Spring League basketball wrapped up its season last Wednesday night, and champions were crowned in each of the three divisions.
The Grade 4-6 division the Spurs beat out the Mavericks, the Grade 7-12 division was won by the Lakers which defeated the Celtics. The Heat took third place over the Bulls and the senior division was won by the Wizards.
This was the seventh year for Spring League and it has been a great success. In the Grade 4-6 division, 28 youngsters participated, in the Grade 7-12 division, there were 36, making up four teams, and the adult division had 24 players.
New this year was the Little League development programs. On Sunday afternoons, players from Kindergarten to Grade 3 had the opportunity to learn new skills and get a feel for playing basketball. It proved popular with 58 children signing up.
Jeff Messom is excited about how the league has developed. It has become self-feeding as players who have played basketball in the valley throughout the years give back and contribute to the program.
“ (What) allowed me to step into the background is that all of our coaches and refs are former participants of the program, who are now helping the younger kids improve,” said Messom. “Without them the program would not be able to run, as they are the individuals who are willing to take time and give back to the program.”
Volunteer coaches include Will Belliveau, Joey Browning, Kyle Masson, Mitch Smith, Gavin Pittman and Ross Morrow.