When Danny came up with the idea of a winter basketball league in White Plains more than a decade ago, little did he know that it would prove so successful. The idea was simple enough. Bring fourth and fifth grade boys and girls from each of the five elementary schools in White Plains together for practice during the week, with games played on Saturdays.
But how to identify the kids? Well, Danny came up with a novel idea. Rather than having BYSC take on that responsibility, he decided to partner with principals, school administrators, and teachers at each of the schools who would then invite the children to participate. It has worked out wonderfully over the years. Since the schools are involved, we get immediate “buy in” from the parents. And by including the school administrators, we have easy access to the gyms for both weekly practices and Saturday games.
Another special part of the league is that for many of these youngsters, the league represents the first time they have ever played in an organized league complete with coaches, referees and uniforms that are theirs to keep. More than one parent has shared with us over the years just how special that is to the kids. So, while much has changed over the years, apparently taking pride in wearing a basketball jersey with your school name on it has not fallen out of fashion.
