2012 Hoops On The Rez

By John Book

Each year, basketball coaches from all across the country come together for something special and exciting. A basketball camp called Hoops on the Rez. In its ninth year, Hoops on the Rez saw its largest number of Apache Youth in its existence, with over 150 Apaches from elementary thru high school. Not only did they enjoy the insights on basketball, but also a daily devotion into Gods Word. Learning valuable lessons such as; winning with a good attitude, the importance of being a good teammate, and finishing strong when things are hard. This years Hoops on the Rez in one word could be described as, amazing!

            However, this year the minds that put together this amazing camp did something a bit different. Each year when we see the students it is sometimes difficult to pick out the ones who really have a passion for the game of basketball, but this year we had a couple of students who the coaches asked to come back for a special "Elite" camp. Which was only for the students who really wanted to work, and put in the time for individual improvement. As a college basketball player myself for three years, I can say from experience that if you want to become a better basketball player, you have to be willing to work on individuals. This consists of dribbling drills, shooting drills, and conditioning drills that you do on your own, or with a partner. They are not easy! Especially when you have seasoned coaches like Jake Deer of Florida Christian College, and Jon Everingham of Dekalb High School at the helm. With the years each of these coaches had, they had plenty of drills to teach the players, as well as put the players through specific drills for there playing spot. These coaches worked the students till they could go no more, but they became better players because of it.

Hoops on the Rez "Elite"

            Though Hoops on the Rez has only been a camp for only nine years, the bonds and the friendships are ones that will last a lifetime. Not only the bonds between the coaches and staff, but also between the staff and the Apache youth. Without a doubt I believe that each staff member, weather basketball coach or just someone that came to help, that has ever been to Hoops can tell you they are still in contact with at least one Apache still on the Rez. If there is something more special than that, I dare you to prove me wrong. The friendships are special, the coaching is special, and Hoops on the Rez is just that, special.

            The entire AYM staff is so appreciative of the sacrifice everyone made to be here this year. Weather if you were from Ohio, Indiana, or Florida, we thank you for being a part of this camp. I hope we can have even more next year, after all it will be the 10th year anniversary of Hoops on the Rez. Now that is Special!!