BCAC Shamrock Summer Shootout Is Back!

By Dan Guarino

The kids, the coaches, sharp whistles and sounds of basketballs hitting pavement, loud applause, excitement and shouts of encouragement and directions from the crowd are all back as the Broad Channel Athletic Club (BCAC) once again brings its Shamrock Summer Shootout basketball program to the Channel’s 17th Road Park.

Going strong for more than 27 years, the Summer Shootout brings together hundreds of boys and girls to learn the basics of basketball and teamwork, and most of all, have fun. This year, the program started on Monday, June 9, and has been taking place each Monday through Thursday night with as many as four matches being played each evening between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

As it was last year, the BCAC noted this season is dedicated “in memory of our greatest supporter and biggest fan, Monsignor Richard Ahlemeyer.” Ahlemeyer, a Broad Channel native and pastor of the St. Virgilius-St. Camillus combined parish, sadly passed away in May of last year. Every bright colored team shirt worn on the courts is now dedicated with the initials “MRA” on their sleeves.

The program is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 12 years old. It consists of the Tykes Division with Pre-K/Kindergarten ages 5-6, and Peanuts Division with Grades 1/2 ages 7-8. There is also the Rascal Division, Grades 3/4 ages 9-10, and Junior Division opened to Grades 5/6 players ages 11-12.

Deeply involved in the annual program, the BCAC’s Jessica Guttieri said, “Summer basketball started many years ago when I was just a kid. I’m not sure who officially started it, but I know Chuck Willsen was heavily involved. Marty Feeney brought the program back to life more than 10 years ago. Pat and Jack Palmese have always been an integral part of the program back when Chuck was involved through this year.”

Marty Feeney, a dedicated part of the BCAC throughout the year, recalls the revived program started in 2015 “in my backyard. Myself, Heidi Monahan, Pat and Jack Palmese, Michelle Greene and a few others put (it) together.” Though paused during the pandemic, in 2022, the program returned just as 17th Road Park was finishing a complete renovation. Today, Feeney notes, “the league is strong.”

Guttieri confirmed, “Roughly 300 kids have signed up this year. Children kindergarten age through sixth grade participate in this program.” Among them are children from Broad Channel, Howard Beach and across the Rockaways.

She noted, “This year we have eight” generous sponsors who support the Summer Shootout. These include Healy’s Pub, Councilwoman Joann Ariola, Century 21, Avid Architecture, Adriano Plumbing, The McDermott Family, Sonny’s Collision and the Jenny Albert Sea Turtle Foundation.

BCAC’s Caroline Feeney explained, “The Summer Shootout is a community-based youth basketball program that focuses on more than just teaching kids how to play the game. It’s about building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and creating a positive environment for players of all skill levels. Whether a child is picking up a basketball for the first time or already has some experience, there’s a place for them in the program.”

As such, Feenery said the league “is structured to balance development and competition. Younger age groups focus more on learning the fundamentals, while older divisions keep score and have official referees, giving them a more traditional game-day experience.”

This year, the program will run for approximately 6-7 weeks, including regular season games, playoffs, and championship matchups for the older divisions. Games are held Monday through Thursday evenings, with about two to four games scheduled each night on both courts totaling dozens of games by the end of the season.

Feeney currently serves as Coordinator for the Boys Division, covering grades 3 through 6, with her role involving a wide range of responsibilities. “I organize the player draft, build the game schedule, manage game day logistics, and serve as the main point of contact for parents and families,” Feeney said. “We typically have volunteer coaches, scorekeepers, and referees, —and we’re always looking for more people who want to get involved and make a difference.”

Each year, besides providing the exercise, fun and excitement of play, the Summer Shootout also instills other valuable elements. As Feeney said, “Beyond dribbling, shooting, and learning the rules of the game, we place a strong emphasis on life skills that kids can carry with them long after the season ends. Sportsmanship, communication, perseverance, and respect—for teammates, coaches, and opponents—are all values we work to instill through the program.”

Indeed, one of its most valuable aspects is the social experience. “For many kids, it’s a chance to make new friends, connect with others outside their usual school circle, and try something that may be completely new to them,” Feeney said. “I’m always impressed by the courage it takes for a young player to step onto the court with a new coach and unfamiliar teammates.

“What kids seem to enjoy most is the sense of belonging—being part of a team, working toward a common goal, and simply having fun. They love the excitement of game day, the friendships they form, and the supportive environment that allows them to grow as players and people.”

For Feeney, a favorite part “is watching the kids grow not just as basketball players, but as individuals. We have players who return year after year, so seeing them develop as an athlete and gradually gain confidence is incredibly rewarding. Watching a group of kids come together as a team learning how to support one another, celebrate wins, and handle setbacks—is what makes all the effort worthwhile.”

That, and the fun and excitement, is what truly keeps the BCAC Shamrock Summer Shootout coming back year after year.

 Photos by Dan Guarino.