Youth League Basketball opened at 9 a.m. with the youngest in the sport, using their time to learn the basic skills of game without competition. Volunteer Coaches and High School Varsity players who are paying it forward by volunteering to assist in teaching the younger players the art of basketball, the joy in winning and the agony of defeat. The passion of parents and coaches runs as deep as any NBA game and it’s a good day to remember that there are no “scouts’ in the stand looking to recruit.
I must warn you that when I cover sports, unlike Whitney Butler, I cover it with all the pride of a band geek, who goes to the game to mostly visit with friends, and occasionally
gets worked into a shouting frenzy when the game gets tight. I’m truly there for conversation and snacks.
I love the stories the picture tell:
You’d never know that that the happy dancing boy on the court was struggling with fitting in and self doubt shortly before. But thanks to great volunteers, encouraging him in the sport, he was soon filled with self confidence. I know this story because I’m his Noni and his own cheer section leader even though his age group were playing competitive ball.
Great talent was seen even in the next to the smallest in the league as the ball in this image was on its way to a “swoosh” in the net and a victory win for this team.
But even facing a daunting lead in the score, the other team played with great vigor and honor and their fan’s never failed to shout praise for their effort. This is what youth league should be about.
The older, more “seasoned” players brought great excitement to the gymnasium and a nail biting back and forth score finishing only a few points apart.
There’s a new album up on the Ridgeview News Facebook page. Stop by and give the kids some support with words of encouragement.
