About Us
HJBB began as a single team (Highland Shooters) in 2015. After recognizing the absence of a community-wide, traveling basketball program, the founding board members set out to fill that void. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to giving kids the opportunity to experience competitive basketball in southwestern Illinois.
Through fundraising efforts and corporate donations, HJBB is able to provide our individual traveling teams with the financial support necessary for equipment, uniforms, insurance and qualified instruction at an affordable cost. The foundation of our organization is built on the idea that kids should have the chance to participate in a competitive environment that is not cost prohibitive for anyone.
Our Board of Directors
Josh Kleiboeker, President
Josh is one of the founding board members of the HJBB organization. He has a strong passion for youth and high school sports, especially basketball. Josh was a standout basketball player for the Breese Central Cougars where he was an All-State nominee, IBCA All-State, Lions Choice All-Star, etc.. He continued his playing career at Illinois College where he helped lead the IC Blueboys to their only Midwest Conference Tournament Championship; earning them a berth to the NCAA Tournament. Josh is also a board member on the Highland Lady's Basketball Association (HLBA) for the Highland High School girls basketball teams. Josh resides in Highland with his wife Julie, and three children Paige, Gavin and Piper.
Jessie Logsdon, Vice President
Jessie joined the HJBB board in 2022. She currently helps coach the 3rd grade girls team. Her daughter plays on the HJBB 3rd grade girls team, and her son plays on the HJBB 6th grade boys team. Jessie has been passionate about basketball since she was a kid and enjoys being involved in youth sports in Highland.
Melissa Nehrt, Treasurer
Melissa joined the HJBB Board in 2019. Melissa and her family first became involved with the HJBB program in 2018 when her husband became the coach of their son Walker's team and now is the coach of their younger son, Wade's team. They have been passionate about the HJBB program and fully support its mission to provide the girls and boys of our community an opportunity to develop their basketball skills in a competitive environment.
Jared Lengermann, Secretary
Jared grew up in Highland playing basketball for various teams and truly has a passion for the sport. His two sons currently play for HJBB (Nolan is 10 and Henry is 7) and he looks forward to attending every one of their games to coach them on. He is also practicing patience as he teaches his wife basketball fundamentals. Jared is excited to be a part of HJBB’s continued success.
Justin Cox, Fundraising Coordinator
Justin joined the HJBB board in 2022. He is currently coaching the 3rd grade boys and is the assistant coach for the 6th grade boys HJBB teams. Justin is an advocate for all youth sports and has been known to coach basketball, baseball and soccer in Highland.