Maine Hoops Club Philosophy

Maine Hoops Club Philosophy

Creating basketball opportunities for players of all ability levels where Sportsmanship and Player Development are the focus. Maine Hoops believes basketball can teach many of life’s lessons on the court, if character and fair play are always part of the process.

After a two year hiatus from the club scene, the Maine Hoops Basketball Club, Maine’s most storied and overall successful club is back and moving forward with it’s positive approach to the club scene. It just a short month the Maine Hoops program has over 100 kids participating in the Fall League.

However, the most exciting early news is the commitment from the Maine Ballers, last years 16U State Champions and the Maine Fusion, last year’s 15U State Runner-ups, decision to play under the Maine Hoops club name next spring. Maine Hoops is excited to have these two clubs as part of the program as both subscribe to the above philosophy. Some of the top Juniors in the State, 6 of the Wiz’s Top 10 sophomores (Allen, Cooper, McCue, Amabile, Distasio, Keaney)all participated with this team last year. 4 more (Kapothanasis, Hersome, Berry and Black)were in the Wiz Top 20. The 15U Team is loaded with similar talent.

Both of these teams realize the benefits of playing with a club that not only promotes the positive in player development but has the experience and knowledge of the club and tournament scene to ensure players have the best opportunity to succeed. Maine Hoops is the only club in the State with their own facility for players to take advantage of. The club will also be adding full access to a Gym in Waterville as they look to spread their programs.

Current Staff

Club Director and Coach Lenny Holmes – Few in the Amateur Basketball Scene can match Coach Holmes experience as a player, coach and administrator. Coach Holmes has coached some of the state’s top talent over the years and has won multiple AAU State Championships and has taken teams to numerous National Events. Coach Holmes is coaching a couple of teams this Fall but will concentrate on the top 17U and 16U team next year.

Club Administrator Mike Jefferds – While Coach Jefferds is relatively new to the AAU Scene he has been tireless in his efforts to bring up the standards of events and now the growth of the Maine Hoops Club. Mike grew up playing in the Art Dyer system at Westbrook, so he is well schooled in the fundamentals of basketball. His passion is coaching the youth teams in the Hoops program.

Club Coach and Girls Director Denise Holmes – Denise is a veteran to the Girl’s basketball scene as she has coached top players at every level. Her Maine Hoops 15U team last year won the state championship. Her relentless positive attitude and encouragement of female players make her a perfect role mode for all the female players in the Maine Hoops program.

Walter Phillips – The former electric player for Deering High School brings the same energy and passion to the Maine Hoops program. Walter’s upbeat charismatic personality, is a trait that is hard to beat. Walter has been doing individual instruction and team coaching in the Portland area the past several years. He is now ready to take this to a new level in the Maine Hoops Program.

These are the current coaching staff but more will definitely me added in the near future. Every coach in the program will adhere to the Maine Hoops Philosophy or they will not be coaching for the club very long. Maine Hoops is committed to providing any Maine basketball player who is looking to improve their game the opportunity to do so in a positive and enriching environment.