The Colton Youth Basketball League may have wrapped up their 2014-2015 season, but the fellowship and support of the program by the youth, their coaches and families who participate in the program is far from being over. For 11 weeks, including practices and eight games, the non-competitive community league brings together Colton youth, both boys and girls, ages 6 to 15, to participate in a safe youth sports environment with an emphasis on fun, participation, cooperation and respect. "The parents are 100 percent behind the kids," said John Morales, who has been a coach with the program for eight years. Morales coaches four teams, one in each age division. Games and practices are held at the Gonzales Community Center, beginning in November and running through the end of February. The league, overseen by the Colton Community Services department's recreation league, is coached by volunteers who focus on teaching not only the fundamental skills of the sport, but emphasizes the value of teamwork, responsibility, good sportsmanship and hard work. "It's totally beneficial," shared Morales. "It helps parents keep their kids out of trouble, and the parent participation is outstanding. There are so many smiling faces - the kids, their parents, their grandparents, their aunts and uncles... it's too bad it's only 11 weeks long." This year's season wrapped up on Feb. 28, but there are still some teams gathering to practice for a tournament slated for Sunday, March 22, against teams from Rialto.

Youth Basketball League Gives Kids a Place to Go