Whether they were taking the court for summer league games or helping youngsters learn about the sport, Escalon High School boys basketball players had a busy summer.
On Wednesday, July 12, the program hosted another couple sessions of its Youth Skills Clinics.
“About 40 boys and girls attended; we did basic and intermediate sessions,” explained varsity boys basketball head coach Nate Bartelink. “The clinics were coached by the EHS boys’ basketball coaching staff, some current players within the program, and a couple of alumni.”
The EHS basketball program has hosted several days of clinics over the past 12 months, added Bartelink.
“It’s great to see several of the same kids coming back to our clinics each time, as well as getting new faces in the gym. I strongly believe these clinics have helped increase interest in the sport of basketball in our community, and have started the players’ development at an earlier age, which is important for sustaining a successful high school program,” he said. “Many of the kids attending our clinics then take the next step and participate in our youth travel teams that take place throughout the year.”
There will be tryouts for a few boys and girls teams travel teams coming up soon.
“During the month of June our high school players were very busy with practices twice per week as well as hosting and playing summer league games during the evenings,” Bartelink said. “We had about 40 players consistently attending throughout the full month of June.”
The Varsity hosted and played games on Monday and Wednesday evenings, while the combination Freshman/JV team hosted and played games at El Portal on Monday evenings. The Freshman/JV squad got in eight games and showed positive signs while gaining valuable in-game experience, noted Bartelink.
“The Varsity went 16-0 during their summer league and consistently played at a really high level,” the coach said.
And while he noted that all 16 players made positive contributions, returning Varsity players Sammy Jimenez, Ethan Garza, Logan Huebner, and Cam Dalpogetti have shown they have taken their games to the next level, while Varsity newcomers Ryan Lewis, Ben Ferreira, Daniel Gonzalez and Jacob Augusto had really strong summer performances.
“We also played a couple games in a Manteca tournament and went 1-1, losing a really close game against a talented travel team from Stockton,” Bartelink said. “We’ll continue to get in the gym throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead for this group in the upcoming season.”
