WHO IS TOP NOTCH?

Welcome to the home of excellence, where passion meets purpose and dedication knows no bounds. We are not just a basketball team; we are a family bound together by a shared love for the game and an unyielding commitment to values that define us. Our program stands tall on the pillars of Integrity, Accountability, Diligence, Perseverance, and Discipline. These core values aren't just words; they are the foundation upon which our success story is built.

OUR 5 PILLARS FOR EXCELLENCE

INTEGRITY

We uphold the highest ethical standards, both on and off the court. Integrity is not just a choice; it's our way of life.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We take responsibility for our actions, holding ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship. Every decision we make, we make it with accountability in mind.

DILIGENCE

We believe in the power of hard work. Through continuous effort and determination, we hone our skills and strive for excellence. Diligence is the key that unlocks our true potential.

PERSEVERANCE

Challenges are inevitable, but so is our determination to overcome them. We face adversity with unwavering resolve, turning obstacles into opportunities, and setbacks into comebacks.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. We adhere to a disciplined lifestyle, ensuring that our actions align with our ambitions. It is the driving force behind our focus and consistency.

Passion + Purpose + Dedication = NO LIMITS

SKILL TRAINING

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TEAM TRAINING

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PLAYER GROWTH

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2024-25 Try-Outs

Are you ready to take your basketball game to the next level? Top Notch AAU Basketball is looking for talented and driven athletes to join our elite team! This is your chance to showcase your skills, compete against the best, and become part of a program that emphasizes player development, teamwork, and excellence both on and off the court.

Tryout Details:

- Date: October 6th

- Location: Under the Nets - 1175 Chadwick Rd. DeWitt, MI

- 4th Grade Boys - 12-1pm
- 5th Grade Boys 2:30-4pm
- 6th Grade Boys 1-2:30pm
- 8th Grade Boys 6-7pm

- register and we will be sending out details as we get closer

What to Expect:

- Dynamic drills to test your skills in ball handling, shooting, defense, and more

- Live scrimmages to assess your basketball IQ and ability to work within a team

- Evaluations by experienced coaches dedicated to helping you grow and succeed as an athlete

Come prepared to give it your all! Whether you’re looking to refine your fundamentals or take a step closer to playing at the next level, Top Notch AAU Basketball provides the environment and coaching you need to achieve your goals.

Requirements:

- Bring your own basketball

- Appropriate athletic attire

- Water bottle

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your opportunity to try out for Top Notch AAU Basketball. Register today and show us what you’ve got on the court!

WELCOME TO TOP NOTCH BASKETBALL

At TOP NOTCH, our vision goes beyond the game. We aspire to inspire the next generation of student-athletes, instilling in them the values of hard work, relentlessness, and passion. We aim to nurture not just extraordinary basketball players, but exceptional human beings.

We believe in the transformative power of teamwork, teaching our players unparalleled trust and respect for one another. Within these court lines, friendships are forged, and leadership skills are honed. We empower our players to dream big, work hard, and achieve the extraordinary.

Join us on this journey of growth, camaraderie, and triumph. Together, we don't just play basketball; we embody it.

We are TOP NOTCH — where champions are not just made; they are nurtured, guided, and celebrated. Come be a part of our legacy, where passion meets purpose, and dreams take flight.

PRACTICE FACILITY

Under The Nets

1175 E. Chadwick St. - DeWitt, MI

BASKETBALL IS MORE THAN JUST A GAME

BASKETBALL IS FAMILY, FRIENDS, OPPORTUNITY, SACRIFICE, A MENTAL ESCAPE, A TOOL FOR LIFE LESSONS...

IT'S EVERYTHING!

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

COACHES

Our Coaches at TOP NOTCH are committed to making this experience enriching,

transformative, and memorable for your Athlete.

Jennifer Smith-Topping

Co - Founder / 5th Grade Boys Coach

3rd/4th Grade Girls Coach

Jenn Topping stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of basketball, having left an indelible mark as both a player and coach.

A graduate of DeWitt High School in 2000, Jenn exhibited exceptional leadership on the court, guiding her team to a school-record 25-game winning streak and a State semi-final championship game in 1999. Her senior year was highlighted by leading the team to the Class B final four, earning the prestigious All-State First Team recognition.

Jenn continued her basketball journey at the University of Michigan from 2000 to 2004, where she etched her name in the record books. Finishing her career ranked second in all-time points scored, second in field goal percentage, and third in all-time free throw percentage, she demonstrated unparalleled skill and dedication. As the team captain in her senior year, Jenn led the Big Ten in scoring, setting the Michigan single-season scoring record. Her contributions earned her First Team All-Big Ten honors and the U of M M-Zone Award for leadership and character.

Transitioning to the professional arena, Jenn made history as the first DeWitt graduate to play professionally in basketball. She was chosen in the 3rd round of the WNBA draft and showcased her talents for the New York Liberty. Additionally, she took her skills to Euroleague, representing Slovakia.

In 2023, Jenn Topping was honored with induction into the Greater Lansing Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on the sport.

Jenn's commitment to education is as notable as her athletic achievements. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sports Management at the University of Michigan and pursued a Masters in Sports Management at Eastern Michigan University. Concurrently, she served as a graduate assistant in the Strength and Conditioning program at U of M for both the Men's and Women's basketball teams.

Jenn Topping continues to inspire with her multifaceted contributions to basketball, embodying excellence on the court, in coaching, and in sports management.

James Topping

Co - Founder / 5th Grade Boys Coach

Coach James Topping boasts an impressive career in the world of basketball, bringing a wealth of experience as both a player and a successful coach.

As a player, James immersed himself in the game, contributing as a three-year varsity starter and competing at the AAU level for six years. His collegiate journey included stints at Wayne State and Kirkland Community College, where he honed his skills on the court for two years.

Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, James has dedicated the past decade to shaping the future of elite competitive youth basketball. His coaching prowess has been evident in the remarkable achievements of the teams while coaching alongside Coach Jenn Topping and their combined guidance.

In the competitive realm, James and Jenn led their teams to consecutive victories, securing the Youth State of Michigan basketball championship titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024 . James' coaching acumen also propelled his teams to back-to-back AAU Michigan Championships in 2017 and 2018.

On the national stage, James and Jenn's coaching excellence shone through with notable accomplishments in the AAU National Championship tournaments. In 2017, their team secured a remarkable 5th place finish in Tennessee, followed by a podium-worthy 3rd place in Florida in 2018.

Coach James Topping's commitment to excellence, both as a player and a coach, is evident in his track record of championships and national success. His dedication to developing young talent and fostering a winning culture continues to make a lasting impact on the basketball community.

Ted DeYoung

4th Grade Boys Coach

Ted DeYoung's basketball journey is marked by a rich history both as a player and a dedicated coach. A standout athlete, Ted excelled in high school, where he played three years of varsity basketball and assumed the role of Captain during his Senior year at Grand Rapids Northview. His leadership on and off the court was acknowledged with Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

Continuing his love for the game, Ted took his talents to Alma College, where he played Division III basketball. Notably, he served as captain for one year, showcasing his leadership abilities at the collegiate level.

Returning to his roots in Grand Rapids, Ted transitioned into coaching at Northview High School, where he passionately led both the High School and JV basketball teams for three years. His impact was felt not only through strategic coaching but also in the mentorship of young athletes.

Beyond the high school arena, Ted dedicated a decade to coaching youth in both football and basketball, instilling fundamental skills that extend beyond the game itself. As a father of two sports-loving children, Ted's passion for coaching is not just a profession but a way of life. He strives to impart not only athletic skills but also essential life lessons, embodying the belief that sports serve as a powerful vehicle for character development and personal growth.

Our Commitment to Your Athlete

As the coaches of TOP NOTCH Basketball, we understand the profound trust you place in us by allowing your athlete to be a part of our basketball family. We take this responsibility seriously, and we are deeply committed to the holistic development of your athlete, both as a player and as an individual. Our commitment to your athlete goes beyond the court; it's a promise to nurture their talents, guide their character, and support their dreams. Here's what you can expect from us:

Individual

Guidance

Mentorship &

Role Modeling

Safe and Supportive

Environment

Communication &

Collaboration

Life Skills

Development

Emotional Team

Support

Encouraging a

Growth Mindset

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PARENT & PLAYER TESTIMONIALS

I can’t thank Jenn Topping enough for her coaching. She has helped me tremendously in becoming both the person and basketball player I am today. She always instilled belief in me with her words of encouragement. Her basketball knowledge really helped shape me from a young age with her critique and emphasis on fundamentals to ensure good habits to build on. I wouldn’t be the basketball player I am today without Coach Jenn and her amazing gift to coach.

Ava Scanlon

6'3" Center receieved full ride to GVSU

As a parent with two boys in the basketball program, I am compelled to express my utmost gratitude and admiration for the exceptional coaching team. The impact they've had on my boys' development both on and off the court is truly remarkable.

The coaches demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to fostering growth and development. Their ability to set clear expectations and create a positive, challenging environment has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in unleashing the potential within each player. It's evident that they not only aim to enhance basketball skills but also to instill valuable life lessons.

What sets this program apart is the genuine care and investment the coaches make in each player's journey. They excel in lifting the boys to new heights, encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones and strive for excellence. It's heartening to witness the transformation in my boys as they embrace challenges and work towards becoming the best versions of themselves both on and off the court.

Natasha Roberson

Our experience with our Top Notch team has been absolutely amazing. This is the 3rd year our son is playing for James and Jen. The growth and success our team has accomplished over the past three years has been so much fun to be a part of! Sure the tournaments and trophies are cool but I think practices are the most valuable for my son’s development.

James and Jen ask for a lot out of their players and give a lot in return. They have high standards, but most of all truly care and treat us like family.