NEW YORK'S FINEST ATHLETES
THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lewis Sampson: Lewis Sampson is the founder of New York's Finest. He started this program just to give all youth an "opportunity". He is best known for his teaching and extensive knowledge of the game. He believes every athlete should have the understanding of the game of basketball in order to play at a high level. As a coach, he has won multiple championships in addition to providing assistance to many athletes earn scholarships to various collegiate and preparatory schools.
Education: Sewanhaka Central High School
All-county ranked player 3 years in varsity for Sewanhaka High School
All-conference player 2 years in Junior Varsity for Sewanhaka
Full Scholarship to Seton Hall University
Certifications: NCAA Certified, USA Gold License
12 years coaching experience
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Monique Duck: Actively working with youth basketball leagues for 10 years. Assisted Newburgh Zion Lions with fundraising efforts. Worked as Team Mom and Parent Liason for New York's Finest and now working in the capacity as Operations Manager and Fundraising.
Monique has an Associates Degree in Nursing and has worked as a nursing assistant in the OR at Orange Regional Medical Center (Horton).
ADMINISTRATION
Jennifer Mitchner: Jennifer Mitchner comes to us by way of her husband, Coach Gordon Mitchner. She attended the Lady Finest practices and games regularly as his biggest supporter, but more importantly, for the support of the team. She took an interest, along with her husband, to improve upon, promote and expand the Lady Finest program. With her attention to detail, she began to give suggestions and ideas to Coach Gordon, as well as took note of the concerns and suggestions of the parents throughout the season.
Jennifer received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Criminology from SUNY New Paltz and has worked as a Legal Assistant for 14 years, until recently, making a career change to work in Human Resources. She enjoys baking as a hobby and from time to time brings cookies to the team as a treat.
Her professionalism, attention to detail and experience in an administrative setting are a welcomed addition to the New York's Finest program.
Education:
Minisink Valley High School
SUNY Orange - A.A. Liberal Arts
SUNY New Paltz - B.A. Sociology/Criminology
Certification:
Notary Public (Commissioned in Orange County)
HEAD COACH (HIGH SCHOOL)
Lonnie Grant: Lonnie Grant has worked with New York's Finest for 8 years. He has coached 6-12th grade, leading to finals and championships. He is also on the Board for MFA and holds skills training. He's also coached for Mitchell Housing Projects basketball league. He played high school basketball at Gompers, going to semifinals in his last year. He's played for the Gauchos and Riverside Church.
20 years coaching experience
Certification: NCAA certified
HEAD COACH (MIDDLE SCHOOL)
Gordon Mitchner: Gordon Mitchner comes to us by way of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Playing freshman and junior varsity basketball for Grand Rapids Central High School. After graduation, he began his 9-year tenure in the U.S. Army, during his time in the military he played for a travel team while overseas in Wiesbaden, Germany. While in Germany Gordon began his coaching career in 2005 leading the 14u Wiesbaden 76ers to the USAEUR Junior championships in his first year of coaching. In July 2007, Gordon relocated to New York with the hopes of continuing his coaching career, since then he has been coaching in skill and developmental clinics throughout Orange County.
Coaching experience:
Wiesbaden 76ers (USAEUR junior division runner-ups)
DRC (Dispute resolution center) Skill and Fundamental instructor.
Certifications:
NCAA certification
CPR Certification
Adult First Aid Certification
HEAD COACH (MIDDLE SCHOOL)
Tonnia Weaver: Tonnia Weaver is a native of Goshen, NY. During her high school years, she was
a two-sport athlete and a 4-star recruit. She participated in varsity track & field, and varsity basketball all four years. Her efforts help lead the Girls Basketball Varsity team to its first section 9 playoff appearance after a long absence. Coach Tonnia is also the recipient of the NAACP award for sports and leadership. To this day she is the only female athlete to win such an award in Goshen High School history. Tonnia went on to attend SUNY Empire State College and SUNY Orange. Tonnia developed a passion for coaching after watching her son pursue his love for basketball. Her passion for the sport led her to the Lady Finest program. Tonnia’s desire has always been to encourage, support, and teach the youth to pursue their talents and dreams. She is a firm believer that through their hard work and dedication, it will produce a lifetime investment of success.
Certifications: Cpr/first aid, AED certified from Red Cross
NCAA Certified
Awards:
NAACP award winner for sports and leadership
HEAD COACH (HIGH SCHOOL)
Louis Robinson: Louis has played basketball for various schools. He has participated in tournaments within the NYC area and has played for the NYPD Law Enforcement travel basketball team. For the past 17 years, he's worked with kids as a mentor and/or Head Coach/Assistant through various youth programs. Over the years, Coach Louis has assisted in the overall development of kids through moral and professional character development, college focus groups and career development. He has also assisted in team and individual training, position/skill development, practices, and games.
Mentoring Experience:
The NYC Cops for kids programs, DEA/NYPD Explorer's program, Big Brother-Big Sister program and The Police Athletic League (PAL)
Coaching Experience:
AAU, the Police Athletic League (PAL), CYO & MPB youth basketball programs. Montgomery Generals (Pop Warner Youth Football) and Valley Central Youth Football Programs (OCYFL).
Education:
John Jay College- Associate Degree- Criminal Justice
Manhattan College- Bachelor's degree in business Management
Certifications:
NYS Certified Instructor (MOI)
NCAA Certified Coach
Double-Goal Coach Certification
USA Football Coaching Certification
HEAD COACH (GRAMMAR SCHOOL)
Hassan Keys: Hassan Keys roots extend from Harlem, New York City. He later attended Austin East High school in Knoxville, Tennessee and played on the school basketball team that ultimately won the 1987 State Championship. After completing high school, he decided to walk-on at Austin Peay State University basketball Team in Clarksville Tennessee. Then attended Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tennessee and played basketball from 1987 tip 1989. As a member of that team, Roane State moved to a ranking of 12th in the nation of Junior colleges in 1989. Soon after completing two years at Roane State Community College, Coach Hassan attended City College of New York where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education and Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. He is currently an Elementary School Teacher at The Dike Ellington School and continues to coach basketball for the past 17 years.