With more than 110 athletes participating in this year's basketball camp and league, the Community Center continues to see encouraging growth in youth athletics throughout the region.
Students from Sidney, Kimball, Leyton, Peetz, Potter-Dix, and the Panhandle Homeschool Co-op came together to develop their basketball fundamentals and prepare for the upcoming Center Basketball League.
Boys basketball camp began Monday, followed by girls basketball camp on Tuesday. Both evenings brought together an impressive group of volunteers, including middle school students, high school basketball players, high school coaches, parents, and volunteer coaches, several of whom do not have children participating in the program.
For Sports Director Kendyl Wintholz, the turnout reflects the growing culture of community involvement surrounding youth athletics.
“After seven years of coaching softball in Sidney and watching that program grow since 2019, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that successful youth sports programs are built through community involvement,” said Wintholz. “As participation grows across Cheyenne County, so does the need for people willing to invest in the next generation. Following the incredible support we've seen with volleyball and flag football, it's exciting to see that same enthusiasm carry into basketball. Having athletes, coaches, and parents from all stages of their basketball journeys working together to develop our youngest players is exactly what makes these programs successful.”
Basketball League & Upcoming Opportunities
The Center Basketball League serves students in grades 3–6, beginning with instructional camps October 19–23. Boys camps are held Monday and Thursday, while girls camps take place Tuesday and Friday.
League games will be played on Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21 and December 5, 12, 19, with each team guaranteed nine games.
Registration remains open for individual athletes and outside teams. Individual registration is $50 for camp and league or $30 for league only, with a $10 late fee after October 19. Outside teams may register for $350 per team.
Individual Registration: https://pci.jotform.com/form/262376441129155
Outside Team Registration: https://pci.jotform.com/form/262526192372155
The Community Center will also host the Gym Rat Basketball Camp on Saturday, October 24, offering another opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills.
The Community Center remains committed to expanding youth sports opportunities throughout the region, ensuring that every child who wants to participate has the opportunity to play.
With more than 110 young athletes and a growing network of dedicated volunteers, this week's camps are an encouraging start to another exciting basketball season.
