<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4fLxix_1Gy94RV000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4fLxix_1Gy94RV000" width="1200" height="757" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=384nhE_1Gy94RV000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=384nhE_1Gy94RV000" width="1567" height="1294" ><figcaption>Senior, Landon Houle shoots a mid range jump shot during a 4v4 basketball game in the Dr Rowe M. Harry gymnasium on November 9, 2026. This open gym had little participation due to confusion about the day and time for open gym this week. (BNN Photo/A. Kingsbury)</figcaption></figure>As the basketball season gets closer, BMU athletes are preparing by participating in the yearly open gym. They have become a tradition for both the boys and girls basketball teams, giving athletes an opportunity to get on the court, practice their skills, and prepare for the upcoming season. Although it may only take place a couple of days each week, open gym provides players with valuable time to improve and get comfortable playing together before the season officially begins.At BMU, open gyms are organized separately for the boys and girls basketball teams. The girls take place on Mondays and Wednesdays starting November 9th, 2:30-3:30. On the other hand, the boys open gyms are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-5, which started on November 3rd. Each session is run mostly by the upperclassmen who demonstrate leadership and critical thinking skills. These scheduled times give players a chance to use the gym and work on basketball skills without interfering with other activities taking place at school.Mr. Powers explains that open gym is important to have because it “not only gives our teams an advantage to put their hands on a basketball before the season starts, but also works on some things that they’ve felt they [ have needed] to.” As Todd Powers explains the two biggest reasons why open gym is not only a thing but why it is important to student athletes, Grady Souliere explains how he feels about open gym as a senior at Blue Mountain Union School. Grady Souliere states that “Open gym is important because it builds team chemistry.” Hearing this from a student athlete really shows that open gym is important to the student athletes of BMU. These practices have been around for a very long time, even when other coaches were in charge. It’s important to hold them because it gives BMU athletes the opportunity to build connections with one another. Players can practice shooting, dribbling, passing, and playing 5v5 games.Addison Murray a senior at BMU who is also going to Lyndon Institute for Early College, also explains why open gym is beneficial to student athletes, “With a smaller team, every player plays an important role, so having extra time to practice together can help us build chemistry, improve our skills, and become more confident.”Todd Powers, the Athletic Director at Blue Mountain Union School, states “Open Gym is a statewide thing, so it’s something that the VPA allows to happen.” The VPA, (Vermont’s Principle Association,)creates the framework for all middle and high schools in Vermont. The VPA is an important part of open gym and organizing sports.Open gym may seem like a time in the day but it makes a difference that kids, teachers, peers, and the community doesn’t realize. It’s a time where athletes can grow, get to know each other and learn from one another. It’s fun putting the work in together for a couple days throughout the week to be ready for the season. Open gym grows confidence, skills, and friendships which is the most important part!</div></body>

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As the basketball season gets closer, BMU athletes are preparing by participating in the yearly open gym. They have become a tradition for both the boys and girls basketball teams, giving athletes an opportunity to get on the court, practice their skills, and prepare for the upcoming season. Although it may only take place a couple of days each week, open gym provides players with valuable time to improve and get comfortable playing together before the season officially begins.

Bucks prepare with traditional open gyms

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As the basketball season gets closer, BMU athletes are preparing by participating in the yearly open gym. They have become a tradition for both the boys an

Bucks prepare with traditional open gyms

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