St. Ignatius Elementary brought back the Little Dribblers program earlier this month, and with it comes an expanded program and record attendance. 

High school girls basketball coach Dalton Delaney explained that St. Ignatius Schools felt the need to introduce the sport to young kids, and that earlier exposure helps students feel less intimidated when they want to pick it up later in life. 

The program returns after an eight- or 10-year hiatus and now serves students from age 4 through fifth grade. Chantell Moore, who is running the program with Delaney and Stu Grant, the high school boys coach, explained that previously the program served third- to fifth-grade students with about 30 participants. 

Moore said this also comes as part of the district's five-year plan, which includes starting more elementary sports. 

The program runs for about a month in both the fall and spring, and within just three weeks of kicking off, Moore said they have 106 students enrolled. 

Delaney said he believes the program has drawn high attendance because basketball is such a staple in this community. He added that the little kids watch their older siblings play, and this gives them the chance to have somebody watch them play. 

He explained that the season started pretty smoothly with two practices. From there, each class has been split into two rotating teams that play one another. Moore added that she teaches the 4-year-old team and has witnessed skill improvements since day one. 

Delaney explained that the program's goal is to teach introductory skills, such as dribbling, ball handling and shooting. In shooting, they taught the basics of where a student's feet should be positioned, where their hands should be on the ball and proper follow-through. With the younger grades, they also taught the basics of chest and bounce passes. 

Other goals in the program include teaching sportsmanship, and rotating teams shows students how to work with all their classmates. 

Last week, the program wrapped up, and Moore said it wouldn’t have been possible without their volunteers and parents who stepped in. The boys and girls high school basketball teams also helped referee. 

    Wells Ruhkala looks for a teammate to pass the ball to during the Little Dribblers final game on Thursday, Oct. 29. (Emily Heimark/Leader)

 Cora Larsen attempts to retain possession of the ball while Addilyn Smith tries to steal it. (Emily Heimark/Leader)

 Aiden McCready moved the ball down the court during Mission’s Little Dribbler games on Thursday, Oct. 29. (Emily Heimark/Leader)