Big Rapids High School basketball coaches Jessica Haist and Blake Thomas are spending the summer running camps and practices that draw elementary and middle school players into the sport, while also using the time to ready their high school teams for the upcoming season.
Camp Structure and Community Impact
The programs, open to kindergarten through eighth‑grade students, have attracted roughly 130 participants, with high school athletes serving as station leaders who break down fundamentals and game sense.
Both coaches view the camps as a springboard for their high school squads, preparing them for upcoming scrimmages and an invitational tournament at Grand Valley that will wrap up the summer schedule for the Cardinals.
Insights from the Coaches
Haist highlighted a strong turnout, emphasizing the return of several experienced players who bring continuity to the roster.
Thomas, who has been overseeing practices with 20 to 22 players, has taken the team on trips to both Grand Valley and Saginaw Valley, using those outings to test lineups and build chemistry.
Looking ahead, athletes who do not participate in football will continue workouts through July, while those who also play football will transition to football workouts as the season approaches.