Analyss Benally, a Shiprock native who has built a career playing professionally in Europe and appearing in the 2024 film "Rez Ball," is turning her love of basketball into a traveling mentorship program for Native American youth.
The initiative, branded ABFive, began as a simple Facebook page started by her father to keep friends updated on her journey, and has grown into a series of free camps that travel across the Southwest, offering drills, shooting work, and team‑building activities.
A Laker’s Unexpected Partnership
Former Los Angeles Laker Andre Ingram, whose wife’s family has deep roots in New Mexico’s Navajo Nation, linked up with Benally to bring his NBA‑level experience to the camps, reinforcing the program’s mission to empower participants both on and off the court.
Ingram’s personal connection to the region adds a layer of cultural resonance, as he sees the camps as a bridge between his own basketball background and the aspirations of Indigenous youth.
Each session emphasizes fundamental skills — dribbling, shooting, footwork — while also fostering community bonds among participants, coaches, and families who gather for the weekend clinics.
Upcoming Phoenix Clinic
On July 17, Benally and Ingram will host a clinic in Phoenix open to children in second through eighth grades, providing a rare opportunity for youngsters in the region to learn from two professional athletes.
Looking ahead, Benally envisions a national network of camps that reaches every tribe in America and eventually expands to global communities, believing that basketball can open doors and build confidence for Native youth.
"When you step onto the court, you’re not just playing a game; you’re stepping into a space where possibilities expand," Benally said, underscoring her belief that the sport can reshape futures.