On Dec. 15 over 150 basketball hopefuls tried out and were drafted to various Milton Recreation League teams. The players participate in one of four age groups – kindergarten through second grade, third and fourth graders, fifth and sixth graders, and finally seventh and eighth graders. “We are very excited about the upcoming season,” said Robert Arnold, who is the Milton Community Center’s Recreation and Activities Coordinator. “We have a great group of young people who are working hard on learning the game of basketball and having fun while doing so. “This is a great way for a young person to learn and see if they really enjoy the game of basketball for when they get older and move on up when they have the opportunity to play in high school.” Making the success of the community basketball program is a number of volunteer coaches, who take the time to pass along and share the love of the sport to the young people participating. “I cannot tell you how much we appreciate and depend on the support of our volunteer coaches,” said City of Milton Parks and Recreation Director John Norton. “These men and women step forward to work with these kids and do an outstanding job. “This program would not be successful without their efforts and we, as a city, cannot thank them enough for doing so.” The Milton Community Basketball league season will tip off on Jan. 12 with live action at the Milton Community Center on Byrom St. in Milton. Admission to the games are free and the community is welcome to come out and cheer on these future basketball hopefuls as they start the game at the true grass roots level.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Future hoop stars in practice for season