By Pam Dudding Contributing writer
Parents and community alike enjoy watching the younger kids in elementary school play sports, learning the “game.”
Recently, the younger students at Craig County Public Schools were able play basketball “like the big kids,” as one small player described.
Each week, parents and friends come to cheer on the teams and each week it seems that most all the players get a little bit better at the sport.
The kindergarten through third grade girls especially enjoy their time on the court.
Some appeared to have good knowledge of the game while others were learning, being their first time on the court and playing a sport.
Yes, some fouls were made, but also some 3-pointers too!
The final games were between the Cougars and the Sparkling Unicorns. Both teams excelled in different weeks.
Before the game started, some of the Cougar players started saying out loud, “We’re going to win this game!” One player shared that they kept beating them a lot. The others said, “No, we’re saying that we are going to win today!” So, the other players joined in, and it worked.
Good sportsmanship was shown as when a team member got hurt and then got up off the floor, teams and all fans cheered.
Still, there were some serious moments as the young girls found out quickly that you had to hold onto the ball, or someone would take it from you.
It was difficult not to cheer for both teams when they would make a great play.
At the end, the Cougars pulled it out and took the championship.
The winning team was treated to ice cream sundaes in the cafeteria, which the kids loved.
However, the best part was when Coach Sherry Crowder presented each team member with their basketball medallion and the CHAMPIONSHIP medallion. Each girl excitedly stood in front of Crowder while receiving their award.
It was heartwarming to watch them show each other their medallions. Giggles, laughter and smiles were in abundance.
“It’s been fun, and I have really enjoyed coaching them as they are a great group of girls,” Crowder said.
Addressing the parents and family members, she added, “I also appreciate all your time in getting them here.”
One team member yelled out, “Yeah, we had fun!”
“I think they have definitely learned some things,” Crowder said. “At the beginning of the season, one player told me she didn’t know what to do. I told her, if you learn and have fun, that is the major goal to be here.”
After the ice cream sundaes were eaten, medallions handed out, many family members helped to clean up the cafeteria.
Chatter could be heard amongst the girls about the upcoming softball season and how excited they were to play.
For all the parents and friends to help these kids have a life after school, you deserve a huge kudos. Learning sportsmanship and teamwork is a huge part of being successful in any line of work and definitely in all aspects of life.