News Summary

The Junior Huskies basketball feeder program is set to kick off another season in Oak Park, looking to increase participation after a successful inaugural year. With player evaluations scheduled for August 9 and 10, the program aims to engage and develop young talent in the community. Coaches Phil Gary and Renee Brantley emphasize the importance of building a strong basketball culture, offering not just league play but also skills academies and travel leagues. Community support is sought to enhance the program as it continues to grow.

Exciting News for Oak Park Residents: Junior Huskies Basketball Program is Growing!

In the heart of Oak Park, the Junior Huskies basketball feeder program is getting ready for another thrilling season, and they want you to be a part of it! With over 300 participants joining in on the action during its inaugural year, this community-driven program is kicking off the fall league and hoping for even more faces on the court.

Meet the Team Behind the Action

Leading the charge is Phil Gary, who enters his sixth season as the head coach of the varsity boys basketball team at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Gary is on a mission to boost participation in the upcoming fall league, believing that the more kids involved, the better the spirit and skill level of the teams.

On the girls’ side, varsity head coach Renee Brantley views the Junior Huskies as a significant asset for cultivating talent and expanding her high school program. The connection between these budding basketball stars and the high school teams is pivotal for creating a strong basketball culture in the community.

Player Evaluations Coming Soon!

Mark your calendars! Player evaluations for the fall league are set for August 9 and 10 at the River Forest Community Center. Families can take note of the following schedule:

  • August 9:
    • 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for third and fourth grade boys
    • Noon to 1:15 p.m. for fifth and sixth grade boys
  • August 10:
    • 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for girls in grades 3-5
    • 3:35 to 4:50 p.m. for boys entering seventh and eighth grades

Every participant will receive a uniform, and games are slated to commence on August 16 at OPRF. The excitement continues every Saturday until October 25, ensuring that kids can also partake in other fall sports like football, soccer, and volleyball.

More Than Just a League

The Junior Huskies offer more than just league play! In addition to the fall league, there will be a skills academy starting on September 9 and running through October 14, allowing players to hone their craft. Looking ahead, there will also be a winter travel league from November through mid-March and exciting youth basketball camps for both boys and girls.

A Strong Community Connection

Brantley enthusiastically believes that a strong feeder program is key to engaging local talent and building a positive culture within the community. With the recent construction of a new gymnasium as part of OPRF’s ambitious “Imagine Project“, both the Junior Huskies and the high school basketball programs are expected to reach new heights.

Support and Participation Needed

Competing in the West Suburban Silver conference means that OPRF will face off against local private schools, such as Fenwick and Trinity, making community support more essential than ever. Gary is actively seeking donors and sponsors to help sustain and grow the Junior Huskies program.

Get Involved!

Whether you want your child to develop their basketball skills or you want to support the program, there are many ways to get involved. For more information on how to participate or contribute, check out jrhuskiesbball.com. Join the Junior Huskies and be a part of something special this fall!

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