Reed Reports Podcast

Reed Reports

Covering local basketball with insight from the court to the sideline. reedreportswa.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Jun 6

    Beyond the Clipboard with Tyler Amaya

    Most of my interviews so far have been with coaches. This conversation was a little different. Tyler Amaya has seen the game from nearly every angle imaginable. He played for legendary Mount Vernon coach Mac Fraser, continued his career at the collegiate level, and eventually played professionally overseas before returning home to invest in the next generation of players. Today, Amaya is one of the most respected grassroots basketball leaders in the Northwest, recently being recognized as one of the 100 most impactful boys grassroots directors in the region. Through his work with young athletes, he has helped countless players navigate the ever-changing landscape of youth basketball, recruiting, and player development. In our conversation, we discussed his journey through the game, lessons learned from playing overseas, the realities of modern AAU basketball, and what separates players who simply participate from those who truly maximize their potential. We also talked about the importance of mentorship beyond the court, including his involvement with the Ethan Chapin Foundation. Throughout the interview, one theme remained consistent: basketball can open doors, but the lessons learned through the game often matter far more than the game itself. Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or simply someone who loves basketball, Tyler brings a unique perspective shaped by experiences at nearly every level of the sport. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reedreportswa.substack.com

    Beyond the Clipboard with Tyler Amaya
  2. Mar 25

    Beyond the Clipboard with Scott Novak

    Scott Novak spent nearly 30 years leading the basketball program at La Conner High School, building one of the most consistent runs of success in the area. Over 26 seasons as the boys head coach, he compiled a 396–196 record, while also leading the girls program for 15 years to a 273–68 mark — a combined 669–264. For a decade, he coached both programs simultaneously. A member of the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the 2020 Skagit Valley Herald Coach of the Year, Novak built his career on consistency, preparation, and people. Throughout it all, he has been quick to credit his players and assistant coaches for the program’s success. In this conversation, I sat down with Coach Novak to better understand the mindset and approach behind that sustained success. Key Takeaways 1. A Growth Mindset Is EssentialCoach Novak has been a student of the game throughout his career. Whether through books, clinics, or conversations with other coaches, he consistently looked for ways to improve. 2. Love the Game — and the PlayersNovak emphasized that his passion for the game and genuine care for his players are what sustained him over the years. That connection made the long hours and commitment not just manageable, but meaningful. Significant Quotes “The leaders don’t have to be your best players but often times, they are. And if your best players are your hardest workers, you’ve got something pretty special there.” “I’ve always been one where if I get knocked down, I dust myself off, and get back up again so I hope that rubbed off on my teams too.” Conclusion I first met Coach Novak back in 2010 while playing summer league with his son, Spencer. Even then, I remember his humility and love for the game. Those same qualities stood out again during this conversation. As we added up his combined record, I was struck by the number of wins. His response was simple: “That’s a lot of losses.” That perspective says a lot about who he is as a coach. He spoke openly about the mistakes he made along the way, but more importantly, he shared the lessons that helped shape the success of his programs. It’s clear that what he built wasn’t just about winning, it was about doing things the right way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reedreportswa.substack.com

    Beyond the Clipboard with Scott Novak

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Covering local basketball with insight from the court to the sideline. reedreportswa.substack.com