Shooting hoops, strengthening bonds

Uniondale High School's coaching staff recently hosted a Girls Basketball Jamboree. Head Coach Nolan Dunkley, Assistant Coach Phil Williams and Junior Varsity Coach Nelson Umana hosted the three-hour basketball clinic for all girls in second through ninth grades in the Uniondale Union Free School District. Young athletes from every elementary and middle school in the District attended the event. 

"When young basketball players practice with athletes a few years older, they tend to pick up new skills," said Head Coach Nolan Dunkley. "One thing we frequently notice when scholars of varying ages work together is that they all build confidence in their abilities. Young athletes look up to our older athletes and aspire to be better." 

The clinic participants were divided into three groups based on grade level. Each group worked with their assigned coach on passing, shooting and dribbling drills. Following the group exercises, the players reconvened, and practiced defensive drills and participated in 5v5 and 3v3 gameplay. 

"Giving our younger athletes the opportunity to learn alongside our older and more experienced athletes while under the tutelage of our outstanding coaching staff enables these younger athletes to develop bonds with their peers, benefit from a mentorship relationship, and build connections with our coaches" said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil. "Putting together events such as this Basketball Jamboree not only results in more skilled athletes, but helps our athletes develop character, teamwork and confidence."