WS Chronicle

The kids at the Carl H. Russell Sr. Community Center are getting a chance to show what they have learned.  On Monday’s and Wednesday’s, the kids get a chance to participate in the center’s “skills and drills” camp.  But on Tuesday and Thursday, they play in league games to put into action what they have practiced.

On Tuesday’s, the 5-9 age group plays its league games and on Thursday’s the 10-13 age group laces them up.  Last Thursday, July 27, the 10-13 age group played two highly entertaining games that prove the skills and drills camp is working.

The first game between the Bulls and HOOPS4L.Y.F.E. (H4L) began with a lot of promise but in the end the Bulls were too much and defeated H4L by the score of 32-23.  Both teams started the game at a frenetic pace as both squads used their youthful legs to run up and down the court with every loose ball or rebound. 

With a halftime lead of 18-10, the Bulls attempted to push the ball inside, which slowed the game down and gave H4L a chance to close the gap, which is exactly what they did.  At the 10:33 mark of the second half, the Bulls lead had been trimmed to 20-16.  They withstood the run and finished the game on a 12-7 run to win the game 32-23.

“In this game I think that HOOPS4L.Y.F.E. should have went inside a little bit more to the tall kid they have,” said Brian Leak, who runs the skills and drills clinic.  “I think this game could have gone either way depending on who got the breaks and the Bulls got the most in the end.”

The second and final game with the Warriors and the Cavaliers was entertaining throughout.  The Cavs jumped on the Warriors early getting out to a 6-0 lead.  Using their height advantage and swarming defense they led 15-9 at the half forcing the Warriors to adjust during the intermission.

The Warriors went on a 6-0 run to start the second half to tie the game at 15.  Casian Richard of the Warriors was the major contributor as he scored, assisted and rebounded with tremendous zeal.  With less than three minutes left in the game, the Warriors went on a 7-0 run to take a five-point lead, propelling them to a 33-28 victory.

“Casian is a tremendous player and he reminds you of a little Chris Paul when he plays,” Leak said.  “He is coachable, he listens and he comes to skills and drills everyday and he has great parental support.  Anything I ask him to do he does it.”

Herman McKinney, the Cavaliers coach says, “My team fought with courage and never gave up.  Any time things don’t go your way and you tighten up you just have to play through it and leave everything out there on the court.  I am proud of how my team played.”

The kids really seem to enjoy playing in the league as it was all smiles after the games, even from the losing teams.

“I just like being in the league and playing basketball,” said Desmond Williford.  “I like the competition and I thought my team played well.”

Zion Moye added,  “I love the excitement of playing in the league and that’s what I look forward to every Thursday.”

Breonda Summers, one of the few girls in the league said, “I like playing here because it give me more experience.  Next year I will be going to middle school and I will be ready for it.”

McKinnie says he decided to be a coach at the center because he enjoys giving back to the community. 

“That’s what I’m all about, saving young people and getting their attitudes right, McKinnie went on to say.  “I just want them to know that they need to continue going to school and making sure they do the right thing,”