The Open Gym All-Stars

The 1980s and 90s were a flourishing time for basketball in the Port Huron area. Many of the premier players benefited from the wonderful work done at the James R. Leonard Center (The Center) led by Mr. Jim Jones.  The lives of so many young people were positively impacted by the programming that took place.  Now as adults, the Alumni are boldly stepping into the footsteps of their mentor, Mr. Jones, to revitalize the infamous legacy of “The Center”. By uniting around these leaders not only can we generate a resurgence of basketball excellence but also become a community known for distinguished community youth development.

Let us introduce you to the Open Gym All-Stars; Andrew TJ Diggins, Ashlee White, Clifford Thomason, Dwayne Kidd, Rodney Glassnor, and Tyrone Burrell. The Open Gym Project will build a community of support around these programs to help students enhance their athletic as well as their social, mental, and spiritual ability We want participants to look beyond playgrounds and gyms and say to themselves “The World is Our Open Gym.”

Andrew TJ Diggins a graduate of Port Huron High School attended both Ferris State University and Tennessee State University earning a Bachelors and Masters Degrees respectively.  Andrew is a Physical Education Teacher at Detroit Pershing High School.  Coach Diggins has committed his life to the development of young people.  T J has modeled his career after his mentor, Jim Jones.  In 2013 he made a commitment to once again make Port Huron a center of basketball excellence and youth development as his mentor Mr. Jones had done.  He is also the co-founder of the Matrix Center Summer league in Detroit, MI and is also a Site Coordinator for Detroit PAL (Police Athletic League).

Ashlee White leads the Port Huron Basketball Academy, an organization that provides leadership and mentoring through basketball. Coach White emphatically states, “We pride ourselves in turning youngsters dreams into realities.” The Port Huron Basketball Academy has established itself as an elite training program for children who strive to reach their highest potential on and off the basketball court. Port Huron Basketball Academy is renowned for its high level of quality coaching, knowledge of the game, intensity, preparation, and discipline.  In today’s society, children need the surroundings of good mentors and caring individuals that uplift our youth into adulthood.  #wheretheyouthmatters

Clifford Thomason has a rich history in basketball.  After high school in 1988 he received a full ride scholarship to Jordan College and another in 1990 to Northern Colorado.  After 20 years of Coaching Clifford decide to take his coaching to another level and started the Ballers Elite program under the Athletic Factory Corporation.  He wanted to develop a program that would give athletes the opportunity to enhance their skill level, increase their basketball knowledge, and help them gain experience and exposure by traveling in-state and out of state to play other AAU basketball teams.  Ballers Elite also has a 1-on-1 Skills Training Program to enhance a player’s offensive ability.  The model of the program is WE TURN PLAYERS INTO BALLERS!!

Dwayne Kidd has a strong history of working with young people.  He was once the head Football Coach of Hollands Woods Middle School.  He started working to develop Port Huron’s basketball talent when he founded Rim Wreckaz 10 years ago.  Since that time Dwayne has sponsored the Port Huron Kings which has now transitioned into the Michigan Street Kingz.   The program strives to help kids who cannot afford the higher priced travel teams.  Coach Kidd prides himself on developing a family atmosphere.  While basketball is a central theme Dwayne emphasizes personal growth in his players.  Through training and skill development the program offers an opportunity for players to learn the fundamentals of the game.

Rodney Glassnor started Blue Water Express in 2013 with the goal of teaching the fundamentals of basketball.  Coach Glassnor conducts practices and workshops throughout the Blue Water Area.  Rodney’s love for the game and natural ability to relate to kids has not only been an asset for Blue Water area youth.  Blue Water Express training prepares athletes for success through skills development, strength training, and sport-specific IQ enhancement.  Mr. Glassnor has been so successful in developing young people through their elite programming he has earned such accolades as the Child Advocate Award.  The Blue Water Express program develops Elite Athletes, sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendships.

Tyrone Burrell founded S.O.N.S (Save Our Neighborhood & Streets) Outreach 26 years ago.  In order to keep kids active and motived that did not make high school or middle school teams Mr. Burrell started the SONS Basketball League.  The SONS team wants the kids to learn how to endure disappointment and preserve through hardship.  The organization disciple’s youth in order to influence their environment through programs and activities centered on Jesus Christ.  Their league runs in parallel with the School District from November through January each year.  In its 2018 season over 70 middle school boys participated in the program.  SONS hopes to expand the program and start the 2019 season in its new Community Center Complex.