The Hutchinson Spark basketball team has grown rapidly based on the kids passion for the sport and desire to further their skills in preparation for middle school.
The Spark was established in the fall of 2013 as a YMCA team and then have played non-stop since, according to former coach Ben Huhs. In the winter of 2014, the Spark joined the competitive MAYB league to continue their preparation.
"We are proud of the boys hard work and determination, practicing three nights a week during the school year and tournaments on the weekends," Huhs said. "We actually had several boys make principals honor roll this last school year despite all the hours they have been putting in at the gym. As coaches that is something we stressed with our boys."
The team will play three more tournaments this summer before breaking for the 7th grade school year.
After earning free season tickets to the Hutchinson Community College basketball team, the team sparked up a relationship with Blue Dragon standout Deshawn Freeman. The relationship has produced an amazing fruit, as Freeman has decided to take over coaching the Spark the rest of the summer. Before Freeman came aboard, the Spark were coached by Ryan Norquist, Adam Burns and Huhs.
"Watching Deshawn play, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to have him coach us. Its helped many of us take our games to the next level." says guard Brenton Burns.
The boys each selected one thing to focus on unrelated to their physical game, such as attitude or coachability.
"We are happy that they understand its more than just about a game," Huhs added. "They are learning valuable life lessons too.
submitted by Ben Huhs
The Spark was established in the fall of 2013 as a YMCA team and then have played non-stop since, according to former coach Ben Huhs. In the winter of 2014, the Spark joined the competitive MAYB league to continue their preparation.
"We are proud of the boys hard work and determination, practicing three nights a week during the school year and tournaments on the weekends," Huhs said. "We actually had several boys make principals honor roll this last school year despite all the hours they have been putting in at the gym. As coaches that is something we stressed with our boys."
The team will play three more tournaments this summer before breaking for the 7th grade school year.
After earning free season tickets to the Hutchinson Community College basketball team, the team sparked up a relationship with Blue Dragon standout Deshawn Freeman. The relationship has produced an amazing fruit, as Freeman has decided to take over coaching the Spark the rest of the summer. Before Freeman came aboard, the Spark were coached by Ryan Norquist, Adam Burns and Huhs.
"Watching Deshawn play, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to have him coach us. Its helped many of us take our games to the next level." says guard Brenton Burns.
The boys each selected one thing to focus on unrelated to their physical game, such as attitude or coachability.
"We are happy that they understand its more than just about a game," Huhs added. "They are learning valuable life lessons too.
submitted by Ben Huhs