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‘Basketball’ Jones makes a stop at Dobbins
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.Teacher Karen DeVito (left) was called up to complete a basketball spinning trick, and looked happy when everything worked out as planned and kept spinning.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.Jones worked to teach the students about what he called "patient listening," hoping the students will wait and listen to his words before acting upon it. He asked the student to hold up their feet if they wanted a signed basketball, and the students who listened with patience followed directions.
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Neighbors | Submitted.Jones (right) challenged a team of boys and a team of girls to a basketball spin-off. Teamwork was key to keep the basketball spinning. The boys team, who were Thomas Kushner (left) , Giorgios Kalouirs, and Cole Wern, had a cheerleader in Dobbins teacher Kelli Hunter (back).
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Neighbors | Submitted .Anna Simeon (left) had to pose in a silly outfit next to Jim "Basketball" Jones. The performer jokingly explained that it was very necessary for the show that Simeon do so.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.First-grader Joey Ibiris was a basketball-spinning pro under the watchful eye of "Basketball" Jones.
By SARAH FOOR
Now a frequent guest to the Mahoning Valley, Jim “Basketball” Jones visited Dobbins Elementary on May 12 to share his unique mix of positive messages and slick basketball tricks.
Principal Cheryl Borovitcky introduced Jones, noting that the qualities he champions are the same that the school’s staff works to teach to each of their students.
“We work very hard on teaching the tenets of character to our students and we hope that we help you recognize what is good and special about yourselves. Mr. Jones is here to teach those very same things and to entertain you in his own unique way,” Borovitcky explained.
Jones showed the students tricks like spinning two basketballs at once and juggling three large basketballs. He talked to the students about the power of choice and encouraged them to dream big.
“You can’t have all your dreams come true unless you start to dream first,” Jones pointed out.
Jones also managed to do some good for the school while he visited, donating two signed basketballs to Borovitcky. The school will raffle off the basketballs and the funds will be put toward building the Dobbins Outdoor Garden.
“I’m happy to offer some help to the garden project,” Jones explained. “Along with the positive behavior messages I share, I’m passionate about kids being active and getting outside to play.”