***Information about SMS Flag Football has been posted. Please “Click” the Tab for Flag Football above … More information will be posted each week.
*** “Off-season preparation is crucial for middle school basketball and volleyball players as it provides a structured time for focused skill development, physical conditioning, and building a strong foundation for future performance. This period allows players to refine techniques, improve weaknesses, and enhance overall athletic ability without the pressure of competing.” ~ At least that’s what AI states and it’s a belief that we (Smith/Henderson) fully support and believe to be true.
For the past 40 years coaching basketball and volleyball, those players/teams who prepared, committed to AM training sessions, worked on their skill development, payed games, and created a common sacrifice to get better … did better and were able to compete against the best teams the next school year.
There is no secret to Success … put in the time and one will get better, and as it pertains to “Team” sports, one cannot do it alone; so, when the Team commits together and creates that “common sacrifice” - the “Team” undoubtedly gets better. Those Teams that work together to develop skill, develop culture, build community, and get better together, … open doors, create opportunities, and create experiences that can be extremely rewarding for everyone involved.
By showing up in the AM to Open Gym Opportunities - yes, it’s difficult and requires a commitment from family members; however, it’s short lived and the benefits are so rewarding - individuals get better, and when a “Team” commits together, the “Team” pushes themselves to new heights and experiences.
So…
IMPORTANT INFO: … AM GYM OPPORTUNITIES … Basketball Camp and Volleyball Camp … Beginning Tuesday (April 29th), at 7AM sharp, Mr. Henderson (SMS Gr 8 Boy’s Basketball Coach) and I (Mr. Smith) will be starting and offering a Basketball Camp … for … SMS Gr. 6/7/8 boys and girls who are planning on playing basketball at SMS next season (2025-2026). The camp will help individual players opportunities to work on skills and fundamentals, and it will provide an opportunity for individual players to improve and increase their physical literacy in the sport of basketball. The camp will also provide an opportunity and give a head start for the “Team” to work on, learn, and understand both offensive, defensive, and transition concepts that will be used and covered next season.
Cost = Free … Time = 7AM Sharp to 8:10AM (players have time to get ready for Period #1) … Days = Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Tuesday, April 29th to Thursday, May 22nd … Extra Gym Time = Wednesdays (April 30th to June 18th) - Basketball shares the gym with Volleyball (Games) … Registration will take place tomorrow morning - players will sign up once they arrive (Name and grade on a sheet of paper … that’s it).
*Evan Smith … Former SAS Grad / Gold’s basketball player / recent TRU Grad and Men’s Basketball Player will be guest coaching during the AM basketball sessions…
… Volleyball Camp … Begins Tuesday, May 27th and ends Thursday, June 19th … Same details above apply for our Volleyball “Camp-Prep” … Extra days will be on Wednesdays …
… Gr. 9 and 10 Volleyball players are still welcome to attend Wednesday mornings … Mr. Smith will see if another staff member can open the gym one other morning during the week … stay tune.
***“The best thing we can do for kids… Instead of teaching them how to always be successful… Teach them how to respond when they are not successful!” ~ Principal El
Reminder… 5 Ways to Develop Mental Toughness and Resiliency …
1. Get up Early… when the alarm goes off, don’t hit the snooze … get out of bed…
2. Make Your Bed as a Habit… as soon as you get up make your bed - perfectly! Start the day with a Win!
3. Do Work… Attend AM Open Gym or if not, do push-ups, sit-ups, etc…
4. When the School Day is Over… Study First … If you have early Bball Practice, then study after practice… If you have late Bball Practice, then stay at school, attend Study Hall and Do Your Work… Read, Re-Read, Write, Re-Write, Review - That’s what homework is…
5. Eat Something You Don’t Like Regularly… as a Habit… Mr. Smith doesn’t let tomatoes be tougher than him… He still doesn’t like tomatoes, but he eats them anyway…
Why do all the things above … because they are usually the last things you want to do… Do the things that you don’t want to do, but that are good for you, and make them a part of your Daily Habits… That’s how one Develops Mental Toughness… Doing hard things on a regular basis!
Monday, April 28th…
*NO AM Open Gym… AM Basketball Camp starts tomorrow - Preparation for next season …
*Gr. 6/7/8 Track and Field Practice after school
Tuesday, April 29th …
*AM GYM … Basketball Camp / Training Session / Camp … Gr. 6/7/8 SMS Students wanting to play on our Shuswap Teams next year are invited and encouraged to attend… 7AM to 8:10AM
*Flag Football after school … 2:45 to 4:00
*Wednesday, April 30th …
*AM OPEN GYM … Volleyball Half-Court and Basketball Half-Court … 7AM to 8:10AM
Thursday, May 1st …
*AM GYM … Basketball Camp / Training Session / Camp … Gr. 6/7/8 SMS Students wanting to play on our Shuswap Teams next year are invited and encouraged to attend… 7AM to 8:10AM
*Flag Football After School … 2:45 to 4:00
Friday, May 2nd …
