In South Florida basketball, summer is often where players make their biggest leaps.
While fans may focus on tournament results and recruiting rankings, much of the real work happens inside local gyms, away from the spotlight. That's where players sharpen their skills, build confidence, and learn how to compete against athletes who can push them to another level.
Few understand that better than Lauren Carmona, affectionately known throughout the basketball community as Coach Lo.
Through her open runs in Weston, Coach Lo has created a competitive environment where athletes from different schools, backgrounds, and age groups come together for one common purpose: getting better.
Held twice a week from 2-4 PM, the runs have become a destination for players looking for quality competition during the summer months. High school athletes share the floor with college players, creating an atmosphere that challenges everyone involved.
What makes the runs unique is the willingness to welcome younger players into the environment as well.
During a recent session, several middle school athletes stepped onto the court alongside older and more experienced players. While the speed and physicality of the game can be intimidating, the experience provides valuable lessons that cannot be replicated in traditional practices or training sessions.
For younger players, it's an opportunity to see firsthand what the next level looks like.
The pace is faster. The decisions have to come quicker. Every possession demands focus. By competing against stronger and more skilled athletes, young players gain an understanding of the work required to continue advancing in the sport.
For the high school and college athletes, the benefits are equally important.
Summer basketball isn't just about playing games. It's about maintaining sharpness, developing new skills, and competing against players who force you out of your comfort zone. Quality runs help athletes stay prepared for upcoming AAU events, school seasons, and recruiting opportunities.
The atmosphere inside Coach Lo's gym reflects a simple but important philosophy: iron sharpens iron.
Players are encouraged to compete, communicate, and learn from one another. The environment is competitive, but it is also built around development. Every athlete who steps on the floor has the chance to improve regardless of age, experience, or current level of play.
In an era where access to high-level basketball environments can sometimes be limited, Coach Lo continues to provide opportunities for athletes who are willing to put in the work.
That commitment is helping build a stronger basketball community in South Florida.
As players continue searching for ways to elevate their game during the offseason, Coach Lo's open runs have become more than just a place to get shots up or break a sweat. They have become a gathering place for athletes who understand that development never stops.
And as another summer rolls on, the gym in Weston continues to fill with players chasing the same goal: becoming better than they were the day before.
