NEWPORT HIGH SCHOOL KNIGHTS
GIRLS BASKETBALL
TRAVIS WHITAKER - HEAD COACH
To:
Newport Basketball Families
From:
Travis Whitaker
First, I would like to welcome everyone to our Newport basketball family! Our
coaching staff is extremely excited for the upcoming 2012-2013 season. I am hoping to
make this the most positive experience possible for everyone involved and continue with
the foundation that we have built in my ten years, making a tremendous program at
Newport High School. This parent’s manual is provided so that your family can have a
greater understanding of the Newport Girls Hoops Program and the objectives that we as
a coaching staff and booster club will be working towards. We have pleased to have great
continuity this season in our coaching staff, so our expectations are to continue the great
success we have found in the 4A ranks! It is important to me that this program exudes
positive energy throughout the school as well as the community. This will be a program
that prides itself on the court as well as in the classroom. Again, I am extremely excited to
continue down the path that we have been on in the KingCo 4A Conference! As always,
the ultimate goal will remain working towards an opportunity to advance on to the WIAA
State Tournament! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you
may have.
Travis Whitaker
Head Girls Basketball Coach
Newport High School
(425) 445-6731
twhit22@gmail.com
NEWPORT BASKETBALL HANDBOOK
November 12, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Welcome
2. Table of Contents
3. Philosophy of Newport Basketball
4. Objectives of Newport Basketball
5. Game Schedules
7. Eligibility
8. Academics
9. Booster Club
10. Tryouts

Selection and Placement Philosophies

Tryout Sheet – Areas of Evaluation
11. Practices
12. Off-Season Program
13. Handout

Winners Make the Choice
NEWPORT GIRLS BASKETBALL
Philosophy
Our philosophy for the Newport Girls Hoops Program is to stress the importance of
specific tools that can be attained through being part of a team and the importance of these
tools off the court. The student/athletes in our program will learn the importance of work
ethic, integrity, trust, loyalty and pride, among other things. These positive life traits will be
taught through the competition of basketball in our program. I believe as a coach it is
important for me to follow these guidelines strictly and be a role model for the rest of the
program to follow. I also feel that it is my job to demand these things from the
student/athletes in our program and to set those elements as an expectation to all who are
part of the Newport Girls Hoops Program.
Our coaching philosophy lies in building self-confidence in our players, and the team as
a whole. To do this, we try and focus on positives rather than negatives, on what we could have
done differently rather than what we did wrong, and what we need to improve rather than our
ineffectiveness. We will play a disciplined style of basketball. We will be extremely aggressive
and take a great deal of pride in all aspects of our play. Most importantly we will function as a
TEAM, many individuals working as ONE to support each other and the goals of the group. The
Newport Girls Hoops Program will strive to be competitive, both athletically and academically
with all other member schools in the KingCo 4A Conference and in the state.
Elements of the Newport Girls Hoops Program
**Each of these traits must be equally important for success to occur.
WORK ETHIC
Work ethic means that we are all giving 110% at all times. Together, we will learn what it
means to give all out effort and the importance of being self-motivated on and off the court.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is defined as an adherence to a code of values. This idea encompasses everything that
we want to be as a program and that means presenting ourselves in a manner that will garner
respect from our peers, competitors and community.
TRUST
To trust is to have confidence in each other and believe in what we are striving to accomplish.
It is replacing any fear or reservations with belief and confidence.
LOYALTY
Loyalty is imperative to success when working with others. This is the ability to be constantly
faithful to another person or cause, out of love and respect.
PRIDE
And finally, pride is something that should exude from our program. To truly adhere to all of
the aspects of our program is important, but equally important is to take pride in doing so and
enjoying the fruits of that labor.
Objectives:
The goals of the Newport Girls Hoops Program are as follows:
1. Select the most deserving players who will represent Newport High School and its
community with great sportsmanship and fair play.
2. Create a feeling within the players of love and excitement for the game of basketball.
3. Key on the importance of being a great student and role model in the classroom first.
4. The coaching staff to provide a positive environment for athletes throughout the
program. We will also share our knowledge on the game of basketball in order to most
benefit the athlete to succeed at the highest level possible.
Expectations:
The Elements of the Newport Girls Hoops Program are the basis for all expectations for
the student/athlete. It is important that this program begin to work together for one common
goal, that goal being that we all are working to become the best team, both mentally and
physically, that we possibly can be, and doing that in the right way. In order to do that,
together we all must emphasize the following attributes:
 Academics first, athletics second
 Always be a positive role model
 Be respectful and courteous to all
 Sacrifice individual goals for team goals
 Give all you can give at all times
 Never waste any opportunity to get better
 Be punctual and dependable
Student/Athlete Learning Outcomes:
The following will explain the student/athlete learning outcomes that will result from
participating in the Newport Girls Hoops Program.
I. Learn all aspects of what teamwork means.
II. Consistently use good sportsmanship at all times.
III. Understand personal strengths and weaknesses – embrace both of these and
stay within their personal abilities in order to best help the team
IV. Work hard to develop skills that will help them perform at the highest level
possible for each individual.
V. Assume responsibility at all times for your actions.
Parents are also a very important part of the success of the student/athlete in
accomplishing the goals of the program. Their understanding and cooperation help establish
positive feelings in the realization of these goals. Parents should:
I. Teach and model good sportsmanship, not only at home, but also at games.
II. Help develop self-confidence in their student/athlete.
III. Teach their student/athlete to develop a strong commitment to the activity.
IV. Have a “team” attitude in regard to the program.
V. Strive to understand the points of view of: 1) your child, 2) other athletes and
parents, and 3) the coaching staff
Conclusion:
This is a very exciting and challenging opportunity for all of us. As a member of the
Newport Girls Hoops Program, these girls will become a very visible part of the student body. It
is important that we all carry ourselves with dignity and respect and strive to earn the respect
of our school, community and competitors. By our doing so we will ensure the continuation of
this positive experience for those who follow in our footsteps. I am excited to go through this
process with all of you, and to put the Newport Knights at the top of the KingCo 4A Conference
as an example of success, pride, and respect. GO KNIGHTS!!
Game Schedules for 2012-2013 Season:
The entire 2012-2013 game schedules for all three teams will be posted on our website,
www.newportgirlsbasketball.com. Please be a frequent visitor and check out all that the
website offers, including the game schedules, practice schedules, rosters, stats, special offers
and announcements, and MUCH MUCH MORE!!
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to try out for the Newport Girls Hoops Program, the following
must be completed prior to participation in tryouts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Complete All Bellevue School District Forms
Complete all Newport High School Forms
Pay Transportation & Sport Participation Fee
Current Physical
Complete Newport High School Player Contract
Pass Newport Girls Hoops Grade Report (done by AD)
Academics
Academics come first in the Newport Girls Hoops Program. We will continually keep up
with each of our player’s academic standings throughout the entire school year. In the eleven
years of coaching experience that I have had, it is an extremely rare occurrence that a student
does not reflect their same classroom habits on the basketball floor as well. Newport High
School has one of the best academic reputations in the state and our basketball program will
uphold this reputation and be something that the high school can be proud of. Attendance is a
vital part of being a successful student and therefore will also be monitored throughout the
school year. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated.
Booster Club
The Newport High School Girls Basketball Program will have a very strong and active
booster club (NGH). Our board members are as follows:
President/CTT Coordinator
12th Grade Rep/CTT Coordinator:
11th Grade Rep/CTT Rep:
11th Grade Rep/Treasurer/Fundraising:
10th Grade Rep/Secretary:
9th Grade Rep/Fundraising:
Ex-officio (Head Coach):
Ex-Officio (NbK Head Coach/Offseason Coordinator):
Ex-officio (NGBA Rep):
Paul Gobel
Karen Moretti
Svetlana Crabtree
Monica Day
Pamela Wood
Casey Hillyer
Travis Whitaker
Marisa Whitaker
Ken Kelley
Among other important aspects to the board, they head up our fundraising (most
notably – Cold Turkey Tournament & Challenge Knight), sponsoring of our off-season programs
(Spring/Fall NbK teams – Summer NHS teams) and organizing support for our girls and teams
events. With strong leadership we have a tremendous start, but these efforts cannot be done
without volunteered support from all of our families. Please see our website,
www.newportgirlsbasketball.com if you are interested in helping out in any way!
Tryouts
Tryouts take place Monday, November 12th, and run through Wednesday, November
14th. This is our philosophy behind the selection of each player:
1. Must have all eligibility forms turned in to participate in tryouts.
2. An underclassman must make the potential playing rotation in order to move up to
a higher team of skill.
Example: Elin is a junior and will play on the junior varsity team if the
coaching staff does not perceive Elin to be in the playing rotation on the
varsity team at the completion of tryouts.
Example: Ella is a freshman and will play on the frosh/soph team if the
coaching staff does not perceive Ella to be in the playing rotation on the junior
varsity team at the completion
of tryouts.
3. However, players may move up to the next level if the player becomes part of the
playing rotation at anytime. In other words, players that improve can move up to
the next level at anytime if they make the playing rotation at that level.
TRYOUTS: AREAS OF EVALUATION
Mental
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Team Oriented
Coachable
Dependable
Dedication
Classroom Success
Knowledge of Basketball
Poise
Respect: player to coach, coach to player, player to player
Commitment to the Program
Physical
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Overall Athletic Ability
Physical Conditioning
Defensive Attitude and Comprehension of Concepts
Shooting
Quickness
Speed
Passing/Ball Handling
Vertical Jumping Ability
Physical Strength
Practices
The entire practice schedule will be posted on our website on the CALENDAR,
www.newportgirlsbasketball.com.
Note: Practice times could change because of gym
conflicts and other unforeseen acts, with the
website also being the reference for such
occurrences. If school is excused and/or canceled, all
scheduled games and practices are also canceled
unless otherwise noted.
Practice is mandatory Monday through Saturday (when held) and is only excused by
illness and/or prior arrangements that are excused by the coach. Failure to be excused from
practice will result in a one game suspension. If a player is injured and are unable to practice,
they are still expected to attend practice and watch. If a student is ill from school, they are not
permitted to participate in practice or game on that day. Any player who does not participate
in practice the day prior to a game is not permitted to start. All other playing time and/or role
determinations based on absences or illness is left to the discretion of the Newport Girls Hoops
coaching staff. A player must also follow Newport High School attendance policies in order to
be eligible to practice and/or participate in a game. Any phone calls to excuse a child from
practice must be made before 12:00pm on the day of the practice.
Off-Season Program
The Newport Girls Hoops Program always has a busy off-season program scheduled. We
divide our off-season into three parts – Spring (NbK), Summer (NHS) and Fall (NbK). Each piece
is mutually exclusive, functions differently in many ways, and provides a different type of
opportunity for our kids in the Newport Girls Hoops Program.
Offseason teams in spring/fall have no direct affiliation to Newport High School and is
not a requirement to participate in if you are on the high school teams – these are operated as
AAU teams (called NbK) utilizing Newport student athletes only. The team is sponsored in part
by our booster club, NGH, and is coached by Marisa Whitaker, an individual outside of the high
school program’s coaching staff. This is a highly competitive season and is a very big
commitment, offered to those kids looking to improve on their individual abilities through top
notch competition. Tryouts are held mid-March with practice 2 days a week, as well as 4-5
tournaments between March and May. We are working towards providing an opportunity for a
second team to participate during this period, as coaching and participation allows. Fall NbK
teams are selected in mid-September, play in a local fall league and practice 2 days/week.
Winter Conditioning also takes place in the fall beginning in mid-October for all athletes.
The summer program is a Newport High School promoted opportunity where the NHS
coaching staff will again take over coaching duties and will be a separate entity from the spring
activities. This is also a highly competitive period, but the focus lies more in improving the
functioning and understanding of the NHS system and team play, as guided by the NHS coaching
staff. We offer two teams (Varsity & JV) and try to accommodate any and all kids that wish to
participate. While offering our opportunities, we encourage student athletes to participate in a
variety of different activities, especially during the summer months. Therefore, our summers
will be filled with opportunities to participate and improve from leagues, tournaments and
camps so that hopefully we can catch you at some point!
WINNERS MAKE THE CHOICE
Newport Girls Basketball Makes the Choice

To get something out of all situations, rather than complain about them.

To hustle, rather than dog it.

To be prepared, rather than just show up.

To be consistent, rather than just occasional

To be early, rather than just on time - or late.

To want to learn, rather than want to explain or excuse.

To do more, rather than just enough - or less.

To be mentally tough, rather than mentally lazy or intimidated.

To concentrate on what to do, rather than what may result.

To be aggressive, rather than passive - or submissive.

To know their limitations, rather than try to do more than they are capable of.

To think about solutions, rather than worry about the problem.

To accept adversity as part of the game and grow from what you learn,
rather than magnify the adverse conditions and seek sympathy.

To share with and help others, rather than be selfish.

To think and act positively, rather than negatively.

To think of how you can best help your team, rather than how you can best
help yourself.