This past Saturday (Jan. 16), the House of Hoops Chainlink Fundamentals Clinic went down at Columbia University in New York City. Nearly 100 boys and girls aged 12-18 came out and participated. This HOH clinic was a little different from past clinics because it was held during Martin Luther King Weekend. In honor of the late, great Dr. King, the clinic also featured a “Leave Your Mark” service challenge.

On top of the free interactive basketball clinic, there was a community involvement workshop for any youths willing to give back to their communities. The kids rotated through eight stations – six focusing on basketball skills and two on activating kid’s commitments to service learning projects of their own creation. The kids signed a banner, leaving an artistic representation “marking” their commitment to the community.

This event was a compilation between Nike, House of Hoops, Up2Us and DYCD. Up2Us is the leading national coalition that seeks to increase the impact of, and access to, youth sports as a tool for positive change and youth development. DYCD is the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development. On the same day as the clinic, House of Hoops released a special Kobe V with a special MLK colorway.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops in D.C., Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored two local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was Howard D. Woodson’s Ronika Ransford.

Ronika Ransford
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
High School: Howard D. Woodson High School
Year: Class of 2010
Height: 5-6
Position: Point Guard

It’s not hard to find adjectives to describe H.D. Woodson’s Ronika Ransford. “Program changer,” “lightning-quick” and “dynamic and explosive threat” have all been used to depict the senior point guard. Basically anytime she steps on the court, people can’t help but stop what they’re doing and watch her play. Leading the Lady Warriors to their second consecutive City Title last season, Ronika looks to do it again before the floor general heads to Georgia next Fall.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops in D.C., Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored two local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was Gonzaga’s Tyler Thornton.

Tyler Thornton
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
High School: Gonzaga College High School
Year: Class of 2010
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Position: Point Guard

After losing three starters before last season, it looked as though Gonzaga was headed for a rebuilding year. But the Purple Eagles jumped out to a phenomenal start led by cagey point guard Tyler Thornton. This year, the senior combo guard – who is a very aggressive and quick dribble-drive player who gets to the rim at will – looks to lead the charge through the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference once again before he heads to Duke next Fall. With tremendous skill and an uncanny basketball IQ, the District will be watching.

Caron Butler was on hand for the House of Hoops grand opening in Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 25. Prior to the store’s opening – which is located inside The Mall at Prince Georges in Hyattsville, MD – over 100 kids participated in a free basketball clinic hosted by Chainlink Fundamentals at the Capital Sports and Learning Complex. After the clinic, the kids were bussed over to the mall where they got to see Caron participate in a Q&A.

The Washington Wizards star talked about his sneaker that’s about to drop, the Blue Chip II, which can be found at all Foot Lockers across the country. He also touched on a pair of the DC exclusive Skyposites, which can only be purchased at the HOH at the Mall at Prince George’s. Caron’s big message to the kids was that you can achieve anything if you practice the 3 D’s: Discipline, Determination and Dedication.

The House of Hoops also honored two local HS standouts: Gonzaga’s Tyler Thornton and Howard D. Woodson’s Ronika Ransford, as well as coach Steven Turner from Gonzaga. With DJ Quick Silva from DC’s 93.9 WKYS spinning in the background, everybody in attendance got to do a meet-and-greet with Caron.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops in Houston, Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored four local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was North Shore’s Courtney Williams.

Courtney Williams
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: North Shore High School
Year: Class of 2012
Height: 6-0
Position: Shooting Guard

When North Shore High School lost their all-time leading scorer to graduation this May, they weren’t worried one bit. Because if there was going to be anyone primed to take over for the Mustangs, it was going to be sophomore Courtney Williams. After winning Newcomer of the Year honors in District 21-5A, Courtney was one of the select few asked to compete for the 2009 USA Women’s U16 National Team this summer. Building on that experience and a solid inaugural campaign, watch out for Courtney to blow up on the scene this year.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops in Houston, Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored four local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was Yates’ Brandon Peters.

Brandon Peters
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Yates High School
Year: Class of 2010
Height: 6-1
Weight: 160
Position: Shooting Guard

There’s a reason Yates High School is entering the season as the defending state champs with a Top 5 national ranking, and his name is Brandon “Snap” Peters. Showing recruiters that he’s more than just a high-flying human highlight reel (capable of jumping over or around a defender to finish above the rim with ease), Snap is arguably one of the most athletic players in the country. With offers on the table from Memphis, Oregon State and Western Kentucky, the exciting guard is one of the main attractions to watch in Houston this season.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops in Houston, Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored four local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was Bellaire’s Tobi Oyedeji.

Tobi Oyedeji
Hometown: Bellaire, TX
High School: Bellaire High School
Year: Class of 2010
Height: 6-8
Weight: 210
Position: Power Forward

Bellaire High School didn’t become the top team in 5A overnight. Thanks to senior Tobi Oyedeji, the Cardinals should remain atop the standings this year. As one of the most energetic post players in the Class of 2010, Tobi, who has already committed to Texas A&M, is reminiscent of another Bellaire grad, Emeka Okafor. Much like the former Rookie of the Year, Tobi is a terror on the glass on both ends of the floor, averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game last season. Tobi’s potential is limitless – watch out as this kid continues to make strides.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops in Houston, Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored four local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was Westbury Christian’s Anthony Collins.

Anthony Collins
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Westbury Christian School
Year: Class of 2011
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
Position: Point Guard

You would have a tough time finding a point guard anywhere in the country whose offseason was as productive as Anthony Collins’ summer. After the Wildcats captured their third TAPPS state title in six years in the 4A championship, Anthony was a terror on the summer circuit during tournaments in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. An excellent ball handler and passer with the ability to burst by most defenders, Anthony is a coach’s dream. This season, after garnering First Team All-Conference honors, the pressure’s on. It’s no wonder he’s receiving interest from schools coast to coast.

The official launch of House of Hoops in Houston kicked off with two days of basketball clinics (run by Chainlink Fundamentals) for local kids ages 14-17. More than 140 local teens participated in a 2-hour on-court skills sessions run by Hoop Group’s accomplished team of coaches at the legendary Fonde Rec Center in Houston.

And with the season still a week away, two of Houston’s hottest stars also found some time to get down. Rockin’ only the freshest gear, Trevor Ariza and Aaron Brooks were in the house along with hip-hop legend Bun B as House of Hoops opened not one, but two new locations in H-Town.

The first location (Galleria Mall) saw a packed and energetic grand opening event which featured a Q&A session with Ariza. After that, host Bun B presented awards to two of Houston’s top high school basketball players – Brandon Peters (Yates High School) and Courtney Williams (North Shore High School) – that Dime Magazine had called out as Players to Watch this season.

The second location (Northline Mall) saw an equally-packed and up-beat event, however this spot featured a Q&A with Brooks. After Brooks answered questions from the audience and talked about his on-court shoe this season, the Nike Cradle Low, two more of Houston’s top high school basketball players – Tobi Oyedeji (Bellaire High School) and Anthony Collins (Westbury Christian School) – were honored.

For the official opening of the House of Hoops presented by Foot Locker at the Cherry Hill Mall (N.J.) on August 16th, Chainlink Fundamentals and Dime Magazine honored four local high school basketball players for their solid work both on and off the court.

One of those local athletes was Cherry Hill East’s Marie Boisvert.

Marie Boisvert
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
High School: Cherry Hill East, Class of 2011
Height: 5-9
Weight: 165
Position: Guard/Forward

Playing in the toughest girls basketball conference in the state, Marie Boisvert makes it look easy. After skipping over the freshman team to play for the junior varsity (and even a couple varsity games) as a freshman, you can see why Marie’s favorite player is LeBron James. Admiring her parents and coaches as they continuously help her to get better, the 5-9 native of Montreal, Canada is certainly a future star. And after earning First-Team All Conference honors this past season as a sophomore, it seems everyone in South Jersey already knows.