Red Cloud basketball coach offers peewee league for reservation youth in grades 1-4

posted on January 07, 2010

Red Cloud Indian School and Head Boys Basketball Coach Matt Rama will host a peewee basketball league for students across the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The league, which begins January 12 and runs through the first week of March, is open to students in grades 1-4. This is Rama’s seventh year offering the after-school program.

“When I was a kid, I was in a peewee basketball league and I thought it was the greatest thing in the world,” says Rama. “I hope to introduce the kids here to that same exciting league, where they can have a place to turn to that is both safe and consistent.”

Practices will be offered twice a week for students enrolled in the Red Cloud school system, where Rama and other instructors will teach basketball fundamentals. Games will be held on Saturday at Red Cloud.

“It’s just great to watch them learn, grow and utilize their talents,” Rama says. “It’s especially exciting now because the first group I ever had come through the league as young elementary children are now in high school.”

Christi Sioux Bob was one of those students, and she says that it was always fun to participate in the program after school. She also says it’s something she’ll miss.

“Matt has worked with us since we were in second grade on everything from dribbling and shooting to defense and offense,” Sioux Bob says, now a guard for the Red Cloud Girls’ Basketball Team.

“He’s a pretty good coach and I’m glad he still does this for the younger kids,” she continues. “Everything he teaches you during the league you can use in high school basketball.”

Divisions are separated by first and second graders, who play with an 8’6” basketball hoop, and third and fourth graders, who use a standard high school hoop. Cost to participate in the league is $25 per team. For more information, contact Matt Rama at 605/867-1289.