Players from Iroquois’ varsity basketball teams used their Regents week break to look toward the future, as the Chiefs — who last played Jan. 19 (girls) and 20 (boys) — focused on guiding the participants in the Super Chiefs program.

The Super Chiefs players, composed of district fourth- through sixth-graders, took each other on under the guidance of Iroquois’ varsity players Saturday. In the boys division, the White and Gray teams both improved to 5-1 with their respective victories, while the Blue team moved to 2-4. The Red team dropped to 0-5 on the season.

The Super Chiefs have three more weeks to perform under the guidance of Iroquois’ JV and varsity players, with each session of the second year program running from 8 to 9:45 a.m. on Saturdays.

“We always stress to the kids that it isn’t about winning, but these boys get really excited when the game is close and it comes down to a last-second shot,” Super Chiefs co-founder and Iroquois’ boys varsity coach Sean Lauber said. “It’s phenomenal to have the Iroquois’ players coach them and give back to the community. The younger athletes are really starting to show an understanding for the game and a desire to get better.”

Iroquois (7-4, 4-2 ECIC II) returned to action Tuesday against Hamburg, but information about that contest was not available at press time. The Chiefs close out their week Friday against Williamsville South, a team that Iroquois is hoping to conquer after falling to the Billies in overtime earlier this season.

“Our focus in practice over our break has been stifling team defense, and I am confident we will make it happen,” Lauber said.

The girls, meanwhile, saw the 9- to 10-year-old Super Chiefs participate in the Arctic Blast Tournament at the Gow School. Participants included Julia Peinkofer, Rachel Yax, Meghan Porzio, Grace Donovan, Abbi Kegler, Emily McLaughlin, Payton Payne and Erin McLaughlin.

“I was very impressed with the kids, as they held their own against teams like Olean, Hilton and the Pinnacle Sports Academy, that had tryouts and have practiced together since early November,” Super Chiefs co-founder and Iroquois’ girls varsity coach Frank Payne said. “They’ve all worked very hard since December and have shown tremendous improvement every week. The JV and varsity players have done a great job of showing these third- through sixth-graders the basic fundamentals of basketball.”

The Lady Chiefs (10-1, 6-0 ECIC II) returned to action Tuesday at Hamburg, but information about that contest was not available at press time. Iroquois closes out its week by traveling to Williamsville South tonight.