Big Ben Basketball Clinic held at RLBGC was a success

The Big Ben Basketball Clinic held at RLBGC was a success. Over a hundred youth showed up for Boys and Girls Club Thursday February 23rd, the clinic was supported by 21st Century Program and the club’s T.R.A.I.L program which promotes healthy life skills. The clinic was held to support youth in developing healthy habits through physical activity.

The clinic was widely attended. Youth traveled from Bemdji and the Ponemah youth coaches brought a van from Ponemah over to attend the Big Ben basketball clinic. Big Ben, an enrolled Red Lake member, is a 6’11 center and power forward for the Iowa Energy. Iowa Energy, is part of the NBA Development League. The Energy lead the NBA D-League’s East conference with 21 wins and 11 losses.

During their All-star Break last week Strong decided to take time to see his family and reconnect with the community. Connecting at the club Strong encouraged youth to work on their fundamentals. Youth were split into four stations and worked on lay-ups, defense, passing, dribbling and offensive moves to the basket. Clinic ended with a question and answer session and an all hands in group cheer. Youth were then provided sandwiches from 21st Century Program and youth surrounded Ben for an autograph and photo opportunity.

The RLBGC would like to thank the volunteer coaches, Ben Strong and family, 21st Century Program, RLNN and parents and youth who came out to be involved with the clinic.