Sky Chiefs make a difference

Posted 1/6/16

The Cranston YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Greater Providence, and the Providence Sky Chiefs, Rhode Island’s only professional basketball team, held a free basketball clinic for boys and girls in …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

Sky Chiefs make a difference

TEAM SPIRIT: Cory Guglietti, executive director of the Cranston YMCA, is pictured along with members of the Providence Sky Chiefs who volunteered for a free youth basketball clinic on Dec. 30. Seen, from left, are Deshaune Green, Ryan Martin, Brandon Dawson, Lee Vazquez, head coach Kyle Ivey-Jones, Corey Evans, and executive Chuck Watson.

Herald photos by Steve Popiel

STRIKE A POSE: Posing with young players at the free basketball clinic are, back row from left, Ryan Martin, Corey Evans, head coach Kyle Ivey-Jones, Brandon Dawson, Lee Vazquez, and executive Chuck Watson; and at front, Deshaune Green.

Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2016 2:14 pm

The clinic allowed young players to get tips and pointers from Sky Chiefs stars. The team’s head coach, Kyle Ivey-Jones, was also on hand to talk with young people about the importance of going to school and keeping up with their academics.

Approximately 80 children in grades K-8 were on hand to listen to coaches and work with players.

The clinic was part of the Y’s Families Play Free Week, which the Cranston location offers during every school vacation. A signature event or performance is typically held as part of each week.

“During this time of year, families are looking for activities to do together, and parents want to get kids out of the house. We know at the YMCA that finances can be an issue, especially after the Christmas holiday, so that is one of the many reasons we offer our Families Play Free Week. We also want to show everyone how the YMCA benefits the whole family,” said Cory Guglietti, executive director of the Cranston YMCA.

Members of the Sky Chiefs, including Deshaune Green, Brandon Dawson, Ryan Martin, Lee Vazquez, and Corey Evans, conducted drills and provided instruction for the boys and girls. In addition, Ivey-Jones and Ryan Martin, a physical education teacher in Maine who once held the title of Mr. Basketball in Maine, discussed the importance of working hard in the classroom as well as on the basketball court.

“The Sky Chiefs will be holding more of these types of events throughout the state,” said Chuck Watson, vice president of special operations for the Sky Chiefs and a graduate of Cranston High School East. “We are also looking forward to our new home court at Johnson & Wales University.”

The Sky Chiefs debuted in 2014-15 as part of the American Basketball Association. In its inaugural season, the team captured the 2015 East Regional Championship and the 2015 BENRUS Pro Basketball Championship.

The Sky Chiefs will open the 2015-16 season on Jan. 10 when the team hosts the New England Shamrocks at 6 p.m. at Johnson & Wales University. For more information, follow the Sky Chiefs on Facebook or visit www.providenceskychiefs.com.