Pre-registration for Arkadelphia fifth and sixth graders interested in playing in the Arkadelphia Youth Basketball League is now open with the window for registering closing on September 14.
2018-19 Badger and Lady Badger 5th and 6th Grade Basketball Pre-Registration Form
For the first time in several years, fifth and sixth graders in Arkadelphia will have the option of playing in a basketball league affiliated with the Arkadelphia High School basketball program. The league is for players who wish to play basketball, develop their fundamental skills, and prepare themselves to take the step into junior high basketball beginning in the seventh grade.
The 2018 youth league will run from mid-November through January with a minimum of six to eight games. The Arkadelphia teams will be playing against teams from other communities. The league is for players of all skill levels from beginners to more experienced players. There is no fee to play.
“We’re looking forward to beginning this program and helping teach the game of basketball to our students who will be entering the junior high program in a short period of time,” said AHS head girls’ basketball coach Jonathan Klein. “We have visited with Bro. Greg Lathem at Third Street Baptist Church about this idea and he’s supportive of what we’re trying to do and understands what our goal is.”
The exact schedule will be announced when teams are formed after registration ends and the Arkadelphia teams will be playing against teams from other school districts.
Lathem says that for at least this season, Third Street will still offer the traditional Crossover Basketball League for any fifth and sixth graders who may still want to play.
“When Coach Klein approached me about this and we visited about what would be best for our students and the AHS basketball programs,” said Lathem. “This is a good thing for the students and for the long-term of the basketball programs and I’m glad they’ve taken interest in offering this type of basketball for fifth and sixth graders.”
"Crossover is a good program," Klein added. "But we hope that we can provide a different type of program for students this age that is more developmental and will prepare students for junior high basketball," added Klein.
Those interested in obtaining a registration form can download one here. If you have any questions, please contact Arkadelphia High School head girls’ basketball coach Jonathan Klein or head boys’ basketball coach Donnie Williams at 870-246-7373 or by e-mailing Coach Klein at jonathan.klein@arkadelphiaschools.org. Information regarding tryouts, scheduling and other essentials will follow once pre-registration is completed. Pre-registration will end on Friday, September 14.
