The girls’ JV and Varsity basketball teams have been working with the Junior Jackets over the past couple of weeks, helping to improve their basketball skills. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders came to the camp for one hour a couple of days after school to practice with the teams. The young athletes practiced shooting, dribbling, defense, and lots of other great skills to have on the court.
This is the first year the Lady Jackets have done this fundraiser to help cover a couple of funds for the team. This is just one of a few fundraisers the ladies are doing throughout the season. The girls’ basketball teams enjoy getting to know the kids and teach them all about basketball.
On Thursday night, at the boys’ home opening game, the young athletes got to play 5 versus 5 games against each other in full-court, with Varsity and JV players coaching and reffing. They were split up into groups with 2nd and 3rd graders, as well as groups with 4th and 5th graders. All teams played 4-minute games against their peers. Family and friends filled the stands, cheering the kids on as they ran up and down the court dribbling, shooting, and having fun.
Freshman and JV player, Jessica Clouser says, “I think it impacted us by teaching us some patience and allowing us to see the progress we have made, and for the kids, I think we have given them someone to look up to as they grow as athletes.”
Senior and Varsity player Grace Thorrez states, “It helps us realize how big of an impact the camps can have, not only on the kids but us as well.” The ladies love interacting with the younger kids; it helps them connect with the upcoming Jackets. The kids had so much fun running and playing with their classmates as well as the older kids. The team had just as much fun with the kids as they did with them. The girls agreed that this was a perfect way to interact and get to know the younger students, while teaching them skills that they could use for the rest of their basketball careers.
The Junior Jackets will play again at Concord High School on Tuesday, December 16, 2024. The 2nd and 3rd grade students will play at the JV game at halftime, and the 4th and 5th graders will play during the Varsity game at halftime. JV game starts at 5:30 and Varsity starts at 7.
