By Moore H.Y.P.E. Staff · August 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Moore H.Y.P.E. runs two tracks for Minnesota girls basketball: a Development side built for teaching and reps, and an Elite side built for competitive travel and college exposure. Both sides train out of Higher Ground Academy in Saint Paul and share the same standard — work, accountability and joy on the floor.
The coaching staff
Program director Tamara Moore, a former WNBA guard and Division I head coach, leads the 15U group. Co-founder Rich Johnson serves as assistant director. Joe Koenig coaches 13U, Candice Butler coaches 14U, Porshay Poe coaches 16U and Daniel Webster coaches our 17U Elite team.
What Development looks like
Development is where an athlete learns the game. Practices lean heavily on footwork, ball handling under pressure, reading a defense and finishing through contact. Minutes are shared on purpose — a player cannot develop from the bench. Families on this side should expect mostly local weekend events.
What Elite looks like
Elite is a higher standard of practice and a heavier tournament calendar, including spring and summer circuit events where college coaches are in the building. Elite athletes also get a recruiting profile on our site with measurables, film and academic information that coaches can view directly.
Staying in the loop
Every confirmed date lands on the public schedule with an address and an add-to-calendar link. Roster news, tryout announcements and tournament recaps get posted here on the blog first.