Deft dribblers

The Midway Mini Dribblers enter their performance single file.

Nearly 40 fourth- and fifth-graders, a kindergartner and a second-grader dribble basketballs and perform stunts with names like the Pocahontas dribble, Quick Hands, the Blind Man Walk dribble and the Butterfly.

The Midway Mini Dribblers have worked hard at perfecting a synchronized five-minute routine they perform during halftimes at area basketball games.

The performers are students at Midway Elementary School in the Mead School District. They began practicing after the winter holidays and have learned a lot about responsibility, respect and self-esteem.

“I try to teach them the importance of being on a team without the competition. Respect for others as well as themselves is one of our rules,” Ramon Faria, volunteer coach, said. The respect is apparent as they work together on the routine, keeping in sync with their fellow teammates.

Many of the dribblers were inexperienced, but you wouldn’t know it. Their dexterity and coordination has improved by leaps and bounds.

Mini Dribbler Sarah Sheikh said that dribbling is fun. Her mother said the experience has been nothing but positive.

“There is phenomenal control, respect and encouragement … it’s all positive.” Melany Sheikh said. “It’s pretty cool and fun to perform. I’ve learned a lot of new stuff,” Mini Dribbler Taylor Coffell said.

Kimberlyn Tutt’s mother, Danielle Tutt, said Mini Dribblers has been a good learning experience and has brought her daughter out of her shell.

The season schedule includes performances at Mt. Spokane High School, Mead High School, Whitworth College and Spokane Falls Community College. The big finale will be in February at the men’s basketball game at Gonzaga University.

During practice, Farias asked his dribblers a random question loud enough for all to hear, “What happens when you lose a shoe?” In unison they replied, “You keep going!”