By Terra Avilla
In the bustling world of youth basketball, the Lassen Hoops league has just wrapped up another exhilarating season, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper love for the game.
Watching my little munchkin progress in only a few short months has been such a cool experience as a parent.
She learned all sorts of things, including “boxing out”, however, unfortunately I still have no idea what it means. (I yell it occasionally though when I hear the other parents say it too.)
Lassen Hoops is more than just a basketball league; it’s a place of positivity in the community. Through sport, children learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience — lessons that extend far beyond the basketball court.
The league has become a haven where kids can express themselves, make new friends, and build confidence, all while staying active and healthy.
Moreover, the excitement of game days brings families and community members together, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
I mean, where else in the world can you watch your fourth graders play basketball in a game that is being refereed by the Sheriff himself, John McGarva. It’s a true testament to how sports, especially when guided by passionate individuals like volunteers, can create such a great sense of community.
Speaking of volunteers, I couldn’t write about Lassen Hoops and not mention Micah Freeman. He isn’t just the league president; he’s the embodiment of what Lassen Hoops stands for — introducing the joy of basketball to boys and girls while fostering a sense of community and sportsmanship.
Week after week, Freeman could be spotted at every game, not just overseeing the operations but cheering on each player, offering words of encouragement, and ensuring every child felt valued. My middle child lost her precious stuffy at one of the games, he undertook a mission to help me find it. He is just so wonderful.
At the end of the season’s tournament children were so passionate about their final games. Showing, that Lassen Hoops has once again succeeded in its mission, not just in teaching kids how to dribble or shoot, but in showing them the value of hard work, the importance of being part of a team, and the beauty of sharing moments of triumph and defeat.
It’s not the scores or the trophies that define this season; it’s the smiles, the friendships, and the community spirit that will linger in the memories of all the little kiddos who were able to play this year. Here’s to Lassen Hoops, where every player, every game, and every cheer is a reminder of why I love where we live.
All the coaches and volunteers who make Lassen Hoops the incredible league it is, a heartfelt thank you. Your dedication doesn’t just make the games possible; it changes lives.
