As the National Basketball Association holds its off-season Summer League, the game continues to be played under the hot sun everywhere. In Port Washington, two successful programs providing opportunities for basketball enthusiasts in the summer are Hoops 101 and Game 7.
Hoops 101, under the leadership of director and founder Michael Kelly, has been in existence for two and a half years. Kelly, who was previously a Division 1 assistant coach, took time away from the game before creating this program. He felt there was a lack of teaching basketball education in many of the other programs offered.
Kelly set out to create the program, known as Hoops 101, with two specific philosophies in mind. The first task was creating a program of substance and the second was using basketball to build self-confidence and self-esteem, according to Kelly.
“The program is about providing substance in terms of what we teach to these kids and how we teach them,” said Kelly. “We are very positive and it’s an environment in which we encourage mistakes. Very similar in life; we learn from our mistakes and failures.”
One of the biggest reasons for the quick success of Hoops 101 is the coaching staff. Kelly is adamant about his coaches and their ability to do their job. Kelly met many of these coaches during his college coaching career. “They are the rock behind getting this program going,” said Kelly.
Their teaching background, along with their passion for basketball, has given them the advantage in achieving the program’s objectives.
Kelly’s program has gotten attention mainly through word of mouth. The program encompasses summer camp and many mini camps held during the year that keep campers coming back for more. The program also hosts clinics and one-day events, not only on Long Island and other cities across the U.S., but in other countries as well.
There is a good reason why Hoops 101 participants are increasing in numbers. Kelly feels it is because of how much fun the children are having and how much they are learning. “A lot of kids figure out they can do things after they’re with us that maybe they couldn’t do before,” said Kelly. “It’s been fun to watch those things.” To learn more about Hoops 101, go to www.hoops101.net.
Game 7 is another popular basketball program offered during the summer in Port Washington. It began back in 1997 at St. Agnes in Rockville Centre and was brought to Port Washington 12 years ago. Game 7 operates in conjunction with the Port Washington Youth Activities (PYA).
Marc Von Essen, founder of Game 7, has been running the camp for 18 years. His camp’s main objective is to create an environment that’s fun but challenging for the kids. “In other words, they know they’re registering for a real basketball camp,” said Von Essen. “There’s no horseback riding and arts and crafts. It’s going to be basketball for six to seven hours a day.”
Game 7 draws their campers mainly through the PYA, which is considered their grassroots partner. PYA is regarded as one of the largest basketball association here in Nassau County.
The campers range from third to ninth grade. There are 13 to 14 teams and approximately 130 kids are participating this summer.
Once the summer ends, Game 7 runs a boot camp in Port Washington. This is where some of the more serious players continue to train. The boot camp is not designed for six hours of fun and games, but rather a solid hours of strict, instructional play.
You can not have a great program without a great coaching staff. Game 7 provides just that. The staff consist of many professional and collegiate players who create a positive culture for the kids. “Many of the players get paid to play basketball and they don’t have to be here,” said Von Essen. “They choose to be here and their attitudes reflect that.”
The kids develop special relationships with the coaches. In fact, the kids look up to their coaches as being special athletes. When they spend time with an athlete like that, it means a lot to them.
Von Essen stressed Game 7 means the world to him when it comes to establishing connections or long-lasting relationships. “Our goal is to be somewhere for 20 to 25 years,” he said. Game 7 has had programs in many towns on Long Island and beyond for many years. Game 7’s program is also in Rockville Centre, Freeport, Douglaston and Lincroft, NJ. To learn more about Game 7, go to www.game7sports.com.
