Lyndonville, VT - In addition to preparing for the second half of the season, the Vermont State University Lyndon men's and women's basketball teams took some time out during their semester break to work with young players at Good Shepherd Catholic School, Coventry Village School, and the Kingdom East School District.  The events gave local youth basketball players an opportunity to work with and learn from Hornet basketball players.

On Friday, January 9th, the Hornet men traveled to Good Shepherd Catholic School in St. Johnsbury and conducted a clinic with Good Shepherd's 5th/6th and 7th/8th boys and girls teams.

Then last Wednesday evening the Hornet men were invited to a Community Dinner and Event at Coventry Village School.  Following dinner, the Hornets put on a dunk contest for Coventry students, players, and community members.  That was followed by a three-point contest involving teams of Hornet and Coventry players.  A game with Hornet and Coventry players wrapped up the evening.

Finally, the Hornets hosted teams from throughout the Kingdom East District for clinics in Stannard Gymnasium.  The Lyndon men worked with several Kingdom East 7th & 8th grade teams last Thursday, while the Lyndon women hosted the KE 5th/6th and 7th/8th girls teams on Monday.

All of the clinics featured instruction in basketball fundamentals including shooting mechanics, finishing, individual offensive moves in the post and on the perimeter, and using two and three-man actions effectively.  The Hornets and the young players also engaged in some friendly competition and the college players shared some of their experiences and advice.

The Lyndon players and coaches enjoyed sharing the game with the locals.  Men's basketball senior captain Matt Doyle (Whitesboro, NY) remarked "It was great to have the opportunity to help coach and mentor the young student-athletes in the community, as well as visit Coventry Village school for their community event."

Graduate student captain Gregory Gonyea Jr. (Dolgeville, NY) tied the outreach back to when he was a young player.  "It's always a great time when we're able to give back to the community.  Being able to connect with younger kids and hopefully inspire them the same way others once inspired me means a lot."

For Lyndon women's assistant coach Saleena Porter, a native of St. Johnsbury, the clinic was a bit of a full circle moment.  "Youth clinics are a great way for us to engage with the community and work with the next generation of basketball players in our local area.  Our college players took the lead in teaching skills and fundamentals, running stations, and competing alongside the kids in various drills.  I hope to do more clinics in the future."

VTSU Lyndon head coach David Pasiak appreciated the enthusiasm of the young players at all of the events.  "Our team always looks forward to being involved in events like these.  The players at all of the clinics and events were great - very attentive and full of energy."

Pasiak also thanked and credited his assistant coach, Quinn Bressler, along with Good Shepherd Principal Lynn Cartularo, Coventry Principal Jason Lees and Teacher Julie Casey, and Kingdom East Athletic Director Courtney Murray for coordinating the clinics.  The Hornets look forward to doing more community outreach in the future.