Scoring Big: BB Program a ‘Slam Dunk’ for Lil’ Hoopers

Several dozen students in kindergarten through 2nd grade made their way onto the basketball court at Warren G. Harding High School during this year’s Lil’ Hoopers program.

In its second year, the program tip offed on Dec. 15 with the final session on Jan. 26.

Keelyn Franklin, a High School Intervention Specialist at Harding, explained he started the program in 2024-2025 to give younger students a chance to start playing basketball early “without the pressure of winning games or being coached.”

“There are no winners or losers in the Lil’ Hoopers program. We teach basic fundamentals in a fun energetic atmosphere that is focusing on building a love for the game without any pressure or performance based expectations,” he said.

Along with some basic basketball skills, the students were given opportunities to build team work, communication and problem solving skills they can use on or off the court.

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