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By Nina Crowder
The Community Schools Athletic League is a far ranging group of school districts including the Oracle School District, Mammoth San Manuel Unified School District, Hayden/Winkleman Unified School District and the Ray Unified School District. These programs include soccer, flag football, basketball, wrestling, swimming and cheerleading/spirit squad through multiple events.
The Community Schools Athletic League was able to bring the Community Schools Athletic Basketball program to the town of Kearny on Saturday, Feb. 9 for the first time ever.
There are currently 35 basketball teams with over 350 participants, not including the adult volunteers and the 80-plus cheerleaders that contributed to an incredible day of basketball and fun.
The bleachers were filled with parents, grandparents and friends as they watched the action packed youth basketball games and cheered on the various teams. Thanks to the Ray High School Baseball team for the fantastic job with the concessions.
Larry Ramirez, the Community Schools Director estimates there was over 1,000 people in attendance throughout the day on Saturday, a fun filled and rewarding day.
The Community Schools Basketball Program has four age-appropriate divisions: kindergarten-down, first-second grade, third-fourth grade and fifth-sixth grade.
To initiate the Community Schools Basketball season, the games started Feb. 2 in Oracle, with the second round of games on Feb. 9 in Kearny.
There will be games on February 12, 13 and 14 at Mammoth Elementary School gym. The following week the games will be held February 19, 20 and 21 at the San Manuel High School gym and then Saturday, March 2nd at the Hayden High School gym.
On Mar. 9, the exciting six-week season will conclude at the San Manuel High School gym with the official March Madness tournament.
The reason the Community Schools Athletics Program is flourishing is through the volunteers that selflessly give their time and dedication to help the youth of our communities. The turnout for the Community Schools Basketball Program has been tremendous this year.
If you have the opportunity to watch any of the upcoming games, please do so. If you have questions or need additional information, please refer to MSM Community Schools Facebook page or contact Larry Ramirez at (520) 385-2337 ext. 1110.
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