The Hoops High Blog

How Hoops High changed me

2010-05-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Nayati Johnson and my job for Hoops High is an announcer. Hoops High isn't only a job that inspires its also a safe haven for high school students while living in the hard streets of Chicago. Hoops High is a great place to be if you are interested in video producing. I came into hoops high in the summer of 2008 , my first year in hoops high i was on CBS news Chicago for my help with Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics. I really think Hoops high is a place where you not only work but where you also have fun and meet new friends.

-Nayati Johnson Jr.-Sophomore at Collins Academy

fsm fundraising-free spirit media

2010-04-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

The FSM fundraiser is coming up, One of the biggest things right now for Hoops High and Free Spirit Media .It is to help us buy new equipment. We are also doing a live switch to let our supporters give us more support .The fundraiser allows for the supporters of Hoops High and free spirit media,To see what we learn and what we love to do.It should be fun.We have several members of the Hoops High crew

Sheora Hart (Sideline Reporter)

2010-04-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hi I am Sheora Hart a senior at North Lawndale College Prep. This is my first year working with HoopsHIGH and it has made such a difference in my life. Before working here my mind was set on a totally different field when I reach college. This experience has broadened my horizons when it comes down to choices I make and where I see myself in the future. I had my mind set on being a Business major but I was not sure which field of business I would major in. I loved cooking so I figured why not major in that? However, cooking would only get a person so far, and I wanted more. When I began working here I was not sure what I was stepping into, I just realy wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something I would not normally go for. I had never seen myself working a camera, editng games, announcing, sideline reporting producing, or even sideline reporting, but here I am.
After joining this crew it changed what I thought I enjoyed doing for a long time. I found talents within myself that I never knew were there to begin with. That made me realize that I have more talents than I let myself believe I have and can do more than I allow my mind and eyes to see. Working here not only made me realize what I had talent wise, but it was also a drive to help me do more and better in school. Whenever I got an award or did a good paper I would come to work and get e-mails congratulating me on doing such a great job at school as well as work. Getting payed is a good thing but there are so many other great things that come with working with HoopsHIGH. Getting noticed for the good things you do and hard work you do makes a person want to work even harder.
Working with HoopsHIGH has been such a great opportunity for me. I meet lots of new important people. It allowed me to make friends with people I never would have hung out with. They are truly understanding and helpful, and whenever i was going through things they never judged. They make sure where ever you are that you are comfortable and you do not feel like you are in any danger. They are very trust worthy and after working with the same people for so long you begin to get used to those faces and it makes you feel like you are a family. HoopsHIGH is much more than a job or something you can just put on a resume and say you did something. HoopsHIGH is a family and an oppotunity to not only do better, but better yourself as a person. So as you can see my expierence working with HoopsHIGH has been a great one and I hope to have the same expirence with any future jobs I receive.

S. Russell's Amazing Experience

2010-04-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have been working with Hoops High for one and a half years and I had a wonderful time and I wish I can have many more adventurous times working with the cast in Hoops High. I got a chance to experience new things and go new places. I also was able to meet new friends while working and I learned how to communicate with different types of people. I learned When ever I made a mistake, I was strongly encouraged to better by my instructors as well as my peers. Therefore, I would highly recommend this program for any and every student who is willing to be challenged in the media field, as well as a person.

Asm's finest

2010-04-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

hoops high as been a great experience for me the three years that i have been doing doing it I have met great chicago celeberities such as Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Scottie Pippen and sports broadcaster Ryan Baker from channel 5 news. Also by me being in hoops high i witness alot of action from great athletes at the high-school level i also get the opportunite to go to all of the high-schools and see there stars. This is also an advantage for my career because i also want to go into the sports field dealing with the media imma have the upper-hand to when it comes time for my career in that announcing booth for real or sitting courtside. This is gives me something fun to do after-school instead of just being out-side getting into trouble. Im also always excited to come to this job because we always have fun no matter what we are doing setting up or wrapping up and we have two great bosses who actually listen to us and take what we say into consideration.

this is how i roll

2010-04-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

When i first started at Hoops High, you wouldn't guess what I thought it was. I actually thought Hoops High was a program focused completely on playing basketball. I thought it was a program similar to the After School Matters program Sports 37. After talking to a former staff member Jesse Weiler, he informed me that Hoops High was a After School Matters program based around filming sports. I love to be on camera not behind, so when my job at Hoops High was a camera women it was quite different for me. Before I was camera women though I chose to be an announcer. That was the most difficult job at Hoops High, but I thought I could conquer it. After seeing that what I was getting myself into wasn't worth it, I soon chose to be a baseline camera. After doing this for two years, and continuously getting hit with the ball, either in the face or ear, I wanted to just give up. I loved Hoops High, but I couldn't keep getting hurt with the ball and being embarrassed in front of a gym room full of people. I got hit so many times I thought I was the ball. After getting a bunch of new faces on the advanced crew, I thought I would change my place, I decided to become the main camera. Ever since I made that decision I have gotten a lot of good reviews, and even a article in the popular teens magazine True Star. In the future I plan to use this special talent of mines to be a minor in college and maybe a second job on the side of my career.

2010-03-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

I have taken a lot of classes that had something to do with broadcasting production. I have always wanted to understand the process of video production and how everything works. With my mind overflowing with interesting thoughts and wonders of the fabulous world of production, I thought what more of a wonderful and exciting way to experience, and take part in the understanding of the production world than to work for HoopsHIGH.

Ever since I have been working for HoopsHIGH, I have fulfilled my goal of comprehending the production world. With the help of Shaun, Ryan and the rest of the hard working crew, they helped me continue establishing the goal of making HoopsHIGH the best of the greatest. I get along with everyone, and I aid in making the process easier upon ourselves. I love being apart of the best crew in town.

I would not take back working for HoopsHIGH for anything in the world. The experience that I have obtained is incredible. If I could, I would have most definitely requested on participating a long time ago. I love the work place. Besides that it is cosy, and comfortable, it's the peers and co-workers that makes it fun working for HoopsHIGH. If I were a person that wanted great instructions in the production filled, I would most definitely tell them to inquire more information about HoopsHIGH. Once you get the hang of it I guarantee you would love it!

Top 10 HoopsHIGH Players

2009-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

HoopsHIGH has covered a plethora of exciting games and players over the years. The following is a list of our top ten Chicago Public League Boys Basketball players of all-time:

1. Jamarcus Ellis, Westinghouse – so creative and tenacious
2. Sherron Collins, Crane – an unstoppable force
3. Luther Head, Manley – the true star in HoopsHIGH’s first ever high school game
4. Will Bynum, Crane – only covered him once, in an all-star game – lit it up!
5. Derrick Rose, Simeon – maybe the best on the list but HH only covered him once, a quiet and undeniable leader
6. Hayward Brown, North Lawndale – heart of a lion, helped build NLCP’s winning tradition
7. Jonathan Mills, North Lawndale – a dominating rebounder and competitor
8. Jamal Brown, Westinghouse – critical in the state championship run
9. Patrick Beverly, Marshall – great alone but always made others better
10. DeAndre Thomas, Westinghouse – incredible hands and balance for a giant

Honorable Mention – Shaun Livingston, Peoria Central; Andre Iguodala, Springfield Lampier; John Taylor, NLCP; Tyron Kent, Crane; Chris Singletary, Farragut; Zilijan Jones, NLCP; Isaiah Evans, NLCP; Tony Bennett, Westinghouse; Jermaine Winfield, NLCP; Kordero Smith, NLCP; Marcus Jordan, Whitney Young; Andrew Ready, Westinghouse; Shawn Smith, Westinghouse; Tony Bennett, Westinghouse … this list could go on, but I should stop.
-Jeff McCarter, Free Spirit Media Executive Director

The Chicago Sky Game

2009-08-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

Recently, our crew had the opportunity to shoot the Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty game. It was great! I met a lot of exciting people, but All-Star player, Candice Dupree, had to be tops. She's a great lady.

Though I spent a lot of time on the court preparing interviews, I'm glad I still had an opportunity to work inside the Columbia van. It has been a highlight for me all summer. I sometimes direct our show during the fall and spring, so it's interesting to see what a career in directing might look like.

I hope we do even more professional work next summer. It has really helped our crew improve our skills. I'm also hoping to see more students in the program who love sports, learning new things, and who are really dedicated to working hard.
-Ashley Shaffer, Senior

I'm enjoying HoopsHIGH because. . .

2009-08-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying HoopsHIGH because it is a good experience. It teaches teens how to develop professional media skills, and be a part of something good. It is fun and gets young people interested in media. I like being a part of HoopsHIGH because it allows students to create a good show, and get in front of the camera.

This is my second year in the summer program. This summer, I hope to learn new editing techniques. I want to be able to get behind a camera or in front of a computer and know exactly what to do, and how to do it.
-Kadija Davidson, 10th grade

Half-way

2009-08-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's past the half-way point of the HoopsHIGH summer program. The most fun thing for me, so far, has been the ability to work with my friends again. This year I'm an intern, no longer an advanced apprentice student, and I'm gaining more knowledge in sports broadcast production.

I've also enjoyed working with the Columbia Crew. This crew is made up of students from Columbia and HoopsHIGH. They use Columbia's professional production truck to learn about sports broadcast production. This allows me to see how things really work in a professional environment.

The Juwan Howard Camp was another high-point for me. We set up the HoopsHIGH control room and cameras, so younger camp students could see how we do our shows.

I hope all of my work will better prepare me for the real world because soon I will be on my own. I'll have bills to pay, and real-world responsibilities. I think this summer internship is helping to prepare me for all of this. I am definitely looking forward to having fun and learning more over these final remaining weeks!
-Donte Payne, Olivet Nazarene University

Back Again

2009-07-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's good to be back. The students in the HoopsHIGH program make television production fun during the summer. Although I am about to return to the University of Illinois as a senior, it's good to work on, and enhance my broadcasting skills. I also enjoy teaching teens what I have learned in this field. Every year around Spring, I get excited about coming back to work with the bright students that have enrolled for the summer.

By the end of the program, I hope the crew learns that the HoopsHIGH experience is one like no other. I want them to realize how important making friends and networking is in this industry. Many of the students have a raw talent with camera work and on-air personality, but I want them to understand how much potential they have to become the best. Self-confidence is key!!!
Antwon Smith, University of Illinois

Start of Summer Program

2009-07-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about the start of the summer program because I have a chance to occupy my time with something useful. I will also be able to learn valuable new skills. I'm so happy that I will be able to meet new people and gain new friendships.

I hope to improve my camera skills over the summer. I want to be able to white balance, zoom, and shoot well-composed shots. I also hope to learn how to be a better sideline reporter and director. I have big ambitions for the summer, and I hope to achieve my goals.
-Taylor McGee, 11th Grade

Columbia College Experience

2009-06-09T10:02:00.001-07:00

Free Spirit Media (the parent organization of HoopsHIGH) and Columbia College have come together to offer us a wonderful opportunity. We are taking a college course for college credit - all for free. This means we actually get hands-on experience working with college students, industry professionals, and millions of dollars worth of equipment. It's so exciting!

I really like being in the Columbia class because I'm a rising Junior in high school and I'm learning what will be expected of me in college. It's a lot of hard work, but we're learning so much. It's also a great addition to my resume.
-Michelle Bradley, 11th Grade

End of the Program

2009-05-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

I feel bad that HoopsHIGH is over for the school year because I had so much fun this year. I learned a lot of new things about media production that I didn't know before. This program has motivated me to follow my dreams.

I've really enjoyed filming and watching games. I think any person who tries this program would really love it too. That's why I am coming back in the summer to learn more about cameras, earn college credit, make money, and have fun with my friends. So, if you're really into learning new and fun things, try out HoopsHIGH. I love it!
-Timothy McBride, 9th Grade

Barack Obama and HoopsHIGH

2009-05-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama has done a great job during his first one hundred days in office- inspiring African Americans all across the country. His work to improve the current economic situation and bring peace over seas has been very impressive.

While Barack is doing an excellent job in office, we could also use his help here in HoopsHIGH. It would be nice to have some assistance with our checks; sometimes they come late. We also work very hard and could use a little increase in pay. Lastly, our crew could improve our shows if we had more equipment.
- Takeyiah Treadwell, 10th Grade

HoopsHIGH's Impact on My Life

2009-05-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hoops High has had a huge impact on my life as a young African American (female) teenager . It has kept me from the harm of the streets of Chicago, and helped me learn to cooperate with my peers on a more professional level. Lastly, Hoops High has helped me learn to work under a lot of pressure.

This program has a really positive impact upon me. It gives me something to look forward to after school that isn't gang related. It keeps me out of trouble. Instead of being outside getting into fights, drugs, and all of the negative things that the mean streets of Chicago has to offer, I am here at HoopsHIGH learning. I've learned how to do things that will actually benefit me as an adult. National broadcasting is something that I have never thought about doing as an career, but after experiencing this program I would love to pursue my dreams as a reporter.
-Jsarques Harris, 10th Grade

A Blast from the Past – HoopsHIGH History in the Making

2008-07-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

It is fun and funny for me to sometimes tune into the weekly HoopsHIGH show on CAN TV (every Saturday at 8 p.m.). Even though I have participated in the production of most every telecast, there is something different about watching at home. I am powerless to make any changes, and there is nothing left to do but go along for the ride. Last night, due to the transition from our spring to our summer production schedule, we reran a blast from the past: Westinghouse vs. Manley from January of 2001. This was the very first high school game that HoopsHIGH ever covered. While the production standards were not as strong as they are now (or where we aim for them to be), the show was pretty incredible. Kim – the play-by-play/color-commentator (she did them both) – was super-informative. I knew she was smart when I met her in 2000, but hearing her last night – and thinking of the 20+ announcers we have had since – I think her basketball / broadcasting IQ might be the highest we have had yet. It was so cool to see the Westinghouse gym, to see the likes of Jamal Washington, Jamal Brown, Richard Russell, Clyde Crosby, and of course, Chris Head. It was also so special to see Luther Head as a high school kid doing his thing – making steals, dunks, circus shots, and then missing a three that would have tied the game with four seconds left. I showed my daughter the screen and told her that she was watching history; the gym that she came to as a baby (where the HoopsHIGH crew always made sure to get of a shot of her) is no longer there. It is amazing how time moves along, bringing changes, and turning pages in places and lives. I wonder where Kim is now. I know where HoopsHIGH is now: in a constant state of motion, striving for excellence and working through challenges along the way. I am so grateful for everyone and everything that has helped the program grow, and there is much history still to be written.

Welcome to the new HoopsHIGH Blog!

2008-06-10T10:13:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned to this blog for schedules, updates, photos, and videos.

Make sure to check out HoopsHIGH on CAN TV Channel 19 in Chicago, Saturdays at 8pm.

We appreciate your feedback, so don't forget to leave us comments about our shows on this blog!

Check out the 2008 HoopsHIGH show intro:

More to come soon!