Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/435935
OUR YUCAIPA | JANUARY 2015 15 By Courtney Fox Taylor Mike Allen started playing basketball when he was two, just as soon as he was bigger than the ball. He went on to play high school and college ball and has been coaching in this area for over 16 years. Basketball is in his blood; his father was a coach in Southern California and his grandfather was a coach in Alabama. This year is his first at Yucaipa High School and, as varsity coach, is leading a charge to take Yucaipa basketball to a championship. "The last championship Yucaipa won was in 1971. I want to change that." Allen knows how to do it, too. "It starts with year-round prep, not when kids get into the 9th grade. Good basketball players start learning in first and second grade." This fall, he ran an academy for seventh and eighth graders. In the summer, he will be overseeing a summer camp for kids in third through eighth grades, teaching them basic skills and giving them a positive perspective on the sport, good sportsmanship and team work. He also plans to start coaching clinics for the various leagues in town, creating a strong network of well-trained coaches and mentors. It is through all this community outreach that he plans to reach his goal to put Yucaipa basketball at the top of the league. "We lose a lot of talent to nearby schools because they have the funds to support a stronger program. That has to stop," he said. "Yucaipa is a one high school town and we have the resources to turn this program into one that finishes first." Like many sports, basketball is supported by parents and donations from the community. "There is literally no money in the program. We have to pay for uniforms, transportation, even the balls. I've gone into my own pocket over $500." The program needs $10,000 to operate. Allen is asking for businesses to sponsor with tax-deductible donations of $100, $250 or $500. These businesses will receive advertising in the official program distributed at each home game and a poster of thanks from the team. The top level sponsors will also get their name on a banner displayed in the gym. If you would like more information on how to donate, please contact Allen at (909) 496-7166. There will be a Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Kopper Kettle Kafe, Mon., Jan. 5, from 4 to 7 pm (walk-ins welcome, tickets will be available at the door). You can also support by cheering for the players. Game times are 6 pm for Varsity, 4:30 pm for JV and 3 pm for Freshman. The home games are as follows: Tues., Jan. 6 vs. Citrus Valley • Fri., Jan. 9 vs. Carter • Tues., Jan. 13 vs. Eisenhower • Tues., Jan. 20 vs. Redlands • Tues., Jan. 27 vs. Cajon • Tues., Feb. 3 vs. AB Miller • Tues., Feb. 10 vs. REV. YHS Basketball Coach Aims For Championship