IYAA basketball players begin first week of practices

Barry Byers Posted January 6, 2010 5:00pm IYAA Basketball

Image: 5th & 6th Grade girls get set to win in 2010 — Janae Robertson, Raven Harper, Aarion Copeland and Decorea Green get ready to show their skills during the first day of practice. — 5th & 6th Grade girls get set to win in 2010 — Janae Robertson, Raven Harper, Aarion Copeland and Decorea Green get ready to show their skills during the first day of practice.

Monday marked the first day of basketball practice for the IYAA basketball players. Excitement was in the air as teammates made acquaintances and then ran drills in preparation for the opening day games on Saturday.

Practices will be held Monday thru Friday each week, some at the old Italy High School Gym and some at the Stafford Elementary Gym.

“The uniforms arrived yesterday and they look really cool,” said 6th grader Hannah Washington.

Good luck to all the IYAA players and coaches as you try to keep up with the bouncing ball in 2010.

IYAA Sports, "The winning tradition starts here."

Norwood’s Netpoppers — Coach Ken Norwood and his Netpoppers simulate a game in preperation for opening day on Saturday.

Reaching their goal — Jarvis Harris puts up a shot in the 5th and 6th grade boys scrimmage on Monday.

Joseph Celis shoots — Getting ready for the scrimmage.

Coach Glen McClendon — Coach McClendon breaks it down for the players.

K thru 2nd Graders — Anything the big kids can do we can do better!

Pass it to me! — The youngsters work on chest passes.

Having a ball! — Basketballs were everywhere!

All on the line — Raven Harper, Jennifer McDaniel, Ashlyn Jacinto, Cassity Childers and Janae Robertson practice free throws.

Jen from the line — Jennifer McDaniel prepares to shoot while Ashlyn Jacinto, Cassity Childers and Janae Robertson wait their turn.

Teammates — Oleshia Anderson and Quintera Washington goof around after a hard practice.

Raven and Janae — The younger players look up to the older players, literally.

Coach Alex Barajas — 5th & 6th Grade girls basketball coach and former Lady Gladiator, Alex Barajas, is excited about her first season as a member of the IYAA coaching staff.