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Hoops Program Enters 40th Year

By DAREK SHARP

dsharp@tampatrib.com

Published: January 14, 2009

PLANT CITY - The 40th season of the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department/Optimist Youth Basketball Program began last week. This year, 44 teams will hit the courts with a total of 200 games to be played over a two-month schedule.

Games are played in six age groups. Most of the Cadet League (8 and 9 year olds) action unfolds on Saturday, but the season tipped off Jan. 6 at the Plant City Family YMCA.

Matthew Mashburn scored 16 points as the Grizzlies defeated the Bullets 28-10, and Kooper Long had 10 as the Bears topped the Otters 18-12.

Play also started last week in the other age groups: Junior (10 and 11) Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Boys (12 and 13), Senior Girls (12 to 14) and Premiere Boys (14 to 16). Games are held at the Plant City YMCA as well as at Tomlin and Marshall middle schools.

Charles Griffin scored 19 points, and James Perry added eight as the Heat won their Premiere opener 44-32 over the Sonics, and the Cavs edged the Braves 35-34, with Saturnino Sierra scoring 18.

Not too far away is the Tri-Star competition the Optimist Club holds each year. It will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Tomlin gymnasium.

Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each age group, which starts at 8 and goes up to 13. Boys and girls compete separately, so as many as 36 awards may be presented.

The event is free for anyone involved in the rec league. Contestants are judged on shooting, dribbling and passing.

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Hoops Program Enters 40th Year