By Rob Potter
LIBERTY — The summer is a time for sports like baseball, golf and softball.
It’s also a time for basketball.
Yes, basketball.
Teenage boys and girls from eight area school districts recently spent five weeks honing their hoops skills in the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department Summer Basketball League.
Each Monday and Wednesday evening from July 9 to Aug. 6, the dozens of youngsters played games in the Liberty High School and Middle School gymnasiums.
The six-team boys’ division included: Downsville, Liberty, Livingston Manor/Roscoe, Monticello, Sullivan West and Tri-Valley.
The six teams in the girls’ division included: Downsville, Ellenville, Liberty, Livingston Manor/Roscoe, Sullivan West and Tri-Valley.
Under the direction of Liberty Central School Athletic Director Jason Semo and Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Chris Sinceno, the teams played 40-minute games with a running clock except in the final minute of each half.
Two certified high school basketball referees worked every game and blew their whistles on the players for double dribbles, fouls, traveling and other infractions – just as they would during a regular season game.
“Each team had the opportunity to play nine games,” Semo said. “We didn’t have playoffs and a championship game. It’s a recreation league to give the kids something to do this summer. The league was fun for everybody and the kids were able to work on their game.”
And there’s no doubt that all of the boys and girls who played in the league will display their enhanced basketball talents during the 2008-09 scholastic season, which begins in December.