Lake Shore Basketball Nets A Successful Season

By Maria Beam Gray
It started on a steamy August court. The shuffle of high tops, the dribble of basketballs, the grunts of competition. With fans looping the courts at the Big Vanilla, the inaugural “Triple Threat” 3 on 3 tournament tipped off and when it was all said and done six Lake Shore Basketball (LSB) teams hoisted first place trophies. It was, above all else, a preview of the season yet to come.

Weighing in with 83 teams and over 650 players, Lake Shore Basketball is ranked as one of the largest basketball programs in Anne Arundel County. Ranging in age from 5 to 17, the league’s children represent every school in the Pasadena peninsula. This year, they also embodied heart and a can-do attitude for a sport that has historically played second fiddle to other area athletic pursuits.
Backing the charge were the LSB coaches, at both the Intramural and County levels. Before the kids ever took to the court in November, over 50 coaches converged on Chesapeake Bay Middle School for a three-hour Coaching Clinic conducted by Anne Arundel County Hall of Fame coach Art St. Martin. Coaches learned that no matter what the level of play, kids can be motivated by fun, fundamentally sound practice sessions that emphasize competition and that by maximizing effort it’s a win in and of itself.
Lake Shore Basketball also embraced collaboration with Chesapeake High School to strengthen the feeder system partnership and worked on aggressive rule changes to better align with some of the more successful feeder leagues in the County. But at the end of the day, as it should be, it was the children whose efforts shone.
With an overall push to play at a higher level, every LSB girls team playing in a County League vied in either an A or B division. Leading the balance in the win column was Coach Leroy Downin’s 10U girls, and Coach Brian Cavey’s 13U girls. Rounding out post-season play were my own Lake Shore Hot Shots, who swept the Harundale Tournament.
When it came to County level play though, it was the Lake Shore boys who dominated with four titles. Clinching a first place spot at the competitive level was 12U Coach Leroy Downin’s team with an undefeated run in the B division and Coach Mike Milton’s 12U team in the C division. Coach Shawn Rebstock rallied the 11U boys to the B title and Coach Jim Potter’s players brought home the first place trophy in the 11U C division. Coach Kevin Cybert also scored a post-season Harundale tournament win with his 10U squad.
“It was great to see such success with our County teams,” praised Coach Rebstock, who also coached his son Reed’s 7/8 coed, Intramural team. “From the 3 on 3 Tournament to start things off to a thrilling seven overtime game in the 7/8 division, this season was very positive,” Rebstock noted.
Not to be outdone, Intramural play also earned its berth on the highlight reel. In the 15/17 boys championship game, Coach Barry Pyle’s team clinched a close match against Lisa Brandt’s boys.

“In the beginning my team struggled with playing as a unit,” Brandt observed. “But we took on a motto from our team motivator, my brother, that together everyone achieves more and we finally blended.”
In the 13/14 boys division, Coach Jim Beatty’s team netted the win in more ways than one as LSB allowed the older Intramural championship teams to cut down the nets after their victories.
“I thought it was great for the kids to cut down the nets after the championship,” enthused Coach Beatty. “My kids and parents loved it.”
Also securing first place titles in Intramural play were Coach Dave Ritterpusch’s 13/14 girls, Coach Mike Dick’s 11/12 boys, Coach Brian Worsham’s 11/12 girls, Coach Jeff Colebrook’s 9/10 boys, Coach Holly Carloss’ 9/10 boys, and Coach Frank Matkin’s 7/8 coed team.
Lake Shore Basketball’s mini 5/6 Coed Division also spread their wings by fielding two teams that competed at a higher level in post-season tournaments.
Although the Lake Shore Basketball season ended with regulation play, additional events took place in the Intramural division to give the kids extra play opportunities. Many divisions held in-house All-Star games, nominating talented duos from each team. The All-Star game was particularly meaningful for the 15/17 year olds as many seniors, having grown up through the league, stepped onto the court for a final run in a Lake Shore Basketball uniform.
Some long-term coaches also ended their tenure with the organization. “This is my retirement year since my son Chuck has aged out,” noted Brandt. “I never imagined I’d be coaching boys basketball, but I have loved it since day one,” she added.
On the other end of the spectrum, the little girls of the 5/6 coed division gathered for an all pink, all girls, “Girls Night Out” game. With only 17 girls in the predominantly male, 80 player coed division, it was an opportunity for the girls to level the playing field and showcase what they can contribute on the court. Every girl in attendance sunk a basket during the game, competed in half-time games, and hula-hooped on the sidelines as they waited to substitute in.
“The Girls Night Out game was a great ending to a great season,” observed parent and LSB Board member Jennifer Shadle. “It really gave the girls their moment in the spotlight and showed that girls can play too!”
The push now for Lake Shore Basketball is to look for opportunities for kids to play year round. Many players are exploring competitive AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) play or are signing up for spring leagues. The summer will also include drop-in play options as LSB looks to renew their permit for outdoor court use, and the league anticipates looking ahead to the second annual 3 on 3 “Triple Threat” Tournament later this summer.
The long-term goal is for kids of all ages to have fun playing basketball, learn the sport through enhanced fundamental teaching, and create wonderful childhood memories as they grow up with Lake Shore Basketball.