Takeover's clinic part of larger effort

Ron Bailey, Publisher

There is a larger, more altruistic plan behind Takeover's clinics.

October 31, 2010 - Yesterday's Team Takeover Clinic saw around 20 young people make their way to Paul VI's (VA) gym, all desiring to improve their basketball games. As an organization, Team Takeover - an outfit that fields a number of elite travel teams on the summer circuit and is commonly known simply as Takeover - also had hoped upon outcomes. Both seemed to meet their goals.

For the participants, basketball skills were drilled and imparted, primarily through physical training and fundamental sessions, including dribbling, footwork and shooting stations. It was the type of work, if frequently embarked upon, that can improve a player's on-court impact.

Attendees listen to coaching. The message here; practice the right way.

As far as Takeover goes, the group's co-Director and coach, Ken Johnson, shared a desire to broaden it's impact and focus. "We are trying to turn ourselves into a completely community-based program" shared Johnson, also is a key cog on Paul VI's coaching staff, on expanding Takeover's clinical effort. "What we're starting is a service, taking it to locations around the DMV (District-Maryland-Virginia); So we can take the things we do in practice and concepts and share them. We want to reach out".

That outreach includes providing exposure to colleges, the mechanism being electronic in nature: "We are going to establish a database to help with recruitment. There are limited numbers (available) in our program, so we want to help others. It makes no difference it they play with us".

Gonzaga freshman Bradley Jacks, 6'5", 170 lb swingman.

That's an auspicious plan, one which coupled with Takeover's contacts nationally should bear fruit for numerous kids going forward.

Want to participate? The next clinic will be held at Wilson-Ennis Clubhouse, 3150 Solomons Island Road, North Huntingtown, MD, and held this Saturday, November 6th. Click here for details.

Takeover's Director, Keith Stevens, works with a contact pad.

W.T. Woodson freshman, Daniel Noe, 6'4", 165 lb swingman.

Matt Ayoub, 12 year old seventh grader

Christ Church junior, Barrington Alston, 6'8", 215 lb forward,