The Basketball Jamboree is a new event for the town of Larned. This year was the first time that Larned hosted and the first time Larned participated in a basketball Jamboree. The jamboree has a total of four schools that come together to play against each other in an organized setting, before the real season begins.
For the Basketball Jamboree, each team got to play two other teams in real, game-like action. Each scrimmage consisted of three, four minute quarters, and at the end, each team had the option to do a five second, end of game inbounds or side line play, to simulate end of game situations. The Jamboree was a nice way to get ready for the season and get in a little preseason game action. The Jamboree was supposed to have four teams, but one of the teams was not able to make it because their football team’s success led them to have a longer season. They opted out due to their lack of practice time before the Jamboree’s scheduled date. All of the teams benefited from the jamboree because it allowed them to play people who they did not normally see during practice, and the other teams did not know their offenses either. This was great compared to practice, where the players are the teammates, and they know what everyone is running. The coaches and players all enjoyed being able to practice in game situations at a game-like speed.
The Larned Girls’ Basketball Team has had a tough time competing with the other teams they have played in the past. The girls’ varsity record last year was 4 wins and 18 losses. This year, they hope to turn their season around, starting with the Jamboree. The Larned Girls’ Basketball Team played Pawnee Heights at 5pm, in the middle school gym. After the girls played their game, Pawnee Heights and Macksville scrimmaged each other, and then Larned played Macksville to end the night. The Larned basketball girls are excited, and they can not wait to kick off their season with a win against Pratt High School on Thursday.
The Boys’ Basketball Team has had rough seasons in the past. The boys’ record last year was five wins and fifteen losses. They played against Pawnee Heights after the girls’ last game against Macksville. Following the boys’ game, Pawnee Heights played against Macksville, and it was Larned versus Macksville to finish off the night. The Larned Boys’ Basketball Team is ready for their season to start, and they are hoping for a big improvement from last season.
The jamboree was a good way to start the basketball season because it shows the progress that has already been made, even this early in the season! Most kids don’t play to their full potential at practice because they are scared of hurting themselves or their teammates, and the Jamboree is the perfect way to practice going at full speed in a controlled environment. Both teams are hoping to make improvements in practice based on the results of the scrimmage, and all of the teams are all looking forward to an exciting season!
