Natchez youth take the court for basketball fun, games

Published 12:05 am Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Jonathan Curry, 5, of the Blankenstein team, takes a shot while members of the Constable team put their hands up for a rebound during a game at the Martin Gym Monday. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

Jonathan Curry, 5, of the Blankenstein team, takes a shot while members of the Constable team put their hands up for a rebound during a game at the Martin Gym Monday. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — They may be small, but they can ball.

For four through six year olds, the Natchez Youth Basketball Association provides an outlet to let out all the built up energy and gives them a chance to give the game of basketball their best shot.

Around 20 children did just that Monday night, as Hargraves Youth faced off with Home, and Blankenstein took on Constable at Martin Gym in Natchez.

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In the first game, Hargraves was able to pull away in a 20-10 victory. While in the second game, Constable got the best of Blankenstein, winning 18-4.

But the score wasn’t the most important thing, rather, it was the chance for the kids to get out and play the game.

“It is a good thing to see them playing, being happy and doing their thing,” Hargraves head coach Terry Herrington said. “It is nice to be a part of it.”

For Herrington, his family was one of the main reasons he got involved.

“I’ve got a grandson that is out there playing,” he said. “I started with my son, and now I’m doing it with my grandson.”

Jonathan Smalley, who coaches Blankenstein, also got involved because of family.

“It is always a big smile for me,” Smalley said. “Especially because I have my son out here with me and being able to coach his team.”

Both admitted though, having a group of four to six year-olds can get a little wild at times.

“It’s hard because sometimes they get distracted,” Herrington said. “But they come back to the game and stay with it. They’ve got love for the game.”

Smalley agreed.

“It is very hard sometimes,” he said. “But it is fun being able to be out here with them.”