It's football season - so time to get ready for basketball - Feeder Program

By Rob Oxford

Another school year is upon us and although the football season has only just begun, many of our young athletes are already focused on the upcoming basketball season.

Back in August we introduced you to Shorecrest's new Basketball Coach, Eddie George. When I tell you he is excited for his first season as the Head of Highlander Hoops, I mean it with all sincerity. 

Coach George brings years of experience as a player and coach, having spent time playing in the ABA, CBA, and Overseas. After spending the past seven years coaching AAU and high school basketball, the Shoreline School District was successful in recruiting this highly sought after addition to their coaching staff.

At a mini-camp held during the Summer, returning players shared with this reporter their enthusiasm at the direction in which they feel the program is headed and the new coach's approach to the game of basketball. Junior Guard Jack Sims is encouraged about the prospect of a much "faster paced game" under Coach George. Jack admits that with the recent graduation of such standouts as Chris Lee and Phillip Pepple, the Scots will need to develop a more balanced attack on the court. He welcomes what he calls a "new perspective" under Coach George and "new play styles" that will enhance the Highlanders offensive attack.

Those who know him more intimately admit that Coach George is hard but fair. He demands excellence, is a tireless worker and expects the same of his players. "Feeder" basketball, which is very important to Coach George, allows younger players to compete against other schools in WesCo that they will ultimately be facing at the high school level.

The Shorecrest Feeder program is no longer affiliated in any way with the Shoreline Sports Foundation which previously ran the program and although district rules forbid Coach George from involvement with the program directly, he has put together an all star cast of trainers and coaches to help express and implement his coaching philosophy.

Longtime Shoreline sports enthusiasts will be familiar with Coach (“Sgt.”) Mike Lawson, an experienced trainer who has worked with local as well as many NBA players. Mike is an award-winning coach for North City youth basketball and currently serves as a strength coach for several colleges and high schools. He played basketball overseas as well as in an NBA summer league in 1996. Mike created the Sonics 4 on the Floor outdoor tournament for the Seattle Supersonics and helped run the Supersonic kids summer camps. He was with the Seattle Reign (women's pro basketball) as well as with the Seattle Storm for many years where he has two championships as a practice player.

Coach Mike welcomes and encourages parents and older siblings alike to reach out with questions or concerns, to just say hello and to see how they themselves can get involved to support our young student athletes. More information on Coach Mike HERE.

If you missed the article on Coach George posted in August, a link to that story is available HERE

Important dates and registration information for Shorecrest Feeder Basketball:

STUDENT TRYOUTS -

• 5th Grade: October 1st and October 3rd, 6:30 - 7:45pm – Shorecrest High School (Coaches Alex Hofstrand and Connor Hyppa)
• 6th Grade: October 1st and October 3rd, 7:45-9:00pm – Shorecrest High School (Coach Gordon Stephenson)
• 7th Grade: October 2nd and October 4th, 6:30-7:45pm – Kellogg Middle School (Coaches Marris Jones and Roger Dyksterhuis)
• 8th Grade: October 2nd and October 4th, 7:45-9:00pm – Kellogg Middle School (Coach Bill Homann)

Tryouts are free and all interested students are encouraged to attend whether they have played competitively in the past or not. Bring a friend and help recruit new players to the game of basketball!

Registration forms will be available at the first practice but must be filled out completely before your child takes the court.

For additional questions before or after tryouts or to request a registration form in advance, you can email Coach Mike.