Name: Kaimyla Nolen
Height: 5-7
Position: Point Guard
High School: Kentwood (WA)
Graduation Class: 2022
AAU Club: Tree of Hope
GPA: 4.0
Status: COMMITTED - Park University (11/8/21)
Favorite hobbies outside of basketball: Going on walks, hanging out with family and friends, making Tiktoks, sleeping, studying basketball film and swimming.
Expectations heading into senior year: "For me, to make the defensive team for the third year in a row and win the Most Valuable Player award. For my team, to make it to the dome. But overall, just have fun and a good last season while accomplishing those goals."
Accomplishments: NPSL 4A All-Defensive Team (2x)
Kaimyla Nolen is a 5-7 Point Guard from Kent, Washington. She's a rising senior at Kentwood High School. Nolen is the cousin of Talia Walton, the former Washington Huskies standout who was the 29th pick in the 2016 WNBA draft. She's also a member of the national honor society. Nolen is a tough minded two-way guard who's able to control the flow of the game by creating for others and scoring on all three levels. She's a 2 time NPSL All-Defensive team selection due to her tenacious play. Nolen only played 5 games in her shortened season because of a knee injury, but she has rehabbed and has had a strong summer to make up for lost time. Let's get to know more about the west coast guard!
BREAKDOWN
Strengths:
- Athletic Guard
"One of the strongest ball handlers I have covered. Nolen has great ball protection when facing contact and controls her speed in the open court. I believe she can adjusts to any style when the rock is in her hands."
- Can score at all three levels.
"Smooth scorer at all three levels. Shows signs of being a three point shooter."
- Finishes strong in the paint.
"As mentioned previously, Nolen finishes strong in the paint when attacking the basket. With a strong build, she is able to get to her spots and stays low to the ground when in attack mode."
- High IQ Player
"Makes smart decisions with the ball and always looks to find the open teammate. The 4.0 grade point average comes in handy for the west coast guard."
- Mid Range Specialist
"Smooth mid range game, love the way that she squares up to the basket."
- Natural Born Playmaker
"Creates for EVERYBODY."
- Strong On-Ball Defender
"One of the best on-ball defenders on film. Nolen has a great knack for getting steals and always looks to shut down the opposing team's best player. Underrated shot blocker as well."
- Very smooth player
"A pretty straightforward note. Never speeds up and never has to overthink on the court. Let's the game come to her."
Things to work on:
- Getting her name out.
"I'm not selective, but I like to help out as much deserving athletes as possible when given the chance. Nolen is a special player who I believe can play at the next level and I took the chance on her due to her unselfish and dynamic play. Her senior year will be crucial this fall as this is now the time to crack down and go all out with her play."
Remaining healthy
"One thing I preach to athletes who come off injury is to start monitoring on how your body functions. In terms of what areas you need to strengthen and keep watch of. For Nolen, knee injuries are something that you can't play around with. Remaining healthy will be a huge part for her as she is now a senior and doesn't want to miss time in her last year. It would be a devastating thing for her as she is still trying to get her name out."
Below is my interview with Kaimyla Nolen.
KAIMYLA NOLEN Q&A
When did you start playing basketball?
"I started playing basketball at the age of 2, but AAU wise I started in 4th grade."
Describe your game.
"I am a pass first point guard who plays lock down defense and never gives up on any play. I would say I fit the description of being a true point guard. I do the little things for my team on both offense and defense."
What is your role on Kentwood’s basketball team?
"My role is to be a leader by playing my game which is scoring and also defending the best player on the opposite team."
How was your junior season?
"My junior season was alright, not the best or what I hoped for personally. But my team did finish 12-1 which is good and I was very proud!"
How was the live period for you?
"I played for Tree of Hope 17U Elite and the live period was pretty nerve racking at first, but when games started it went good. During that time, I locked up some top 10 rated players in the country which felt good. Had a some pretty good games that I was able to send out to coaches to get on their radar."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
"I would say I'm always working on my ball handling whether that’s in the gym or outside my house. I would usually go to the gym about 4 to 5 times a week to get shoots up, working on mid range, ball handling and lift weights before COVID, but now I mainly workout at home. I still get shots up at a court outside near my house. My mentally is just to get better every time I step into a gym and not to compare myself to other around."
Which athlete do you look up to the most?
"I look up to Diana Taurasi and Kobe Bryant the most."
Who do you look up to as role models?
"I look up to my cousin Talia Walton, who went to the University of Washington and was drafted into the WNBA. My parents and all of my AAU teammates because they are all role models in different ways."
It’s still very early, but what are you looking forward to in your senior season?
"I’m most looking forward to hopefully having a normal season and a normal state tournament because I want to make it to the DOME. Being MVP of my league while also making defensive team. I’m looking forward to just playing more basketball since AAU is now over. Overall, being with the team for my last year and sending more film to college coaches."
Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people?
"I would say use your haters and fans to help you reach your goals and get further in life. Don’t take anything for granted. Talk to every college coach that tries talking to you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Make and cherish memories. Be the best teammate on and off the court and most importantly remember to always have fun!"
Kaimyla Nolen - 2021 NIKE Tournament of Champions Summer Highlights
Late addition to the article, but Nolen is quite the TikToker LOL
Twitter @kaimyla_nolen_3
High School Coach Information
Jordan Nero - Email
AAU Coach Information
Chris Nolen
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