Hotshots: Hotshots News

Monarchs players Rebekkah Brunson and Laura Harper, in conjunction with Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA, hosted the Discover Card Home Court Challenge at ARCO Arena on Tuesday.

More than 100 boys and girls from Hotshots Basketball League participated in the skills and drills basketball clinic and the half-court basketball skills competition against five other WNBA cities.

"We did a few drills and showed them a few moves, encouraged them, played and just had a really good time," Harper said smiling.

"I enjoy being able to come out here, have a good time and let them know we're here and we want to encourage them," Brunson added. "We want to see them do well and see them succeed. We just want to be an example that if they work hard, no matter what they want to accomplish, it can happen."

Harper and Brunson were joined by Monarchs merry mascot Monty, who kept the kids smiling and laughing while they learned some of the finer points of the game.

"The fundamentals are definitely important," Brunson said. "I'm going to speak on behalf of females here. It's definitely important for females to hone all the fundamentals because you're not always going to be athletically superior, but if you know what you're doing, you know the game and you work hard, you can still be successful."

Along with lessons on how to improve their game, the youth went home with a certificate of participation and a Monarchs gift bag, which included a stop watch, water bottle, wristband, headband and mini-basketball.

"I went to some basketball camps," Harper said of her youth. "But I never went to a camp where there were professionals hands-on, right there.

"It was so much fun," Harper continued. "Watching the kids, they loved it. We love this game just as much as they do, and it just felt good to be here with them and share those emotions with them."

The Discover Card Home Court Challenge is one of many community events the Monarchs are hosting during the WNBA's month-long recess in observation of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The winning city will receive a Discover Card Home Court.

written by: Andrew Nicholson(Sacramento Kings/Monarchs)

Hotshots Family Testimonials...

" We’ve been with Hotshots since December 2006. Now, a year and a half later, with 5 seasons under our belt, our two sons playing year round, and my husband coaching both teams, we are still very happy with the Hotshots league. Family is the number one priority in our lives and it is great being a part of an organization who shares the same family values and morals. The Hotshots staff are great, especially Jacob, Annie, and Doug. We’ve had the pleasure to get to know them and have a lot of respect for them and we see the good intentions that they have for their league. They are always so kind, helpful, and accommodating. We know that there are other leagues around but choose to stay with Hotshots and we plan on continuing as long as our boys want to play.  We’re happy to be a part of the Hotshots family/organization and will continue to support them just as they have continued to support us in the league. "

The Ohara Family

"I highly recommend Hotshots.  I have been known to throw a recommendation for Hotshots into any conversation with other moms when we are talking about our kids and the sports they are involved in.  Hotshots is well run and Jacob, Doug and Annie are friendly, knowledgeable and mindful of the kids and their enjoyment of the experience.  My son, Morgan, has been part of Hotshots since spring 2006.  He has learned a great deal as have his father and I.  Morgan has also attended several camps run by Hotshots and always enjoys them and comes away from them with more basketball knowledge and enthusiasm.  We have been so pleased with our experience with Hotshots that our younger son, Sean, started with the non-competitive teams three seasons ago.  Sean is also getting a kick out of this experience.  The non-competitive teams are a great way to start your player learning the basic skills needed to compete.  Hotshots has come to feel like part of our family."