a go-to resource for college coaches and recruiters across the country.
With over two decades of involvement in grassroots and scholastic basketball, Groth has been instrumental in the rise of countless players who have gone on to play at the NCAA and professional levels. His events, are known for drawing top-tier talent and serious attention from recruiters.
More than just a scout, Chad Groth is a mentor, connector, and advocate for student-athletes looking to elevate their game and maximize their potential—on and off the court.
Lew Roberts, the founder and director of Big City Hoops, is a well-established name in grassroots and scholastic basketball circles. With decades of experience in scouting, player development, and event coordination, Roberts has earned a reputation as a trusted evaluator and influential voice in the high school basketball community—particularly across the Western United States.
Roberts’ basketball journey began at the grassroots level, where his passion for the game evolved into a mission to create opportunities for young athletes to be seen and recruited. Through Big City Hoops, he has built a respected platform that hosts high-level showcases, tournaments, and exposure events designed to spotlight emerging talent from overlooked areas. His eye for talent and dedication to student-athlete success have made him a reliable resource for college coaches seeking legitimate prospects who are ready to compete at the next level.
In addition to organizing marquee events that attract regional and national scouts, Roberts is known for his in-depth player evaluations and strong relationships with AAU programs, high school coaches, and recruiters. His ability to connect athletes with the right programs—and provide honest, insightful feedback—has helped countless players take their game beyond the high school level.
Whether he’s in the gym scouting a hidden gem or advising a parent on the recruiting process, Lew Roberts continues to be a driving force behind Big City Hoops’ mission: to empower student-athletes through exposure, education, and opportunities that open doors on and off the court.
Vincent J. Lombardi, founder of SOAZHoopsReview, is a respected basketball scout, evaluator, and advocate for student-athletes throughout Southern Arizona and beyond. With a sharp eye for talent and a genuine passion for helping players succeed, Lombardi has carved out a strong reputation as one of the region’s most trusted voices in scholastic basketball.
Lombardi’s involvement in the game spans multiple decades, and his experience is rooted in both coaching and talent evaluation. Through SOAZHoopsReview, he has created a powerful platform dedicated to covering high school basketball prospects, providing exposure for players across Southern Arizona who may otherwise go unnoticed on the national stage. His commitment to uncovering hidden gems and bringing attention to emerging talent has earned him the respect of high school coaches, club programs, and college recruiters alike.
What sets Vincent apart is not just his basketball knowledge, but his personal investment in the success of the athletes he covers. He attends countless games, tournaments, and showcases each season, offering detailed scouting reports, rankings, and insights that college coaches rely on when identifying potential recruits. His work has directly contributed to student-athletes earning scholarship opportunities and invitations to higher-level events.
As the voice behind SOAZHoopsReview, Vincent J. Lombardi continues to elevate the profile of Southern Arizona basketball, serving as a connector between players and programs while championing the future of the game—one athlete at a time.
George Courtney, founder of GC3 Hoops, is a highly respected figure in the grassroots basketball community, known for his dedication to player development, exposure, and advocacy for student-athletes. With years of experience as a coach, scout, and event organizer, Courtney has built GC3 Hoops into a recognized brand that supports high school athletes through elite-level showcases, training, and recruiting guidance.
Courtney’s basketball roots run deep across the West Coast, where he has become a trusted mentor and resource for players, parents, and coaches. His passion for the game is reflected in the hands-on approach he takes—whether organizing high-profile events, providing honest player evaluations, or helping athletes navigate the often complex recruiting process.
What sets George apart is his ability to connect talent with opportunity. His events consistently attract top-tier prospects and draw attention from college coaches and national scouts looking for the next wave of standout players. Through GC3 Hoops, Courtney has helped dozens of athletes earn scholarships and take the next step in their basketball journeys.
Driven by a mission to empower and elevate student-athletes, George Courtney continues to be a leading voice in women’s basketball, ensuring that deserving players get the exposure and support they need to succeed—on and off the court.
Student-athletes and parents—it’s important to understand that not all exposure is created equal. Simply being seen isn’t enough; being seen by the right people at the right events can make all the difference in a recruiting journey. Don’t let valuable opportunities slip through the cracks.
For those looking to stand out, especially top performers looking to gain recognition, make sure you’re tapping into trusted evaluation platforms. The GC3 Hoops Report continues to highlight Arizona’s top female prospects with in-depth analysis and recruiting insights.
To view the latest rankings, scouting reports, and updates on standout players across the state, be sure to visit: Prep Girls Hoops Arizona
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay visible.
