They shoot! They score! And they win! – every one of ‘em
With less than a minute left on the clock, a pint-size player shoots and scores. A mom from the opposing team yells “Nice shot!” The buzzer sounds and the game ends – final score: zero to zero.
Nobody, at least in teams composed of first- and second-graders, counts baskets in Upward Basketball. This league isn’t about winning.
The worldwide children’s ministry, which focuses on salvation, character and self-esteem, was started locally at Spokane Valley Nazarene Church four years ago.
Since then, the league has grown to more than 700 boys and girls from throughout Spokane County, grades one through six, who participate in basketball. Some of the children also do cheerleading.
On Saturday, the church hosted back-to-back games from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in its gym, which has two half-courts.
The program is so popular that last year Spokane Valley United Methodist Church opened its gym for games.
While playing at the Nazarene Church, Andrew Peterson, 7, became an offensive powerhouse, scoring three baskets.
His mother, Susan Peterson, said the league is a perfect fit for her son, who has spina bifida. “He’s in it more for the fun than the competition.”
Games begin with jersey-clad youngsters running through a fog-filled tunnel to the sound of their name and number being announced over a microphone. Music blares in the background.
“They make them feel special,” Peterson said. “It’s really positive.”
Before starting, both teams huddle while the referee leads a quick prayer. The halftime show features a brief personal testimony about God’s ability to change lives, and a cheerleading performance.
Parents say Upward Basketball is the antithesis of some programs, which can be cutthroat when kids are benched in favor of other players.
Scott Marlow, a second-grade teacher from Adams Elementary School, came to watch a group of his students. Years ago, his son played basketball for AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union. In the other league, Marlow saw parents and coaches lose their cool, something that referees say rarely happens in Upward Basketball.
“I think you do notice a big difference in the competition. I think you see it in the parents and coaches,” Marlow said.
While adults keep comments positive, there’s plenty of yelling from the sidelines.
John Baumann, a referee, said coaches model respect by not challenging calls. Instead, they bite their tongues or shout, “Good call, ref.”
“We’re trying to teach the kids, from the beginning, good discipline,” he explained.
Baumann is one of 300 to 400 volunteers who perform duties ranging from scheduling to refereeing to cleaning restrooms.
Some credit Debbie Weisen, Valley Nazarene’s children’s pastor, with improving and expanding the league, which started with 150 kids.
“Her leadership is what makes this program. She’s plugged straight into God,” Lea Weatherred, a volunteer, said.
While the program has a spiritual overtone, organizers don’t take fair competition for granted.
Players are ranked based on their age, height and a tryout that tests six skills. A computer program arranges teams with players of varying scores.
Different colored wristbands designate ability levels. Children guard opposing players wearing the same color bands.
Sandi Sannes appreciates that referees take time to explain mistakes to the kids. For her son, Cameron, 7, it’s an ideal learning atmosphere,
“It’s very uplifting. I don’t want to see the games end and could sit there for another hour or two,” Sannes said.
Confidence building is a key to the program, which rewards children for skills, improvement and behavior.
Sally Murphy, a volunteer who works with cheerleaders, said the girls go from being barely audible to enthusiastically belting out cheers.
“I can just see them gaining more confidence all the time.”