By Dr. Paul Drew
Welcome to the tenth issue of volume one of Swish, a weekly periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as standings, schedules, announcements, and updates from the program.
This past weekend, the regular season came to an end with a couple of tournament games in each of the Minors and Majors. Then on Sunday, there were intraleague and interleague All-Star games, followed by Parents versus Kids games on Monday. It was an exciting end to the Fall season of youth basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA. And we all look forward to the awards banquets coming this weekend, and the start of the Winter season of YMCA youth basketball next week.
If you were unable to get your child in the Winter season of YMCA youth basketball, then please sign up for the Spring season. Registration for Spring season will be available in person at the YMCA or online at www.YMCASM.org beginning February 1st, and the Spring Season will start on March 18th, 2019.
Creating Positive Sport Experiences for Kids
Santa Monica YMCA basketball is a skills based league that employs the three principles of healthy living through participation in sports, youth development through gaining confidence and achieving goals, and social responsibility by working with others as a team. The best way to help youth excel in these three principles is through positive reinforcement by both coaches and parents.
The following is from www.icoachkids.eu
iCoachKids is a not-for-profit three-year project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the EU in the May 2016 call under Key Action 2 – Cooperation for Innovation and the Exchange of Good Practices – Strategic Partnerships for Vocational Education and Training. iCoachKids is an international, collaborative, multi-agency project aiming to support the development of a Specialist Children and Youth Coaching Workforce across the EU to make sure all youth sport participants have a positive experience led by suitably trained coaches leading to a lifelong involvement in sport and healthier lives. iCK started in September 2016 and will be completed in August 2019.
The iCoachKids Pledge: 10 Golden Rules to Create Positive Sport Experiences for Kids
Following an extensive literature review, the iCK expert group has developed ‘The iCoachKids Pledge’. The Pledge provides 10 points of guidance for individuals and organisations wishing to create positive sport experiences for children.
Here is The Pledge
As a Children’s Coach I will:
Be CHILD-CENTRED: always have the best interest children at heart and listen to them. It is about what children want and what they need, not about the adults!
Be HOLISTIC: develop children in your sessions as people first and foremost, not only as athletes. Aim to develop their psychosocial skills and capabilities not just their physical ones.
Be INCLUSIVE: cater for all levels of abilities and motivations. Coaching is far from a one-size-fits-all. Get to know the kids you coach and dare to coach them differently.
Make It FUN and SAFE: children want to have fun and to learn they need to feel safe. Build positive relationships and enjoyable and caring climates that allow them to thrive and that keep them coming back.
Prioritise the LOVE for Sport Above LEARNING Sport: a very small proportion of kids will become elite athletes, yet all of them have the potential to become healthy active adults. Creating that fantastic legacy is part of your job.
Focus On FOUNDATIONAL Skills: do not be overconcerned with the specific skills of your sport. At a younger age kids need to gain essential motor skills and learn the basics of how to play games using generic tactical principles to give yourself the best chance of success.
Engage PARENTS Positively: parents are not the enemy, but the biggest resource at your disposal. They want the best for their kids and so do you. Partnership is the key word. You will never know what parents can offer if you don’t talk to them.
Plan PROGRESSIVE Programmes: we are taking kids on a learning journey. We have to have a good idea of the destination point and develop short, mid and long -term goals and plans that will help the kids get there. It’s not peak-by-Saturday nor improvising a session ‘off the cuff’. Failing to plan is planning to fail!
Use different methods to enhance LEARNING: learning is a complex process and it doesn’t happen overnight. Different coaching and teaching strategies can serve different purposes at different stages of learning and development, complement each other, and help us achieve the desired results.
Use COMPETITION in a developmental way: there is nothing wrong with competition. When the format and the atmosphere around competition is built around the developmental stage of the kids and considerate of their needs, competition is an amazing motivator and a lot of fun. A win-at-all-cost mentality can really spoil the party though.
At iCoachKids, we would like to encourage governments, national and international federations, schools, sport clubs and coaches to adopt The Pledge to maximise the chances of sport being a positive experience for children and young people.
Rookies
The Rookie All-Star game was won by the Light jerseys over the Dark Jerseys 14-8. Lara Masood, Ethan Pages, Rowan Woodruff, and Siena Shickler all had baskets for the Light jerseys. David Casparian had 5 points, Luca Sampson had a point, Aiden Harvey had a basket, and Brendan Still was the leading scorer with 6 points for the Dark jerseys .
In the interleague matchup between the Rookies and the Bantams. Rayan Etemadnia was the hero and “Player of the Game” as he was not only the high scorer with 5 points, but also sank his last post game free throw for his side, to give the Bantams a 9-8 victory, as his teammates rushed on the court to give him a big hug.
The “Parents versus Rookie Kids” was highly entertaining, and was held on a rare Monday. Tristan Hayes was the high scorer for the Rookie Kids with 12 points, and Chase Jenkins had 8 points. The star and “Player of the Game” was Eloise Siegler who not only scored her first points ever, but had 10 points! She also contributed for her side with multiple assists and rebounds, and helped her friend Siena Shickler make a basket. After falling way behind, the Parents mounted a comeback, but fell one point short, as the final shot went nowhere close to the basket. The Parents were left saying as all Scooby-Doo villains would say when caught: “We would have gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for you meddling kids!”
Bantams
What was looking like a blowout loss turned into an exciting come-from-behind win as the Bantam Light Jersey All-Stars narrowly edged out the Dark Jersey All Stars on Sunday morning. Players representing the Bucs, Packers, Jets, Titans and Broncos quickly fell behind by 8 points in the first half before clutch baskets from Errol Besincioglu began to turn the ship around. Buckets from Elliott Ma, Ivan Gatynya and Monika Diaz followed and helped even the score before the Light Jerseys took the lead with just a minute or so left on the game clock. What an exciting end to another exciting season of YMCA basketball. Submitted by Coach Sean Daly
In an exciting Bantam All Star game, the Light jerseys came from way behind to catch the Dark jerseys 16-14. Jahveed Braham was the leading scorer with 4 points for the Light jerseys which were coached by Peter Brown and Paul Drew. Sean Daly and Michael Ma were the winning coaches for the Dark jerseys which had 6 different players involved in the scoring. Submitted by Coach Paul Drew
In the Minors versus Bantams, the Bantams came out victorious with a close 8–6 victory in which Archer Aguilar took “Player of the Game” honors with scoring 6 points, and putting on a dribbling show worthy of attention from NBA scouts.
The Parents took on the Bantam Kids this past Monday. The game featured hot shooting from Dominic Drew who had a career high 13 points, including his first three pointer ever! Sean Saunders had multiple baskets and rebounds. Others with strong performances and points included Cam Pariser, Henry Brown, Noah Hagooli-Bolaños, and Daisy Siegler. Marina Shickler was “Player of the Game” for her outstanding unselfish all around team play. Once again the Parents came up short, and just can’t figure out how to beat those Kids!
Minors
Yours truly, had to step in to referee the Falcons versus the Bears, and saw good competitive action between the two teams. Good performances were had by the Falcons Parker Cappiccille, Matthew Scholze, Isley Williams, and Max Baracy. The Bears had good shooting from Leo Sikora, Guy Sikora, Theo Haberli and Kalen Anderson. Even though the Falcons won, both teams were winners in my book.
Majors
After assembling and executing a well played game in the first round of the B league championship, the Panthers we’re riding the crest of a positive momentum wave into the Title game versus the always dangerous Dolphins.
The Dolphins had flippered their way into the championship under the tutelage of the ol’ wily veteran Coach Drew Kratz. This would be the second meeting of these two teams with the first scrum going the way of the fins under some accurate outside marksmanship and hard nosed defense.
With friendly familiarity and a fun atmosphere of competitiveness swirling around, the squads took to it. The aquatic Phin’s jumped out quick behind some solid shooting by Evan Daghigian and the steady hand of Noah Kratz on both ends of the floor. The Panthers countered with some aggressive defense by Y league veteran Eli Eng and Asser Tewodros which led to some transition baskets on the other end. Jahrid Longsworth played a solid game flashing his athleticism throughout the contest. Mikey Hanasab showed why he’s one of the leagues top scorers with skilled ball handling and a soft touch. All of this was under the guiding hand of the Panthers rock and compass, Ariandi Potamianos (AD). She has been as reliable and dependable as they come and today would not be the exception as she put up a double double. The battle went back and forth until the bitter end. A true nail biter for fans and coaches alike. The final buzzer rang loud and true to find a 30-30 deadlock. Only free throws remained. This day, however, belonged to the Panthers Captain, Jaxson Glowacki. He stepped to the line to see if he could seal the victory. The pressure intensified as his first attempt caught the front end then bounced away off the backboard. With a steely purpose, Jaxson squared and released on his final attempt… With the roar of his teammates echoing throughout the Y, the Majors B league Championship would belong to the Panthers! A hard fought, exciting end of a season for both teams with much to look forward to heading into the new year. Happy holidays to all!
Submitted by Jeff Glowacki
This week’s Profile:
Each week, Swish has a profile of a coach, player, or someone in the program who inspires all of us involved in Santa Monica YMCA basketball.
For this week’s profile, we are wishing a fond farewell to one of our best coaches Peter Brown, and his son Henry. They are moving to the South Bay Area of Los Angeles.
Henry first started playing basketball at the YMCA when he was five years old, and has been a multiple first team All Rookie league player, and a member of the Rookie League championship team for the Spring 2017 season, and a member of the U7 Santa Monica YMCA Stars that won the Culver-Palms YMCA 2018 Summer League championship. Henry is finishing his first season in the Bantams. Aside from being a great ball player, Henry is the nicest kid and best teammate that a coach could ever have.
Peter started coaching his son in the Rookie league, and co-coached with me for this past summer for the U7 Santa Monica Stars. Peter has always gained the respect of his players and their parents, by employing positive reinforcement and sound structure of teaching skills and team play.
DocDrew: What will you miss most about playing and coaching basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA?
Henry: Playing every week with and against the friends I’ve made at the YMCA.
Peter: The Santa Monica YMCA is a special league. It’s really well run and the staff, parents and coaches/volunteers go above and beyond to make it fun for the kids.
DocDrew: What are your favorite memories or moments in your history of basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA?
Henry: I loved playing in the rookie league. It’s where I started and it was really fun. I was even the leading scorer my last season in the rookie league.
Peter: Not sure there’s a specific moment, I just love watching the kids progress throughout the season. It’s amazing how much they can learn and improve in a few months at this age.
DocDrew: Any advice that you would give to young kids who want to play basketball?
Henry: If you want to be Steph Curry, start by learning to tie your shoes. Also, use your legs when you shoot.
Peter: Jim Kerr, my elementary school coach, used to say “The backboard is your friend.” That’s really good advice, especially for the younger kids.
All of us, involved with basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA, can’t thank the Brown family enough for all that they have done for the program. We wish Coach Peter Brown, his wife Karen, and their son Henry, all the best in their future journeys. Who knows, maybe we will see Mr. Brown coaching his son for a high school or college team. You never know?
Scores
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2018
Minors
“B” TOURNAMENT 3RD PLACE GAME
BEARS 15, FALCONS 31
“A’ TOURNAMENT 3RD PLACE GAME (6-4-2)
BILLS 22, GIANTS 27
Majors
“B” TOURNAMENT 3RD PLACE GAME
RAIDERS 24 VS RAVENS 34
“B” TOURNAMENT FINAL (6-4-2)
DOLPHINS 29 VS PANTHERS 30
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018****ALL STAR SUNDAY****
ROOKIE LEAGUE
ROOKIE ALL STAR GAME
LIGHT JERSEYS 15 , DARK JERSEYS 8
INTERLEAGUE CHALLENGE
ROOKIE STARS 8, BANTAM STARS 9
BANTAM LEAGUE
BANTAM ALL STAR GAME
DARK JERSEYS 14, LIGHT JERSEYS 16
INTERLEAGUE CHALLENGE
BANTAM ALL STARS 8 VS MINOR ALL STARS 6
MINOR LEAGUE
MINOR LEAGUE ALL STAR GAME
DARK JERSEYS 16, LIGHT JERSEYS 18
INTERLEAGUE CHALLENGE
MINOR ALL STARS VS MAJOR ALL STARS
DARK JERSEYS 13, LIGHT JERSEYS 20
MAJOR LEAGUE
5:30 PM MAJOR LEAGUE ALL STAR GAME
LIGHT JERSEYS 36, DARK JERSEYS 35
6:40 PM MAJOR LEAGUE ALL STAR GAME
DARK JERSEYS 37, LIGHT JERSEYS 38
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
PARENTS VS KIDS
ROOKIE LEAGUE
ROOKIES 36, PARENTS 35
BANTAM LEAGUE
BANTAMS 41, PARENTS 32
–END REGULAR SEASON—
Final Standings:
Teams are awarded 5 points for a win, 3 points for a tie, 1 point for a loss, 0 points for a forfeit. Tournament games have greater point value. Teams are listed in their place in the standings with W-L-T and team points
Rookies:
Bulldogs 8-1-0, 43 points *League Champions*
Crows 6-3-0, 36 points #Crows beat Tigers head to head twice
Tigers 6-3-0, 36 points
Cats 3-6-0, 23 points
Hawks 2-7-0, 17 points #Hawks were 2-1-0, head to head against Swans
Swans 2-7-0, 17 points
Bantams:
Broncos 7-2-0, 40 points *League Champions*
Titans 6-3-0, 35 points
Packers 5-3-1, 34 points
Bengals 5-4-0, 30 points
Rams 4-4-1, 29 points
Jets 4-5-0, 26 points
Buccaneers 3-6-0, 21 points
Steelers 1-8-0, 13 points
Minors:
Chiefs 8-1-0, 44 points *League Champions*
Eagles 7-1-1, 42 points
Giants 5-2-1, 33 points
Bills 4-5-0, 27 points
Vikings 4-5-0, 26 points #Vikings beat the Seahawks twice head to head
Seahawks 4-5-0, 26 points
Falcons 2-7-0, 17 points
Bears 1-7-1, 15 points
Majors:
Rams 7-2-0, 40 points *League Champions*
Colts 7-2-0, 37 points *3 points deducted for unsportsmanlike conduct fouls
Broncos 6-3-0, 35 points
Packers 5-4-0, 31 points
Dolphins 3-6-0, 22 points
Raiders 3-6-0, 21 points
Panthers 2-6-1, 20 points
Ravens 2-6-1, 19 points
Thank you very much,
Dr. Paul Drew, editor and publisher of Swish
