LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Westshore Youth Basketball Program is seeking out interested parents and community members to help lead it next season.

Melody De Leon, who along with husband Scott and a dedicated 12-member board have overseen the program since 2008, said they're looking to hand over the reins to a new group.

De Leon said many of the participating parents' children – including her own – will be leaving the league as they advance in grade levels, which makes it necessary to recruit new board members to coordinate if the league is to return next year.

The organization is designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop the fundamental understanding and enjoyment of the game of basketball with an emphasis on learning basic skills, sportsmanship and team play, she said.

The program serves boys and girls from third through eighth grades, or roughly ages 8 to 14, De Leon said.

 

It previously was funded and organized by the Lakeport schools, but De Leon said budget cuts ended that.

So in November 2008 the school announced the program – which had run many years – would be ending. De Leon said her husband, who had played in the league as a child, hated to see it end and suggested they take it over.

“What a pleasure it's been,” she said, adding that both of their sons have played in it, with their youngest just completing his last season.

Since taking over the league – previously known as the “pee wee” program – De Leon said they've run 400 games.

Sponsors and sign up fees are the primary funding source, said De Leon. Funding is needed to cover costs such as renting the school facilities for the games.

Planning for the season usually starts in the fall, at the end of October or start of November, with the season running in January and February. The All-Star tournament takes place in March, she said.

During the season, there are three games per night for four nights a week. De Leon said tasks include refereeing, running the game clock, and organizing needed first aid items like ice packs. “We've got it down to where it just flows,” she said.

She said this year they've had more student participation – and more compliments from happy parents – than ever before.

“I hate for it to end and I don’t want to walk away from it,” she said.

The league averages about 210 children playing a year, but the number was higher this year.

“The tremendous parent and community support, along with the dedicated volunteer coaches, referees, and staff is what makes it all happen,” she said. “Combine that with growth you seen in each child each game and the excitement of watching them play, and you find yourself not wanting to be anywhere else.”

For more information or to volunteer, contact De Leon at 707-263-6111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The league can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Westshore-Youth-Basketball-League/172909386059731#!/pages/Westshore-Youth-Basketball-League/172909386059731?v=wall .

 

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