Local coaches and players connect with RBA youth

The Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association started up with special practices on Monday, January 6th.

Players on Denfeld and East High School’s basketball teams, as well as coaches and players from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, are teaming up to host these practices. The community connections are plentiful, as many high school players and coaches participated themselves. Matty Thompson and Noah Paulson, who play for UMD, are RBA alumni as well.

“It’s just a big community that just is supporting each other and at the same time understanding that the whole point of all of our programs is to grow and develop people,” said RBA Director Kris Mallett.

Mallett notes that for the over 480 winter RBA participants, these hybrid practices show them what’s possible through hard work, dedication, and determination.

“This is a great opportunity for kids to have a safe space to run around, burn out some energy, have some skills that will translate off the court, and grow as a person to be a better community member in the long run,” said Mallett.

The next hybrid practices for the RBA are on Thursday, January 9th from 6P.M. to 7P.M. at the Romano gym. UMD coaches Mandy Pearson and Justin Weick will be hosting alongside Bulldog players.

For more information on the RBA and its events, contact Kris Mallett at Kristin.Mallett@usc.salvationarmy.org.