Ballin’ with the Beavers
By Chris Jourdain
Rez AP
A group of youngsters who have been playing basketball together
for the past few years attended a basketball camp over their holiday break.
They are part of a group of 4-6th graders that play on a 6th
grade team that will be playing in tournaments throughout the winter months, as
well as other games to be scheduled.
The camp was in its first year and was sponsored by the Bemidji State University
men’s basketball coaches and players. It was held at the John Glas Fieldhouse, a place where
Red Lakers’ have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in recent years.
The days started out very early for holiday break, and the camp
featured a lot of drills that focused on ball handling, defense and passing.
There were also some competitive games of “hot shot” and a free throw
competition in which Joey McNiel made it to the final
round of three. The players learned a lot of the fundamentals of the game, and
an emphasis was placed on footwork and defense. Each participant received an
autographed poster, shirt and media guide and some great instruction by the
coaches and players.
The week culminated with an invitation for the players and their
parents to attend a Bemidji
State vs. UW Superior
basketball game Friday night at 7pm. The youngsters were excited to watch the
players who had been working with them all week, however Bemidji dropped a game
that was close throughout and went down to the wire. After the game we were
treated to a pizza party with the coaches, players and other camp participants
and parents, in which the kids visited with the players and some got autographs
and talked about the game. We also got to check out the International hockey
tournament and for some it was the first time seeing a hockey game.
The kids would like to thank their parents for paying their
tuition and providing meal money, the Bemidji State Beavers for their
invitation and time and Red Lake Comprehensive Health for usage of a vehicle to
drive down.
