Lady Owls take on PI Rec Rats
Coach Tracy Guerrette and the University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s basketball team traveled down the Main Street hill to share their knowledge with the third and fourth grade girls enrolled in the Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Department basketball program.
Four players from the UMPI team made the trip to go over some simple skills with the 25 enthusiastic players taking part in the clinic.
The group started with a drill to warm-up and become familiar with the names of the boundary lines on the court. Following this exercise, they moved onto the ever popular ballnastics, then to a ball handling session.
The UMPI coaches and players stressed the importance of proper technique and the use of both hands. They also showed the kids how to protect the ball and quickly switch from one hand to another when a defender approaches.
The players also worked a passing drill, a defensive drill, a shooting form drill and a pick-up game to put it all together.
Coach Guerrette brought her team down to take advantage of the opportunity for her team to get involved with and give back to the community. “The players loved the idea, and are looking forward to continuing to do clinics like this in the area.”
Coach Guerrette loves working with children.
“The personal interaction with the kids was the most enjoyable part,” noted Guerrette.
Players at the clinic included Megan Korhonen, Victoria Rowe, Ashley Epright and Mindy Sullivan. Former player Leah Joy also helped.
The clinic offered an enjoyable and educational experience for all involved. The children in the basketball league got an additional perspective on basketball, and a chance to see young ladies that have turned into college players. The players realized how important it is for the girls to have positive role models.
UMPI Men hit the hardwood with local students
The third and fourth grade boys in the basketball program at the Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Department got a little surprise when they walked into the gym on November 9. Coach Mike Carlos and the University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s basketball team waited to greet the future basketball stars.
The entire team made the trip to run the show, keeping the 37 players in attendance hanging on to their every word and movement.
The clinic began with a dribbling exercise, allowing the UMPI players personal interaction with the third and fourth grade students.
The Owls also stressed the fundamentals of shooting jump shots and layups, right down to the importance of BEEF and bringing the shooting leg up with the shooting arm for layups. Defensive slides were also popular, as all the kids wanted to participate in the UMPI ‘Monkey Runs’.
The kids had positive feedback about what they learned. Many of the recreation players said they didn’t realize how many little things were important when it came to shooting a basketball correctly.
The UMPI players also enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the community and become role models for young players.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
LEADING THE STUDENTS, UMPI Owl Carlos Malave gives direction to Jacob O’Berry while men’s coach Mike Carros looks on during the Presque Isle Recreation Department mini-clinic for grades three and four basketball.
Contributed photo
PERFECTING THEIR PASSING GAMES, (clockwise from Owl player) Mindy Sullivan leads a passing drill with Presque Isle recreation basketball players Shaye McHatten, Michelle Cawley, Grace Player, Victoria Williamson and Alisa Brewer. The University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s basketball team came last Thursday for a mini-clinic with the young players.
