Contestants at the Regional are all smiles after a great time competing. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Garden City Basketball hosting of a local JrNBA and JrWNBA Skill Competition.

On Wednesday January 30th almost 100 kids took part in this fun filled event. Garden City Basketball was proud to be one of the select few organizations to host this event. There are almost 200 JrNBA member leagues in New York state. By the February 22nd regional, over 3000 participants were part of the regional competition.

Local youngsters between the ages of 7 and 14 had the opportunity to participate in the JrNBA/JrWNBA Skills Challenge sponsored by SINGULAR. This grassroots program provides boys and girls, competing separately, a free opportunity to showcase their excellence in the core basketball skills of dribbling, passing and shooting. The Skills Challenge is also intended to encourage youth participation in sport while promoting sportsmanship.

We are proud that Garden City had seven players make it to the regional competition held in NYC. Congratulations to:

Kyle is ready to deliver some speed and agility. * Regional 1st place winner 7-8 year old girls Allision LeMonica

* Regional 1st place winner 11-12 year old boys Kyle Skramko

* Regional 1st place winner 13-14 year old girls Lauren Nuss

* Regional 2nd place winner 9-10 year old boys Gregory Schulze II

* Regional 2nd place winner 13-14 year old boys Matt Leto

* Regional 4th place winner 9-10 year old girls Kaitlyn Larssen

* Regional 4th place winner 11-12 year old girls Elizabeth Chester

* First place finishers LeMonica, Skramko, and Nuss still have times that are ranked #1 in the COUNTRY. They have a chance to go to the National Finals in Orlando in May. Skills and Drills...Skills and Drills !!!

Participants (L to R) front row Kaitlyn Larssen, Allison LaMonica, Lizzie Chesters, Gregory Shulze III and back row Lauren Nuss, Matt Leto, & Kyle Skramko get ready to show their skills in the NY Regional Please visit www.gardencitybasketball.org for information on the Garden City Basketball program and www.nba.com/ jrnba for information on the JrNBA/JrWNBA.

The Larssen sisters provide inspiration to Jamal Crawford before the Knicks Raptor game. Jamal scored a season high 43 points leading the way for a precious Knick victory. The kids talk to some of the Knicks, get some autographs and hang out while the Knicks shoot around before the game.