Basketball school expands, plans camps

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

Courtesy photo.

After just half a year at Northside Elementary, the Basketball School of Sandpoint has grown enough to merit a change of venue. Starting June 5, BSS will now be held at Kootenai Elementary.

BSS is not directly affiliated with a specific school and offers skill development sessions for children in early elementary all the way to high school. Founder Darren Laiche said players practice fundamental drills, imaginative competitions and full court game play in every session. Those sessions are Tuesday and Thursday, and specific times can be found at www.basketballschoolofsandpoint.com.

Laiche said the first six months of BSS have been rewarding, and he’s excited about the growth. He said having six baskets and more court space at Kootenai Elementary has allowed him to further challenge players.

“One of my top joys in life is helping kids develop skills and gain confidence,” he said. “Basketball has always been a big part of my life and Coach Austin and I are really enjoying working with the great kids of Sandpoint.”

BSS will host several basketball camps in July. Boys and girls ages 7-15 have separate camps starting July 16, and high school co-ed camps (ages 12-16) start July 23. All camps are held at Kootenai Elementary. Camps are $90 per player, which includes an official camp basketball for all players. There are discounts available for multiple weeks or players.

To learn specific camp times, or to see the skill development session schedule, visit www.basketballschoolofsandpoint.com.