Kendal Valree '21 Recruiting Profile

I am 6’0 and weigh 220lbs. Most people look at me and think I play football. I have always stood taller than bigger and stronger than my team mates. I didn’t know who Charles Barkley was at 8 yrs old. My Coach and others would say I played like him. If I could play like anyone it would be LeBron James because I love the way he plays and looks at the game, physically and mentally. But I also like his versatility. Also, his community service. Over the past six years, my height and physical stature has been a blessing and a curse.  I’m pretty muscular for a 17 year old. I’m stronger then most of my team mates. It gives me an advantage defensively; a curse because I’m perceived as only a defensive player. I’ve played baseball, soccer and football but my love has always been basketball. I’ve played the game since I was like four years old. I've been a member of my AAU team the Antelope Valley Runnin’ Rebels since I was eight years old. I’ve played and can play all five positions. I am most proud of my versatility. I’ve learned that being an all-around player has its benefits. My Coach can put me at point, shooting, center, small or power forward at any time. It matters not whether I’m on defense or offense, I will always produce results. When thinking about what things or people that have influenced my life all things begin with my mother. She enrolled me with Lancaster Rec and Parks, YMCA and my travel team. She took me to all my practices and attends all my games. My mom, my sisters and I have been through a lot these past four years. My dad remarried and relocated. Our contact is limited to his infrequent calls.  After my dad left I was saddened . My mom allowed me to grieve. She was patient with me even when I didn't make it easy on her. I'm happy that she never gave up on me. My mom is an extraordinary person. She by far has been the greatest influence on my life. She's the kind of person who engages me in what she prefers to call open dialogue. We can talk about anything and everything. We laugh all the time. She's my strength and my heart. She is the kind of mom that will commute 300+ miles just to attend my game, she's taught me the importance of public service and demonstrates why she is loved and respected as a community leader. Growing up with such a strong role model, I've learned from her example that one's passion and enthusiasm translates into a greater love and appreciation for that thing you love. For me, its my love of basketball. I believe my commitment and dedication will increase my chance of succeeding.  I have learned from my own experience that where there's sadness and disappointment there's also a chance for happiness. Every day that I live, I have a chance to make that new day better than the day before. Where there is failure, success isn't far behind. Success isn't found by avoiding failure. It is found by embracing it, learning from it and enthusiastically moving forward. In August, I began my Senior year at Highland High School in Palmdale, CA. I had hoped to play varsity that was not to be. Nonetheless, I have been blessed to still play the game. l have been recruited to play for WestCoast Elite, Central High 18u Varsity Team. This summer I’ll also have an opportunity to play in the International World Games world games in Germany, Italy and Australia. I love playing defense, rebounding, assisting, stealing the ball and protecting the rim. I wouldn’t object to playing the #2 position more consistently. Last year, I grew half an inch. I still wear a size 15 shoe. As I began to grow and develop into my physique. I guess it was a natural progression for my AAU Coach to move me from shooting guard to power forward.  I hate losing. I’m the most competitive player on my team and amongst my friends. I'm not afraid of using all five fouls and getting the occasional tech if it brings us the win. Coach relies on me to set the tone. He calls me the floor general. On the court, my athletic duties include defending the rim and rebounding. I'm also responsible for communicating, knowing my team mate’s strengths and weaknesses, knowing who cannot take the shot vs who can make the shot; knowing who will make a turnover, knowing when to pass the ball and to whom to pass the ball to. I've got to stay alert, that means playing smart, remaining in control and not letting stuff get in my head. Personally, I have to put in work to improve my game. When it comes to the game of basketball, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to better myself or to help my team secure the win. Last year I Captain of my JV team. We were undefeated in the Golden League. My last game I played both sides of the floor and my stat sheet reflected my work 18 pts., 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and a single steal. My academic goal is to secure my degree in Health Science. I would love to play in the NBA. That’s my dream. I look forward to a career in Sports Medicine. I know that playing college basketball, even making it to the NBA is a dream right now, but it’s my dream. I am committed to seeing it become a reality. So many people have told me to let it go, they point out the stats and the impossibilities. Playing basketball in college is my goal and nothing and no one will stop me. Right now, my energies are focused on playing my absolute best game at the upcoming League of Legends in Phoenix, Az. It took a lot for my mom to send me to North Carolina to the Jay Bilas camp and its definitely helped and inspired me to step up my game. My prospect evaluation was good but there were noted areas of improvement. I was able to participate in Barry Universities virtual game over the summer. I received a decent player evaluation. On June 17th, I depart for Italy to compete in International World Games with Tim Ryerson's organization, Student  World Athlete. I will represent Team USA. make the team and secure a chance to play International talent. Right now, I’m pretty focused on my grades, submitting college applications and preparing for my basketball season with West Coast Elite.