The Summer 2008 YMCA All-Star Shootout: A Truly Rewarding Experience

By Allison Leach, Jrsuns.com
Posted: August 29th, 2008

As summer comes to an end so do the Summer 2008 All-Star Shootout events that took place August 21st, 26th, and 27th at the U.S. Airways Center. It was a chance for the D1 and D2 YMCA leagues to come out and compete in the Hot Shot Contest, 3 Point Contest, and championship games.

The Hot Stot Contest took place on the Phoenix Suns Practice Court Thursday, August 21st. For the contest each player was timed for 45 seconds with designated spots on the court to shoot from. Each player was able to collect points by making baskets from these spots.

The 3 Point Contest took place on the Phoenix Suns Practice Court on Tuesday, August 26th. For the 3 Point Contest each player was timed for 45 seconds with three different stations around the hoop and four balls at each station. The first three balls, if made, were worth one point and if the player got in the last ball they received two points. Guard Goran Dragic also stopped by to sign autographs and take pictures with participants.

The championship games were held on the main court of U.S. Airways Center which was a special opportunity for the Jr. Suns participants. They were able to experience what it’s like to be on the main stage. Along with playing on the Phoenix Suns court the Jr. Suns kids were also able to experience all the sights and sounds of the U.S. Airways Arena.

YMCA Division 1 third and fourth graders started off the Wednesday, August 27th, night games and then it went on to the Division 1 fifth and sixth graders. The championship games then moved on to the Division 2 fifth and sixth graders. The final game was with the Division 1 seventh and eighth graders.

One coach from Division 2 was very happy to have his team playing at the U.S. Airways Center. As he prepared his team to go on the court for their championship game he reminded them how important it is to play hard and have fun. The head coach, Keith Burke, is in charge of the Division 2 fifth and sixth graders of the Chandler league.

“It is a good reward for the kids to come out and play on the main court,” Burke said.

Marco Morales’ uncle, William Rios, came out to support his nephew on Wednesday night. His nephew plays in the Division 2 Chandler leage coached by Burke. It was William’s first time at the arena so it wasn’t only rewarding for his nephew to come out to U.S. Airways Center, but for him as well. Rios was very happy to watch his nephew play on the main court.

“It’s a good atmosphere for the kids and very energizing to be here,” Rios said.

Rios went on to say that it was great for the kids to be able to come out here and really see what they can strive to be as long as they work hard and keep playing.

The Summer 2008 YMCA All-Star Shootout truly was a story to be told here at the U.S. Airways Center. The youngsters seemed happy to come out to the arena. A vast amount of supportive family members watched the kids compete and it was just as much fun for them as it was for the kids.

For more information and to find a league near you, visit the league locator at www.jrsuns.com or call 602-462-HOOP