NYS rec basketball evaluations bring out local youth talent

Niwot Youth Sports boys and girls recreational basketball started the season a bit early this year by bringing out players for pre-season evaluations at Flagstaff Academy this past week.

Evaluations ran from Thursday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 4. New NYS basketball commissioner Micah Hayes and his volunteer coaches were able to use these days to get a first look at their players and help them make competitive and well-matched teams for each division.

The Niwot Youth Sports basketball program is open to players in 1st - 6th grades with both boys and girls divisions. NYS is partnering with Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball for a second year this season, and competes against teams from both the Rocky Mountain Youth Sports organization and Carbon Valley Recreation Center.

With over 160 signups through NYS alone, the program keeps youth in the Niwot, Gunbarrel and South Longmont communities learning and playing together while allowing them to compete against teams in surrounding communities.

Last season, the Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball organization kept games exciting and fast-paced, with warm up music and an announcer calling each player's name as they entered the court.

Referees were energetic and helped kids understand calls as they made them and, at times, taught key basketball rules mid-game. Divisions this year include 1st-2nd grade, 3rd-4th grade, and 5th-6th grade. Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball also organizes a 7th-8th grade 3 v 3 league on Friday nights. Registration is closed for the season but opens up each fall.

Hayes, a veteran NYS coach, is excited to take over the basketball program this year. He has three children in the program who have played multiple sports and he has experience working with Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball last year as well.

"Evaluations went really smoothly and there are some great youth athletes coming out this year," he said. "We will form teams this week and start practices right after the holiday break."

NYS plans to form five to seven teams per age group and Hayes is still looking for a few volunteer coaches. Please contact Micah Hayes at micah.hayes@niwotyouthsports.org if interested.