The Simple Room Rebels

At The Simple Room, we strive to offer youth resources, opportunities, and support to develop. For over a year, we've discussed the possibility of creating a basketball team for our group of energetic and athletic fifth and sixth grade boys. This fall we decided to make it happen and started an AAU basketball team. Since then we've had the privilege of watching our fifth and sixth grade boys sweat, fight, and develop discipline and respect during practice. Led by Coach Trent Crump, we've watched these boys become a team. We couldn't be more proud.

The Simple Room Rebels played their first two games earlier this month against the O'Fallon Blue and Gold teams. The first game was a disappointing 44-9 loss. For many of our boys this was their first official game. Coach Crump talked with the boys after the game and told them he was proud of them for the way they played, but most importantly for their attitudes and their self-control. He assured them that as they practiced more and gained more experience they would play better as a team. Coach Crump sees defense as the Rebels strength. He's proud of the way the boys hustle. Prior to their second game, he set goals with players for their offensive performances. He also switched the defense from zone to man-to-man coverage. The Rebels' second game ended in a loss, but it was a much closer game. The final score was 31-21. 

Over the course of the season, Coach Crump hopes to see the boys improve their attitudes and their mastery of offensive fundamentals like dribbling and passing. Off the court, he hopes to see the boys develop better attitudes, friendships, teamwork, and decision-making skills in school, at The Simple Room, and in the community.

The Rebels' next game will take place on January 12, 2011 in Highland, IL.