WS Chronicle

After a competitive yet entertaining season, the summer youth basketball league has come to an end at the Carl H. Russell Sr. Community Center with the crowning of the champions in the 5-9 age group as well as the 10-13 age group.  The games were played on Thursday, Aug. 17.

In the 5-9 age group championship game, the Warriors defeated HOOPS4L.Y.F.E. by the score of 23 to 20.  The closely contested game was to be expected because both teams had played well all season.  Warriors player Tira Sims was the Most Valuable Player for the game.

HOOPS4L.Y.F.E. Coach Brittany Ward says she was confident in her team during the first half of play as they were up on the scoreboard by a sizable amount.  The second half went a different direction as the calls did not go their way, allowing the Warriors to come back late in the half to win the game.

“It did not go how I wanted it to go, but I already knew the game would not be a cakewalk,” said Ward.  “I was proud of how my team performed and happy for the other team’s accomplishment.”

For the 10-13 age group game, the Bulls matched up against the Warriors.  The Bulls overwhelmed the Warriors and cruised to a 46-31 victory.  Jaime Smith was the Most Valuable Player in the game for his outstanding performance.

Both games were played in honor of the late Hansel Hentz, who passed away in the latter part of 2016.  The family of Hentz was presented with an award and other memorabilia by Brian Leak and Carl H. Russell Sr. Community Center supervisor Ben Piggott.

All of the participating teams received a trophy, certificate and some school supplies to assist them during the upcoming school year.

Ben Piggott would like to thank the following sponsors for their involvement in the basketball league: Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks, Brian Leak, Keith Perry, Mydeah Evans, Gary Lash, Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Beta Lambda chapter President Donna Mickens, Carl H. Russell center sittercise class, the Winston-Salem Chronicle newspaper, Crown Trophies and Jamie Wilkes trophies and awards.

The next youth basketball league for the community center will have sign ups on Oct. 31 during the fall festival at the center.