After School Basketball Camp at South Middle School Welcomes All

It looks and sounds like a normal basketball practice. 

“We started doing half court lately” says South Middle School 7th Grader Colby Baumann. “Normally there’s one or two hoops where you can just shoot around if you want.”

Twice a week after the final bell at South Middle School, this basketball practice has a powerful purpose.

“We wanted to play against each other and we didn’t have anywhere to do that,” says Baumann.

So Colby decided to ask for help. He needed an adult to have a new 7th grade basketball group at school. South Middle School Associate Lance McGregor was the perfect person to ask.

“It’s a big deal to me to be able to work with kids outside of what I do during the day,” says McGregor. Lance is a 1-to-1 associate during school hours. 

Colby and Lance went to South Middle School Principal Doug Barry with their idea. Together they created the SMS after school basketball club.

“Mr. Barry sent out an email asking who wants to join the club,” says McGregor. “There were 35-40 that same night.”

The best part about this club, everyone is welcome.

“Even the ones who don’t play basketball outside of school, more kids kept coming,” says McGregor. “I got a few calls down to the office and they said my kid is interested. I just said sign them up, sign them up.”

Basketball club also gives students a chance to work with another adult who truly has their best interests in mind.

“Forming those relationships outside of here, that’s the most important thing to me,” adds McGregor. “Working with kids, is what I live for.”

Lance’s commitment doesn’t stop there. After the balls are put back in the rack, he’s available for rides home. He wants to make sure every kid has the same opportunity.

“When I was younger there were some things that I wanted to do, but missed out on because my parents were busy and I didn’t have a ride,” he says. “That’s all good with me. I can provide that ride.”

Tomorrow (November 4) is the final day of the 7th grade basketball camp at South Middle School.  For the memories made, the opportunities provided and the life lessons learned, Lance McGregor and Colby Baumann deserve a special shout out.

“I don’t care if you just come in and dribble the ball and talk to me,” McGregor says. “It just gives them something to do after school and that’s important to me.”