Tri-Lakes Yetis
Proudly Supporting Local Girls Basketball
Head Coach: Justin Garwood
Justin Garwood is a native of Saranac Lake and an SLHS class of 2000 alumnus, having played on the varsity basketball team from 1998-2000. He holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!), and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University. Justin has coached youth basketball in Saranac Lake for the past three years. Locally, he serves on the SLCSD Board of Education and has four children growing up in the district. His goal for the Tri-Lakes Yetis is to: (1) support each athlete in their development of fundamental basketball skills, (2) improve each player’s basketball IQ, and (3) promote a love for the game that will enable the team to thrive and compete in tournament play.
Consultant: Brad Rideout
Brad Rideout is the Head Coach of the Paul Smiths College Women’s Basketball Team and the Interim Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball Team. Coach Rideout brings over 35 years of coaching experience and the recruitment of players all over the world, having coached at all levels ranging from AAU, high school, and the collegiate level. Coach Rideout has spent his summers working basketball camps along the East Coast, including George Lehman’s, Golden Valley, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Maryland. He is the father to three daughters. For the Tri-Lakes Yetis, Coach Rideout will lend his expertise to ensure the girls develop proper fundamentals and improve their basketball IQ.
Assistant Coach: Betsy Davison
Betsy Davison is a recent transplant to Saranac Lake where she now lives with her husband and three young children. As a child and young adult she enjoyed listening to her grandmother's adventures of growing up and then teaching Phys. Ed. in Saranac Lake. She always knew it was a special place and pictured herself living here one day. Betsy is a native of Cortland, NY and graduated from Cortland Jr. Sr. High school as a three sport varsity athlete. She went on to study History at SUNY Geneseo where she was a member of the women's lacrosse team. She holds a master's degree in Information and Library Science and has enjoyed a varied career as a Youth Services Librarian, School Library Media Specialist, Reference Librarian, and Medical Librarian. A previous JV basketball coach, Betsy is excited to support the Yetis as they develop their skills, knowledge, and love of the game.
Mission
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan​
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“All we do is believe in each other and love each other to death and that’s what a true team is.” – Caitlin Clark
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"​Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” – John Wooden​
These three quotes accurately sum up the philosophy of our team. We want to help our young female ballers learn that progress requires adversity; that working together as a team is the best way to make progress; and that being a good player requires both physical strength and emotional maturity. Ultimately, the Tri-Lake Yetis basketball team is about offering local female athletes an opportunity to grow their games, build friendships, and learn life lessons. If your daughter has a love for basketball and there is ice in her veins, then maybe she’s ready to be a Yeti! Come join us!!
Nuts and Bolts
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What: A select basketball team of local tri-lakes area female ballers. Find us on Instagram: Tri-Lakes Yetis (@trilakesyetis)
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Email: TriLakesYetis@gmail.com​
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Y​early Dues: $295 (includes reversible team uniform, warm-up hoody, court time, tournament registration fee, and an authentic NCAA women’s basketball). Scholarship funds available upon request.​
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Maximum Players: 12 (to ensure significant playing time for all involved)
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​Player Eligibility: Girls ages 9-12
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We invite players from all surrounding areas, but must be able to fully commit to a year-round practice schedule. ​
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Schedule: Practice begins the first week back after SLCSD spring break.
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​April 18 – June 22: Tuesday or Thursday 6:30-8:30pm, Saturday 10:30am-12pm. SLMS Gym
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Summer Vacation (July and August): TBD in consultation with players’ families. Anticipate once per week for 2.5 hours.
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September-December: TBD in consultation with players’ families (gyms at SLCSD, PSC, & NCCC).
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January 2025 onward: TBD in consultation with players’ families (gyms at SLCSD, PSC, & NCCC).
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​Tournament schedules will vary depending upon player availability. Some practice times will be dedicated to team building exercises (e.g., watching a college women’s game on television, attending a local high school girls game). Our success is not based just on basketball talent, but on creating a strong culture of accountability and comradery.