January 2, 2023
Pocatello–January is a red-letter month for Pocatello’s future basketball stars! The Junior Jazz Fun Shot Competition is scheduled for the 21st, and Future Hoopers classes begin a week later.
The City website describes the Junior Jazz Competition as “a FREE event for all boys and girls currently in 3rd – 8th grade (it is not necessary to be registered in the Jr. Jazz Basketball program). Participants will each get 1 minute (2 rounds) to see how many points they can score from various “spots” on the floor. Each round is scored and tallied. All 1st and 2nd place winners in each division will be eligible to advance to the regional competition. The winners of each age group at the regional competition advance to the Finals to compete against kids from all over Utah, Southern Idaho, and Western Wyoming on the Vivint Smart Home Arena floor prior to a Utah Jazz game. Finals participants and parents will also receive free tickets to the Utah Jazz game that same day.” The event will be held on January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
The City website also offers information about the Future Hoopers program: “This program is for 5-8yr-old boys and girls, and focuses on introducing the participants to basketball and the development of basic motor skills necessary to play organized basketball, while they work one-on-one and spend quality time with their parents. The program focuses on teaching children and their parents dribbling/ball handling, shooting, passing/catching, and running/agility. Each week the exercises become increasingly difficult as the class progresses and the children show improvement. There are no designated teams or coaches. Parents are required to participate and assist with their child. The class is 45 minutes long once a week for 4 weeks and is limited 8 participants per class session. Class will be held at the Community Rec. Center 144 Wilson. Cost for the class is $40.00. All participants will be provided a basketball that they will keep.” Classes begin on January 28. Children aged 5 and 6 will meet from 11:00 to 11:45; those aged 7 and 8 will meet from 12:00 to 12:45.
For more information about these programs, call 208-234-6235 or visit the City website, here.
