Jon Patrick Honradoh of Holy Family Parish’s Hot Shots basketball team makes a move on two Portland Christian School defenders. Hot Shots is the CYO basketball program for first- and second-graders.(Courtesy CYO)
Jon Patrick Honradoh of Holy Family Parish’s Hot Shots basketball team makes a move on two Portland Christian School defenders. Hot Shots is the CYO basketball program for first- and second-graders.(Courtesy CYO)
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Catholic Youth Organization completed another fall Hot Shots season on Nov. 10. Hot Shots is the CYO basketball program for first- and second-graders.

Eight of the nine teams chose to play in the end-of-season tournament.  There were two tournament pools, one at Holy Family Parish in Southeast Portland and the other at Holy Redeemer Parish in North Portland.  

This was the first time that Holy Redeemer hosted games. The parish athletic director, Sonora Thirdgill, said it was a fun and successful day.    Each team leaves the tournament with a trophy and every participant receives a medal.  

Hot Shots is a gentle introduction to basketball with a low commitment for families. Teams have a 30-minute warm-up before each game.  The warm-up is the opportunity for players to learn the basics, including shooting, dribbling and passing. After the warm-up, teams play in a real game and put their hard work into action. No one keeps score. That allows the game to be about learning and having fun.  

The Winter Hot Shots season beginning on Saturday, Jan. 5. More than 40 teams participate.