NOTE:

Registration forms for the Barrow 3 on 3 Tournament, and the Fairbanks 3 on 3 State Tournament will be online Friday 05/07/2010. There will be two (2) options for registration: a) Fill out and submit the registration online   –   or   –   b) Download the PDF registration form, fill it out by hand, and turn it in as instructed on the form.

It’s A Challenge Life Summer!

Mike and I wanted to take a quick moment to remind everyone of some of the exciting activities
we have in store for this summer. I am sure we will add to the list and honor as many requests
as possible but for now, here it is:

Barrow Advanced Basketball Camp

This past April, Coach Sokaitis took a group of men and women high school basketball players to compete against
college athletes in Oregon and Washington. The trip demonstrated that many of the athletes from the Slope
could compete at the next level if they enhanced their skill level and became bigger, faster and stronger athletes.
Challenge Life will be offering an advanced camp for high school players who would like to, one day, compete at
the collegiate level. The camp will take place at Barrow High School at the following times and dates:

May 19

8:00pm – 10:00pm

May 20

10:00am – Noon

1:30pm – 3:30pm

May 21

8:00am – 10:00am

Barrow Basketball Camp for Junior High School Players

Challenge Life will offer a basketball camp for Junior High School boys and girls that would like to raise
their level of play. The camp will focus on:

One on one skills.
Position play to include the post play, point guard play and wing play.
Transition basketball – offense and defense.
Team and individual defense.
Shooting.
Rebounding.
Ball handling.
Passing.
There will also be games and contests.

May 21

1:00pm – 4:00pm

May 22

10:00am – Noon

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Challenge Life will run a basketball camp for elementary students in Barrow this August.

Would you like a two or three day basketball camp in your village this June, July or

August? Give us a call or drop a line and I will do my best to schedule you in.

Music Camp in Barrow

Challenge Life will be holding a music camp in Barrow under the direction of Matt Lewis and
Cameron Levanger. The dynamic duo will focus on voice, guitar and music production.

May 20

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6:00pm – 7:30pm

May 21

10:00am – Noon

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Barrow 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Lace em up! Old and young, short and tall, get a couple of friends to join you for two exciting nights
of three on three basketball competition. Details will be posted around town or contact Noe in the
Borough Building.

May 20 and 21.

Mike Needs Some Company!

On Saturday May 22 at 10:00am, Mike is going for a run. I know, you think we lost it but bear with me.
Would you like to get in shape, lose a few pounds or develop a more effiecient heart? Well, as the Chinese
say, “a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.” The first step on the Slope begins when Mike
takes a two mile jog starting a Barrow High School. Join Mike in a fun run and receive a “First Step” tee
shirt and workout plan. The rest is up to you!

Position Play Camp in Anchorage

Post Play May 25/26 Perimeter Play May 27/28

Many of the top players in the state will gather at Luman Christi High School in Anchorage for this
high level, competitive position play camp. Slope residents who wish to attend will not be charged a
camp fee but must contact Coach Sokaitis by May 15th. A brochure will be emailed on request.

Girl’s Team Camp in Wasilla

June 1 – 5

Join many of the top high school teams in Alaska as they compete in the State’s number one team
camp. Slope teams are admitted tuition free, compliments of Challenge Life. Contact Coach Sokaitis
for further information.

The State 3 on 3 Tournament

Come and compete against the State’s best on June 20th in Fairbanks. A variety of divisions offer the opportunity
for all to stake a claim as Alaska’s top 3 on 3 hoop team. It not just basketball, however, as numerous events
are running to celebrate the sommer solstice, including, foot races, live music, parades and baseball. Contact
Mike at hajduke@mac.com or call 907 322-0626 for further information.

Point Hope Athletes to Visit Colorado

The Point Hope men’s and women’s cross country teams are selling baked goods and saving their bread (oops,
I mean money) for an exciting week long trip to Colorado. Coach Sokaitis will be hosting the teams as they take
advantage of 8,000 feet in altitude to train alongside of some of the nation’s elite runners. The team will also
tour the rockies, whitewater raft, hike, bike and visit some of the colleges in the area.

Next report will have a listing of Slope athletes on their way to study and play college basketball next year.

Heck, we haven’t even started on August.

See you soon,

Mike and Al

Popularity: 2% [?]

Popularity: 1% [?]

Popularity: 1% [?]

As tournament time approaches, the difference between winning and losing and advancing to the State Tournament, is often a result of handling close games, dealing with adversity and the ability to execute in a charged atmosphere. Here are a few thoughts that may make a difference as you prepare for the Regional playoffs.

Late Game Preparation

1. Take a few minutes every day to work on late game situations. Do not assume your players will know what to do. I try to address the following:

1. Know how to deny a star player from receiving the ball in a key possession.
2. Know how to foul so it is not flagrant and gives you an opportunity for a steal.
3. Signal a foul without alerting the other team.
4. With a three point lead and less than 10 seconds to go, your players should know if you want to foul or take a chance and defend against the three.
5. When you are behind late, get the ball to the basket. It will usually result in a high percentage shot or a foul that stops the clock and allows you to pressure.
6. Know how to intentionally miss a free throw and secure the rebound.
7. Practice plays for late in the game when you have to go the length of the court, inbound from the sides or inbound from under the hoop.
8. When you have the last possession, do you call a timeout or signal a play or shot you want.
9. On a late game shot by your opponent, do you want to send everyone to the boards for a rebound or leak a player down the court?
10. Do players understand the term, “time and score?”
11. Do your players understand how to play “keep a way” to keep from being fouled.

You can certainly add more situations but I believe that the basics I have addressed will give your team a sense of confidence in their ability to hold the lead or come from behind.

Adversity

1. The ability to deal with adversity and turn adversity into a positive may make all the difference in a big game. Calling a timeout after losing your point guard to fouls and confidently saying to a backup, “Johnny/Mary it’s your game now, just like practice. Dominate on defense and be hard with the ball. Let’s go put this away.”

1. Place the backup or another player in a position of responsibility during practice in anticipation of losing a key player. Create different situations until the backup has success and leave him/her with that success in mind.
2. Practice a couple of days with music blaring in the gym and coach from the sidelines just like it is a real game.
3. Practice without allowing your star to shoot outside of five feet or only after a steal or an offensive rebound.

Preparation

I like to have a few execution keys (you don’t want to give them too much) and really focus on our preparation of those keys.

1. Defense
   1. How to handle the dribble over (pick and roll).
   2. How to fight through screens.
   3. When to double down in the post.
   4. How to trap without the foul.
2. Offense
   1. Make a fake to make a pass.
   2. Turning their pressure into our attack.
   3. Late game IQ.

I hope this helps and good luck to everyone!

Popularity: 2% [?]