The Mary Ellen and Robert McKee branch of the Boys & Girls Club has started its registration process for youth basketball. There will be different leagues depending on skill level and age group. Bitty ball is co-ed kindergarten to second grade. This league is meant for the youngest ball players learning the game for the first time.“Bitty ball is for the younger kids who are just now learning how to play basketball,” said Branch Director Laura Stratton. “The coaches will teach the kids how to dribble and shoot. Especially teaching the kids not to run and hold the ball in their hands. The hoops are shorter, and they will only play half court.”

This is a great chance to increase your child’s passion for the game and learn some new techniques to help improve their skills, Stratton said.

The older kids will have a chance to compete in the Junior Suns and Junior Mercury leagues. The Junior Suns have three different levels of play for kids. Rookie is third to fourth grades, Cadet is fifth to sixth grades, and Sun is seventh to eighth grades. This league is also co-ed. Junior Mercury is only for girls and has two options for level of play. Girls can participate in the rookie or cadet groups. “These two leagues are meant for the more experienced kids,” Stratton said. “Faster paced games and full court play. For both leagues, the championship games will be at the Footprint Center (in downtown Phoenix).”

Registration closes on Nov. 17, and anyone interested in letting their child participate, may apply online on the club’s website, bgcs.org/mary-ellen-robert-mckee-branch/.
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