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Meet Our Team.
The heart of the Foundation Basketball Club is our dedicated coaching staff. Each coach brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and leadership to help our athletes grow - both on and off the court. From former players to trainers, our staff is committed to teaching fundamentals, building confidence, and pushing players to reach their full potential. We just don't develop basketball skills - we develop character, teamwork, and a winning mindset. Join us and see what it means to be coached the Foundation way.
About Me:
I’m Coach Derek Freeman! Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! I personally love development in sports as it is a personal passion of mine With 25 years of experience in basketball, I have worked with athletes of all levels. Helping them develop their skills and improving their performance, while achieving their athletic aspirations. My coaching philosophy involves the mental and physical aspects of the game. I really value sportsmanship and togetherness that youth sports teaches. I am passionate about fostering a positive and supportive environment, that athletes can thrive from. My goal is to build self-belief, great character, and a skilled athlete.
I am most proud of my very own children: Jazmyne, DJ & Mason! They are my inspiration to work to the best of my ability every day!
Veteran: United States Air Force
Basketball: United States All Air Force Basketball 2005-07
University of New Mexico Highlands 2008-2012
-Team Captain 2010-2012
-RMAC All Defense Team 2011
-CO DPOY 2011
Coaching Experience: Robertson HS (NM) 2012
Arizona Prestige/Az FireStorm 2013-2015
Tres Hoops 2015-2016
San Tan Charter 2016-2021 (Head Coach 2018)
LFPA Gilbert 2021-Present
Coaching Record: CAA/AIA 124 Wins - 32 Loses
Awards: 2018 Canyon Athletic Association Coach of the Year
2019 Canyon Athletic Association Coach of the Year
2022 Canyon Athletic Association Coach of the Year
2017 CAA State Championship
2018 CAA State Championship
2020 CAA State Championship
2021 AIA Region Championship
2022 CAA State Championship
I believe my biggest accomplishment is building a great relationship and great outlet to our community! Let’s continue to build our foundation!!
Derek Freeman,
Program Head/Coach
About Me:
Kortez Lilly, Coach
About Me:
Hi, I'm Coach Isaiah Brown, and I’m a youth basketball coach and skills trainer dedicated to helping young athletes grow both on and off the court. I work exclusively with youth players, focusing on fundamentals, basketball IQ, and building the confidence needed to succeed—not just in basketball, but in life.
I’ve been fortunate to experience the game at a high level, winning a state championship as a player and being part of a state championship coaching staff. Those experiences taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and preparation—lessons I now pass on to the kids I train. I’m certified in CPR and First Aid, and I take pride in creating a safe, structured, and positive environment for every athlete I work with. Whether I’m running a one-on-one session or a small group workout, my goal is always to teach the game the right way while helping each player build skills, confidence, and character.
Isaiah Brown, Coach
About Me:
Hi, I'm Coach LeVon Brown. When I was growing up, my love was for another sport, so I didn’t develop the skills or interest in basketball until high school. I liked the sport mostly because we all played it in the neighborhood as kids. When I entered my freshman year, I was chosen for the last spot on the team. I figured, since I played in 8th grade, maybe I could take it further.
Four years later, I went from being an average high school player to becoming a good college player. That led to six years playing for the country of Denmark, followed by fourteen years playing semi-pro with a Lithuanian organization.
Now, here I am—trying to give back to the sport that has given me so many opportunities and allowed me to stay connected to the game. I am so grateful and thankful to all of my supporters and family, and to each of you for helping make this possible. My mom has been my support since day one. She was there to help me find my true passion and to encourage and support the idea of me giving back to the community for the love of basketball! I believe in sportsmanship first. My belief is something I repeat to my players on a daily basis. "RESPECT THE GAME AND THE GAME RESPECTS YOU!”
What fuels my passion and deepens my love for what I do is the impact I make in others’ lives. It’s in the “Thank you, Coach,” the “You’re the best,” and the “We can do this” moments. It’s the energy and excitement of doing what I love—pushing myself to become the best version of me.
Every milestone reached, every smile earned, and every word of appreciation reinforces my purpose.
LeVon Brown, Coach
About Me:
Coach Philip Powell is a dedicated LFPA and Foundation Coach for both the girls and boys varsity, and elementary teams.
Prior to being part of the LFPA community, Coach Powell had his own club team called the Underdogs that won several tournaments throughout the valley. He has also trained and developed players for AIA and CAA girls and boys basketball programs.
Prior to being a coach in Arizona, Coach Powell was born and raised in New York City, where he practiced martial arts and played basketball as a dual athlete from a young age. He was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2015. During his time playing basketball, Coach Powell was a two time state champion during his junior and senior years in high school. During his college years, Coach Powell received a dual scholarship to Liberty University for Martial Arts and Basketball.
Now that he is at LFPA, he takes pride in helping coach his two sons and daughter to help them achieve their educational and basketball goals. He is dedicated not only to his kids, but helping all the players develop in basketball other essential life skills.
Phil Powell, Coach
About Me:
Coach Wandy Powell is an LFPA and Foundation assistant coach for the high school and elementary girls basketball team.
Prior to being part of the basketball staff, Coach Wandy was a teacher at LFPA for 8 years before pursuing a school counselor degree. She has a Bachelors in elementary education and has two Master’s degrees, one in psychology and the second one in counseling. She also studies martial arts and has a black belt in karate.
Coach Wandy was originally born and raised in Queens New York. She moved to Arizona with her husband Coach Philip Powell, who she helped coach their club team the Underdogs. Her passion is to help students grow in a healthy and safe environment, where they can take the skills they have learned and go out into the world and be happy productive adults.
Wandy Powell, Coach
About Me:
Hi! I'm Lindsay Orendorff! As the Operations Director for the Foundation, I bring over 16 years of leadership and organizational experience to keep our program running smoothly. I manage everything from scheduling, communications and logistics, ensuring that both our players, families and coaches have the support they need on and off the court.
I have a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and my MBA from the University of Arizona. Outside of the club, I work at a Fortune 500 company, where I focus on operational strategy and developing high performing teams. Being apart of the Foundation allows me to combine my professional skills with my passion for youth sports and development. I take pride in creating a structured, positive environment that helps our athletes grow, complete and succeed.
Lindsay Orendorff,
Assoc. Director of Operations
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