50 All-Stars is a Colorado nonprofit youth basketball organization centralized in Broomfield. We operate year-round and specialize in player development and training utilizing the following categories: Workouts • Team Practices • Private Sessions • Open Gyms • Games • Conditioning • Combines • Clinics • Camps • 3-5 Year Olds • Tryouts

Newsletter #10

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January 1st, 2019The Official Newsletter of 50 All-Stars BasketballIssue #10

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OUR SYSTEM HAS BEEN BUILT
Shortsightedness is definitely not something we subscribe to. So when we set out to create the perfect youth basketball system that was able to allow for a lifetime of extreme growth towards and beyond any given player's true potential, we were perpetually skeptical to ever say we were anywhere near complete. But now we've finally reached the point where the system is in place. Sure, there's a few details to refine... but we've finally got everything right where it needs to be. So thanks for the patience over these past 6 years, and be sure to get as hyped as possible for what's next. Go Stars!!
I'M STAYING!!!

I'M STAYING!!!

The following is a special message from Jon Sanders:

Hey everyone! I started this program 6 years ago, and I fully expected to be its leader for my entire life. Last newsletter I explained how I'd be transitioning myself out of the program to be with my wife in Utah as she pursued her new head coaching position at Southern Utah University. Well, to be quick and frank, my marriage fell through since and I will no longer be leaving. Although the circumstances of this outcome are extremely disheartening, the outcome itself is fantastic for our program and is the aspect of this ordeal that I'm choosing to focus on.

As a firm believer in fate, me being here for your children for many years to come is such an amazing opportunity for both them and myself. I've got so much in store for our players, and I can't wait to put in my 100% to convince them to continue to give their 100%. I'm so extremely grateful to have you all as a part of my family, and I truly don't know what I'd do without you. Thanks for placing your trust in me. I promise I'll do everything I'm able to do (and more) to make that the best decision of your life. See ya soon!

CAN WE PLAY WEAKER COMP?

CAN WE PLAY WEAKER COMP?

It's probably one of the most popular question in our program's history: CAN WE PLEASE PLAY WEAKER COMPETITION? As often as I hear such a heartfelt and logical query, my answer has always been a very simple NO.

In the past I've compromised and have even given completely in. The results were lackluster and parents still argued about a myriad of issues. I've had years where I pushed us to the brink, and those years produced the best players we've ever had... even if it sometimes pushed some further than they were able to go. So there's obviously no definite win here, so I choose to error on the side of being as competitive as I know how. That's who I am, and who I wish for you and your kids to become.

Life's hard - maybe not as hard for some of our kids these days - but it's still hard nonetheless. Having things too easy is a trap I wish to avoid. I definitely know how to win games. I've done so in my past coaching situations where I've led school teams to undefeated records by spending our every practice moment on strategy and plays and disciplining the kids to the point where only the best players took every shot. We won, but those players suffered by never getting individually better. I do not want that for this program. We'll, of course, have our share of easy games... especially as we improve and other teams do not. But this can never be the norm. As adults, the proudest stories we tell kids are the struggles that we overcame. So we must be mindful to not rob them of that same opportunity.

So to everyone who's ever asked or is thinking of asking... please stop asking. I will not allow the games to get easier. This program will have players unafraid to test themselves against the best on the court and in life as well. No apologies.

OUR CHALLENGING CHALLENGES

OUR CHALLENGING CHALLENGES

So many kids have been exploring our new Challenges section, and a few players have even done their part in adding to what that page has to offer. Two players in particular, Edward Doronkin and Zach Pomazanov, have just recently completed 100 straight days of a workout called the PREOVAZOVANIYE (Russian for "Transformation"). The improvements in both of their games is already extremely evident. We'll soon add that challenge to our site for others to try, so keep an eye out.

Another challenge to be added is the RUDY CHALLENGE, in which the player attempts to show up to our practices and workouts for 21 straight days. If there's ever a rare day we have off or a day that player absolutely cannot show, then they must do a specific workout that's described on the page. Shane Watters, Gabby Rickman, and Cameron Ferris were the 3 players to attempt and complete this challenge. We'll soon add that challenge as well, and we'll even include a list of all the players who've completed it.

This summer will see Finley Chastain attempt to complete our most difficult challenge, Five Perfect Weeks, along with Coach Jon Sanders. We have a few other players set to join us on occasion, and we'll also be filming to create a video afterwards. If you're interested in joining us, let us know before our late May start.

All in all, there are over 100 challenges and we expect every player in our program to dig deep to complete as many as they're able to over the next several years of their life. We believe in you!

SUMMER CAMP SIGNUPS

SUMMER CAMP SIGNUPS

It's about that time again! Click here to sign-up for our June Summer Camp. 13-18 year olds are June 10-14, 8-13 year olds are from June 17-21, and the 3-8 year olds are from June 24-28. The first two camp sessions last from 9am-3pm, and the 3-8 year old week goes from 9am-12pm followed by 3 hours of Open Gym for the older Elementary, Middle School, then High School kids.

The First week for the oldest is fairly intense and serious, whereas the second week is more laid back and filled with games. The final weak for the youngest is just pure fun. Players may join multiple weeks, and the older ones may even help out as a counselor for the younger. The cost is FREE FOR MEMBERS and $50/day for non-member. So spread the word, and be sure to book ASAP... as spots are limited. We do NOT accept more than 50 players for any day. No exceptions. Please book now.

4th GRADE FOCUS: KEVIN RICHARDSON

4th GRADE FOCUS: KEVIN RICHARDSON

Kevin is a dynamic player who entered our program a year ago. Currently a 3rd grader, he's definitely ready for the role of being our 4th grade captain once summer arrives. He's stubborn in all the right ways, bold enough to never fear anyone or anything, and there are truly no limits to how far he'll be able to take his game. So without further ado, here's this quarter's FOUR QUESTIONS FOR OUR FOURTH GRADE FOCUS:

Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF OUR PROGRAM? A. Open gym because all we do is play and have fun

Q. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNEW YOU COULDN'T FAIL? A. Improve at all the drills I'm not good at.

Q. HOW HAS OUR PROGRAM IMPROVED YOUR GAME? A. I'm way better than I was then. I used to travel a bunch, but now I'm not.

Q. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST HURDLE? A. I need to not hate being so cold when I'm practicing my shot outside.

THE FIFTH GRADE YEAR

THE FIFTH GRADE YEAR

By now, you know our program is tough. What our players go through on a daily basis is perhaps the most mentally and physically demanding experience a player in our area of any sport can go through. With that said, we'd like to point of out that the FIFTH GRADE year is by far the toughest of the tough. 1st graders playing with 4th has its hurdles, but it's all manageable since even the best 4th graders haven't reached the point where they're comfortable enough to understand how to properly dominate a younger player. 9th graders playing with 12th is tough as well, but most 9th graders now understand enough about life to successfully navigate harsh situations. The 5th graders playing with the 8th, however, is a beast very few have ever been able to survive. Puberty, maturity, and the introduction of new social dynamics all come into play with the potential to destroy.

In a perfect world, we'd combine the 1st-3rd, 4th-6th, 7th-9th, and the 10th-12th. But there's simply no time to do all that, and truthfully we don't mind the extra challenge. We see this as a perfect opportunity to weed out the kids who can make it from the kids who can't. And really, there's far less pressure. All these kids have to do is SURVIVE. They don't have to thrive or dominate or even have major personal gains... They've just gotta keep showing up and SURVIVE.

So this is just a heads up for you younger players, and a nudge for those currently going through it. The advice is simple: JUST KEEP MOVING. We truly believe that if you can do this... If you can survive THE FIFTH GRADE YEAR in the 50 All-Stars basketball program, that you'll be able to survive ANYTHING life EVER has to throw at you. Good luck, and we'll be here every second of the way to support you.

NCAA RECRUITING CHANGES

NCAA RECRUITING CHANGES

Due to a very serious lawsuit, the NCAA has panicked and changed their entire recruiting schedule. This affects our travel teams because a great number of tournaments have adjusted their schedule to accommodate match when the college coaches are now allowed to recruit. Luckily our Los Angeles tournament is the only tournament on our schedule that's changed. We will be going to Arizona now instead, the details of which are on our ELITE TEAM page. We ask all families to please book accordingly, as everything now listed is set in stone.

The only further ramifications of this NCAA ruling is that our high schoolers will only be able to be seen by college coaches 2 weeks this year instead of 5. That means 2 things: 1) We must make these two weeks count! And 2) We'll be filming the other weeks with the intent of sending all that footage to every coaches' email. In life we must always adapt to succeed, and this is no exception.

If you have any questions, we're set to discuss everything concerning the elite team during the first elite team practice of the year. See ya then!

1ST ELITE PRACTICE W/ PARENTS

1ST ELITE PRACTICE W/ PARENTS

Be sure to book the first elite team practice of the year, set for January 8th from 6:30pm - 8pm. We'd like for the parents to stay as well so that we may discuss the year's tournament schedule, expectations, hotels, and more. We'll also be distributing jerseys, collecting birth certificates, explaining our rental car system, and detailing how players may travel solo if need be.

Furthermore, we'll discuss our basic offensive and defensive strategies so that everyone is on the same page of what we are trying to do rather than only judging our team by what you may see in games. We'll discuss the challenges we're set to face, and we'll also properly explain to everyone all that you must urgently do now versus what stuff can wait until later.

If you are unable to make it, please send someone in your place.

JANUARY BOOT CAMPS

JANUARY BOOT CAMPS

Our 6am morning boot camps are always a special thing, but this January is set to be extra special. To help jumpstart our 2019 elite team, we're urging players to attend these events throughout the first month. Spots are already very limited, so be sure to signup fast if you want in. The intense nature of these workouts adds a ton to the level of passion instilled in each player.

On the surface, this provides those that attend a boost in their attendance scores that directly impact how quickly they earn their elite team incentives. On a deeper level, this pushes the entire team by solidifying a stronger and more skilled base to create a stronger foundation for our entire year. Getting off to a great start is half the battle; and if this team means anything to you, this push should be extremely welcome. See ya in the morning!