Hoopa Tribal Recreation Youth Basketball Season Under Way

Alexia Jackson gets ready to take a jump shot for the Native Ballers while Alanis Baldy with the Rockstars moves in to block on Tuesday, March 5, in Willow Creek./Photo by Kristan Korns, Two Rivers Tribune

By KRISTAN KORNS, Two Rivers Tribune

The seasons for both Youth Basketball Leagues sponsored by Hoopa Tribal Recreation started the last week of February, and are now in full swing.

The 3rd and 4th graders play Monday and Wednesday nights, and the 5th and 6th graders play every Tuesday and Thursday.

Most of the teams are from Hoopa, with one team each from Willow Creek and Orleans.

The Native Ballers from Hoopa went on the road Tuesday, March 5, to play against the Rockstars from Willow Creek in the Trinity Valley Elementary School gymnasium.

All of the kids on both teams played well, with a surprising number of three-pointers and good jump shots, and the crowd cheered for each basket.

Nah-Tes Jackson, coach for the Native Ballers, said, “I’m glad we get to come up here so they don’t have to come to Hoopa for every game, plus it gives the Hoopa teams some away games. I know my kids were really looking forward to it.”

Jack Roby was at the game, watching three of his five grandchildren playing for the Rockstars; Jack Reynolds, William Reynolds, and Precious Reynolds.

“We try to keep them busy, involved in sports, and away from bad influences,” Roby said.

Carol Hutton’s grandson, Quincy Jackson, was also on the court playing for the Rockstars.

“It gives the kids something to do after the school basketball teams are over,” Hutton said. “They improve so fast too.”

Gloria Vigil traveled from Hoopa to cheer for her granddaughter Makaya Masten and her teammates, the Native Ballers.

“They get a chance to learn sportsmanship, and they’ll be our future high school team,” Vigil said.