Tom Emory

Tom Emory owner ITZ Sports Performance basketball training facility

Tom Emory has been a basketball coach and trainer for over 24 years, mentoring athletes in the Spokane community from ages 5 to 25.  Tom comes from a family that is deeply involved in the game of basketball – his dad, wife, and daughter all played college basketball. His dad was a High School Championship coach in Colorado Springs, Colorado and his daughter is currently on the coaching staff at The Masters University where she played 4 years.   Below are some of the highlights of Tom’s career:

  • Founded the Spokane Basketball School back in 2001 
  • Founded the Spokane Club Shootout in 2000, Spokane largest 5 on 5 competitive adult indoor tournament
  • Sports Director of the Spokane Club for 8 years
  • Head Varsity coach at Shadle Park for 2 years
    • Led the Highlanders to a 3A GSL regular season Championship
    • Led the Highlanders to a District Championship, into Regionals, and State Qualifications
  • Head Coach for the NW Blazers White, Black, and Lightning teams over a 8 year span
    • Elite Showcase travel team, and was top sponsored Adidas organization in the county – since switching over to UnderArmour as the top organization in the country
    • Has personally helped families / athletes in the Northwest receive over $5 MILLION in college scholarship offers
    • Over 95% of the players that Tom coached went on to play at the NAIA, D3, D2, and D1 level – and even two athletes that are currently playing professionally
  • Shooting instructor, utilizing NOAH and NOAHLYTICS, for over 10 years
  • Started ITZ Sports Performance back in 2017, all the while conducting between 80-100 private lessons per month
  • Veteran of the US Air Force where he served from 1990-94 during Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Gulf War)

Tony Skinner

Tony Skinner moved to Spokane, WA in 2002 to continue his basketball career. He went on to play for Gonzaga University from 2002-2004. He graduated from Gonzaga with a Bachelors in Sociology. After graduation, Tony went on to play professionally in Germany after which he returned to Spokane and started to embrace what Spokane and the basketball world have in common – a real love for the game. 

In 2007, Tony began his coaching career with a fellow teammate, and has since coached for several youth programs, teams, and organizations. 

Tony loves the passion Spokane has for basketball and does as much as he can to continue to give back. With 3 children of his own, his focus is on the fundamentals of the game. This includes not only teaching proper form and technique, but truly teaching the game the right way. 

  • Gonzaga Graduate 2004 played from 2002-2004
  • Played Professionally in Germany
  • Bachelors in Sociology, emphasis on teaching
  • Coached girls/boys AAU 2008-present
  • Individual/small group/team trainings
  • Collaborate and Consult with Lilac Legends (Spokane minor league BBall team)
  • Constant Student of the game

Jase Edwards

Jase went to Central Valley High School where he was GSL All League in basketball, baseball, and football. After high school, Jase played 2 years of baseball at Spokane Falls CC where he got his Associates Degree. After 2 years of baseball, Jase played 2 years of basketball at Columbia Basin College, where he will receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management this year. During his time in the Tri-Cities, Jase helped train and coach players in the area alongside his brother, Bryan. Since Returning to Spokane, Jase has been active in Real Estate and enjoys staying around the game of basketball. Jase’s main focus is to help players develop their basketball IQ, learn proper footwork, develop effective in-game moves, and help shape player’s mindsets towards the game to help them reach their full potential.