Shooting contests boost competition

RITZVILLE – Steve Wellsandt said COVID-19 restrictions have limited his training options for girls at their summer basketball camp, so he's focused on the drills allowed.

"They can't pass the ball, and they can't play one-on-one, but we worked on a lot of footwork, pivoting, and a lot of shooting. So it's been a little more individualized," Wellsandt said July 16.

Returning players Julia Klein, Dakota Killian, Grace Fedie, Taylor Galbreath and Meagan Melcher kept track of their own ball as they worked their way around the court in different drills. Wellsandt said he was using more shooting contests, making them competitive, and the girls have "really gotten into that."

"We're doing everything we can, and hopefully we'll be able to get to play eventually," Wellsandt said. "They can't work out too vigorously when they're wearing the masks. But I feel good we're able to get something out of it."

Wellsandt said he was expecting the 2020/21 school year to be "an interesting year."

"Normally we would have played 20-25 games over the summer," Wellsandt said. "We'll take a couple week off now, with harvest going on."

Wellsandt said the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association extended it's usual ending date of summer practices from July 31 to August 16.

"I've seen improvement over the last four weeks," Wellsandt said. "And it's been good for the kids to see each other for a little bit."

Wellsandt said he's been coaching the Broncos since the early 1990s.

"I coached the girls for three years, then the boys, then I retired four years back," Wellsandt said, adding he volunteered off and on in the years before returning as head coach. He is assisted by Shannon Court.