The Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation says it’s time to register for Winter basketball season.
By: Amy Filippone
Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Moorestown Parks and Recreation collaborated with Moorestown Youth Basketball Club for the very first “3 v 3 Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament” on Wednesday, Nov 22. It was a quick fire warm-up for the Winter Basketball season and was a full capacity event.
Nearly 100 children in grades four through eight participated. A total of 24 teams played three half court, 16-minute games with no interruptions. Four games played simultaneously, so the gymnasium was bursting with the sounds of whistles, balls and the squeaking of many sneakers. Not a minute was wasted.
“This was Tara’s (Hinchelwood) idea and it was something for the kids to do on their afternoon off from school,” said Colleen Maguire, a trustee of the Moorestown Youth Basketball Club. “We put together this tournament for all children in town — it didn’t have to be for a travel basketball player, just anyone interested in having a fun afternoon. The 3 v 3 Tournament is a great format to include all kids on and as a kick off to the basketball season. It’s our first year running this event, and we were able to arrange for all teams to be coed, the girls played great.”
After each 16-minute game, a winner was declared, and that team received a 3 v. 3 champion tournament t-shirt as a prize. When teams were not playing there were snacks, music and games on the third floor so they could unwind and refuel.
The Parks and Recreation Winter basketball season starts in January and runs through March 2018. There are programs for boys and girls in grades one through twelve. The Parks & Rec. is also offering a two-day pre-season warm up on Tuesday, Jan. 2 and Thursday, Jan. 4. Coach Ted Flick will be running the clinics, and they are excellent prep for beginners and kids that haven’t been playing regularly.
The department also offers an adult coed basketball program on Monday nights beginning in January. Keep in mind that the deadline for Winter Basketball is soon — Dec. 8, so sign-up and get your game on.
See moorestownrec.com for full details and to register for the clinics and teams.
