Basketball Season

Well, today is try-outs for my son, Ronnie's, basketball league!

I'm so excited for him - he's finally turned 12 which is the youngest age you can play for the Sonny Hill Developmental Basketball League. This league is a benchmark as far as Philadelphia basketball leagues go. They're the best in the tri-state area.

The last league that Ronnie played for was not quite so pleasant for him. The coach had two of his sons and his nephews on the team, so needless to say, Ronnie had about 30 minutes of playing time the whole season. And, when he did play, he was so nervous and flustered that he was making all kinds of stupid mistakes (out of character for him, believe me), like running the ball the wrong way on the court and getting the ball stolen easily by the opposing team. My heart just went out for him each time he was lucky enough to get some playing time. And I'm not just being a mother when I say that the coach was terrible. Regardless of the fact that his family was on the team, a coach has an obligation to make sure that all the teammates are getting instruction and playing time. This coach never even held practice. Ronnie wants to be on his team again next summer to prove a point. Because he's a really good player, and he's a BEAST on the court! My son is rather skinny and he has to play really hard to get respect because of his size.

But, I would rather he focus his energies on Sonny Hill. This league is more interested in developing the entire player - academically and physically. They place a high importance on the players getting good grades. And while most of these kids have high aspirations as far as the NBA, the league drives home the same things that I have been telling Ronnie since he was a little guy. Basically, that there are thousands of little Black kids that aspire to the NBA. But there are only a select few that even make it close, which means that you MUST have a Plan B! Education is key to making certain you have options in life. In order to get to the NBA, you gotta get into college first. The only way to get to college is by making good grades all through your school years. Sonny Hill places a lot of importance on these factors. No neighborhood league is preaching that kind of knowledge to these kids. So, to Sonny Hill League he goes!!

Tonight is try-outs and practices will be on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. I'm so excited for him because basketball is this kid's passion. It makes me happy to know that he's getting closer to fulfilling his dream.