Randy Kohn Memorial Youth Basketball Season In Review

The JCC Randy Kohn Memorial Youth Basketball Season was a success this year as 132 players in Kindergarten through 6th grade participated.

"From Nov. 11 through Feb. 17, the players learned and improved their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills with the appropriate size basketballs and hoops," said Jeanna Brownlee, JCC Recreation and Wellness director. "They then used these skills in their games they played during the league."

A new addition to the league this year was the instruction that was given to the 3rd through 6th graders by JCC Basketball Instructor, Pat Noles.

Every child was placed on a team named after a NBA team and received a team shirt in that NBA team's color, and Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA material," said Brownlee. "On the last day, the children participated in an All Star Skills Challenge and were given a trophy and certificate at their ceremony."

Another new addition to the league this year was the 3rd/4th grade All Star Team, noted Brownlee. A team of nine players were selected to play on the team and compete against area teams. They played eight games against teams from Olentangy, Salesian Boys and Girls Club, St. Pius, and Grove City, she said. "The team practiced one to two times a week and played one game a week," she said. "It was a wonderful opportunity for the players to compete against other teams and gain better game experience."

Brownlee extended a special thank you to the Volunteer Coaches. "Without them, the program would not be able to be a success," she said. "The JCC and players appreciate the time and effort the coaches put into the program."

The JCC also extends their thanks to sponsors Louis R. Polster Co., Merrill Lynch, Joshua Homes, Columbus Radiology Corp., Suncraft, Hummel Title, and Williams & Petro Co., L.P.A.

JCC Youth Basketball Travel Teams

The JCC also had three basketball teams that competed in area leagues, said Brownlee. "There was a 3rd and 4th grade team that played in the Central Ohio Boys Basketball Association League. This program was tied into Bexley High School and the players were taught some of the skills and philosophies that Bexley High School Coach Dave Gustin outlined for the program," she said.

Brownlee said the team played in an 18-team division and also played in 18 regular season games, then played in two tournament games at the end of the season. The team played against other teams from Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Pickerington, Olentangy, New Albany, Academy, Upper Arlington, and Buckeye Valley, she added.

The JCC also had two other teams for the 7th and 8th graders. "These teams played in the Salesian Boys and Girls League against other area teams. This program gives the kids another avenue to improve their basketball skills," said Brownlee. "During the season, they practiced at least once a week and had one to two games a week."