FARMINGTON – The Farmington Recreation Department recently wrapped up its 2019 Junior Pro and Prep Basketball programs with 103 students in grades 1 through 6 participating.
The Junior Pro program had great numbers this year with 85 players divided among eight teams in both Division One and Two. There were also 18 first graders registered in the Prep Basketball Program which prepares participants for competitive league play the following year.
Division One and Two teams met every Saturday for games following a team practice earlier that week. This was an important year for the Junior Pro Basketball program as it was the first time in recent history that the Recreation Department has used adult volunteer coaches. Volunteers included parents, local elementary school teachers, and our local Farmington Fire Fighters who brought not only unmatched enthusiasm to their teams, but also a close-knit, community-centered feel to the program. The individual attention given by coaches along with weekly practices has proven to be invaluable for the children.
The Prep Basketball Program met once a week to develop their skills and learn the rules of the sport through fun and engaging drills and games to prepare them for their future roles as Junior Pro basketball players.
Assistant Director Jaycee Jenckes served her third year running Junior Pro Basketball, marking the 5th year of her involvement with the program. Jenckes is responsible for overseeing and implementing many of the youth programs the Recreation Department has to offer.
New to the program this year was Program Assistant, Ben Ladd. Ladd assisted Jenckes in organizing game schedules, practice plans, and helping run team practices. Jenckes and Ladd also ran the first grade Prep Basketball Program together on Tuesday evenings.
To wrap up the season, the Junior Pro League held their Medal Madness event. Division One teams played in a final game with handpicked match ups, followed by awards. Division Two teams celebrated with a Round-Robin Tournament. Teams played each other and the team who wins the most games is crowned champion.
Before announcing awards and handing out medals, the annual Snowball Throw event takes place! The snowball coming closest to the gold dot at the center of the court receives a grand prize which consists of Celtics apparel and basketball equipment.
Medal Madness is a fast-paced, exciting celebration where players are recognized for their hard work and accomplishments during the season.
Prep Basketball players ended their season with new jerseys and their first ‘real’ basketball game. The Recreation Department split players into two teams and had them use the skills they had developed throughout the season to play in their first official game, followed by an awards ceremony.
During Division One Medal Madness, the Recreation Department presented two awards, the John Boutilier Memorial Award and the Alex Strozier Memorial Award. Marcy Lawless was the 2019 recipient of the John Boutilier Memorial Award which represents a favorite fan who demonstrates enthusiasm and support for the players and the program. Marcy’s son, Bowen, plays in both the Junior Pro Basketball Program and Youth Soccer League. You can always find her cheering for all teams and players on the sidelines, and thanking referees, coaches, and staff. The Recreation Department would like to thank Marcy for her support of their programs and for her example as an exemplary fan!
The 2019 recipient of the Alex Strozier Memorial Award was coach Molly Wilkie. It was Wilkie’s first year coaching for the Recreation Department, although you can find her staying plenty busy as the head coach of UMF’s Women’s Soccer team. Wilkie had an incredibly kind and fun attitude while coaching her Division One basketball team and was constantly cheering on her own team, as well as all the other players in the league during games. The Recreation Department wanted to recognize the outstanding patience, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm she demonstrated while coaching for the program.
The Recreation Department would like to thank all of their volunteer coaches, Erin and Jared Norton, Katie Fournier, Erica Ingrisano, Molly Wilkie, Erica Boudreau, Jeremy Meader, Cam McAllister, Davin Kangas, Paris Duhamel, and Scott Baxter. These coaches put in countless hours of their own free time to help make a program that was fun and successful for all of its participants. This program and others like it would not be possible without the efforts of our volunteer coaching staff.
Each year, the Recreation Department strives to create an environment in which athletes can improve their skills, make new friends, have fun, and develop a passion for the sport of basketball. The Recreation Department is grateful for the time and effort that the community and coaches put into our local youth!
