Berkshire Blazers AAU: My Site News
BERKSHIRE BLAZERS AAU PROGRAMBerkshire Blazers AAU
Girls Basketball
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR AND COACHES
Welcome to the Berkshire Blazers AAU Girls Basketball Program. The Berkshire Blazers AAU girls basketball team is a competitive AAU girls basketball program for girls who can and want to play basketball at the highest level. It is a select program looking for the best combination of players in Berkshire County. The mission of the Berkshire Blazers is to provide an avenue and showcase for elite players in Berkshire County. Currently, young women who wish to compete at the next level must leave Berkshire County to find an AAU program. Our focus and goal is to keep these talented ladies in the Berkshires and start a basis of a strong AAU program and have a positive experience with players making new friends and growing both as an athlete and personally.
Before joining the Berkshire Blazers, players and parents should ask the following questions:
Am I satisfied with the priorities of the organization and coaches (teaching, developing, winning, and having fun)?
Did the players and parents on the last several years teams have a positive experience?
What amount of time and financial commitment does the organization expect of a player?
Do parents and players understand that the player may not play regularly or play their favorite position, and that playing time is earned through effort, and performance?
These questions can be answered by asking the coaches, director and previous players. If both player and parents are comfortable with the philosophy and rules, there will be no surprises and you should be prepared for whatever follows, good or bad.
Remember that coaching is always difficult. "All" the coach has to do is make certain that all the players get playing time, give all players individual instruction, please players and parents, win games, and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Attempting to balance and execute all these components for every girl on the team is exactly why coaching can be so difficult, yet so rewarding.
Parents are not coaches and must refrain from "coaching" on the sidelines or criticizing officials. Parents should "parent, coaches should "coach, referees should "ref, and players should "play. Let the coaches do the jobs they are there for, and let them know you appreciate the time, effort, and sacrifices they make by giving them a pat on the back once in a while.
Parents should make a commitment to the organization not only financially but also in terms of supporting the entire team both on and off the court, which helps maintain team morale.
The Berkshire Blazers organization tries to instill our players with the value, "More we, less me." This means that the team is more important than the individual, and that the team needs are always higher priority than those of the individual.
Achievement comes from preparation and effort. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Players should take personal responsibility and understand that discipline, training, determination, willingness to learn, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice are what will separate them from the average player.
If a player isn't getting playing time, then maybe she isn't paying attention at practice, working hard enough, learning techniques, being a team player, or taking care of her on-court assignments. Whatever the reasons for lack of court time, don't blame the coach or anyone else. Take personal responsibility, work harder, and control your own destiny!
Constructive criticism is more valuable than empty praise. Real self-esteem is gained by effort, performance, and achievement.
It is the hope of the Berkshire Blazers organization that with the support of the coaches and their families, every player will develop their skills, become better players, and more importantly, better people.
The following information is designed to answer the most common questions regarding our program.
What is the Cost of the Program?
When does the Season Start and End?
Practice Policies: Where and When are they Held?
Playing Time
Why Play for The Berkshire Blazers
Parents Responsibilities and Commitment
What is the Cost of the Program?
The annual fee for playing for the Berkshire Blazers is the same for all age groups: $400.oo tournament fees (depending on number of tournaments entered 5-6), room stipend for staff, cost of uniforms, all practices, plus a $15.00 AAU membership fee. This cost does not include traveling expenses, hotels, food, etc. All fees are to be paid in full by the second practice to arrange a payment plan, contact Karen MacHaffie (442-6802).
When does the Season Start and End?
The season begins the 2nd or 3rd week in March and ends the end of June/July.
Practice Policies: Where and When are they Held?
Players are required to commit to and attend two practices a week throughout the entire season (Tuesday & Thursday). Each practice lasts for two hours each, is mandatory, and is held at Berkshire Community College other Berkshire County facilities.
Practices are held to develop individual and team skills and cohesiveness. Our practice policy is strict. Anyone who misses three practice sessions not pre-approved by the Head Coach or Director will be dismissed from the team.
Playing Time:
Each girl earns her playing time through hard work and dedication while at practice. You dont have to be a superstar to play for The Berkshire Blazers, you just have to apply what youve learned and give 100% while on the court.
Playing time is not guaranteed to be equal for every game, but will be allocated fairly at the discretion of the Head Coach.
Why Play for The Berkshire Blazers?
The Berkshire Blazers program provides all girls the opportunity to learn the game, develop and improve their skills, and play competitive basketball against other players of equal or higher skills. This will hopefully give our players exposure and perhaps help them to have successful High School and College careers at either Division 1, 2, or 3 schools. They will get to travel and make new friends, but most of all have fun.
Parents Responsibilities and Commitment:
As a parent it is your responsibility to make sure both you and your daughter are committed to the program and their teammates. This means a sacrifice for both parent and player!
Practices are mandatory and important to both the player and team. You as parents need to get your daughter to practice every time, and on time!
You cannot allow outside distractions to interfere with what the teams are trying to accomplish through hard work at practice.
As a parent you must refrain from coaching your child while at games. This only distracts the player and confuses her. And she shouldnt be put in the position of deciding whom to listen to the Coach or her parent.
Parents need to be positive at all times to your daughters and all their teammates.
If you have questions or issues regarding your daughter, see the Coach in private, away from the players.
Thank You,
Berkshire Blazers Staff
Handout: BERKSHIRE BLAZERS AAU PROGRAM
BERKSHIRE BLAZERS 2005 13-U TEAM
Coach Joe Racicot
Coach Michael Sweener
Assistant Coach Michele Boudreau
Lisa Mallory Pittsfield, Ma
Jennifer Conner Dalton, Ma
Kayla McNeice Pittsfield, Ma
Daneille Weiler Becket, MA
Jamy Ferris Windsor, MA
Kathryn Eckert Lee, MA
Kristina Desnoyers Adams, MA
Rachael Quetti Pittsfield, MA
Jess Brandi Dalton, MA
ShaQuella Sims Pittsfield, MA
Hanna Sweener Dalton, MA
Taylor DeSanty North Adams, MA
2005 BERKSHIRE BLAZERS 16-U TEAM
Coach Vinnie Brandi
Coach George Candelet
Rebecca Marszalek Adams, MA Hoosac Valley High School
Heather Boino Dalton, MA Wahconah High School
Ashlee Pemble Pittsfield, MA Taconic High School
Byrnne Rivard Adams, MA Hoosac Valley High School
Andrea Ferris Windsor, MA St. Joseph High School
Jessica Bona Lee, MA Lee High School
Molly Holmes Pittsfield, MA St. Joseph High School
Michaela Powers Dalton, MA Wahconah High School
Jenn Brandi Dalton, MA Wahaconah High School
Nikki Kalisz Adams, MA Hoosac Valley High School
Katelyn Desnoyers Adams, MA Hoosac Valley High School
Jaclyn Candelet Pittsfield, MA Taconic High School
Kim Conant Pittsfield, MA Taconic High School
Contact Info.
For more information contact;
Karen MacHaffie
413-442-6802
kjsports129@hotmail.com
OR
Joe Racicot
413-445-8967
joehoops111@yahoo.com