Meet The B3 Team

Hello, I am 17 years old and a Senior at Portsmouth High School. 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 High Schooler I have started working at my local Elementary Schools aftercare program where I am in charge of leading sports clubs where kids can play games and have a good time. This past winter I had the great pleasure of being able to coach a 5th grade basketball team and I learned life long 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: Jayson Tatum

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

Hello, I am 17 years old and a Senior at Portsmouth High School. I will cherish the lessons and memories given to me through basketball forever as they are lessons for life that I wish to teach to others. In 2015, when I moved to the seacoast area, I began to involve myself in 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 like the ones I had when I was younger, there can be times when you feel disappointed and frustrated with the sport. At the beginning of this past basketball season, I unfortunately injured my knee and was not able to play for the school team. During recovery, I learned perseverance and patience. It taught me that in the face of adversity, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and look at life from a different perspective. I intend to help the B3 Youth Clinic provide opportunities for kids to grow and build on 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 Senior at Portsmouth High School. 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 gained the ability to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a sense of community through movement in both my own initiative 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 bring more attention to the amazing services we provide, and I can’t wait to contribute to our mission in this dynamic and impactful way. Together, we can create positive change for the youth in our community. 

Favorite Player: Catlin Clark

Favorite Team: Boston Celtics

Hello, I am 16 years old and a Junior 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 the helping the youth right here within my own community, but I will 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 16-year-old Junior 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, my name is Norman, I am 18 years old, and I am a Senior at Phillips Exeter Academy. I started playing basketball in the Connie Bean rec league in second grade, and played some rec ball throughout my childhood. During middle school I could usually be found watching Michigan basketball games on weeknights, or hooping in my driveway with neighborhood friends. Sports are a great way to socialize and build community. They’re a great way to get kids out of the house and have them socialize while also exercising. I was scared when I started out at a new high school, one where I didn’t know anybody. Playing JV football during my freshman fall was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I met most of my closest Exeter friends while playing football, and with other teams. I wish the same on all of our players. Going along these lines, I’m excited to work with the rest of the B3 coaching staff to coach to help improve kids’ basketball skills and encourage teamwork and kindness to help them learn the lessons that I did through youth  sports and ultimately help them become better people. 

Favorite Player: Jalen Rose

Favorite Team: Detroit Pistons

Hello, my name is Lukas, and I am a 15 year old Sophomore 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 pass on to 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 keeps me engaged in a balanced lifestyle.

Favorite Player: Cam Thomas

Favorite Team: Brooklyn Nets