In the spring of 1991, the Positive Direction program was started in Southeast Queens, New York as a response to a need for the youth of today to become more involved in positive endeavors rather than the negative associations rapidly growing around them. The program provides a place for youths to constructively spend their time, where they can set goals under the mature guidance of people that care and relinquish them from the misfortunes they sometimes contact throughout life.
JoAnn Arbitello-Pinnock is the Executive Director of the Positive Direction program with over 25 years of coaching experience. She's also the Varsity Head Coach at The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, NY.
Currently, the Positive Direction program has produced approximately 20 Women Division I players. These schools include Towson University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, George Mason, James Madison University, Manhattan College, Holy Cross College, Providence, St. Francis College (Brooklyn), American University, Wagner, and Colgate as well as several DII and DIII players.
The young ladies of Positive Direction have had the opportunity to travel to National tournaments in Disney World, Penn State, Washington D.C., Chicago, New Orleans, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Las Vegas and Maryland.
The 2016 class of top prospects is lead by Jasmine Brunson, a 5'7" guard who runs the show as the primary ball-handler. She can distribute the ball around, making everyone around her look good. She's extremely quick to the basket and athletic. She can knock down the 3 and defensively, she averages 4 to 5 steals a game. She's got excellent vision and a great court IQ. Taliyah Brisco is another top 2016 prospect. She's a 5'6" guard running half-court offensive sets and does a great job distributing the ball around and making everyone around her look good. She has an excellent first step to the rim, is strong and unafraid of contact when driving to the rim finishing with both hands equally well. Brisco's also a lock down defender when she pressures ball-handlers in the backcourt. The last top prospect in that class is Celeste Moran, 6'2" center. She does a great job around the basket. She's a tremendous shot blocker as well as defender in the paint. She's also a very good midrange shooter, as well. The highlight of the 2017 class is Courtney McCool. This 5'7 guard can get to the basket at will. She's a pure shooter with deep range out to the 3 pt line. McCool is a lock-down defender on the ball with great instincts off the ball.
Coach Jo is quoted as saying that "the sport of basketball is an attraction to both males and females. For young people to be successful in either requires self-discipline, hard work, and determination. Positive Direction uses basketball as a tool to promote and encourage academic excellence in their participants. The program stresses the need for higher education through mandatory study sessions, evaluation of report cards, and awards acknowledging academic achievements. Youths are encouraged to utilize the same hard work and desire they display on the court and in the studio, in the classroom which is why the program focuses on building character, self-confidence, establishing self-respect, promoting time management, teaching social skills, responsibility, and loyalty. Positive Direction incorporates the values and morals of the parents of our program by emphasizing their teachings as well."
Even though the Positive Direction program produces 1 - 2 Division I athletes each year, and has since 2002, Coach Jo's goal is to increase that number each year which is why their "farm league", that starts at 4 years old, consists of laying the foundation of basketball through pure fundamentals drills and educational components.
The foundation of the Positive Direction program has been in place for over 20 years under the direction of Coach Jo. It's very easy to see why the 2015 AAU season will be another great opportunity for this east coast program to continue spreading their message and helping young men and women achieve their goals/dreams through the game of basketball!!!