63 kids turn out for Chester Sports Basketball League

Sixty-three children in grades 1st through 4th enjoyed the 2020 Chester Sports Basketball League, held for eight Saturdays between Jan. 4 and Feb. 22 and emphasizing skill building, instruction, teamwork and friendly competition.

Chester High School Head Coach Brad Norman and his Yellow Jacket players and coaching staff worked with league players and coaches during the first two weeks of skills teaching.

"Everyone had a great time and the kids seemed to learn a lot as the weeks progressed," said Aaron Petrowske, the league coordinator. "The atmosphere was positive and family members seemed to have a good time watching and encouraging their participants. We hope to offer this league again next year!"

Petrowske said the Chester Sports Basketball League is the only Chester sports entity remaining under the "Chester Sports" umbrella. Youth football is now under the Chester Stingers Program and the Chester Recreation Department handles summer baseball.

"We wanted to keep basketball alive for kids who can't play school ball until the fifth grade," Petrowske added.

"Our program is recreational and instructive in nature; we don't even keep score," he added. "Coach Norman is a huge proponent of establishing teamwork and building the family concept among his athletes. Our program is intended to be fun and supportive."

The 1st and 2nd graders had the early slot each Saturday and 31 kids came out, six girls and 25 boys. Games were played half court with 8-foot rims and teams of four players competing 4-on-4. Players were encouraged to dribble the ball as much as possible - a player who ran with the ball without attempting to dribble would be assessed a turnover.

There were four teams of 1st and 2nd graders defined by their team T-shirt colors: orange, black, white or gray.

Matt Davitz coached Team 1, which included Carter Davitz, Eli Earl, Camron McClaine, Alivia Korando, Gavin Studt, Mason Howie, Jackson Powell and Aubree Kumke.

Josh Hecht was the Head Coach of Team 2 which included Floyd Adams, Kinsley Hecht, Braelynn Lyons, Alyssa Lemanski, Jesse Hodges, Jake Dunn, and Kazden Norman. Brad Norman helped coach Team 2.

James Knott coached Team 3 which included Curi Davis, Jason Stumpe, Cooper Holland, Max Watson, Parker Knott, Harper Jany, Braiden Yankey and Brady Brown.

Aaron Petrowske coached Team 4 which included Edwin Marquez, Kevin Korando, Carter Kennedy, Blake Petrowske, Hunter Brunkhorst, Lucas Martin, Alexander Miller and Liam Welborn.

The 3rd and 4th graders had three girls and 29 boys and the games consisted of two six-minute continuous clock quarters.

Chuck Fricke was Head Coach of Team 1, which had Reed Fricke, Kaylin Jany, Keegan Stauffer, Harlow Ebers, Alden Davitz, Brandon Korando, Logan Springston and Avery Wittenborn. Kacy Guebert helped coach Team 1.

Jeff Krieg coached Team 2 which consisted of Levi Caldwell, Kendall Krieg, Jayden Chambers, Gage Lynn, Colin McConnell, Reagan Sims, Rhett Creason and Jack Luthy.

Mike Liefer coached Team 3 which consisted of John Adams, Preston Liefer, Jack Johnson, Bentley Valleroy, Rusty Korando, Jacon Martin, Blake Korando and Evelyn McKinney. Rodney Adams helped coach Team 3.

Doug McDonald was Head Coach of Team 4, which had Cole McDonald, Austin Partin, Reed Petrowske, Ty Tindall, Cannon Wolff, Logan Hoskin, Duncan Bargman, and Ryland Welge. Aaron Petrowske helped coach Team 4.