Helena Boys Basketball Helping Develop Next Generation

It’s just after 2 p.m. on another Monday in the capital city and the Helena High boys basketball team is once again shooting hoops a block away from The Jungle at Bryant Elementary School. “You’re kind of put into a whole different world. I get to be a kid again,” said Alex Johnson. Bengals head coach Brandon Day says the weekly tradition started right after Christmas. “The community gives so much to our boys through fundraising and support so we feel like it’s a very important thing for them to give back,” said Brandon Day. The Bengals spend the first 30 minutes after their school day ends helping young Panthers with PE, reading, or math. Lindsey Day says it’s hard to tell who has more fun each afternoon. “These guys come in with such great energy and my Bryant kids just love it. They think these kids are celebrities so it’s fun. They look up to them immensely and I think it’s just so great for them to give back to the community and this is their way to give back,” said Lindsey Day. Alex Johnson says the experience provides a key opportunity as well as a brief escape. “You’re stressed out in high school and you’re working hard on your tests and all that stuff. But then you just get to go hang out with little kids and realize that everything is kind of a game for them. They have so much fun doing everything. I love being there. School is more important than sports obviously. It’s really important to show that we can be students as well,” said Alex Johnson. Coach Day agrees that demonstrating both sides of the term “student-athlete” to the next generation is essential. “We want good citizens above all things and I think this helps develop that. It definitely builds team chemistry. We hope that those younger kids see some positive role models,” said Brandon Day. The Bengal boys will continue to visit the Panthers on every possible Monday throughout the regular season.