The Boys and Girls Basketball teams at Rochester Christian School are gearing up for a challenging season. According to Ken Offringa, the school's athletic director and 4th grade teacher, both the RCS Boys and Girls basketball teams are predominately composed of 6th and 7th graders. "There's about 10 or 11 players per team, and they're newer, younger players," he said. "For many, this is the first time playing organized basketball." With a majority of players unaccustomed to the court, the respective coaches, Mr. Brian Kress and Mrs. Lindsey Burdick, are focusing the teams on fundamentals complemented by plenty of drill. Basic skills being taught include dribbling, shooting, and the strategies of man-to-man and zone defense, Mr. Offringa said. According to Mrs. Burdick, the Girl's Basketball team is all 6th and 7th graders. "We've got three players with prior experience, but mostly we're just learning," she said, adding that the girls are very energetic and enjoy practices. "They're all friends, so this is partially social time." However, she said that, on the court, it is sometimes necessary to minimize play in favor of study. "We're working on basics: ball handling, proper form for shooting, offensive and defensive movement, and overall game strategy," she said. "They need to understand the mechanics of the game." Toward this goal, the girls participate in scrimmages. She added, "They've got to get out there and do it," or otherwise, "in the heat of the game" they won't react instinctively. Watching the girls practicing shots at the basket in mid-December, Mrs. Burdick intervened to give a student some advice, "Next time take a dribble in and then shoot." Later, out on the court, a player dribbled the ball and broke for the basket, cutting behind her opponent. In an instant, she snatched the ball and threw it behind her back to an open teammate. "Good hustle!" shouted Mrs. Burdick as a teammate caught the ball on the bounce. The Boy's Basketball team is likewise focusing on fundamentals. The team is composed of six 6th graders, three 7th graders and two 8th graders. According to Mr. Kress, four students are returning players. "It's a very young team," he said, noting that only about half of the team has experience. For many of the boys, it is also a time to learn about the sport. To further this endeavor, the coach has explained the roles of players on the court and helped the boys consider the various positions and their ability to play them. He has also emphasized the need to learn responsibility as teammates—to work cooperatively and use moves such as the 'pick and roll' to get free and establish an advantage over their opponents. During a recent scrimmage, Mr. Kress noted that the team had difficulty making baskets and therefore urged the players to move nearer to the net to take closer shots and improve scoring. After school one day, the boys practiced lay up and jump shots from various positions on the court along with dribbling and passing. The gym was filled with the sound of bouncing basketballs, boys voices, and the thud of the ball against the backstop. As they took turns shooting jump shots, the coach offered advice and encouragement. "Arch the ball," he barked. "Aim for the back of the rim." During January and the first half of February, the Girls and Boys Basketball teams will play games at home and away. RCS participates in the Western New York Christian School Athletic Association (WNYCSAA), which includes Webster Christian School, Greece Christian School, Charles Finney School, a group of home-schooled students and more (see below). Forecasting the basketball season, Mr. Kress expressed confidence. "I think we'll do well. Everyone is very willing and we've got a lot of good athletes. We'll have a good year and win some games." - by Jim Frey Attend basketball games and support our teams. WNYCSAA School Locations: Charles Finney School, 2070 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield East Palmyra Christian School, 2023 East Palmyra-Port Gibson Road, Palmyra Faith Temple Destiny School, 1876 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester Greece Christian School, 750 Long Pong Road, Rochester Rochester School for the Deaf, 1545 St. Paul Street, Rochester St. Paul Lutheran, 158 East Avenue, Hilton Webster Christian School, 675 Holt Road, Webster   WNYCSAA:  2008 Basketball Schedule   East Division                                      West Division                                              Girls’ Division 1. East Palmyra Christian (EPC)            5. St. Paul Lutheran (SPL)               5G. St. Paul Lutheran (SPL) 2. Webster Christian  (WCS)             6. Greece Christian  (GCS)              6G. Greece Christian  (GCS) 3. Finney Christian Club (FCC)  7. Rochester School Deaf (RSD)  7G. Rochester Sch. Deaf (RSD) 4. Home School Club (HSC)              8. Rochester Christian  (RCS)              8G. Rochester Christian  (RCS) ** Non League Scrimmage:  9. Faith Temple Destiny School (FTD)  1G. East Pal. Christian (EPS)   NOTES:   1)  Games begin at 4 PM and last about 75 minutes.                   2)  Both genders practice from 3:15 to 4:45 PM                   3)  Always check the Sparks for directions and any changes.   Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Nov. 12 Veterans’ Day No School November 13 Boys’ Practice November 14 Girls’ Tryouts November 15 Boys’ Volleyball Practice November 16 Boys’ Volley ball  in Canada November 19 Girls’ Tryouts November 20 Boys’ Practice November 21 No School November 22 THANKSGIVING November 23 November 26 Girls’ Practice November 27 Boys’ Practice November 28 Girls’ Practice November 29 Boys’ Practice November 30 December 3 Girls’ Practice December 4 Christmas Program December 5 Girls’ Practice December 6 Boys’ Practice December 7   December 10 Girls’ Practice December 11 Boys’ Scrimmage (4:00) December 12 Girls’ Practice December 13 Boys’ Practice December 14 December 17 Girls’ Practice December 18 Boys’ Practice December 19 Girls’ Practice December 20 Boys’ Practice December 21 December 31   January 1 New Year’s Day January 2 Girls’ Practice January 3 Boys’ Practice January 4 9 (FTD) at 8 (RCS) January 7 8G (RCS) at 5G (SPL) January 8 8 (RCS) at 5 (SPL)  Jan. 9 Boys’ Practice January 10  6 (GCS) at 8 (RCS)  January 11 RCS girls: practice   January 14 1G (EPC) at 8G (RCS)   January 15 4:00p.m. 8G(RCS) at 7G (RSD 5:00p.m. 8 (RCS) at 7 (RSD) Jan. 16 Boys’ Practice January 17 1 (EPC) at 8 (RCS)   January 18 Boys’ Practice January 21:  NO SCHOOL MKL, Jr. Day January 22 3:30 p.m. 8 (RCS) at 2(WCS) Girls Practice Jan.  23 7G (RSD) at 8G (RCS)   January 24 8 (RCS) at 4 (HSC)   January 25 8G (RCS) at 6G (GCS)   January 28 5G (SPL) at 8G (RCS)   January 29 3 (FCC) at 8 (RCS)   Jan. 30 Boys’ Practice January 31 5 (SPL) at 8 (RCS)   February 1 RCS girls: practice   February 4 8G (RCS) at 1G (EPC)   February 5 8 (RCS) at 6 (GCS)   Feb. 6 Boys’ Practice February 7 7 (RSD) at 8 (RCS)   February 8     February 11 6G(GCS) at 8G(RCS) February 12 Snow Day: Make up Games Feb. 13 February 14 Championship: Division Winners: Site TBA   Girls’ Volleyball Practice Begins