Skills Academy
1st-3rd Grade: 2026-2027 Skills Academy
Train and sharpen your game! This program focuses purely on skill-building rather than competitive games or official team play. Players will join either the LZ Hoops Skills Academy (boys) or the Jr. Bears Skills Academy (girls).
Location, Time, & Dates
Location:
Spencer Loomis
Time:
6:00-7:00pm (boys)
7:00-8:00pm (girls)
*Practice times will switch halfway through the season so the girls practice from 6:00-7:00pm and the boys practice from 7:00-8:00pm.
Dates:
Mondays from October 19 - February 22
*Practices will take place on Wednesdays during the weeks of January 6 and January 20.
Cost:
$150
What to Bring:
Size 5 Basketball (27.5)
Water Bottle
Meet Coach Chris Braier
Chris Braier brings an impressive basketball background to the Skills Academy. He played at Lawrence University, earning four All-Conference selections, three All-America honors, and the 2006 Division III National Player of the Year award. He was also a First Team Academic All-American, the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, and the nation’s rebounding leader in 2004.
After college, Chris played professionally in Europe for three years before spending six years as a varsity assistant boys basketball coach at Loyola Academy. During his time there, he helped the team win four consecutive regional championships and reach the Class 4A Sweet Sixteen twice.
Chris brings extensive playing and coaching experience to the Skills Academy, where the focus is on helping young athletes build strong fundamentals and develop their skills.