Fierce on the Floor

Coach Mike Martin’s Palisades-Based Program Is Taking Southern California Youth Basketball Community by Storm

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

A blossoming youth basketball program is the talk of the town in Pacific Palisades: SoCal FIERCE. Headed by former collegiate and pro player Mike Martin, it is a comprehensive program offering high-level training, travel teams and mentorship for boys and girls ages 8 to 17, preparing them for success on and off the court.

Established in January 2021, FIERCE aims to raise the bar in the areas of athletic training, I.Q. development and coaching.

“Our mission statement is to advance student athletes in a safe  and positive learning environment so they can achieve their long-term improvement goals,” Martin explained. “We envision a future as leaders in youth basketball, creating opportunities for all aspiring athletes to thrive on the court, in the classroom and in life.”

The FIERCE approach has six tenets: F—Fundamentals; I—I.Q.; E—Effort; R—Repetition; C— Camaraderie; and E—Energy.

“We exist to provide an elevated sports experience that helps young athletes develop their love and respect for the game,” Martin added. “Through progressive coaching and our curriculum, we teach the game in a way that strengthens each player’s individual abilities while fostering the team’s success as fearless competitors. Cultivating a complete player begins with unlocking untapped potential. As players grow, they discover the meaningful connections between basketball and countless other opportunities and we emphasize preparing our kids for success at the high school level and personal growth beyond the court.”

“My job is to make sure our FIERCE athletes reap all the benefits of my years of experience as a professional athlete and coach.”

Practices are held at Palisades Lutheran Church and the program is full of local players.

In early October, SoCal FIERCE won the Sol Fall Hoops Fest in San Diego, beating a team from Arizona in the finals. Later that month, FIERCE’s squad of Palisadian boys won the 13U Gold championship at Sports Academy.

In December, FIERCE took part in the inaugural Holiday Ball at Da Vinci School in El Segundo and played a fill-court game against the LA Kings. FIERCE prevailed 68-50 with a roster full of Palisadians: guards Shiloh Unger (Corpus Christi), Sam Gibson (St. Matthew’s), Max Konecke (Paul Revere), James Cook (Windward) and Will Horowitz (Windward); and forwards Max Miller (St. Matthew’s), Rowan O’Donnell (Corpus Christi) and Eli McCune (Paul Revere). Other local athletes in the program include William Reierson, Davis Kripk and Tate Jennison. The winter season starts in early December and ends March 1. For more information or to join the program, email Martin at socalfierceball@gmail.com.