DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #3

KAYLA, MOM'S & JOSHUA

Hello Basketball World, this is Kayla checking in for Week 3.

Monday - Last week of school. I did my strength and conditioning workout early so I could get home and rest. The rain was on and off today so I worked out under a gazebo type thing in the park. I had the rest of my day off, no basketball today. I got home, took a shower and rested.

Tuesday - We had our last field trip for the school today to the NY Hall Of Science. It was very interesting, I was very sleepy so as soon as I got home I took a nap before my speed and agility workout. Speed and agility was very tiring and by the end of the workout my whole entire body was aching. We worked on some balance and hand in eye coordination drill Since my regular trainer Tarik is out of town, I'm headed back to NY to workout with Team Footprintz. The workout was fun, training with older female players.

DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #2

Kayla, Vivian Stringer & Sparks Teammates

Hello Basketball World, this is Kayla checking in for Week 2.

Monday - Since it was so hot, I had a early dismissal at school. That gave me time to chill out
before my workout at the park. Today's workout was extra hard dealing with the heat. Then I
went to the YMCA to get some shots up.

Tuesday - Today was even HOTTER than yesterday. That meant early dismissal for today as
well. I had speed and agility and a basketball workout after. I had a great speed and agility
workout, probably my best one since I started at that place. In my basketball workout I was
getting really down on myself for messing up. By the end I was making more shots and got it
together.

DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD PATERSON, NJ 2022 (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #1

KAYLA & DAD

Hello Basketball, World my name is Kayla Beckford, and this is my first week of a Diary of a Female Baller. First, I would like to thank Gthing Basketball for this opportunity in letting me inform you guys on what goes on daily in my life.

Monday - Today I went on my 7th grade end of the year school field trip to Point Pleasant Beach in NJ. It started to rain towards the end, but as long as I was with my friends I was fine and having a good time. On the way home from my field trip the bus broke down and we had to wait 45 minutes for another bus to come and another 30 minutes to get back to school. When we finally got back to school my father was there to pick me up and bring me home. We were home for about an hour until it was time to get to my daily workout sessions. My strength and conditioning workout lasted 45 mins and next I was on my way to my basketball workout. My basketball workout consisted of creating space on the shot off  the dribble and making moves to the basketball. As you can see I had a long day and I was very tired when I got home so I took a shower and went straight to bed.

Tuesday - It was a regular day at school for the most part reviewing for upcoming finals and essays. I got home and finished my homework. I went to my speed and agility workout and I felt good after because I think I worked extremely hard. Then I went on to the basketball training. I was a little tired and my arms felt heavy but I got through it.

Wednesday - In school today I took my math final. I’m not really sure about how I did, some questions I was prepared for and the others were challenging. I got home and immediately started working on finishing the rough draft of my DBQ essay. On the way to the park for conducting workouts, I studied for a vocabulary test I’ll be having tomorrow. After the park I went the gym. In my basketball training, I worked on making moves to the basket and on my shot. I did a little agility drills after and stretched. Today was my BEST workout so far this week...

Thursday - I took Language Arts Literacy finals today and I felt really confident that I got if not all but most of the questions correct. Got home and edited my essay now due on next Monday. In basketball workouts I worked on creating a shot for myself off of the jab step. I went light on the speed and agility workout because I had a long day of working out nonstop. Finished up at workouts and ended the night with working on my essay.

Friday - Today was my day off since I've been going hard all week long. I finished up my essay and had my mom read over it. I fell asleep watching the Finals and that sucked because I was​ rooting for the Cavs and they won Game 4. Even though I didn't get to watch the whole game, I was happy that the Cavs didn't get eliminated.

Saturday - I woke up early in preparation for the Seton Hall University Elite Camp and my flight to Memphis for  the Insider Exposure Jr. All American Camp. I was really looking forward to going to Seton Hall being that one of  Paterson’s greatest, Taylor Brown goes there. I had a lot of fun playing and also because I took a tour. Right after I was on my way to the airport to go to Memphis, Tennessee. The plane ride was good, except for that my ears were hurting after. My dad and I enjoyed the cool weather and went out to eat. We finished eating and went to our hotel where we showered and slept.

Sunday - Today was the day of the Insider Exposure Jr. All American Camp. I ate breakfast at the hotel and went to the gym early. Like many other camps we stretched out and drilled (we did some FUN/interesting drills with tennis balls) before the real games began. I played 3 games and made the All-Star team and my team won. It was good playing with different players from all over the country, I like playing an open freestyle game. We were able to read & react while playing off each other. I had a great working out with the college players that coached us. I saw some of the girls I met back in April in Dallas at EGB Middle School All American Games, we are all working to get better at BALL. My flight back to New Jersey got delayed TWO HOURS... So I'll be getting home around 1 am.  BALLER’S LIFE :(

LINWOOD, NJ - GTHING had it's first One Day Spring Showdown. We knew that it had the potential to be a good event, but we weren't sure, because of the small North Eastern that touch down on the East Coast May 13. With the weather being a major factor we just prayed for the teams that were coming from out of town a safe travel, but like I thought and I really knew in my heart that no torrential down pour would stop this basketball event, because we are talking AAU. This is the season when we all get a chance to see some of the top kids across the State and Country pair up with one another or go against each other at a very high level. Spring Showdown got off to a slow start, but we were able to pull it off, thanks to a good staff. I actually realize that running your own event is more detail then I ever would've imagine. So for those that do host there own event much respect to you and your staff or organization. It was fascinating to see the young baller kids play the way they did for such a early start, I know that's tough for a parent on a Saturday morning when you have to drive Two Hours away in pouring down raining. Trying to get a youngster out of the bed and house must be a task, but that is the life of AAU, if you are in it full the long haul then strap up and see where this ride will take you. 

Hope Masonius  - Guard - New Jersey Belles - (2024) - Scored 22 Pt's in the Championship game and she made that look real easy. Controls the pace of the game, Smooth... Nice shot... Poise... High IQ... Being a good fundamental player is in her blood.


Dayna Tirado - Forward - IExcel - (2020) - The 6'1 forward has develop a tremendous 10 - 12 foot shot, her game has really expanded to the outside. College frame ready in then some, her versatility will be a key asset. Consistent mid-range gamer... Active in the lane... Excellent footwork... Size and strength... High prospect for 2020 class...


Heaven Figueroa - Guard - IExcel - (2020) - Show improved type guard. Just coming back off a foot injury, but didn't show no signs of that when she was on the floor. Still looks explosive, in every way imaginable. Quick... Creates... Explosive... Handle...

9th Grade Champion - IExcel

Sasha Lemons - Guard - Exclusive - (2024) - Young and plays with a lot of emotion, raw in should be able to come into her own in a few years. Vocal leader... Strong upper body... Fast... Aggressive... Attacks... Big heart...

Ariel Jenkins - Post - Team Miller - (2021) - In they say you can't teach height. Well that saying is definitely true, but this 6'4 prospect is being teach right in every way there is possible. Jenkins has a enormous upside that I cant even image, she knows how to fill the lanes and use her strong upper body for leverage. Interior presence... Shot Blocker... Size and Strength... Clogs lanes... High ceiling...

Zyheinna Swint - Post - IExcel - (2020) - Swint is starting to put a lot of things together on the court as of lately, the 6'3 forward showed some exceptional moves at the One Day Spring Showdown. Long lanky frame... Alters shots... Long arms... Length.... Can reach a high ceiling...


Aliyah Boston - Guard - Central Jersey Cardinals - (2023) - The lefty displayed a ton of moves while attacking the basket, Boston has great knowledge for the game and will continue to make noise in the 2023 class. Lefty... Quick off dribble... Attacks the basket consistently... Athletic... Good size... Swag... Floor general...

8th Grade Champion - AC Stars

Kayla Beckford - Combo Guard - New Jersey Sparks - (2022) - One of the most skilled 7th graders in the State Of New Jersey, maturity starting show on the court. Can score from any angle on the court. Scorers mentality started at a young age... Shoots the 3 ball well... Handle... High IQ... Attacks the rim on different occasions...

Quanirah Montague - Forward - Exclusive - (2023) - Lanky raw prospect who could become a overall good player, with a little more skill work Montague should definitely turn some heads. Rebounds... Mean streak... High flyer... Shot blocker... Raw...

Skye Owens - Guard - IExcel - (2022) - Wow would be your first impression of Owens, has risen above her level of play against upper and underclassmen. Always playing with a high motor, but knows how to control the pace of the game. Small with big heart... Mature... Ultra lighting... Uptempo... Leadership... Crafty... Handle...

7th Grade Champion - New Jersey Sparks

Trinty Wilson - Forward - Central Jersey Cardinals - (2024) - Big T put some work in at the Spring Showdown, Trinity was rebounding the ball very well on a guard ridden team. Wilson has good size... Height is there... Good hands... Soft touch...

Rachel Gordon - Guard - New Jersey Sparks - (2022) - Knows how to play the game and peak at the right time. Physical type guard with a smooth type of game. Offensively skilled... Playmaker... Adores contact... Strong... 


Kayla Navarro - Guard - Central Jersey Cardinals - (2025) - Young speedy guard with a whole bunch of potential, likes playing a quick pace. Likes to be in charge. Small frame... Handle... Efficient... Creates... 


Marianna Papazeglou - Forward - AC Stars - (2021) - Had a Good showing at the One Day Spring Showndown, Marianna carried her team on her back with a huge win over a tough Team Miller team to win the Championship. Highly skilled... Scores around the box area at a high percentage... Good size... Strong frame... Excellent footwork...

6th Grade Champion - New Jersey Belles

Naijah Vann - Guard - IExcel - (2021) - Another playmaker in the back court for IExcel, very impress of lately on the way Vann handles the pressure when playing up or playing against bigger and strong opposition. Breaks defender down at will... Uptempo... Handle... Attacks the basket... Quick... Flare to her game...


Janel Moore - Guard - IExcel - (2021) - The quite assassin, has left a mark on every court she has played on. Moore just go's out in play the game, she doesn't say much on the court she just let's her game speak for it's self. Played in Dallas at the EGB ALL AMERICAN GAME in did well against some of the toughest competition in the country. Poise... Unselfish... Looks for teammates in transition... Handle... Calm... Strong upper body...


Christina Midgette - Guard / Forward - Team Miller - (2022) - Midgette is a very unique player, she can either play the guard or forward spot with easy. We were shock of the athleticism that the 5'10 display that week in the event. Athletic... Good size... Can switch up position... Can put the ball on the floor... Creates in open space... Leaper... 

5th Grade Champion - Central Jersey Cardinals

I like to thank all those that attend my event. Sorry that I'm just getting the write up's out, put my mother was gravely ill, she is doing much better now. Thanks to the grace of God.