3-Point End to a Community's Basketball Season

It was the end of basketball season on Saturday March 22nd for the Grand Terrace Community Basketball League at the Grand Terrace High School gymnasium. Players received trophies and the under 6, under 8, under 10, and under 19 teams played for one last game before the all star teams played the next day. Families and friends gathered to support and thank the board, the parents who participated, and all of the volunteers who donated their time and talents during the season. Christina and Orie Benjamin came with sons; Orie and Christian Benjamin. They are four-year residents of Grand Terrace and come from a basketball family. Orie Sr. played for Oregon State University basketball team and made a point of saying he was part of the “beavers, not the ducks.” His brother, Cory Benjamin, also a Grand Terrace resident, played on the NBA. Long-time Grand Terrace resident, Eulet Gore brought his grandsons Shiloh Martin and Sherwaine Martin. Shiloh, who was geared up to play after the under 8 team completed their game, shared that he plays because, “it’s fun to play.” During the game for the under 8 team between the UCLA Bruins and the Grand Terrace Nets, the kids ran up and down the court making the game a close one. Jimmy Navarrette who came with his family to watch the game said, “It’s a good game, it’s the first time they’ve been beating a team like this. If they win, it’ll be for the first or second time they won this year, but they don’t usually keep score.” Kids who didn’t play during the game spent their time with extra basketballs on the side of the court dribbling and playing with each other. Ricki Payne, who is an executive board member of the Grand Terrace Community Basketball League was working at the concession stand selling; nachos, candy and soda to patrons. She said her children have been playing for 7 years and she has been on the board for 3 years. She got involved because of her kids and stated, “They like to stay all day and watch the games, I used to volunteer and after a few years was asked to join the board. My kids play, but also volunteer to referee and work the table.” Payne said, the league has been around for years, sharing, “my son is 28 and he started playing when he was 10. It benefits the community and gives the family something to do in town, it’s great for skill building, social skills, teamwork, cooperation, and getting along with others. It gives the kids something to do with their families and keeps everyone local. A lot of kids play several sports in the community and keeps them physically fit.” Long-time Grand Terrace resident Mike West and his son were watching the under 8 game supporting their friend Lawrence who was number 12 on the Nets, before his son played the next game. West also has two kids who attend Terrace View Elementary. He stated, “I think it’s better in the gym here at Grand Terrace High School, before the games were held at Colton High School.” Timothy Whitlow Sr. and son Timothy Whitlow Jr. were in the stands enjoying watching the Nets and the Bruins play one another. Whitlow Jr. said he has been playing basketball for five to six years, and started playing because, “it’s something I used to do as a kid, and it’s a hobby and something to pass the time.” He was waiting to play in a game later that afternoon. At the end of the game which went into overtime, the Grand Terrace Nets beat the Bruins 24-22. Payne said, “I’d like to thank the families for participating and making it a priority during the year." Registration for the next season begins in October/November and the season starts in January 2015. Until next season, play on!