The Kokomo Family YMCA All Valley Cornhole Tournament and block party is less than a month away! Join us on Friday, June 9, for a one-day tourney where the winning team takes home $250! Register your team online to play at: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
The JC Barnett School of Jump Shooting exhibition basketball league scored a slam dunk last week as it kicked off its 2023 season with games for kids in three age groups. The league returned to action May 10 following a three-year hiatus fueled by the COVID pandemic.
According to founder and organizer JC Barnett III, the league is comprised of several youth teams that will compete locally to develop skills and cultivate talent. The games were played at the Carver Community Center, and the season will feature games each Wednesday through August. Youth participating in the exhibition league are in 3-4th, 5-6th and 7-8th grade.
“For a number of years I’ve have developed relationships with coaches in the local area and beyond,” said Barnett. “I thought, for anyone who either can’t afford to go an hour south and play on weekends, or just doesn’t want to be committed to travelling for weeks on end, I can organize competitive exhibition games right here at home in the off season.
“The Carver Community Center being the staple it is in the city of Kokomo, its only right that this youth establishment be our home base. I’m a Carver kid, as are so many others. Everything really began here for me in terms of playing hoops. There is an overwhelming sense of nostalgia to have my son and other youth play here to develop their game. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The league has no registration fee for any of the teams involved, but only teams may register. Individual registrations are not accepted. However, no youth will be turned away. Barnett is always seeking to expand the program, and he welcomes all who have a passion to play.
“Simply ask”, Barnett says, “and we will get you involved.”
Games begin at 5:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $5, and $3 for students.
See additional photos from the first night of the program at www.kokomolantern.com or by visiting the Kokomo Lantern Facebook page or group.