Highw
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Small Fry Basketball OM
International Champions 1997, 1998 & 1999
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Highw International Champions 1997, 1998 & 1999
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Founded 1969
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Highwood Small Fry Family, All of you have seen our 2008 slogan below the logo on our game shorts “Livin’ the Dream”. It was the answer former HSF dad and coach, Brian Early, gave us every time he’d describe his Highwood Small Fry experience Recently, Coach Early perished in a plane crash while flying his single-engine plane. He had flown to watch his son, Jason, who is a senior guard on the Lynchburg College basketball team in Lynchburg, Va. Returning home with Jason for Thanksgiving break, they met terrible fog which resulted in a missed landing. Jason survived but sustained serious injuries to both legs and a hand. Last week, he returned home after multiple surgeries and is rehabbing with the hope to return to school to finish his senior year. Jason played three year for Highwood Small Fry and was a member of the 1999 International Championship team. In 2000, He and his dad coached our youngest Rookie team. A job transfer resulted in the Early family moving to Radnor, Pa. where Brian started the Early Agency, a division of Northwestern Mutual. Coach Early kept a close eye on Highwood Small Fry remaining close to Coach Reich. He even surprised the 2003 team by showing up unexpectedly to the International Tournament in Orlando support his former players. Coach is survived by his wife Kathy, Jason, and daughter Molly. Those that knew him feel a big void as he touched so many in such a positive way. He was a warm and loving dad, husband, coach and friend. So, cherish every Small Fry moment as you’re “Livin’ the Dream”. 2008 Highwood Small Fry Varsity Game Schedule 2008 Highwood Small Fry Rookie Game Schedule Directions and maps to all game sites can be found at www.smallfrybasketball.com Click on Midwest or Windy City to find locations.
2008 Highwood Small Coaching Staff w/ Updated Bios 2008 Highwood Small Fry Practice Schedule
Our MissionAny basketball program is only as strong as its philosophy and a staff to implement it. Our goal has always been to be a teaching program in a fun, disciplined environment. Our staff consists of coaches that volunteer to coach their traveling teams, and are paid a minimal fee to teach at the instructional and developmental programs. Their rewards are a trip to the International Tournament each year and the joy of coaching the top basketball players for their size and age in all of the northern suburbs. None of our coaches are fathers of the players, which makes the selection of players and playing time a decision of merit alone.
Our Rich TraditionHighwood Small Fry has a rich tradition started by Ozzie Mazzetta in 1969. He recognized the need for a program for advanced players participating in the Highwood Recreation Center’s house league. He joined Small Fry Basketball and felt that its unique concept was a perfect fit to offer these players. It was an opportunity to travel around the Chicago and Southern Wisconsin areas, to play the best competition and to participate in an exciting Small Fry International Tournament to close the season. Over his 37 years, Ozzie has been Highwood Small Fry’s first coach, fundraiser, and president, and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Marvin Baker joined Highwood Small Fry in 1970. He has been coach, president and he has organized our yearbook year after year, until he departed our program a few years back. Vince Donofrio joined Ozzie and Marvin in 1972. Vince has been a coach, finance director and is now the President of the Highwood Small Fry Board of Directors. As the program has grown, Highwood has become the biggest organization in all of Small Fry. We currently support two franchised Varsity teams, three Rookie teams, and our own instructional and developmental programs internally. In 1997, 1998, and 1999, our top Varsity team won the International Championship with the guidance of Head Coach Verne Reich, who has been the Highwood Heat head coach for 24 years. A “3-peat” hasn’t been accomplished since 1978. In our recent years, due to a rich tradition, size and coaching/program philosophy, Highwood has attracted many of the top guards in the northern suburbs. Each year there are over 30 players on local high school varsity & college teams that we’re proud to say came from our Highwood Small Fry programs. Currently 5 alums are playing college basketball. Recent Highwood players have come from as far southwest as Naperville and Western Springs, to as far north as Gurnee.
Contact Information
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Last modified:
Saturday April 28, 2007 10:48 AM
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Heat
Take 3rd Place in Orlando!
