2017 marked a very successful year for the PHCS JV Girls Basketball program. After not having had the program for many years, signups on the rise with over 55 girls interested, yet only being supported by a modified and varsity basketball team, a small group of student-athletes and parents decided to fundraise for a JV team.

The results were overwhelmingly successful. We were not only able to support a team for the first year, but had funds left over to partially support the continuance of a team for the following year.

Having a JV Girls Basketball team meant that JV players had time to become accustomed to a higher intensity of play, and learned several new offensive and defensive concepts. This valuable step in game knowledge growth was not possible without the JV program.

All players improved their game skills and confidence as well. The JV players had the opportunity to scrimmage and run through some drills with the varsity team.

This was not a viable option when there was no JV program, since the 9th graders were on the modified team with the 7th and 8th graders, who are not allowed to practice with the varsity. All 8 JV players saw significant court time in games and without the JV program, the 10th graders would have spent a year sitting on the varsity bench, watching instead of playing. We had a wonderful first season with a record of 9 wins and 8 losses.

Due to budget constraints, our fundraising efforts were continued to help support the PHCS JV Girls Basketball team for the 2018 season. Many thanks goes to the following local businesses and individuals who helped to support our fundraising efforts: SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Merrimans, NuMed, Community Bank, Parishville Sportmans club, Parishville Volunteer Fire Co., Parishville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Parishville AmVets, Potsdam McDonalds, Connor Sullivan, the Clark Street Redemption Center, Tammy, Dan and Jayda Sullivan.

I would also like to acknowledge all those that helped support our silent auction held on September 29th: The Barking Dog Saloon, Commercial Press Ink, Jacob Fisher, Harley Thompson, Brandie Smith, Becky Collins, Lori Eurto, Tonia Phippen, Kevin French, Debra Scott, Potsdam Sears, Balsam Springs Soap, Pittsburgh Steelers, The Look Salon, Adirondack Growers, Sergis, Boldt and Singer Castle Tours, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, Jay Peak Waterpark and Cape Air.

We would especially like to thank the parents and student-athletes of the PHCS modified and JV Girls basketball team for continuing to help raise the money needed to make this fundraising effort successful. Without your hard work and dedication, we would not have our JV team.

Words cannot express how amazing it is to see these girls out on the court now, living their dream. We are all very grateful for your support.

Terry Woods and Lisa MacWilliams

Parishville