Previewing A Program: Baton Rouge’s Southern Premier Is On The Rise

In the world of grassroots basketball, few programs have emerged with the clarity of vision and community focus that defines Southern Premier. Established in 2022, this Baton Rouge-based program began as a branch of the Florida-based Nightrydas EYBL organization before deciding to chart its own course. Under the guidance of head coach Jalen Davis, Southern Premier is quickly building a name for itself as a program dedicated to skill development, mentorship, and creating opportunities for young athletes.

“We were like a Louisiana version of the Nightrydas, but just wanted to be our own brand,” says Coach Davis. “So now we’re tryin’ to build up our own brand. I came on about two years ago just to give back to my community; just a way to give back... sports are a big thing to keep the kids active and out of trouble.”

A Foundation of Family and Philosophy

Southern Premier’s roots are deeply tied to family. Founded by members of Coach Davis’s family, the program thrives on a family-oriented culture that prioritizes unity and shared purpose. This foundation, according to Coach Davis, sets the tone for their success both on and off the court.

“Once we had that in place, everything else was easy, because wins are gonna come,” Davis explains. “If you’re a tight-knit group, if you’re really working towards the same goal, wins are gonna come. But for us, it’s not just about the wins. We focus on things like keep your composure, make sure your grades are good, respect your parents, respect your elders. We just try to instill those values as much as possible. We just try, as much as we can, to make them better people.”

At its core, Southern Premier is about much more than just basketball. The program’s philosophy focuses on developing players’ skills while instilling values like respect, composure, and responsibility. “We just want to leave them with skills they can carry for life, both on and off the court,” says Davis.

Making an Impact On and Off the Court

Southern Premier’s influence extends beyond the basketball court. For many young athletes, the program provides a crucial outlet, keeping them engaged and active in a positive environment.

“We try to be that place where they can feel like they belong and grow," Davis shares. "Whether they’re in the gym or on the field, some type of sport or productive activity keeps them away from negative influences.”

Through basketball, the program also offers players the chance to see a world beyond Baton Rouge. Traveling for tournaments provides exposure to different regions, cultures, and levels of competition, expanding the horizons of these young athletes.

“It should just put it on your mind—okay, life is bigger than Baton Rouge,” Davis explains. “And not just outside of sports, but like, just looking at things in different cities. It should show you that there’s more to life than what you’ve always known. It’s also an outlet to get exposure. If you get a chance to play against a top-ranked guy, and you do well, that could get you noticed. That’s a big morale booster for the kids.”

Southern Premier’s focus on travel and competition also includes opportunities for personal growth. Competing against high-caliber teams helps players see the value of their hard work while fostering confidence in their abilities.

The Team Behind the Success

A key figure in Southern Premier’s development efforts is Trevor Kendrick, a skilled trainer who has been instrumental in shaping the players.

“Most of the kids in our program go through Trevor for training,” Davis says. “As far as the Baton Rouge area, he’s one of the top trainers around. He’s helped make a lot of kids in our program better. He’s been a part of the family for a long time, and having him involved has been huge for us.”

With Kendrick’s expertise and the support of the coaching staff, Southern Premier has built a strong foundation for player development that prioritizes both skills and character, which has helped lead to its steady expansion.

The program currently fields boys' teams ranging from 5U to 15U, and a growing girls' program, which now includes 8U and 13U teams, with plans to add a 10U team soon. This steady growth which has been part of the program's vision reflects a commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Achievements and Growth

Despite being a relatively young program, Southern Premier has already achieved significant milestones. Last year, their eighth-grade boys’ team won the state championship after years of perseverance and growth. Younger teams have also seen success, with elementary school players earning accolades in regional tournaments like the prestigious Super 60.

“We’ve seen a lot of our teams take lumps early, playing up a level,” Davis reflects. “But that’s how they learn. They might lose in the quarterfinals in second grade, then make it to the finals in sixth grade, but by eighth grade, they’re winning it. It feels good to see them finally get over that hump, knowing that’s what they really wanted.”

Looking Ahead

A key part of Southern Premier’s growth strategy involves building partnerships with organizations that share their vision. These collaborations will help further the program’s mission of creating meaningful opportunities for its players while also expanding its presence in grassroots basketball.

“Going forward, that’s the main thing: brand awareness, and just creating an environment where these kids can grow," says Davis. "We’ve got some great people involved, but to take it to the next level, partnerships will be key.”

With a clear vision and solid foundation, Southern Premier is poised to become a leader in grassroots basketball. Over the next 5-10 years, Davis aims to establish the program as a household name, synonymous with developing Division I talent and opening doors for young athletes.

"I just want the kids to have the best opportunity possible. Just so in the next 10 years, when they hear ‘Southern Premier’, they already know—the groundwork is already set, just fall into place," Davis says.

And for those who don’t yet recognize the name, he adds confidently, “If they don’t know about us, they will soon.”