DGN Hoops finished their 2023 season on a positive note, considering that they qualified for state. With a fresh start to the season, all four teams have not failed to keep the momentum during their games.
“D99 Hoops is a Special Olympics Basketball program for students who attend DGN, DGS, and T99 (Transitional school post-high school). We focus on teamwork, perseverance, and having fun,” senior and D99 coach Ada Gilmartin said.
During the regular season, four teams play against schools such as Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Willowbrook, York, Wheaton Warrenville, and several Naperville schools. As far as creating the teams, they are selected solely based on their basketball skill level and ability to perform techniques. The goal is for competition to be equal amongst who they play.
“Team one is our highest level skill players, they’re really good. Our team four has the most needs, and the most difficulty dribbling, passing, shooting, and working together. Teams two and three are kind of in the middle,” special education teacher Kim Hartsfield said. “We have an open gym in the beginning of the season where we assess their skills and place them on a team that we feel is the best fit for them. This includes where they’re going to be able to play, not get overwhelmed, and be able to shine on their team.”
A lot of work and effort goes into preparing for the games throughout the season. Just like any sports team, they practice every week working on skills to further enhance their performance creating competition for the other schools.
“Usually at the beginning of the season, they practice two times a week. Once games get going it might just be once a week, they might go a couple weeks without practice,” Hartsfield said. “At practices they work on all the major skills; dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, offense, and how to work together as a team. We don’t run many plays, but just how to have the best offense and defense.”
In order for teams to participate in tournaments and games, coaches are needed to help guide the players to reach their fullest potential. Students from DGN and DGS can assist by volunteering to coach one out of the four teams.
“My role in D99 hoops is being a student coach for Team Three. With the other coaches, we assist in leading practices with the adult coaches, forming friendships with the players, helping the games run smoothly at each basket, and more,” senior Maddie Esslinger said.
Aside from coaching, there is a lot of work behind the scenes, involving many tasks that are necessary to run the program. This is when special education teacher Kim Hartsfield comes into the picture.
“Being the coordinator, I’m not really at practices, I try to attend games just to be a fan, but I am more behind the scenes, like securing gym time and getting all the uniforms. There are a lot of medical forms and paperwork that’s due, so I am in charge of all of that. I kind of am the head coach’s go-to person, if they have any questions or need any help,” Hartsfield said.
Fans cheering for the players is necessary for a sports team to be strong. D99 Hoops has a powerful fan base to support them. This gives them an advantage by building their confidence, especially during tough moments.
“Our stands are packed with lots of parents and some students, so it’s so great to see everyone support our teams. The attendance of people is such a strong motivator and confidence builder for all of the players, and it’s so fun to see everyone cheer,” Esslinger said.
D99 Hoops bring energy to their games, creating a strong positive atmosphere. There is no bad blood between any of the players.
“Last year, we had a dance battle with the York players during halftime and it was something I was so glad I got to experience,” Gilmartin said.