Exciting first season ends

"The games were exciting, I think the parents had as much fun as the kids. They weren't ready for the season to end," said parent Pam Finn of Husum.

After many years of White Salmon teams playing each other, WSCY board member Michael Rabinowitz suggested enhancing the basketball program by making it similar to other youth sports, like football and baseball, where local kids are able to play other communities.

After meeting with Mike Schend, the director of Hood River Community Education, WSCY merged with HRCE, with a few changes, and many advantages.

"With more players, we were able to have separate boys and girls teams for third- and fourth grade levels," Schend noted.

Teams were separated into 3-4 grade girls and boys and 5-6 grade girls and boys.

Schend pointed out that, because of the merger, this season marked the first time he had ever had White Salmon on any of the community education uniforms.

Another significant change was the height standards for baskets, explained WSCY chairman David Garwood.

"So far, WSCY has purchased four new baskets that allow the kids to shoot at eight-foot and nine-foot baskets, depending on their level," he said. "This prevents the kids from developing bad habits from trying to shoot at baskets that are too high."

In addition, the new youth basketball league used high school students as referees. Schend noted that students had to attend a rules clinic and were paid to officiate games.

"We'd like to get more high school-level athletes involved in youth programs and one way is by being a referee," Rabinowitz said. "They serve as mentors to younger kids promoting the youth's interest in high school athletics, either by going to watch games or striving to play at that level. In the long run, it will enhance the high school level of play."

Members of the WSCY board of directors are David Garwood, Michael Rabinowitz, Suzie Willey, Don Cox, Angie Cox, Rick Shinn, Jeremy Brian, Calvin Earls and Kristin Swick.

Anyone interested in helping out with community youth programs or with questions call, 493-1636.

WSCY's next project is Little League Baseball for ages 5-12.