Bounce into action
WALLACE — “Everybody get up it’s time to slam now. We got a real jam goin’ down.” The iconic opening lyrics of the Space Jam theme song can get anyone in the basketball spirit, including the coaches and athletes at the upcoming Mighty Miners March Madness Basketball camp at Wallace High School.
The camp will begin next week for elementary students who want to learn fundamental skills needed for the basketball court.
“The kids will be learning the basics of ball handling, footwork, passing and shooting,” said coach Nichole Farkas. “We are trying to introduce techniques to develop good habits and give opportunities to practice those skills. Even players who have more experience need to work on consistency with these habits and skills. This camp is also great for the intangibles of teamwork, listening skills and good sportsmanship.”
Farkas will work with the other Wallace High School coaches of the girls’ and boys’ teams, including coaches Joe Bauer, Jared Young and Chris Lund.
“A variety of high school players, both boys and girls will be assisting,” Farkas said. “We think it’s important for the high school kids to give back to their school community and build excitement in the sport for the younger kids.”
Farkas continued that this camp benefits young athletes by building a good foundation and reinforcing healthy skills and habits.
“This will help those athlethes become more successful in this sport, or any sport, as they continue to grow and develop. It is also beneficial for the young kids to work with the high school students that they might see at games and elsewhere in the community,” she said. “It builds pride in the community. This is a great opportunity for kids in the Silver Valley to attend an affordable camp with experienced coaches without having to drive ‘over the hill.’”
The camp is open to all boys and girls from first through sixth grade from the Wallace, Kellogg and Mullan school districts, and the campers are required to bring clean, dry, athletic shoes, a water bottle and “a great attitude.” Athletes are welcome to bring their basketball (with their name written on it), but it is not required for the camp. Registration forms were given to students in the Wallace School District, but registration forms can also be filled out at the door.
The camp costs $20 for first through third graders and $25 for fourth through sixth. Families with multiple children attending the camp only have to pay up to $35. All camp fees must be paid in cash, with all the proceeds going to the Wallace High School girls’ and boys’ basketball programs.
“We are really excited to put on a top-notch camp,” Farkas said. “The Wallace YBL program recently finished a successful season, and we feel this is a great way to keep the excitement going.”
It is recommended that the players arrive at least 15 minutes early to get through the registration line.
“Although we don’t mind parents watching,” Farkas said. “There will not be much room in the gym to accommodate this. We will have tables set up in the commons area for parents who want to wait at the school while the camp is taking place.”
The camp will take place at Wallace High School, March 27-29, from 5-6 p.m. for first to third graders and 6-7:30 p.m. for fourth to sixth graders.
The registration form can be found on the Wallace Miners Athletics Facebook page or can be filled out at the door. For more information, contact Nichole Farkas at nfarkas@wsd393.org or 208-753-5315.