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2013 Instructional League Champions! Eli Russo, George Makhoul, Visawn Pennix, Emma Walsh, Idris Wilson, Matthew Tyukodi, Remy Davic and Cole Walsh. The Instructor is John "J.T." Wheeler. |

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Mark Ragan, Jeffrey Kraska, Cassie Pantelis, Amanda Masdea and Mike Pantelis. The Instructors are Lauren Ragan and Erica Ragan. Missing from photo: Calah Causey, Mike Canavan and Connor Woods. |
Hello Parents, Players and Friends, It's not close to playoff time, but it will be here before we know it, and it's important to make note of a few things before we get to that point in the season. First, all teams will make the playoffs. That should take some of the pressure off of the players and coaches. These twelve regular season games are not all about winning and losing. There is so much going on here that has nothing to do with winning and losing. All wins and losses do are determine what position a team will take during the only games where winning really matters, the playoffs. So, with the pressure taken off winning or losing, just what is it that we are trying to accomplish here? First, we have brought forty kids together to play the game of basketball in a structured learning environment. The whole idea of forming a league was to provide a proper atmosphere where these kids could learn both skills and an understanding of the actual game of basketball. The only real way to do this is to play games, lots of them. Forming teams necessitates the concept of teamwork, and helps create a bond between the players. Hard work and dedication will further strengthen these concepts. Our coaches and instructors will do the best that they can to help with this process. But, in the end, it is the desire of the individual players that will determine the success or failure of this endeavour. We hope that everyone will do their best to learn the fundamentals of the game, define their roles as a team player, and work hard to improve their skills. This is the key to success, and the only way to help their team improve. Now, we do have a wide range of ages involved in this league. It is unrealistic to think that most nine year olds will become dominant members of their teams. We do not consider this a problem, and hope that these junior players do not become discouraged by their size or lack or parity with the more experienced players. Every player will get an equal chance to participate. Considering the junior players, it is our goal to teach them the following... - To learn to dribble the ball upcourt or around the perimeter and to be able to pass. - To learn the various positions and know where to be on the court during offense and defense. - To learn the flow of the game and become familiar with the rules. - To learn the concept of team spirit. - To learn not to be afraid to get on the court with bigger and older players and to do their best. To expect much more from these junior players would be a tall order. If we can teach them these five things then I think this experience will be worthwhile. In the years to come they will be further along in their development. Regardless of age or skill level, all players are members of a team, and must function as a team in order to succeed as a team. The older players will probably do much of the scoring, but the ball bounces in all directions, and it will often end up in the hands of the less skilled junior player. What will they do next? Hopefully this experience will teach them the proper way to deal with this situation. Everyone will play a role in their team's success, whether it be as a scorer, rebounder, passer, or just a player who knows how to handle themselves in game situations and does their best to help keep the ball in play. It is important to note that there are many dynamics involved here, and experience has taught us that we must give this league, these teams, our coaches and officials, and ourselves, the necessary time to evolve. The kids need time to get to know each other and their coaches. The teams need time to develop and learn to execute. The staff needs time to observe, evaluate and make whatever corrections are needed. To expect instant results is not realistic. Trust us. What we see in game's 1 through 4 will not be what we see in game's 7 through 10. Please be patient with the process and allow the teams to evolve. Many times we have seen top seeded teams get knocked off in playoff games by low seeded teams that just took longer to get their games in gear. It's also VERY important to recognize that this is all just a game. It's a Rec League, and that is all. This is not the NBA, and sometimes we all need to step back for a moment and refocus. The Brookline Recreation Center provides this program for the purpose of bringing kids together to play basketball in a safe, friendly and competitive environment. That's all it is. It's just a game, and hopefully we will all have a little fun. We will NOT tolerate obstructive behavior from anyone: parents, players or patrons alike. We are here to give the kids a chance to play basketball and have some fun. There can be NO other way. SO....... We ask that everyone be patient with the process and when its time for the playoffs we will have some good games to entertain us. Thanks for your support! -Milan and Clint |