Cloverleaf Youth Girls Basketball gearing up for 2017-18
By Cam Werner
Cloverleaf High School Journalism Student
The fourth-annual Cloverleaf Youth Girls Basketball program will conduct sign-ups at the Cloverleaf High School gym on Nov. 6.
Players and parents can arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. to begin the registration process. There will be a clinic for all girls interested in the Little Dribblers or Rec League from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by the Travel Team practice from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
All girls interested in playing Travel Ball (grades 4-6) should attend the preseason practices on Oct. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the CHS gym. All Rec players are welcome to be in both Rec League and Travel for the same price. A link to the sign-up form is below.
Cloverleaf High School girls basketball players and coaches, along with parent volunteers, help the players (grades 1-6) with their practices and games from November through January.
“Our youth program has really grown each year and we love having a traditional youth basketball program for our community,” Cloverleaf head girls basketball coach John Carmigiano said. “It is a great opportunity for our whole program. Our players and coaches really enjoy working with the youth and helping them to have fun and get better at basketball.”
New this season, Black River is expected to bring their girls Rec teams to compete against Cloverleaf teams on Saturday mornings, which will offer more variety of competition for both schools.
Carrie Hartsel, a Cloverleaf community member, is in her third year as the Director of Operations for the CYGB. She keeps the parents informed and helps with the direction of the program.
“This program continues to build a love and appreciation for the game,” Hartsel said. “The high school players bring an excitement to youth practice and games, and build a bond while serving as role models for the younger Cloverleaf girls.”
The CYGB welcomes Cloverleaf parent support and assistance to run some of the teams.
“If anyone is interested in helping, we will find a way to incorporate them into the teaching process,” Carmigiano said. “We will even train parents that are interested in the game, and help them to become a part of our program.”
The CYGB again will offer three affordable programs for girls in grades 1-6 in its second season, including Little Dribblers ($35), Rec League ($45), and Travel Ball ($75). Players can play in both the Rec League and Travel Ball for the same $75 total.
For the sign-up night, parents are asked to bring the registration form and payment, while the players can come dressed to take part in the clinic. The registration form can be found on the Cloverleaf Schools and Athletics websites, and were distributed to all Cloverleaf youth girls through their schools.
“This has been a breath of fresh air to watch the girls, coaches and community come together in a great environment,” Carmigiano said. “It is all about fun and developing a love the game of basketball.”
Photo caption: Players and coaches in work together to learn the game in Cloverleaf Youth Girls Basketball.
Photo provided by Carrie Hartsel