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New basketball league stresses values, sportsmanship

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Players get the star treatment when being introduced, as seen here with Alyiah Batte. Glenn Ogilvie

Journal Staff

The objective of a new church-based basketball league is to develop good people and good players, organizers say.

The Sarnia Upward Basketball league covers players from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Referee Deve Persad and coaches lead a discussion with players in the Upward Sports basketball league. Glenn Ogilvie
Referee Deve Persad and coaches lead a discussion with players in the Upward Sports basketball league.
Glenn Ogilvie

League co-director Theresa Siertsema said each practice includes a ‘team huddle’ to discus various human values.

The emphasis shifts during games to team competition involving squads that are equally matched, but no one pays attention to the score.

“Everyone gets to touch the ball at some point during the game and gets a chance to bring the ball up the court,” she said.

The Upward Basketball program was developed in the U.S. and hosts about half a million players in camps, clinics, and leagues across North America.

The Sarnia league is operated through the Sarnia Evangelical Missionary Church, Bluewater Baptist Church and Patterson Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Players get the star treatment when being introduced, as seen here with Alyiah Batte. Glenn Ogilvie
Players get the star treatment when being introduced, as seen here with Alyiah Batte.
Glenn Ogilvie
Micah Siertsema dribbles his way upcourt during a game. Glenn Ogilvie
Micah Siertsema dribbles his way upcourt during a game.
Glenn Ogilvie
Alyiah Batte goes for two points while #12 Easton Kane, and #5 River Kane wait for the rebound. Glenn Ogilvie
Alyiah Batte goes for two points while #12 Easton Kane, and #5 River Kane wait for the rebound.
Glenn Ogilvie
Andrew Johns, River Kane and Annalise Johns participate in a practice. Glenn Ogilvie
Andrew Johns, River Kane and Annalise Johns participate in a practice.
Glenn Ogilvie
From left, Lukah Brown, Rebekah Odolphy and Braydon Engen get some court time. Glenn Ogilvie
From left, Lukah Brown, Rebekah Odolphy and Braydon Engen get some court time.
Glenn Ogilvie

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