MATTESON, IL–(ENEWSPF)–August 28, 2012—Led by Julie Bielawski, Chicago Sky youth basketball coordinator, members of the WNBA team’s staff drilled 25 O. W. Huth Middle School students, ages 7- 14, on the game’s fundamentals during a recent clinic at the school.
“We focus on helping students build on the basics—ball handling and passing, shooting skills, defense and offense strategies,” said Bielawski, a former Northwestern University basketball forward.
“Our goal in these clinics is to put kids through the basics and engage them in some fun exercises, like improving hand eye coordination by dribbling a basketball while tossing a tennis ball back and forth to a partner. We work on strengthening their skills and technique,” said Bielawski.
Among the more intense students at the Chicago Sky clinic was Reis Calvin, 13, an 8th grade student in the Huth School’s gifted program. The Matteson resident is a triple threat athlete who plays on the school’s basketball team; is a member of two AAU ball teams, the Matteson Hawks and Illinois Fastbreak; runs cross country and plays infield with the Illinois Titans, Jackie Robinson West and White Sox Sandlot teams.
Calvin, who also has an interest in golf, aspires to be a sportscaster.
Watching closely from the sidelines was Daryll Lacey, who is in his sixth year as assistant principal at Matteson District 162’s Huth School, attended Simeon Vocational School and graduated from Harlan Academy. Lacey played at Elmhurst College in 1989-93. As a sophomore, he was invited to try out for a German national team but declined and continued his education. During his junior year, Elmhurst advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division 3 national tournament.
In 1993, after earning a bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst, Lacey was invited to attend a professional basketball camp, World Basketball Opportunities (WBO).
Lacey earned a master of education degree from Chicago State University and a second master of education in administration degree from Governor’s State University.
At 41, Lacey remains active on the court during his free time, working on his skills and running plays with young talent like Calvin and others in the Matteson District 162 schools.
