CHS Lady Jackets Basketball attends SIU Team Camp and Anna-Jonesboro Lady Wildcats Shootout
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The Chester High School Lady Yellow Jackets Basketball Team had a busy week June 22,23 and 25 competing in the 2011 Southern Illinois University Saluki Slam Team Camp and the 2011 Anna-Jonesboro Lady Wildcats Shootout. The experience gave the Jackets a chance to compete against other teams in what would be 13 games in three days of competition.
The overall experience was certainly draining and challenging for the young Lady Jackets, but the opportunity to compete against several local teams and some teams that the Jackets never get to see throughout the regular season was invaluable and lots of fun.
The SIU Saluki Slam Team Camp took place Wednesday and Thursday June 22-23. The Jackets had the opportunity to play six games throughout that two-day period against teams not seen in regular-season scheduling.
For example Chester played Kelly from Missouri and Harrisburg and Mt. Vernon from Illinois on the first day of action and Edwardsville, Massac County and Roxanna on the second day competition.
Other teams in attendance included Carbondale, DuQuoin, Fieldcrest, Collinsville, Jackson, Miller, St. Joseph Ogden, Marquette, Unity Point, El Dorado, Elverado, Cardinal Ritter, Pittsfield, Lick Creek, St. Francis de Sales, CHBC, Festus, Johnston City and Massac County. Teams were grouped according to middle school, JV and varsity levels and scheduled against other teams of similar skill level, size and ability.
Games were played with two 18 minute halves with a running clock. College students and players as well as IHSA referees controlled the action with good sportsmanship, skill development fun as the primary goals of the competition.
Teams had a chance to play on the newly renovated SIU Arena floor for most of their games, but overflow games were played at SIU's Davies Gym, Carbondale High School and Carbondale Middle School. The Lady Jackets were fortunate enough to have player four-of-their-six games on the SIU Arena court while their final two games were played at Carbondale High School and SIU's Davies Gym where the SIU Volleyball Team holds their games.
Chester's squad consisted of three seniors, four juniors and six sophomores. Seniors included Kellie Dillow, Raelyn Rosendohl and Shelby Helmers. Juniors included Marah Laramore, Chelsea Schroeder, Taylor Yankey and newcomer Sydney Clark. Rounding out the Chester roster were sophomores Alexandria Fedderke, Sarah Bindel, Maribeth Lawrence, Natasha Pulliam, Kaley Ludwig and Katie Roth. Team Head Manager Steven Colonel also attended the camp.
Coaches for the 2011-2012 season include Pat Knowles, Head Coach, Connie Clendenin, JV Coach, Rick Powley, Freshman Coach and Jim Beers, Volunteer Assistant Coach.
The focus of the Saluki Slam Team Camp wasn't winning, but to allow the girls to play several games in a positive environment during the off-season. All teams played hard and executed their game plans to the best of their abilities, but sportsmanship, learning and having the opportunity to network with each other were the primary goals of the camp.
Although very young, the Chester squad demonstrated that they have the potential to very competitive in the upcoming season. Quickness, teamwork and hard-play were noted positive qualities of the group that attended the camp at SIU and Anna-Jonesboro.
Only 13 prospective players of the 20 that are expected to show up for the 2011-2012 squad were able to attend camp, but the 13 that did attend demonstrated that they are willing and ready to compete this year.
On Saturday June 25 the Lady Jackets traveled to former River-to-River Mississippi Division foe Anna-Jonesboro for the 2011 Lady Wildcats Shootout. The event had both JV and varsity levels of competition and there were six teams that took place in the competition including Chester, Anna-Jonesboro, Harrisburg, Eldorado and Trico.
Games began at 8:00 a.m. and ran throughout the day until the final game at 5:00 p.m. Chester played Harrisburg at 9:00 a.m., Eldorado at 12:00 p.m., Anna-Jonesboro JV at 1:00 p.m., Anna-Jonesboro varsity at 2:00 p.m. and closed out the day of competition at 4:00 p.m. against Trico.
The Jackets were very competitive against all opponents and once again demonstrate that in spite of their youth and inexperience the Lady Jackets have the potential to be very competitive this year utilizing their quickness, determination, willingness to work together as a team and their ever-increasing improved skill levels.
Lady Jackets Coaches saw many bright spots throughout the 13-game Saluki Slam Team Camp and Anna-Jonesboro Shootout. Chester will definitely be a team to watch during the 2011-2012 season.
Throughout the month of July CHS coaches will host open gym sessions each Thursday afternoon from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Colbert Gymnasium. The focus of the sessions will primarily focus on improved shooting skills and some additional skill development and leg strengthening.
On Thursday July 21 the Lady Jackets will host a scrimmage against the Trico Lady Pioneers beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Colbert Gym. The JV will play first followed by the varsity. Once again the focus will be on friendly competition and skill development and a chance for camaraderie between the two Black Diamond Conference squads. The public is invited.