The University of Idaho men’s basketball program brought its coaching staff and roster to Sandpoint High School on Thursday to lead a youth skills clinic, offering area young athletes instruction in fundamentals and the chance to interact with collegiate-level players.
The two-hour event featured five separate drills designed to develop defensive prowess, shooting accuracy, and ball-handling ability. Head coach Alex Pribble and assistant coach Luke Chavez oversaw instruction while members of the 2026 roster worked directly with participants divided into small groups across the different stations.
Skills-Based Instruction and Competition
The defensive component included a 1-on-1 clinic where young players matched up against one another and Vandal athletes under coaching guidance. The shooting station allowed participants to refine their range and accuracy from various spots on the floor. A dribbling exercise rounded out the technical instruction, with one segment featuring a “dribble knockout” game that added competitive energy to the fundamentals work.
Redshirt freshman forward Will Jenson participated alongside other roster members in running the drills and providing real-time feedback to attendees. After the instructional portion concluded, the University of Idaho players conducted a team practice while youth participants observed Division I-level training methods.
Community Engagement and Youth Development
The clinic concluded with a autograph-signing session, allowing young attendees to meet the players and take home memorabilia from the visit. The co-ed format ensured basketball players of all genders in the area had access to the instruction and mentorship.
Youth basketball development remains a priority for regional athletic programs. Local options for skill advancement continue to expand, including youth baseball and softball tryouts and emerging recreational opportunities like Sandpoint’s semi-pro lacrosse league, reflecting broader community investment in athletic instruction and competition pathways.
What Comes Next
The University of Idaho basketball program’s outreach to Bonner County represents part of broader recruiting and community-building efforts by the athletic department. Youth interested in additional basketball instruction and development should monitor announcements from Sandpoint High School athletics and local recreation departments for future clinics and camp opportunities.