Parks and Rec hoops league in full effect

They might not make every shot. They are prone to double dribbling, and may even make a basket on the wrong side of the court.

But they play with the heart of any experienced basketball, They also play with an element that's often missing in the big boys games - fun.

The Anderson Parks and Recreation basketball league kicked off on Saturday. More than 240 boys and girls in second through seventh grade too part in their first basketball game of the season. For some of them, it was their first real basketball game ever.

Tina Flores, of Anderson, is coaching in the league for the first time this year. Her team, the Stallions, played their first game in the Anderson Middle School gym.

The new coach is enthusiastic about leading her team.

"I enjoy the involvement. I enjoy the kids and I think it's a great program," Flores said.

Flores said she wants her team to learn about friendship and sportsmanship, and just enjoy playing the game.

"It's all about the fun, it really is. It's not about scoring and who gets the most points, it's about having a good time, in a good clean environment for kids," she said. "And it's family oriented. I love that the parents have so much participation in it."

Mom Sally Stevens, of Cottonwood, has two daughters in the program.

"I enjoy watching them learn the skills now that will need if they want to continue on and play basketball," she said.

Stevens said she wants her daughter to learn about team values while they play in the Parks and Rec league.

The Parks and Recreation games will continue to be played every Saturday in the Anderson Middle and High School gyms, as well as some in Cottonwood, Pacheco and Happy Valley.

Although the league has found facilities for each of their games, Pam Lewis, of the Parks and Recreation Department, said the program is lacking in practice facilities.

"The biggest thing we are in need of is practice facilities. We don't have enough gyms to practice in," Lewis said.

The Activities director said she really thankful for all of the volunteer coaches, who have stepped in and help make the program a success.

The program employs adult referees, as well high school students who can work their way into being referees.

In addition to teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy living, Lewis said the program also compliments local school programs.

"It helps build up the high school programs," she said. "It gives kids an early introduction to the sport so they can see if it's something they like to do, and it can build their skills up so they can compete at the junior high and high school levels."