The Wareham Junior Basketball Association Winter League offers kids from first to eighth grade a chance to learn fundamentals, develop a love for the game, and compete against other kids their age. 

Games are played each Saturday at the Wareham Middle school from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are two divisions for boys. Division One is for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, and Division Two is for third, fourth, and fifth graders. There is also a girls division for grades five through eight. 

According to League President Gary Tavares, this year’s season began on Dec. 14, and will conclude with a playoff tournament in February. 

The league also offers a “Mites” program for first and second graders who might not be ready for competitive play. 

“They teach them everything they need to know about the game of basketball, so when they get to the third grade, they’re looking forward to playing,” Tavares said of the program. 

Tavares also said that the league focuses on teaching basketball “the right way” with an emphasis on fundamentals like dribbling and defense. 

Tavares added that some of the young athletes already know how to run plays, and that some of the eighth graders play in travel leagues, and even the freshman team for Wareham High School.  

“There’s some really good ball players here,” he said. 

Ultimately, Tavares said that he wants the younger athletes to support the high school team because “one day, they’re going to be wearing that uniform.” 

League Chairman Kenny Fontes has been involved with the JBA since its inception 41 years ago. 

He said everything has gone “full cycle” as some of the players he once coached, have returned to coach a new generation of players. 

For coach and parent Lu Brito, some benefits of the league are developing a “love for the game” and the lesson of “trying your best even if the odds are against you.” 

Brito first coached his oldest son Denzel, and now coaches 11-year-old Coleman on the Greyhounds team, sponsored by Uppercape K9s. 

Brito added that the experience is great for father-son bonding, and that he tries to balance the roles of being both a coach, and a parent. 

Amya Irving plays for the Lady Huskies team, sponsored by Lacava Flooring.

She said that her favorite part about being an athlete in the league is when everything “pieces together” on defense. “It’s teamwork that makes it all happen, and it’s fun,” she added. 

To learn more about the JBA basketball league, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Sports/Wareham-Junior-Basketball-Association-JBA-197289751166122/