Good Luck to our 4th & 5th grade Girls and Boys basketball teams as they prepare for their upcoming basketball season through the Bloomington Parks and Recreation.

On Tuesday January 13^th Sheridan students were entertained by two varsity basketball players from Bloomington High School.  James Monroe and Andy Szabo came to Sheridan to talk about the importance of getting good grades, how to be a successful student athlete, and to showcase their basketball talents!!  They dazzled the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade students with dribbling drills that included behind the back and through the legs dribbling.  They also showed the students a variety of passes, some of which went the entire length of the basketball court.  They talked about shooting and how important form and mechanics are to be a successful shooter.  Most importantly they put on a slam dunk show that was truly awesome.  The grand finale was a dunk that needed a very important prop….Mr. Bollman!!  James had me stand about 3 feet from the basket at an angle and then proceeded to jump over me while he completed a one handed slam that truly brought the house down.  Both James and Andy enjoyed coming to Sheridan and we appreciate them coming and sharing their talents.  I would like to thank the handful of 5^th graders from Mr. Broughton’s class who took pictures of this great occasion.  I think you will agree with me after looking at the pictures below that we have some future photographers in our midst!!

Above Left: Mr. Bollman poses with  Bloomington High School basketball players James Monroe (middle) and Andy Szabo (right).  Above Right: Andy and James smile as the Sheridan students give them a warm welcome!

Above Left: Andy talks to the students about working hard and having a good attitude.  Above Right: James (a former Sheridan Shark) talks to the students about how important it is to get good grades.

Above Left: Andy and James discuss which drills they are going to do.  Above Right: James and Andy try to convince Mr. Bollman to let James jump over him for a dunk!!

Above Left: James demonstrates the proper way to perform a left handed lay-up.   Above Right: James demonstrates the proper way to perform a right handed lay-up.   He must practice a lot!!

Above: Andy demonstrates the proper way to shoot a jump shot while James prepares to get the rebound.  Andy has his wrist bent and his hand in the "cookie jar!"

Above Left: Andy demonstrates the correct way to execute a bounce pass.  Above Right:  Andy and James show the students what a chest pass should look like.

Above Left:  James shows the Sheridan students how to properly shoot a free throw while Mr. Bollman points out how important the follow through is (put your hand in the cookie jar).  Above Right: James attempts a jump shot in front of a packed house.

Above Left: Andy and James complete the alley oop!  Above Right: Another great action shot caught on camera by a 5th grader!!

Above Left: Andy gives James another alley oop.  Above Right: James puts the finishing touch on that alley oop.  I hope he doesn't break the rim!!

Above Left: James flies high above the rim!  Who is that at the bottom right of the picture?  Above Right: Mr. Cooper watches James go backwards!!  Don't be jealous Mr. Cooper.

Above Left: Sheridan students wait their turn to ask Andy and James questions.  Above Right: Andy and James do their best to answer those questions.

Above Left: James explains to Mr. Bollman why jumping over him was so easy!!  Above Right: A spectacular snap shot taken by one of the talented 5th graders!