Youth basketball league gives hoops experience to hundreds
The Franklin Youth Basketball League wrapped up another season that culminated in a whirlwind 85-game tournament at Tharptown two weeks ago.
“This was another successful year for our league,” said league founder and organizer Richie Hester. “Most all these kids competing at Wallace and in Birmingham came through this league. It has helped countless young people learn and grow the game of basketball.”
The league started in 2007 with four communities and 20 teams. Now there are eight communities and 90 teams participating. More than 700 players and coaches participated in the league this year.
“I can’t say enough about each of these communities working together to keep this league going strong,” said Hester. “It takes a lot of hard-working and dedicated people to make this work.”
Hester added, “I want to thank Jason Harris and all the volunteers at Tharptown for hosting this year’s tournament. It was not an easy job. Over 80 games in two gyms lasted all week and literally all day on Saturday.”
