Meet The B3 Team

Hello, I am 18 years old and a Freshman at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. Over the years, I have found a passion and love for the game of basketball. I began playing basketball in elementary school, as it was an environment where people from all backgrounds and places in life could come together. Then, in middle school, I continued to play basketball in a local recreation league where I made friendships that I still have today. Now, as a college student, I have gained a lot of experience from my past positions, such as working at my local Elementary school's after-school program, where I am in charge of leading sports clubs that allow kids to play games and have a good time. Additionally, I had the great pleasure of coaching a 5th-grade basketball team, and I learned lifelong skills from my players that I will never forget. The B3 Youth Clinic is a program designed to allow kids to build their confidence and passion through basketball and a strong community. 

Favorite Player: Bill Russell 

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

Hello, I am 17 years old and a Senior at Portsmouth High School. Giving back to the community has been a cornerstone of my personal growth, shaping my character and inspiring my passion for service. Whether volunteering with organizations like Friends in Action or supporting athletes at the Special Olympics, I’ve found that helping others is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. I also believe basketball is one of the best ways to overcome mental obstacles and build resilience. The lessons learned on the court—teamwork, perseverance, and discipline—mirror the qualities I strive to nurture in myself and others. I will not only work towards helping the youth right here within my own community, but I will also create resources for the B3 Youth Clinic through various funding avenues. I’m excited to bring this mindset into my new role, where I hope to inspire growth and connection through community involvement and shared experiences. 

Favorite Player: Shaquille O’Neal 

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

What’s up, I am Jiles Tracz, a 17-year-old Senior at Portsmouth High School. Having lived in five different countries across three continents, sports have always been the one consistently reliable cornerstone of my life, whether it's basketball or tennis. Basketball, in particular, is more than just a sport—it's a bridge that people can use to learn and connect. No matter what language people spoke or which country I was in, we could always communicate through the universal language of basketball. I was never the best player on the team, but through my experiences, I learned valuable lessons and developed qualities that will stay with me forever. I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to this wonderful program and striving to foster a positive environment where players can build their confidence and grow their passion—not only for basketball but also for working as a community. 

Favorite Player: Lonzo Ball

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

Hello, I am 18 years old and a Freshman at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I will cherish the lessons and memories I've gained through basketball forever, as they are life lessons that I wish to share with others. In 2015, when I moved to the seacoast area, I began to get involved in local basketball programs. This helped me become comfortable in a new community by creating relationships with my coaches and teammates. While there are exciting and enjoyable experiences, such as the ones I had when I was younger, there can be times when you feel disappointed and frustrated with the sport. During my junior year of high school, I unfortunately injured my knee and was unable to play for the school team. During recovery, I learned perseverance and patience. It taught me that in the face of adversity, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and view life from a different perspective. I intend to help the B3 Youth Clinic provide opportunities for children to grow and develop multiple attributes. By learning the skills of basketball, they also gain the value of teamwork and resilience. 

Favorite Player: Isaiah Thomas

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

 Hi! I am 18 years old and a Freshman at Clemson University. I am thrilled to join the B3 Youth Clinic team as the Director of Media and Creative Design. Over the years, I have been deeply involved in volunteer opportunities that align with the clinic’s mission of supporting and uplifting local communities. One of my most fulfilling experiences has been working at the Gather Food Pantry, where I’ve seen firsthand the importance of access to basic resources and how we can make a difference. In addition, I’ve launched my own initiative, offering free dance lessons to low-income families in Gosling Meadows. With 16 years of dance training, I have developed the ability to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a sense of community through movement, both independently and through the B3 Youth Clinic. As I take on this new role, I’m excited to use my skills in media and creative design to help amplify the work we do at B3 Youth Clinic. I believe that effective communication and creative storytelling can inspire action and draw more attention to the exceptional services we provide, and I look forward to contributing to our mission in this dynamic and impactful way. Together, we can create positive change for the youth in our community. 

Favorite Player: Caitlin Clark

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

Hello, my name is Iver Myles, and I am a 16 year old at Saint Thomas Aquinas. I started to fall in love with the game of basketball in 7th grade at the local gym, where I would play 24 hours a week. Through my time in the gym, I found a trainer that shared my passion and philosophy. He bestowed on me the importance of fundamentals in the game, and other life lessons that are not just limited to the court. Basketball has taught me that discipline, dedication and commitment are the keys to pursuing my goals. I am thrilled to teach these same lessons to the kids in the B3 community, and watch them grow into the best players and people that they can become. When I am not playing ball, I spend my time conditioning/training, snowboarding, and playing guitar. I am excited to have the opportunity to coach at B3. Let’s get to work!

Favorite player: Kobe B. Bryant

Favorite team: Boston Celtics

Hello, my name is Lukas, and I am a 17-year-old Junior at Portsmouth High School. I began playing basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, my passion for the game has only grown stronger. A major influence on my love for basketball has been my AAU coach, who has not only honed my skills on the court but also inspired me to become a better individual. His guidance has taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork and work ethic, lessons I hold dear and am eager to share with others. I am excited to share these principles with the kids at the B3 Youth Clinic. I believe that the lessons learned through basketball can extend far beyond the game, helping them navigate life's challenges and adversities. My goal is to support them not only in their athletic development but also in their personal growth. Outside of basketball, I stay active by lifting weights at the gym and participating in track during the spring. Each of these activities contributes to my overall development and helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Favorite Player: Cam Thomas

Favorite Team: Brooklyn Nets