The Charlestown High School Girls Basketball Program concluded their Fall Youth Basketball Skills Academy, which began on August 15^th and ended this past Saturday, September 26^th.  This was a free event that was offered to any player from the 3^rd-6^th Grade.  There were a total of twelve sessions that had over 50 players that attended and averaged around 28 players per session.  These young ladies were coming in Tuesday nights from 6:00-7:30 and Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:00 am.  Coach Prichard and  his staff were very satisfied by the turnout and the hard-work that these players put in, by working on their skills.  He stated that, “there seems to be a shift in how youth sports are conducted these days, whether good, bad, or indifferent, according to Prichard.  “ Many sports now play more games, than they ever practice and pay a heavy price in the wallet and pocketbook for it”.  “All I know is that I still believe in the importance of repetition of skills over game play,  and keeping things affordable”.   There were also 6 girls that had perfect attendance, and earned, “Totally Committed Player” trophies.  It is now our programs hope that these players join our basketball developmental league (CBDL), tryout for their school teams, and maybe even take that next step to play on a travel team.

The Skills Academy was really a community wide effort.  Many girls coaches from all levels in Charlestown came back to help out with these sessions, along with former players.  So a big thank you goes out to Former Players :  Treasure McFarland (Class of 2000), Kristin Pickerell (Class of 1998), Angela Coleman (Class of 1996),  Kaelin Thacker (Class of 1998),  Kristin Cox (Class of 1992),    Coaches:  Jim Worley, Steve Miller, Chad Crace (High School Staff);  Kristin Traub (Middle School Coaching Staff),  John Orr and Jeff Farmer (Elementary Coaches) Russ Hooker and Jimmy Watson (CYLP).

Super 6 – (Totally Committed Players/ Perfect Attendance Winners):  Left to Right:  Kylee Payton,  Kenyada Neyhart, Taylor Smith, Gabrielle Hooker, DeMaria King, and Alanna Snyder.  For more information about Charlestown Lady Pirate Basketball, go to www.PiratePride.BLUE/GirlsBasketball.