Fourteen-year-old J.C. Williams has one goal -- to rise to the top in basketball.

This Shawnee Mission East freshman practices 20 hours a week, 500 shots a day to prepare for a career in basketball. Besides homework, all J.C. can think about is the game.

“I want to take it to the extreme – as far as I can go – like the NBA,” says J.C., son of Holly Njai.

J.C. plays for an AAU team called KC Act Running Rebels. This summer, they are heading to Las Vegas to compete against other young basketball enthusiasts from across the country. 

In the Adidas and Nike tournaments July 18-Aug. 1, J.C. will compete for college scholarships and for the attention of college scouts. During last year’s tournament, J.C. says he was excited when he was approached by Michael Jordan’s agent.

At 6’4, J.C. started playing basketball two years ago because of the recognition he received for his height. After about a year of being the weakest player of his team, J.C. has since made serious strides in his skill level and is now a starting player with the Running Rebels.

“I didn’t give up on myself,” he said. “Every time I went in there, I kept trying harder.”

Now J.C. needs your help with the expenses for his Las Vegas trip, which includes hotel, food and expenses. The hotel stay alone costs $800. Any donations would be appreciated.

To help J.C. get to Las Vegas and closer to his NBA dreams