Community League Brings Kids Off-season Clinics, Games
Kailua Community Basketball League Board members (from left)Gary Tanouye, Akira Usami, Mike Chu, Bertha Yagi, Indira Lynton and Carl Maybin. Photo from Carl Maybin.
Basketball is always in season in Kailua, no matter the season.
The relatively new Kailua Community Basketball League is among the groups currently meeting the community’s desire for more hoops, rather than less.
“We thought we could bridge the gap in the so-called off-season and have a league that would help kids continue to develop their skills and help get them ready for the next school year,” said KCBL board president Michael Chu, a longtime coach and basketball referee.
The league, which is entering its second season, runs from July to October, and serves boys and girls ages 7 to 17. The timing of the season is part of its appeal, as it gives players a chance to join the winter season at their respective schools already in playing shape. League games also are held at Kalaheo High.
“We usually end our season in the second week of October, and tryouts (for high school players) in the OIA and the ILH or other leagues begin after that,” Chu said. “For the younger players, it helps them to build their skills so they can be ready for their next season with the KBA (Kailua Basketball Association).”
The league attracted 170 players in its first season and has already signed on 94 for the coming one. Signups are from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays through May 26.
“We’ve been so pleased with the response,” Chu said. “I wanted to give back to the game, and since I live in Enchanted Lake, I wanted to start something for the community here.”
KCBL is also in the midst of its Spring Skills Clinics, which runs Sundays through May 26.
Clinic instruction is provided by KCBL board members Gary Tanouye, Akira Usami, Bertha Yagi, Indira Lynton and Carl Maybin.
“This year, we decided that we would do our clinics and league signups simultaneously, and it has worked out well for us,” Chu said.
Prospective players need to bring a copy of their birth certificate as well as a health insurance card.
Space is limited, so the league is recommending early signups to ensure a place. For more details, call 216-8103, 352-1364 or 221-0553.
