Updates and Announcements

Escalades Players and Parents,

Ryan Kriftcher and I will be co-directing the Escalades going forward. Ryan has been a pivotal part of the Escalades since 2021, and I know that with his basketball knowledge and experience working with kids, we will take Escalades to the next level.  

Over the past couple of spring seasons, we have struggled with getting full-time commitments from players, often resulting in both practices and games with less than adequate numbers. In order to combat this issue, we will be transforming our format into two parts - full-time players (practices and games) and skills development only players.

Full-time players are expected to make all practices and games/tournaments, unless there is an emergency or long-standing conflict, in which advance notice should be given to the coaches. Of course we appreciate that many of our players will be playing other spring sports and will be forced to miss occasional practices and/or games. Practices will be competitive and will consist of both individual skill work as well as team preparation for games and tournaments. This will allow our full-time players to build comradery and develop as a team in order to compete against other talented tri-state programs.

Skills development only players will not need the same level of commitment and will have the opportunity to work with our coaches multiple times per week to enhance his or her abilities without the game preparation portion of practice or games/tournaments on weekends. Recognizing parent requests, the skills clinics will also include many strength/agility drills, which we believe will help the players grow in all sports. Youth basketball these days is unfortunately resulting in many players only competing in game after game, but we as coaches believe skills development focus is critical to basketball success and will be the reason many of them will make his or her middle school, high school, or possibly college team one day. Rest assured, the skills clinics will offer opportunities for both newer and experienced players, and we will do our best to match players of comparable abilities.  

We are hopeful that this revised format will provide an opportunity for all of the boys and girls in the Escalades program to make the most out of this spring season. Escalades has always prioritized inclusivity over anything else, and this allows us to continue to welcome all players while tailoring to each of their basketball aspirations. Please see the Spring 2025 Season registration for more information.

I’m excited about Ryan’s co-directorship and these changes will benefit Escalades in many ways. If you have any questions, please reach out to either of us at contact information below.

Best,

Mike Finnen, Program Founder & Co-Director

• Full Synergy League schedule (subject to change) can be found under the "Events" tab shown above.
• Other Gym Closure Dates/Time for January 2025:
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20th, 2025 (Monday) - Schools closed - No practice
• Lunar New Year: January 29th, 2025 (Wednesday) - Schools closed - No practice
• East Side Escalades Adds Incentive Program: We are adding an incentive program for parents and players who bring good teammates to the Escalades.
• 20% off registration for any paying player brought in 
• $200 gift certificate for gear for any scholarship player brought in who lasts one year and is in good standing