Basketball season is ramping up and now's the time to start signing up for area teams.

Rob Evans - We're hitting the hardwoods this morning over at the Pat Jones YMCA.  Corey Johnson joins us now.  Good morning Corey.

Good morning, Rob.  We've got an outstanding crew here this morning anxious to show off their b-ball skills as we get ready to kick off winter session.  And then we're going to be getting ready very soon to register for our January session.  They're excited to get the season started.

Rob - When do both of these sessions start?
Corey - This coming weekend, we start the winter session.  But we're taking registrations all the way up to December 21 for the session that will begin right after the new year.  We divided our session into two times this year to get more kids in and have the opportunity to play more basketball.  We, at the Y, don't just teach basketball.  We use basketball as a tool to make better people.  We want to instill core values in these children that are in our programs - the core values of
caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. As they get out there with their teammates and play, they are not only learning the skills of the sport, but they are learning team work, sportsmanship, how to be a good person.  It's a whole well-rounded program here at the YMCA.

Rob - What are the age groups here, Corey, that you have your kids come out and play ball. 
Corey - We start as young as kindergartners.  We go from 5 all the way up to middle school through 14 years old.  So there is a spot for almost every age group that wants to play basketball.
Basketball is not our only winter sport.  We will also, in January, do indoor soccer for 3 and 4 year olds - the little tykes.  And we also have a wrestling program that runs in a January session as well.

Rob - Now as you get a little older towards middle school or 5-6th grade, it seems like some of the kids won't play as much on some teams.  But not at the Y.  Everyone plays the same at the Y, isn't that how it works?
Corey - You're right, that's very important to us, that all kids receive equal playing time.  And when they get into that junior high age group, if they make the school team and even if they don't make the school team, everyone is going to get that opportunity, that equal playing time to polish up their skills and have a great time with their friends. 


For more information, visit any of the regional YMCA branches, or log on to www.orymca.org