Basketball: Aberdeen 3-on-3 tourney Saturday

The annual free Quality Quick Print 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be Saturday at the Aberdeen Civic Arena for grades 3-8.

Boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 6-8 check-in at noon and start playing at 12:30 p.m. Boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 3-5 check-in at 2 p.m. and start playing at 2:30 p.m. This is a single-elimination tournament.

Pre-registration required by 5 p.m. Thursday. Details: Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department at 605-626-7015.

LOCAL Sports briefs

HOCKEY Compuware travel team holds raffle fundraiser

The Compuware Youth Travel Hockey team is holding a fundraiser. A dozen prizes will be given away, including an autographed Nicklas Lidstrom jersey, along with three autographed hockey sticks. The draw is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2. Raffle tickets can be bought at the Little Caesars stories in Port Huron and Fort Gratiot.

Learn to Skate program offered at McMorran

The Port Huron Minor Hockey Association is offering a Learn to Skate program for beginning skaters ages 4 and older. The classes are taught by Breanne Paret and Maureen Flanigan-Salayko. The program will run for 10 weeks with two weekends off for the Silver Stick tournament. For more details, contact Scott Suisse at (810) 650-9999 or at www.phhockey.com.

DODGEBALL Teams are needed for Marysville Rec League

Registration is under way for the Marysville Recreation Department’s Dodgeball League. Team rosters and the $200 team fee is due Wednesday. Games will be played Wednesday nights at the Community Center. Six players are needed for a team. There will be three referees each game. Entry forms are available at: www.cityofmarysvillemi.com or contact Ann Eisen at the recreation office.

BASKETBALL Girls Hoops Classic set for Jan. 21 at Northern

The sixth-annual Girls Hoops Classic is Jan. 21 at Port Huron Northern. The tournament is open to fifth- and sixth-grade girls teams. Squads are guaranteed three games. Cost is $100 per team or $75 if received prior to Dec. 15. Two referees will be on each court with 20-minute halves and a running clock. There will be a free-throw contest for each grade division with trophies rewarded to first- and second-place finishers. For more details, contact Mark Dickinson at (810) 385-5004, (810) 984-2671 Ext. 460 or (810) 841-4029.

S.O.N.S. holds practices at Leonard Center

S.O.N.S. basketball practices are scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays at the James R. Leonard Center. For more details, call (810) 989-7667.

Pioneer Express 3-on-3 tourney set for Jan. 21

The Pioneer Express 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is Jan. 21 at the Croswell-Lexington Middle School. The event, which is open to boys and girls in grades third through eighth, consists of four-person teams. Cost is $60 per team. The registration deadline is Jan. 14. For more details or to reserve a spot in the tournament, call Deann Clark at (810) 679-4100.

GENERAL SC4 puts on raffle to assist sports programs

The St. Clair County Community College’s athletic department is selling tickets for a raffle to raise money for the athletic programs at the college. The grand prize is $5,000. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling the athletic office at (810) 989-5670. The drawing will be 4 p.m.
Feb. 4 at the SC4 gymnasium.

BOWLING Lapish-Downs Mixed
Tourney held Jan. 21-22

The annual Joann Lapish-Downs Mixed Doubles Tournament will be held Jan. 21-22 at Port Huron Lanes. Squad times are 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Jan. 21; noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 22. Cost is $25 per couple with a 90% handicap from scratch of 450. Entry blanks are available at all bowling centers. Multiple participation is permitted. You can also download them from www.phba.net. Please mail completed entries to Henry Sullivan at 1738 Jenks, Port Huron, MI 48060 or for more information call Henry at (810) 300-1433.

Senior Tournament set for Jan. 28 at BW Bowl

The 23rd annual Senior Tournament for men and women bowlers 55 and older will be Jan. 28 at Blue Water Bowl. The total entry fee per person is $15. Men and women do not compete against each other. There is a 90% handicap between your average and 210. Mail entry with payment to Luanne Carlisle 4349 Brott Road, Clyde, MI 48049-2913 or contact her at (810) 324-2103 for more information. Entry blanks are available at the local bowling centers or you can download them at www.phba.net.

3-on-3 tournament preaches fundamentals

Athletes from Vanier, Porter Creek, and F.H. Collins secondary schools took to the Porter Creek hardwood on Saturday morning for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Photo by Sam Riches

ATTACK – Noah Kitchen of the Vanier Crusaders junior boys team drives to the hoop during 3-on-3 action at Porter Creek Secondary School on Saturday morning (left). DRIVE THE LANE – Six teams participated in the round-robin tournament that focused on individual skill development.

Athletes from Vanier, Porter Creek, and F.H. Collins secondary schools took to the Porter Creek hardwood on Saturday morning for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

With the regular season officially underway this week, the 3-on-3 structure allowed the players to begin their transition back into the game and recapture their familiarity and passion for the sport.

The junior boys and girls teams from each school were split into six squads and battled each other in a round robin tournament.

The focus of the day of was on individual skill development and grasping the fundamentals.

The athletes officiated themselves with the coaches watching from the sidelines, occasionally interrupting with some advice but otherwise letting the young athletes figure out the game on their own.

“The nice thing about this is basically they are just getting out there and playing,� said Sean McCarron, head coach of the Vanier boys squad.

“There isn’t a lot of pressure to win or lose. Some of the kids who may not get to play as much later in the season get a lot of opportunity today, which is a good way to build some confidence and for the coaches to see where the strengths and weaknesses are.�

With a short basketball season, Vanier is hoping to play around 12 games, any opportunity to evaluate talent and gain extra practice is welcomed.

“Some of the kids are great in practice but you can see the nerves when they come out on the floor against an actual team,� said McCarron.

“This is a low-stress way to get them playing again.�

Jalena Roots, a grade 10 player at F.H. Collins said the tournament allowed players to see how they stack up against their competition.

“You get to play against players you might not normally match-up against and everyone gets the ball a lot,� she said.

She said the opportunity to play against the competition and gain knowledge about their players will benefit the teams later in the season when the play-offs roll around.

Roots has high hopes for the ladies squad and believes the team has the talent to play deep into the season.

“I think our team is going to be really good, we’re really athletic,� she said.

“We can outrun teams and we’re also big, bigger than most teams, in a few more weeks of practice we’ll be a really good team.�

Jonathan Hale, the Porter Creek boys head coach, said that at the grade 9 and 10 level, the earlier in the season a focus can be placed on learning the fundamentals of the game the better the results will be later in the year.

“They aren’t being officiated so it’s up to them to learn about game situations,� he said.

“Learning what is a foul and what’s not. We told them the rules and they’re doing a great job at officiating themselves.�

Sarah Crane, the F.H. Collins coach on the ladies side expressed a similar sentiment. Noting that the focus for her squad was to get familiar playing with each other and learn the fundamentals of the sport, without the pressure that can accompany a regular season game. 

Colin LaForme, the boys coach at F.H. Collins and an Ontario-native said one of the biggest obstacles he faces as a coach is getting his players to narrow their focus to one sport.

“It’s different from Ontario because the kids are doing everything up here,� he said.

“I have kids on my team who are playing five or six sports, whereas down south at this age you start to specialize, so any tournament like this is great.

“The kids come out and work hard and that’s all you can really ask.�

Despite the tournament having no bearing on the regular season standings, the players were embracing the opportunity to play out of their regular positions and display their talent.

Players diving on loose balls, hustling for rebounds, and communicating on the floor were common occurrences throughout the day.

“You have to practice as hard as you can when you get the chance,� said Noah Kitchen, a member of the boys team at Vanier.

“We’re going for the gold this season so we have to put the work in.�

McCarron highlighted the importance of getting the players to focus on the right habits at this stage in their athletic career.

“We want them to build good habits for the future,� he said.

“I tell my guys all the time if you want to be a great player your practice will determine the type of player you’re going to be because we play so few games.

“The amount of work you put in at practice and in the summer determines what type of player you will be in the long term.�

hoops briefs

Girls Hoops Classic set for Jan. 21

The sixth-annual Girls Hoops Classic is Jan. 21 at Port Huron Northern. The tournament is open to fifth- and sixth-grade girls teams. Squads are guaranteed three games. Cost is $100 per team or $75 if received before Dec. 15. Two referees will be on each court with 20-minute halves and a running clock. There will be a free-throw contest for each grade division with trophies rewarded to first- and second-place finishers. For more information about the event, contact Mark Dickinson at (810) 385-5004, (810) 984-2671 Ext. 460 or (810) 841-4029.

S.O.N.S. practices are at Center

S.O.N.S. basketball practices are scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays at the James R. Leonard Center. For more details, call (810) 989-7667.

Pioneer Express 3-on-3 tourney Jan. 21

The Pioneer Express 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is Jan. 21 at the Croswell-Lexington Middle School. The event, which is open to boys and girls in grades third through eighth, consists of four-person teams. Cost is $60 per team. The registration deadline is Jan. 14. For more details or to reserve a spot in the tournament, call Deann Clark at (810) 679-4100.

K of C free-throw event scheduled

Fr. William F. Welch Council No. 11756 of the Knights of Columbus is sponsoring its annual youth free-throw championship noon Jan. 8 at the St. Mary’s/McCormick Academy gymnasium. The event is open to girls and boys ages 9 to 14. Proof of age is required. High school-age athletes are advised to check with their school athletic director regarding possible eligibility conflicts. There is no registration fee. Each contestant receives three warmup shots before shooting 15 consecutive free throws. For more information about the event, or to pre-register, call Edward Taylor at (810) 987-9270.

K of C free-throw event set at Gardens

The Marysville Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition, which is sponsored by the Marysville Council 9526, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Marysville Gardens Elementary School. The event is open to girls and boys ages 9 to 14. Proof of age is required. For more information about the event, contact Dave Tokarski at (810) 985-4670.

Recreation calendar – Springfield News

Recreation Calendar

Dec. 26-27 — Dick Birmingham Christmas Pitching and Catching Camp, for ages 9-14, at Balls Strikes, 2136 E. Pythian in Springfield. Sessions will be from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: $45. For more information or to register, call 889-0779.

Dec. 26-28 — Dick Birmingham Christmas Hitting Camp, for ages 7-9 (8-10 a.m.) and 10-12 (10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.), at Balls Strikes, 2136 E. Pythian in Springfield. Fee: $55. For more information or to register, call 889-0779.

Dec. 29-30 — Missouri State Pitching and Catching Camp at Hammons Field, for players in grades 8-12. Fee: $150. Call Paul Evans at 836-4496 or visit www.missouristatebears.com.

Jan. 11 — Start of Mid-America Umpires New Official Certification Course, with sessions every two weeks, at 7 p.m. on the fourth floor of the MSU Professional Building, at Kimbrough and Cherry. No charge for the sessions. For more information, call 993-5278 or visit www.midamericaumpires.weebly.com.

Jan. 14-15 –Session I of the Missouri State Winter Hitting Camp, at the Bill Rowe Training Facility at Hammons Field. Open to players in grades 8-12. Fee: $150. For more information, call 836-6196 or visit www.missouristatebears.com.

Jan. 28-29 –Session II of the Missouri State Winter Hitting Camp, at the Bill Rowe Training Facility at Hammons Field. Open to players in grades 8-12. Fee: $150. For more information, call 836-6196 or visit www.missouristatebears.com.

basketball

Dec. 30 — Registration deadline for 12th annual Winter Basketball League at The Courts. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in K-6th grade and junior high. League play begins Jan. 9. Ten-game guarantee. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions for all grades. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Dec. 30 — Registration deadline for ninth annual Blue Gold/Pink White Basketball Tournament at The Courts. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 2-6 and junior high. Three-game guarantee. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Jan. 8 –Free throw contest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council 13682, for boys and girls ages 10-14, at the Palotti Center Gym (behind St. Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield), from 1-4 p.m. Registration is at the gym, and one parent or guardian must be present at registration.

Jan. 9 –Start of play in the Branson Parks and Recreation’s Adult Basketball League. Recreational (Mondays), intermediate (Mondays) and competitive (Wednesdays) divisions are offered, and all players must be ages 16 or older. Fee: $340 per team ($295 for residents), with an early bird rate of $315 per team ($275 for residents) if registered by Dec. 29. For more information, call 335-2368.

Jan. 14-15 –Hoops Midwest Basketball Snowball Shootout at the Ozark Community Center. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades K-1 through 8. Fee: $125. Call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

Jan. 14-15 –HoopIN’ 2012 Basketball Tournament in Rogersville, open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 3-8. Fee: $125 per team, or $150 per team after Jan. 6. For more information, call David Argo at 606-0253.

Jan. 14-15 –Basketball tournament at Republic Middle School, a fundraiser for the Republic American Legion Baseball Program. Open to boys’ and girls’ recreational and competitive teams in grades 3-junior high. Fee: $125. Call Bob Moffitt at 229-0600 or Joe Kirby at 207-1662.

Jan. 21 –Start of play in the second half session of the Boys Girls Clubs of Springfield’s Youth Basketball Program. The registration deadline for individuals is Dec. 29, with the team registration deadline Jan. 5. The season begins on Jan. 21 , with grades K-4 playing at the Musgrave Unit, and grades 5-8 playing at the Stalnaker Unit. Fee: $35 per individual or $350 per team, with a separate $75 team fee for the postseason tournament. For more information, call 865-2821.

Jan. 28 –Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Elite Basketball Clinic with Cheryl Burnett, at the Doling Family Center. Clinic open to any boy or girl in grades 5-7 and will follow a college practice format. Fee: $35 per player, with a Jan. 23 registration deadline. For more information or to sign up, call 837-5817.

Feb. 1 — Registration deadline for 12th annual Late Winter Basketball League at The Courts. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in K-6th grade and junior high. League play begins Jan. 9. Ten-game guarantee. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions for all grades. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Feb. 4 — Willard Summer Baseball 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Fundraiser, at the Willard Middle School. Boys’ and girls’ divisions for grades 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and adults. Entry fee: $10 per player, with four players per team. Registration deadline is Jan. 28. Call Scott Stewart at 849-2111 or email stewbldr@yahoo.com.

Feb. 4-5 –Hoops Midwest Basketball Snowball Shootout at the Ozark Community Center. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades K-1 through 8. Fee: $125. Call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

Feb. 11 — Osceola Future Farmers of America basketball tournament, for boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 5-6. Fee: $125 per team, with a Feb. 1 registration deadline. Call Carrie at 646-2007 or 719-337-5078.

Feb. 18-19 — Hoops Midwest “I Love Hoops” Basketball Tournament at Logan-Rogersville area schools. Boys’ and girls’ divisions for grades 3-8. Fee: $165. Register online at www.mayb.com. For more information, call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

SOFTBALL

Jan. 8 — Start of eight Missouri State softball clinics at the Bill Rowe Indoor Hitting Facility at Hammons Field. Clinics will be All Skills Developmental Clinic (Jan. 8, grades 1-8, 1-4 p.m.), Fundamental Pitching Clinic (Jan. 22, grades 5-12, 9 a.m.-noon), Catching Clinic (Jan. 22, grades 7-12, 9 a.m.-noon), Advanced Pitching Clinic (Jan. 22, grades 9-12, 1-4 p.m.), All Skills Showcase Clinic (Feb. 4, grades 9-12, 9 a.m.-noon), Advanced Hitting Clinic (Feb. 4, grades 9-12, 1-4 p.m.), All Skills Showcase Clinic (Feb. 5, grades 9-12, 9 a.m.-noon) and Advanced Hitting Clinic (Feb. 5, grades 9-12, 1-4 p.m.). Fee: $70 per session. Call Sue Frederick at 836-8384.

Jan. 21 –Evangel University Softball Hitting Clinic, featuring the Evangel team and two-time Olympic gold medalist Crystl Bustos, at the Evangel Softball Indoor Facility. Sessions will be offered from 8 a.m.-noon and from 2-6 p.m. Open to all age groups, with a maximum of 60 players per session. Fee: $75 before Jan. 7, or $90 after Jan. 7. Coaches, players and fans are allowed to observe if they pay a $20 admission fee. To register, call 865-2811, ext. 7265.

Feb. 28 –Evangel University Pitching Clinic, from 1-5 p.m. at the Evangel Softball Indoor Facility. Registration available as an individual ($25), as a parent/coach and player ($40), or two parents and player ($60). To register, call 838-5956.

Volleyball

Jan. 12 –Start of play in the Branson Parks and Recreation’s Adult Volleyball League. Recreational and competitive divisions are available, with play on Thursday nights at the Branson RecPlex. Players must be age 16 or older. Fee: $200 per team ($175 for residents), with an early bird rate of $175 per team ($150 for residents) if registered by Dec. 29. For more information, call 335-2368.

Jan. 9 — Start of play in the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Adult Volleyball leagues. Women’s leagues (Monday nights), men’s leagues (Tuesday nights), and co-ed leagues (Thursday and Friday nights) are offered. Fee: $150 per team. For a registration form,visit www.parkboard.org or www.eteamz.com/parkboard or call 837-5817.

Recreation Calendar – Springfield News

Rec calendar

Dec. 12 — Start of Winter Hitting Leagues at Balls-N-Strikes of Southwest Missouri. Open to age groups of grades 4-6 (Rookies), 7-8 (Minors) and 9-12 (Majors), and rosters can have two or three players per team. League play will be the weeks of Dec. 12 and 19, and Jan. 2, 9 and 16, with teams playing one game per week. Fee: $120 per team, with a $60 deposit required at registration. For more information, and the days and times of league play, call 866-8200 or visit www.balls-n-strikes.com.

Dec. 17-18 –Missouri State Pitching and Catching Camp at Hammons Field, for players in grades 5-8. Fee: $90. Call Paul Evans at 836-4496 or visit www.missouristatebears.com.

Dec. 26-27 — Dick Birmingham Christmas Pitching and Catching Camp, for ages 9-14, at Balls Strikes, 2136 E. Pythian in Springfield. Sessions will be from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: $45. For more information or to register, call 889-0779.

Dec. 26-28 — Dick Birmingham Christmas Hitting Camp, for ages 7-9 (8-10 a.m.) and 10-12 (10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.), at Balls Strikes, 2136 E. Pythian in Springfield. Fee: $55. For more information or to register, call 889-0779.

Dec. 29-30 — Missouri State Pitching and Catching Camp at Hammons Field, for players in grades 8-12. Fee: $150. Call Paul Evans at 836-4496 or visit www.missouristatebears.com.

basketball

Dec. 30 — Registration deadline for 12th annual Winter Basketball League at The Courts. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in K-6th grade and junior high. League play begins Jan. 9. Ten-game guarantee. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions for all grades. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Dec. 30 — Registration deadline for ninth annual Blue Gold/Pink White Basketball Tournament at The Courts. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 2-6 and junior high. Three-game guarantee. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Jan. 9 –Start of play in the Branson Parks and Recreation’s Adult Basketball League. Recreational (Mondays), intermediate (Mondays) and competitive (Wednesdays) divisions are offered, and all players must be ages 16 or older. Fee: $340 per team ($295 for residents), with an early bird rate of $315 per team ($275 for residents) if registered by Dec. 29. For more information, call 335-2368.

Jan. 14-15 –Hoops Midwest Basketball Snowball Shootout at the Ozark Community Center. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades K-1 through 8. Fee: $125. Call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

Jan. 14-15 –HoopIN’ 2012 Basketball Tournament in Rogersville, open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 3-8. Fee: $125 per team, or $150 per team after Jan. 6. For more information, call David Argo at 606-0253.

Jan. 21 –Start of play in the second half session of the Boys Girls Clubs of Springfield’s Youth Basketball Program. The registration deadline for individuals is Dec. 29, with the team registration deadline Jan. 5. The season begins on Jan. 21 , with grades K-4 playing at the Musgrave Unit, and grades 5-8 playing at the Stalnaker Unit. Fee: $35 per individual or $350 per team, with a separate $75 team fee for the postseason tournament. For more information, call 865-2821.

Feb. 1 — Registration deadline for 12th annual Late Winter Basketball League at The Courts. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in K-6th grade and junior high. League play begins Jan. 9. Ten-game guarantee. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions for all grades. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Feb. 4 — Willard Summer Baseball 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Fundraiser, at the Willard Middle School. Boys’ and girls’ divisions for grades 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and adults. Entry fee: $10 per player, with four players per team. Registration deadline is Jan. 28. Call Scott Stewart at 849-2111 or email stewbldr@yahoo.com.

Feb. 4-5 –Hoops Midwest Basketball Snowball Shootout at the Ozark Community Center. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades K-1 through 8. Fee: $125. Call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

Feb. 11 — Osceola Future Farmers of America basketball tournament, for boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 5-6. Fee: $125 per team, with a Feb. 1 registration deadline. Call Carrie at 646-2007 or 719-337-5078.

Feb. 18-19 — Hoops Midwest “I Love Hoops” Basketball Tournament at Logan-Rogersville area schools. Boys’ and girls’ divisions for grades 3-8. Fee: $165. Register online at www.mayb.com. For more information, call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

SOFTBALL

Jan. 8 — Start of eight Missouri State softball clinics at the Bill Rowe Indoor Hitting Facility at Hammons Field. Clinics will be All Skills Developmental Clinic (Jan. 8, grades 1-8, 1-4 p.m.), Fundamental Pitching Clinic (Jan. 22, grades 5-12, 9 a.m.-noon), Catching Clinic (Jan. 22, grades 7-12, 9 a.m.-noon), Advanced Pitching Clinic (Jan. 22, grades 9-12, 1-4 p.m.), All Skills Showcase Clinic (Feb. 4, grades 9-12, 9 a.m.-noon), Advanced Hitting Clinic (Feb. 4, grades 9-12, 1-4 p.m.), All Skills Showcase Clinic (Feb. 5, grades 9-12, 9 a.m.-noon) and Advanced Hitting Clinic (Feb. 5, grades 9-12, 1-4 p.m.). Fee: $70 per session. Call Sue Frederick at 836-8384.

Volleyball

Jan. 12 –Start of play in the Branson Parks and Recreation’s Adult Volleyball League. Recreational and competitive divisions are available, with play on Thursday nights at the Branson RecPlex. Players must be age 16 or older. Fee: $200 per team ($175 for residents), with an early bird rate of $175 per team ($150 for residents) if registered by Dec. 29. For more information, call 335-2368.

Jan. 9 — Start of play in the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Adult Volleyball leagues. Registration is through Dec. 19. Women’s leagues (Monday nights), men’s leagues (Tuesday nights), and co-ed leagues (Thursday and Friday nights) are offered. Fee: $150 per team. For a registration form,visit www.parkboard.org or www.eteamz.com/parkboard or call 837-5817.

Local Briefs

PREPS Richmond seeks varsity baseball assistant

Richmond is looking for an assistant varsity baseball coach. Anyone interested should contact coach Anthony Bloink at abloink@richmond.k12.mi.us or (586) 727-3225, ext. 3504.

RUNNING YMCA’s Jingle Bell race/walk set for Dec. 3

The Blue Water YMCA’s Jingle Bell Run is 9 a.m. June 3 in Port Huron. A 5-kilometer race and 2K walk is scheduled. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Participants should be at the starting line by 8:50 a.m. The race starts and finishes outside the Third Street entrance of the YMCA. For more details, contact Traci Hofmann at (810) 987-6400, ext. 137.

VOLLEYBALL SC4 conducts youth clinic, player tryouts

The St. Clair County Community College women’s volleyball team is having a clinic starting Jan. 7 and running Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25. There will be two levels with grades 6-8 from 10 a.m. to noon and grades 9-12 from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Cost is $75, which includes a T-shirt. For more details, call (810) 989-5670. Players can register at the gym Jan. 7. SC4 is having player tryouts for the 2012 season from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7. For more details, call (810) 989-5670 or coach Weisner at (810) 824-7820.

BASKETBALL Girls Hoops Classic set for Jan. 21 at Northern

The sixth-annual Girls Hoops Classic is Jan. 21 at Port Huron Northern. The tournament is open to fifth- and sixth-grade girls teams. Squads are guaranteed three games. Cost is $100 per team or $75 if received prior to Dec. 15. Two referees will be on each court with 20-minute halves and a running clock. There will be a free-throw contest for each grade division with trophies rewarded to first- and second-place finishers. For more details, contact Mark Dickinson at (810) 385-5004, (810) 984-2671 Ext. 460 or (810) 841-4029.

Pioneer Express tournament held Dec. 3

The Pioneers Express 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is Dec. 3 at the Croswell-Lexington Middle School. The tournament, which consists of four-person teams, is open to players in grades third through eighth. Cost is $60, which includes T-shirt. Deadline is Wednesday. For more details, contact Deann Clark at (810) 679-4100.

Youth tournament set for Feb. 4 in Imlay City

The third-annual Spartan Shootout Girls Basketball Tournament is Feb. 4 at Imlay City. Tournaments are scheduled for fifth-grade and sixth-grade teams. Cost is $60 per team, and each team will play at least three games. The tournament is limited to the first six teams in each grade. Spots will be reserved when the money is received. Send checks to Jeff Combs at 7727 Chic Drive, Imlay City, MI 48444. For more details, contact Combs at (810) 417-1192.

Registration begins for Salvation Army League

The Salvation Army Youth Basketball League is having player registration for the 2011-12 season from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. The program is for boys and girls ages 8 to 11. Cost is $40, which includes T-shirt and trophy. Games are played on Saturdays. For more details, call (810) 984-2679.

Marysville alumni games set for Dec. 22

Marysville High School will host the third annual boys and girls alumni games Dec. 22 at Marysville. The girls will play at 6 p.m. with the boys scheduled to play immediately after. The format for both games will be even year vs. odd year. Cost is $20, which includes a commemorative T-shirt. For more details, contact Matt Beaudry at mbeaudry@tulane.edu

SOFTBALL Michigan Diamonds 18U needs pitcher for 2012

The 18U Michigan Diamonds fastpitch travel softball team is looking for a strong pitcher to complete the roster for 2012. The team will be playing in five competitive tournaments in Michigan. If interested, please contact Jeff at (810) 417-1192 or email jtcombs@netscape.com.

BASEBALL Port Huron Northern puts on U.S. Academy

Port Huron Northern is hosting a six-week baseball camp starting Jan. 8. Port Huron Northern head coach Bob Kearns will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning at a cost as low as $99 for six weeks. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call toll-free 866-622-4487.

WRESTLING Blue Water Club begins practice Tuesday at PHC

The Blue Water Wrestling Club has begun its season at Port Huron Central Middle School cafeteria. The Michigan Youth Wrestling Association club is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14. Practices are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $75, which includes T-shirt, MYWA membership and insurance. For more details, contact Sam McCormick at (810) 841-4951 between 4 to 6 p.m. or go to bluewaterwrestlingclub@gmail.com.

Local sports briefs

RUNNING YMCA’s Jingle Bell race, walk set for Dec. 3

The Blue Water YMCA’s Jingle Bell Run is 9 a.m. Dec. 3 in Port Huron. A 5-kilometer race and 2K walk is scheduled. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Participants should be at the starting line by 8:50 a.m. The race starts and finishes outside the Third Street entrance of the YMCA. For more details, call Traci Hofmann at (810) 987-6400, ext. 137.

VOLLEYBALL SC4 announces youth clinic, player tryouts

The St. Clair County Community College women’s volleyball team is having a clinic starting Jan. 7 and running Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25. There will be two levels with sixth to eighth grades from 10 a.m. to noon and ninth to 12th grades from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Cost is $75, which includes a T-shirt. For more details, call (810) 989-5670. Players can register at the gym Jan. 7. SC4 is having player tryouts for the 2012 season from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7. For more details, call (810) 989-5670 or (810) 824-7820.

BASKETBALL Girls Hoops Classic set for Jan. 21 at Northern

The sixth-annual Girls Hoops Classic is Jan. 21 at Port Huron Northern High School The tournament is open to fifth- and sixth-grade girls teams. Squads are guaranteed three games. Cost is $100 per team or $75 if received before Dec. 15. Two referees will be on each court with 20-minute halves and a running clock. There will be a free-throw contest for each grade division with trophies rewarded to first- and second-place finishers. For more details, call Mark Dickinson at (810) 385-5004, (810) 984-2671 Ext. 460 or (810) 841-4029.

Pioneers tournament will be played Dec. 3

The Pioneers Express 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is Dec. 3 at the Croswell-Lexington Middle School. The tournament, which consists of four-person teams, is open to players in grades third through eighth. Cost is $60, which includes T-shirt. For more details, contact Deann Clark at (810) 679-4100.

Spartan Shootout
Feb. 4 in Imlay City

The third-annual Spartan Shootout Girls Basketball Tournament is Feb. 4 in Imlay City. Tournaments are scheduled for fifth-grade and sixth-grade teams. Cost is $60 per team, and each team will play at least three games. The tournament is limited to the first six teams in each grade. Spots will be reserved when the money is received. Send checks to Jeff Combs at 7727 Chic Drive, Imlay City, MI 48444. For more details, call Combs at (810) 417-1192.

Registration begins for Salvation Army League

Marysville alumni games set for Dec. 22

Marysville High School will host the third annual boys and girls alumni games Dec. 22 at Marysville. The girls will play at 6 p.m. with the boys scheduled to play immediately after. The format for both games will be even year vs. odd year. Cost is $20, which includes a commemorative T-shirt. For more details, contact Matt Beaudry at mbeaudry@tulane.edu

The Salvation Army Youth Basketball League is having player registration for the 2011-12 season from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The program is for boys and girls ages 8 to 11. Cost is $40, which includes T-shirt and trophy. Games are played on Saturdays. For more details, call (810) 984-2679.

BOWLING Match Games Doubles tournament scheduled

The annual Match Game Doubles tournament will be held Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. The qualifying round will be at St. Clair River Lanes with five games bowled across 10 lanes (no handicap). Squad times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The oiling pattern will be a house pattern and the lanes will be re-oiled in between shifts. Advance fee payment will guarantee entry. The nine high qualifiers plus last year’s champions Dave Klaas and Steve Lewicki will bowl Dec. 4 at St. Clair River Lanes in a round-robin schedule. Cost is $120 per team. Entry blanks are available at all bowling centers and can be downloaded at www.phba.net. For more details, contact tournament director Henry Sullivan at (810) 300-1433 or henwade826@yahoo.com.

LOCAL SPORTS BRIEFS

BASKETBALL Girls Hoops Classic set for Jan. 14 at Northern

The sixth-annual Girls Hoops Classic is Jan. 14 at Port Huron Northern. The tournament is open to fifth- and sixth-grade girls teams. Squads are guaranteed three games. Cost is $100 per team or $75 if received prior to Dec. 15. Two referees will be on each court with 20-minute halves and a running clock. There will be a free-throw contest for each grade division with trophies rewarded to first- and second-place finishers. For more details, contact Mark Dickinson at (810) 385-5004, (810) 984-2671 Ext. 460 or (810) 841-4029.

Pioneer Express tourney held Dec. 3 at Cros-Lex

The Pioneers Express 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is Dec. 3 at the Croswell-Lexington Middle School. The tournament, which consists of four-person teams, is open to players in grades third through eighth. Cost is $60, which includes T-shirt. Deadline is Wednesday. For more details, contact Deann Clark at (810) 679-4100.

Youth tournament set for Feb. 4 in Imlay City

The third-annual Spartan Shootout Girls Basketball Tournament is Feb. 4 at Imlay City. Tournaments are scheduled for fifth-grade and sixth-grade teams. Cost is $60 per team, and each team will play at least three games. The tournament is limited to the first six teams in each grade. Spots will be reserved when the money is received. Send checks to Jeff Combs at 7727 Chic Drive, Imlay City, MI 48444. For more details, contact Combs at (810) 417-1192.

Registration begins for Salvation Army League

The Salvation Army Youth Basketball League is having player registration for the 2011-12 season from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The program is for boys and girls ages 8 to 11. Cost is $40, which includes T-shirt and trophy. Games are played on Saturdays. For more details, call (810) 984-2679.

Marysville alumni games set for Dec. 22

Marysville High School will host the third annual boys and girls alumni games Dec. 22 at Marysville. The girls will play at 6 p.m. with the boys scheduled to play immediately after. The format for both games will be even year vs. odd year. Cost is $20, which includes a commemorative T-shirt. For more details, contact Matt Beaudry at mbeaudry@tulane.edu

SOFTBALL Michigan Diamonds 18U needs pitcher for 2012

The 18U Michigan Diamonds fastpitch travel softball team is looking for a strong pitcher to complete the roster for 2012. The team will be playing in five competitive tournaments in Michigan. If interested, please contact Jeff at (810) 417-1192 or email jtcombs@netscape.com

BOWLING Match Games Doubles tourney set for Dec. 3-4

The Annual Match Game Doubles tournament will be held Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. The qualifying round will be held at St. Clair River Lanes with five games bowled across 10 lanes (no handicap). Squad times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a first-come first-serve basis. The oiling pattern will be a house pattern and the lanes will be re-oiled in between shifts. Advance fee payment will guarantee entry. The nine high qualifiers plus last year’s champions Dave Klaas and Steve Lewicki will bowl Dec. 4 at St. Clair River Lanes in a round-robin schedule. Cost is $120 per team. Entry blanks are available at all bowling centers and can be downloaded at www.phba.net. For more details, contact tournament director Henry Sullivan at (810) 300-1433 or henwade826@yahoo.com.

WRESTLING Blue Water Club begins practice Tuesday at PHC

The Blue Water Wrestling Club has begun its season at Port Huron Central Middle School cafeteria. The Michigan Youth Wrestling Association club is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14. Practices are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $75, which includes T-shirt, MYWA membership and insurance. For more details, contact Sam McCormick at (810) 841-4951 between 4 to 6 p.m. or go to bluewaterwrestlingclub@gmail.com.

Rec calendar – Springfield News

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BASEBALL

Oct. 9, 16 and 23 –Session II of the Dick Birmingham Breaking Ball Camp for High School Pitchers. Emphasis will be on the overhand curveball, cut fastball and changeup. Camp is limited to 12 individuals, and will be from 2-3:30 p.m. each day at the Springfield Catholic High School Field. Fee: $75. For more information or to register, call 889-0779.

Oct. 15-16 –Missouri State Fall Skills and Showcase Camp, open to players in grades 10-12, at Hammons Field. Fee: $220. For more information, visit www.missouristatebears.com/baseball or call 836-4497.

BASKETBALL

Oct. 10 –Registration deadline for the Fall Basketball League at The Courts, for boys and girls in grades K-1 through 6, with league play beginning the week of Oct. 17. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions offered, with a 10-game guarantee. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Oct. 15 –Willard Summer Baseball 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Fundraiser at the Willard Middle School. Boys’ and girls’ divisions for grades 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and adults. Fee: $10 per player, with four players per team. For more information, contact Scott Stewart at 849-2111 or at stewbldr@yahoo.com.

Oct. 22-23 –Hoops Midwest October Showcase at Rogersville High School. Open to boys’ and girls’ teams in grades 1-12. Fee: $125. For more information, call Mike Edwards at 343-9709 or Steve Reith at 839-4559.

Oct. 26 –Registration deadline for the Fall Junior High Basketball League at The Courts, for boys and girls, with league play beginning Nov. 2. Recreational, intermediate and competitive divisions offered, with a 10-game guarantee. For more information, call 831-3333 or visit www.thecourtsezone.com.

Oct. 28-30 –The 20th annual Kickapoo Youth Basketball Tournament, with boys’ and girls’ divisions for grades 3-8. Competitive and recreational divisions, if possible. Fee: $125 per team. For more information, call 848-8193 or email forbill@hotmail.com.