Good point about some of the catholic school kids.....which makes my point even more important that the head coach be involved in getting this program off on the right foot. As far as parents I have heard 2 names associated (no proof just hearsay) with this position and both are parents. This is treading on thin ice in my opinion when starting a new program. Now of the two names I heard one is an excellent coach the other would be just protecting his kids playing time. As a parent of a child heading into this program if they have it I would be hoping this would not be the case.

I do not know what two parents you are referring to, but I have heard no names mentioned in regards to parents that want to coach this team if in fact it does come to be. It is my understanding that there was a meeting for the Northern Kentucky Middle School League last week sometime where there was some speculation that HMS was going to be told they needed to have a 6th grade team or they could not play in the league. This may actually be the best thing that could happen as it would force the administration to either move forward with it or have the task of scheduling their own games. I do not think that they want to take on the latter.

I do not know what two parents you are referring to, but I have heard no names mentioned in regards to parents that want to coach this team if in fact it does come to be. It is my understanding that there was a meeting for the Northern Kentucky Middle School League last week sometime where there was some speculation that HMS was going to be told they needed to have a 6th grade team or they could not play in the league. This may actually be the best thing that could happen as it would force the administration to either move forward with it or have the task of scheduling their own games. I do not think that they want to take on the latter.

 

They've been told that every year. Adding a boys 6th grade team means you add girls, cheerleading and any other activity that is grade specific. I'll be pleasantly surprised when they actually do it.

I think what is common in the thread is that all would agree that there is an immediate need to get a 6th grade program. It is a very athletic class and most of the boys play all 3 sports and a few even were good soccer players and now concentrate on the big 3. It is time for a program; I agree find a coach, but let's not pass on a program because we had a parent volunteer and could not find a faculty sponsor. We need a program and I am very comfortable in letting my son earn his playing time. I think it would be nice for Coach Flynn to get involved and push his philosophies on the boys at an earlier age. It seems to have worked in Jr Football; so I don't think it is a big secret. I will certainly be in his ear at summer basketball camp and I would encourage those that find the need to have this program to do the same. I have been very happy with the parents that have coached my son. Sure I would think it would be much easier for the boys to have coach and not a parent; but we need a program because other schools have it. Let's remember we want student athletes. I think the middle school experience is flawed without the offering. It brings unbalanced athletic classes and lets be frank it is needed for morale at the middle school. Let's stop giving reasons why it has not moved forward and lets push hard to make it happen.

Good point about some of the catholic school kids.....which makes my point even more important that the head coach be involved in getting this program off on the right foot. As far as parents I have heard 2 names associated (no proof just hearsay) with this position and both are parents. This is treading on thin ice in my opinion when starting a new program. Now of the two names I heard one is an excellent coach the other would be just protecting his kids playing time. As a parent of a child heading into this program if they have it I would be hoping this would not be the case.

 

This is great stuff to read. We have rumored coaches for a team that doesn't exist. You have peaked my curiousity, who are these two parents vying for the job? Maybe they could start their push for the position by lobbying the school administration to start a team.

 

The first order of business is to hire a 7th grade coach. Is this where Mike Flynn steps in and shows he will be involved with the HMS program or is it left up to HMS administration to fill the position.

 

Within the next two months we will see if the efforts of a few individuals will result in the addition of the 6th grade program or if it will remain just a topic of conversation on BGP.

Good point about some of the catholic school kids.....which makes my point even more important that the head coach be involved in getting this program off on the right foot. As far as parents I have heard 2 names associated (no proof just hearsay) with this position and both are parents. This is treading on thin ice in my opinion when starting a new program. Now of the two names I heard one is an excellent coach the other would be just protecting his kids playing time. As a parent of a child heading into this program if they have it I would be hoping this would not be the case.

 

Parent coaches work pretty well in the Ft. Thomas Jr. Football League; why the angst over allowing a parent to be a 6th grade basketball coach? Personally, I think the sport of bball would be better served by not having a middle school team; but rather doing a better job setting up a basketball league similar to the Jr. Football League. But that's just my opinion and I don't really have a dog in the hunt.

I agree with some that the re-birth of a Ft. Thomas Youth Basketball would not only be a good way to develop basketball players, it would also serve as a way to gain interest in the high school program. The more kids playing a sport through the 8th grade, the better the picking is for the high school level. Once a young person is "cut" from a sport the chances of them continuing to play that sport is very minimal. Some will say AAU is the only way to go, but I've seen it and honestly can say many of the players would benefit more from a structured city league.

As for parents coaching teams that involve "cuts", for example 7th and 8th grade basketball, I'm completely against it.

Parent coaches work pretty well in the Ft. Thomas Jr. Football League; why the angst over allowing a parent to be a 6th grade basketball coach? Personally, I think the sport of bball would be better served by not having a middle school team; but rather doing a better job setting up a basketball league similar to the Jr. Football League. But that's just my opinion and I don't really have a dog in the hunt.

 

No way...Basketball doesn't work like football. JMO..

Parent coaches work pretty well in the Ft. Thomas Jr. Football League; why the angst over allowing a parent to be a 6th grade basketball coach? Personally, I think the sport of bball would be better served by not having a middle school team; but rather doing a better job setting up a basketball league similar to the Jr. Football League. But that's just my opinion and I don't really have a dog in the hunt.

 

I really have no problem with parent coaches either. If the problem is with the "cuts", the tryout can be run by the high school coaches.

 

I disagree with the sport being better served by not having a middle school program. HHS would be way behind the other schools in N Ky if they abandoned the middle school program. Look at the current options for HMS kids this age. The Dayton and Newport leagues are not very competitive. The leagues at SOAS and SW Ohio are mostly tryout or AAU teams.

 

The Fort Thomas Jr Basketball League dissolved several years ago due to declining numbers. The FTJFL gets players from the parochial schools to participate. This does not happen in basketball because the parochial schools offer basketball to the kids. Between the 7th grade team and the local leagues, I can come up with only 13 - HMS 6th grade boys that played competitive bball this year. I may have missed 1 or 2, but that would equate to the size of a 6th grade roster.

Totally agree, Dayton and Newport leagues are not going to get it done. When they hit middle school most of the boys that play SOAS or SW Ohio play on the school teams and then AAU. HMS doesn't offer this not to mention if they get cut which most 6th graders do from the 7th grade team. Creates unbalanced classes. I think it is needed for the growth of the program. Trust me there will be plenty of boys that wants to play next year if a team was offered. You really need to grow the program because I know of only three boys that are in the 4th grade that live in Fort Thomas that even play competitive basketball AAU level. The options these young boys have in the early grades in the Ft Thomas School system is poor. We are fortunate that a couple parents have been supportive and really have tried to offer something. Have a coach make the cuts but don't do away with the team because we can't find a faculty sponsor or the funds to start a program.

The question "Will Mike Flynn be involved with the Middle School program?" is being answered already. He has met with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys interested in bball for next season. He is supervising open gym the next 2 Saturday mornings. Two steps forward in building the program from the ground up.

The question "Will Mike Flynn be involved with the Middle School program?" is being answered already. He has met with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys interested in bball for next season. He is supervising open gym the next 2 Saturday mornings. Two steps forward in building the program from the ground up.

 

Outstanding!

No way...Basketball doesn't work like football. JMO..

 

Why is that?

Why is that?

 

Because basketball is a cut sport.You start letting parents coach and there will definately be problems. I also don't think having a junior league in Ft.Thomas would really help. There are plenty of junior basketball leagues around nky. The issue is that more kids need to get out and play better competition. Playing in the Dayton and Newport Leagues won't cut it. Does having a Ft.Thomas Junior Baseball League equate to having a better high school team? I don't think so... JMO

The question "Will Mike Flynn be involved with the Middle School program?" is being answered already. He has met with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys interested in bball for next season. He is supervising open gym the next 2 Saturday mornings. Two steps forward in building the program from the ground up.

 

Where and when are these open gyms being held?