Niwot Youth Sports basketball season kicks off

Niwot Youth Sports (NYS) is set to begin its winter basketball season this week, with games scheduled to start on Saturday, Jan. 11. The program continues to demonstrate strong community engagement despite some new capacity limitations.

"NYS basketball is thriving!" said Jessica Walker, NYS Basketball Commissioner and Executive Director.

NYS recently hosted a successful winter mini-camp on Dec. 23, where 182 young athletes in grades 1-8 participated in sessions led by Niwot High School coaches and players. Each participant received a complimentary T-shirt, highlighting the program's commitment to fostering team spirit from day one.

This season marks the fourth year of NYS's partnership with Rocky Mountain Youth Basketball (RMYB), though with some adjustments to accommodate venue constraints. The NYS basketball program has enrolled 166 children in grades 1-6, spread across 20 teams. While this represents a slight decrease from previous years, Walker explained that the reduction was necessary due to gym space limitations at their game venues at Rocky Mountain Christian Church in both Frederick and Niwot.

The program's team distribution reflects strong participation across all age groups, with particularly robust enrollment in the younger divisions. In the first and second grade division, nine teams will take to the court, with seven boys teams and two girls teams developing their fundamental skills. The third and fourth grade division maintains strong numbers with eight teams total, comprising six boys teams and two girls teams. The fifth and sixth grade division rounds out the program with three competitive teams consisting of two boys teams and one girls team.

Behind these young athletes stands a dedicated team of 18 volunteer coaches, demonstrating the strong parental and community involvement that has long been a hallmark of NYS programs. Two particularly committed fathers have each taken on the responsibility of coaching two teams, showcasing the exceptional dedication of the program's volunteer base.

The partnership with RMYB has proven to be a game-changer for the NYS program. "We are grateful for their partnership," Walker said. "They are well organized, offer referee training programs and youth cheer programs in addition to basketball, and make the experience both fun and skill-based for their youth athletes."

Walker particularly praised program leaders Jacque French and Stephanie Burch, describing them as "great to work with and super organized."

RMYB has established itself as East Boulder County's premier youth recreational basketball program with 79 teams in its program. It earned this reputation through its attention to detail and focus on player experience. At every game, young athletes are treated to an exciting atmosphere that includes personal player announcements and motivational "pump up" music before tip-off. The organization's commitment to development shows in their thoughtfully designed age-appropriate equipment and rules, which help young players build proper fundamentals while enjoying the game.

A standout feature of the RMYB program is its well-trained group of referees, who do more than just enforce rules – they serve as on-court educators, helping players understand the game better during play. The season builds to an exciting conclusion with a tournament and an end-of-year celebration that brings together all participants, reinforcing the community aspect of the program.

Looking toward future expansion, RMYB has announced plans to reintroduce a 3v3 league for seventh and eighth graders in late spring. This addition will provide older players with a fast-paced, skill-intensive format that has become increasingly popular in basketball development programs.

Registration details will be announced soon, and interested athletes can contact Jessica Walker at [email protected] for more information.

Walker's connection to NYS runs deep. Having joined the NYS board in 2022, she brings not only her experience as a coach for NYS flag football and baseball since 2020 but also a lifetime of personal history with the organization. As a Niwot native and former NYS participant, she represents a second generation of leadership in the organization, as her father, Scott Tennant, ran NYS volleyball in the 1990s. Walker's own participation in NYS programs helped pave the way for her successful athletic career at Niwot High School, demonstrating the organization's long-term impact on young athletes.

"I am so proud that this organization remains strong, non-profit, and volunteer-based now for 50 years and counting," Walker reflected. Her sentiment captures the enduring spirit of NYS, which has supported countless young athletes in the community for half a century. As the winter basketball season begins, this latest chapter in NYS's story continues to build on that legacy of community service and athletic development.

The program's commitment to maintaining strong recreational sports opportunities, despite challenges such as venue limitations, speaks to the resilience and dedication of all involved. As practices begin this week and opening day approaches, the excitement among players, coaches, and families continues to build, promising another memorable season of youth basketball in the Niwot community.