Next week is Clarkston freshman girls? first chance to shine on the basketball court, but they won’t be the only ones trying to make a good impression.
The first open gym of the summer is also the first day for Brooke Davis as freshmen girls? basketball head coach.
Davis, 18, was assistant coach of the freshmen girls? team last season, working under head coach Amy Quayle. After one year as head coach, Quayle was offered the opportunity to assist Tim Wasilk in coaching the varsity girls? team. Quayle took the offer, which left the freshmen team without a coach, a problem Wasilk was quick to fix.
‘Brooke has good character and a real passion for the game of basketball. I have no doubt that he’s going to work hard and be a good fit for our program,? said Wasilk, who made the decision after discussing the idea with Quayle and getting her full support.
After nominating Davis to be their potential head coach for next year, they had to get it approved by Athletic Director Dan Fife.
‘Hey, if that’s your guy and you’re confident in your choice, then put him on your staff,? Fife said to Wasilk.
‘I had no idea Quayle had even been moved up, so when they asked me to take her spot I was in total shock. I was very excited and I said yes instantly,? Davis said.
After being an assistant coach under Quayle for one year, Davis felt prepared for the job. Junior varsity coach Mike Greve also had an impact.
‘Greve has a good sense of the game and has a fine line between work and play, which is a coaching technique that I like a lot.? Davis says.
As a coach next year, Davis wants to use methods he’s learned from fellow coaches in the program, while also bringing in a method he feels is extremely important to the success of his team: cohesiveness.
‘It’s not just about working as team, but also as a family. Everyone needs to feel comfortable so that there’s a strong connection both on and off the court,? said Davis.
With open gyms starting up, Brooke is excited to begin this new experience as head coach and try to fill the role. Ending last season with a record of 9-10, Davis is driven to win and have a better season, but knows that at this level, winning isn’t everything.
‘I’m confident that I’ll have a good team and hopefully a good season, but at this level it’s more about preparing the girls and getting them ready to play the Clarkston way for Greve and Wasilk,? said Davis.
Brooke is not only involved with the basketball team at the junior high, but also goes to school at Oakland Community College while working full-time as a para-educator in the Autism Spectrum Disorder program at the school. He took that job the summer following graduation from high school in 2008.
While Brooke will be busy at the junior high next week, Wasilk and other varsity coaches will be at the high school for the 3-9 grade basketball camp.
This will be all next week, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Girls will learn and improve shooting, defense, dribbling and other basic fundamentals of basketball, then put it to the test in 5-on-5 scrimmages.
Fee for the camp is $95. Registration will be available at the door.
‘This will be a fun experience for kids that want get involved and get a one up on the competition,? said Wasilk, who hopes to have a good turnout this year and is excited to see the fresh new talent of Clarkston basketball players.