Some basketball enthusiasts are trying to promote the sport in Hannibal by offering free instruction and coaching. Caleb Gosney said they want to encourage young players to develop their skills.
A free basketball clinic called September Jam will begin Sept. 7 at the Hannibal Parks & Recreation courts at Sixth Street and Warren Barrett Drive, Norfolk & Southern Multi-Sports Park.
The first session is on a Monday, due to Labor Day, but the rest of the sessions will be on Sundays, Sept. 13, 20 and 27.
September Jam will be 5-6:30 p.m. and it will be offered for boys in 3rd to 5th grade.
The clinic, which is being organized by Gosney and other former high school and college basketball players, will be expanded to include girls and other ages after the level of participation is determined.
Gosney said he and his friends, some of which are on the Hannibal High School coaching staff, want to encourage youngsters to develop skills in basketball. “Traveling teams are very popular right now and not everyone has the resources to do that,” Gosney said. “We want to provide an opportunity to play basketball. Also, if there are games being played around here, there might not be much skill development.”
He said the underlying wish of the basketball enthusiasts is to promote a passion for Pirate basketball.
Registration isn’t necessary but notification of participants will help the organizers plan.
Participants are asked to bring a basketball if possible.
More information is available by calling 573-795-3457 or emailing Cgosney08@gmail.com
