The littlest hoopsters take the court
Monica Simpson | submitted
Tommy Baugher dribbles with defender Gregory Jordan
and Caleb Kinkle ready to make the stop
The head-to-head race to the hoops this week saw action between two instructional league teams at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. The Center’s littlest hoopsters focus on the fundamentals of the game, led by volunteer coaches Tom Baugher and Ray Gardner.
With the hoop set at half court, the eight ballers dribbled, passed and shot for four periods of play. The instructional league, made up of five-to seven-year-old players, does not keep score, but there was plenty of shooting, swishing and cheering as the elementary school aged kids tried their hardest to win.
Gregory Jordan, for Team Gardner sponsored by DoJo Martial Arts, lead his team in baskets. Jordan also showed his strong passing and dribbling skills on the court. For Team Baugher, Evie Baugher was strong competition for Jordan. E. Baugher found her brother, Tommy Baugher, and sister, Julia Baugher, assisting T. Baugher to score for their team.
In the true nature of the instructional league, Caleb Kinkle was encouraged and guided by Gardner on the art of dribbling, while his teammates and opponents cheered him on down the court. Jayden Sparks proved to be a strong player for DoJo Martial Arts, making baskets and stealing the basketball. Team Baugher was supported with impressive dribbling by Colin Bankert and court presence by Megan Cohen.
After the last buzzer of the game, the eight young players showed their positive sportsmanship with the traditional handshake and treats of post-game snacks. The two teams will face each other four more games with the last game of the season on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m.
The Sun Scoreboard
Monday, May 11
11-to-13-Year-Old Youth Basketball
Team Simpson 9
Team Laade 10
14-to 17-Year-Old Youth Basketball
Team R. Gilman 37
Team Gardner 43
Tuesday, May 12
14-to 17-Year-Old Youth Basketball
Team R. Gilman 50
Team Zele 24
Adult Basketball
Team Kern 50
Team Mickan 53
Gator Squad 59
Team Spacondra 58
Team Mickan 69
Team Ray 60
Thursday, May 14
Adult Soccer
Slims Place Team optimisticool 6
Team 11ManGang 4
Island Pest Control
Team smiledeep3
Team Lion 7
Team Rebellion 1
Sato Real Estate
Team powwowder 6
Eason Builders
Team Unity 7
Wash Family Construction
Team idigthisisland 2
8-to-10-Year-Old Youth Basketball
Island Real Estate 8
Team Calvary 10
11-to-13-Year-Old Youth Basketball
Team Gardner 27
Team Laade 18
Friday, May 15
14-to 17-Year-Old Youth Basketball
Team Gardner 40
Team Zele 46
Team Ray 39
Team R. Gilman 43