Submitted photo

Patrick Gorman gets into his defensive stance during an Optimist Basketball League game.

Submitted photo

Jonathan Watt makes his move on Justin Webb as Hunter Delgado comes up to help in a n Optimist Basketball League game.

Submitted photo

Optimist Coach Tony Romano instructs Michael Trzyna.

By JOSEPH BARTOS

Special To The Eagle

The inaugural season of the Marco Island Optimist Basketball League tipped off at Mackle Park on Friday. The new league has had great acceptance and support from the families and community, with more than 150 kids playing on 14 teams, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade.

All of them looked great in their new uniforms. Many fans came to cheer for their children and enjoy the incredible food and festivities.

The fourth through sixth grade girls’ teams matched up. Most of the girls had little or no experience, but gave it their all. The fourth and fifth grade boys followed, with the Black & White team against the Maroon. While both teams played hard, the Maroon team came out the winner. The games were refereed by high school officials so the kids could get a real feel for the game and learn the rules as they will be applied throughout their school years. The sixth through eighth graders played next. The Maroon team’s size gave them advantage on the boards. The Black and White team struggled to get their shots to fall this week allowing the Maroon team to come out on top, 30-20.

On Saturday morning the Optimist teams were back on the court for three more age groups. Kindergarten and first graders played first. They had a great time playing on a slightly shorter court, with baskets set at eighth feet high. This age group was very entertaining and had the crowd enthralled. Next was the second and third grade teams. The kids at this age were a bit more aggressive and had a little more knowledge of the game. The fourth and fifth grade teams were next. Light Blue playing Royal Blue was the game of the day. Royal got out to an early lead by hitting a high percentage of their shots. Light Blue started to get their rhythm in the fourth quarter but came up on the short end of the 24-11 score.

Overall, Friday and Saturday games were a huge success for the debut of Optimist Basketball. The Optimist organization wishes to thank all who volunteered to make the league and the day possible. Diane Trzyna, president of the basketball league, encourages you to come out to see the youth of Marco play basketball and support the Optimist League. Games at Mackle Park are 6 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday.

The Optimist Club of Marco Island was established the summer of 2008 to combine the previously established Marco Eagles Football and the Cal Ripken Baseball leagues with newly-formed basketball and soccer leagues. For more information, go to OptimistClubofMarcoIsland.org.