Local hoopsters host basketball clinic

HARRINGTON — Local youths will have the opportunity to sharpen their basketball skills during the upcoming Holiday Hoops event hosted by Janaye Wilkie, 21, of Harrington, and her boyfriend, Landon Harrington, 24, of Reardan.

The event, organized through the Harrington School District and School Board, will take place on Saturday, Jan. 4.

It will feature two sessions tailored to specific age groups:

Session 1 for second to fifth-grade students from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Session 2 for sixth to eighth-grade students from 10 a.m. to noon.

Youths will learn fundamental and advanced basketball techniques from Wilkie and Harrington, both former college athletes.

Landon Harrington played four years of college basketball, while Wilkie brings lifelong basketball experience fueled by her parents, who both coached the sport, plus a bonus year in college.

“I was on the court crawling around before I could even walk,” said Wilkie.

Wilkie added that she wanted to find a way to give back to the community that had already given her so much growing up.

“We wanted to find a way to give back to the community by offering a hoops clinic. It’s the school I grew up going to in elementary school. I think it is really cool to see all the families I grew up with, too,” she said.

Wilkie added that the sessions are designed to ignite a passion for basketball among participants.

The younger group will focus on fun and foundational skills such as dribbling, jump stops and basic gameplay.

The older group will delve into more technical skills and game-like situations.

“We’re just trying to fuel some passion for the sport—something Landon and I both love,” Wilkie said.

Harrington, who trains young basketball players and works at a gym in Spokane, brings additional expertise to the clinic.

“Basketball opened a lot of doors for Landon and me,” Wilkie said. “We hope to share that with the kids here.”

Organizers are expecting about 10 participants and are hoping to double that number.

Wilkie emphasized that larger groups allow for more engaging and game-like scenarios.

Wilkie thanked the Harrington School District and School Board for their support in providing facilities and spreading the word about the event.

A fee is required for student entry.