Mid-Michigan Lakers

All, another tournament weekend is upon us and this is the furthest event of the spring season so I trust that you have discussed with your parents the information they need.  Take responsibility for the things you have been entrusted with, which includes the schedule.  This is maybe our favorite tournament over the years and one we have won a couple times.  The schedule is available at https://www.tourneymachine.com/public/mobile/webapp/index.aspx?IDTournament=h2019051314093906372caad714e4644&_branch_match_id=645044996234172732 as well.  Remember, if you are currently in a payment plan for your fees, those payments need to be made promptly.  The preliminary schedule is as follows:

U17 (Pool A):

May 18 @ 9:05am vs CDBA Royal at Vicksburg HS ct. 2 (blue jerseys)

May 18 @ 11:15am vs WML-Purple at Vicksburg HS ct. 2 (blue jerseys)

May 18 @ 1:25pm vs Michigan Mustangs at Vicksburg HS ct. 2 (white jerseys)

May 18 @ 5:45pm vs Camp Darryl Basketball Academy at Vicksburg HS ct. 1 (blue jerseys)

If we finish:

1st in pool we play May 19 @ 11:15am at Vicksburg HS ct. 2

2nd in pool we play May 19 @ 9:05am at Vicksburg HS ct. 2

3rd in pool we play May 19 @ 8:00am at Vicksburg HS ct. 1

4th in pool we play May 19 @ 9:05am at Vicksburg HS ct. 1

16u (Pool F):

May 18 @ 10:10am vs GR Storm- Redell at Courthouse ct. 3 (white jerseys)

May 18 @ 12:20pm vs WML- Purple at Courthouse ct. 2 (blue jerseys)

May 18 @ 2:30pm vs CGR at Courthouse ct. 1 (blue jerseys)

If we finish:

1st in pool we play May 19 @ 8:00am at Courthouse

2nd in pool we play May 19 @ 8:00am at Courthouse

3rd in pool we play May 19 @ 9:05am at Courthouse

4th in pool we play May 19 @ 9:05am at Courthouse

Venues:

1. Courthouse Athletic Center of Kalamazoo

2. Vicksburg High School

CHANGE IN CAMP DARRYL TOURNAMENT HOTEL LOCATION AND VENUE.
Due to roof damage to the Three Rivers High School there has been a change in venues.   I have reserved new rooms closer to Portage/Vicksburg.  The new hotel location is:
Holiday Inn
3630 East Cork Street
Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
(269)373-0770

Parents, you will need to cancel your original reservation in Three Rivers yourself.  Then call and reserve at the new location.  There are five double rooms for $128 a night and two king suites with a pull out sofa for $170 a night.  The reservation is held under Becky Wells.

Feel free to text me with any questions.  (810)610-8372.

Well, we had, in my opinion, our best week as an organization last week from tough practices to learning a lot about ourselves in the games as well.  The key will be to maintain that momentum moving forward and build on it.  The best way to be able to do that is to be in PRACTICE Tuesday and Friday (5-7pm) to continue fostering that growth.  Also, I would like every one to watch the following videos:

Become familiar with the CONCEPTS.  This essentially is what we are trying to do in a nutshell, that is, pressure the defense every time down the floor as well as space the defense out in a press break situation.

Now, that said, we have one issue to address:  The u17 team is missing one pair of white jersey shorts.  These shorts cost me $50 a couple years back out of my own pocket.  Missing them is not an option here, which means whoever has them needs to bring them to practice.  Everyone needs to check their clothes at home to look for them.  I do not want to waste practice time dealing with this…but I will because you all need to learn how to take ownership and responsibility for things that are entrusted to you.  Now if any one was wondering why we collect jerseys each week, this is an example of why.  I would also like to point out that the Mid Michigan Lakers did not purchase these uniforms, one individual contributor did and we want to be responsible with that contribution.  Everyone player please look through your bags and clothes to check.  Thank you!

Bonus video:

All, here is the link to the Moneyball Shootout schedule this weekend in the Lansing area (https://basketball.exposureevents.com/125557/moneyball-shootout-2019/schedule).  Please note that things are subject to change as usual until Friday.  Also note, this week is Saturday and Sunday only (I would advise that you all are VERY nice to mom for taking some of her day)!  SPECIAL NOTE:  Parents, all games require a volunteer at the scorers table for each team.  If we can share that duty, that would take pressure off some.  Generally, the scorekeeper will get in free for that tournament as well.  Our preliminary schedule is as follows:

U17 (Pool D):

Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 3:30pm vs. MMBA Dream at Waverly High School (court 1-blue jerseys)

Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 7:00pm vs. BC Elite at Waverly High School (court 2- white jerseys)

If we finish:

1st in pool- we play Sunday, May 12 @ 12:00pm at Waverly High School (court 2- white jerseys)

2nd in pool- we play Sunday, May 12 @ 12:00pm at Aim High (court 4- blue jerseys)

3rd in pool- we play Sunday, May 12 @ 1:10pm at Aim High (court 1- blue jerseys)

U16 (Pool D):

Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 10:50am vs. Prospectors at Aim High (court 2-white jerseys)

Saturday, May 11, 2019 @ 1:10pm vs. Michigan Majors at Waverly High School (court 2- white jerseys)

If we finish:

1st in pool- we play Sunday, May 12 @ 1:10pm at Waverly High School (court 2-white jerseys)

2nd in pool- we play Sunday, May 12 @ 9:40am at Waverly High School (court 1-blue jerseys)

3rd in pool- we play Sunday, May 12 @ 10:50am at Aim High (court 3- blue jerseys)

Venues:

Time to go to work!  We will practice Tuesday and Friday from 5-7pm as usual!  Be on time!

All, here we are again beginning another tournament week!  Remember, EVERYONE is expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before their game time.  The following is the current schedule for the tournament this weekend, BUT continue to monitor the website for changes until Friday.  For this event, each team will have 4 guaranteed games.  If you win the 4th game, you continue on until you lose.

U17 (Pool G):

Friday, May 3 @ 7:10pm – vs. Northern Exposure at Livonia Churchill HS (court 2)

Saturday, May 4 @ 4:00pm – vs. Michigan Mustangs at Livonia Churchill HS (court 5)

Saturday, May 4 @ 7:30pm – vs. BC Elite at Livonia Churchill HS (court 6)

If we finish:

1st in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 10:20am at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 11- gold)

2nd in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 8:00am at Livonia Churchill HS (court 2- gold)

3rd in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 8:00am at Livonnia Churchill HS (court 6- silver)

4th  in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 10:20am at Livonia Franklin HS (court 10- bronze)

U16 (Pool A):

Saturday, May 4 @ 2:50pm – vs. Flint’s Finest at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 11)

Saturday, May 4 @ 5:10pm – vs. Monroe County Chargers at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 12)

Saturday, May 4 @ 7:30pm – vs. Michigan Playmakers-Green at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 12)

If we finish:

1st in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 10:20am at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 14- gold)

2nd in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 8:00am at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 15- gold)

3rd in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 1:50pm at HYPE Recreation Center Dearborn (court 13- silver)

4th  in pool- then we play Sunday, May 5 @ 1:50pm at Livonia Churchill HS (court 6- bronze)

Gym locations:

1. Hype Recreation Center Dearborn (HRCD)

We will practice as normal Tuesday and Friday 5-7. Remember, payments are due BEFORE the tournament this weekend.  That said, if we are scheduled to play on Friday evening, we obviously won’t practice that day.  The schedule will be posted as soon as I get it.

All, please see the information below regarding two upcoming tournaments.  The hotel prices are good until May 5 ONLY!  Thanks again to Mr. and Mrs. Wells for there hard work!

Hello Laker Parents!

Listed below are the hotels that were available and willing to offer a group discount.  You will need to contact each hotel and reserve your family’s room(s) with your own contact and credit card information.

If your player will need transportation to the tournament(s) AND would like to stay, we (Deven Wells parents, Becky and Anthony) are able to help with transportation, but would request you still book a room for your player. You may text me to work out bunking with another player if there’s enough, and splitting the cost amongst those sharing the room.  However, I would respectfully ask that you send the appropriate monies with your player’s for meals, snacks, drinks and expenses.  Both hotels do provide a free hot breakfast and I’m sure the boys will be more than happy to utilize that.

Please, feel free to contact me via text or email.  During the day, these are the two most efficient methods to communicate with me due to working in a high school classroom.

Cell:  (810)610-8372

Email:  beckysmithwells@gmail.com

Looking forward to the month of May!

May 17-19th Camp Darryl Classic, Three Rivers, Michigan

Be sure to state you are calling to place a room held under Becky Wells into your name/info.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Address: 1207 W. Broadway, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Phone: (269) 278-7766

Double Room (two queen beds):  $119.50 per night

May 24-26th Up North Challenge, Mt Pleasant, Michigan

Be sure to state you are booking under the Mid-Michigan Lakers group booking.

Comfort Inn & Suites

Address: 2424 S Mission St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858

Phone: (989) 772-4000

Family Suite (King bed + sofa sleeper):  $149 per night

All, due to a major event at the church this weekend, we cannot practice on Friday.  However, Mrs. Julie was able to secure Thursday night from 7-9pm.  Please be there and on time so we can be efficient and hopefully get out by 8:30.  MML wants to thank Mrs. Julie and Faith Lutheran Church for their assistance.

In addition, U16 player Deven Wells’ parents have very kindly offered their help in transporting players to tournaments when they possibly can, so if you are need of help with travel, please let Deven or Mrs. Becky Wells know as soon as you know.  In addition, Mrs. wells is looking into hotel room blocks in Kalamazoo and Mt. Pleasant, so for those in need, please again let her know.  MML wants to thank the Wells family for their help and support.

Finally, if you have not paid your fees or made an arrangement with Coach Miller, you need to do one or the other by tomorrow’s practice.  we need to take care of these responsibilities promptly.  Thanks!

All,  we will have our normal Tuesday and Friday practices from 5-7pm.

All, coming off our first tournament, it is time to get back to work! This week we will practice Tuesday and Friday from 5-7pm.  As usual, we will be at Faith Lutheran Church.  As a reminder, player fees are PAST DUE!