Itching to watch some quality high school basketball?
Bide your time, but prepare to make your way to the Highlands Sports Complex in Triadelphia.
The HSC is planning for both boys’ and girls’ high school leagues hoping to start in late August, and word is spreading.
Interest, thus far, is high.
“In terms of this, this will be the first thing we offer,” said Ricky Moore, Sports Director at the Highland Sports Complex. “We have a few schools wanting to enter multiple teams, whether it be two boys’ or girls’ teams.
“In terms of leagues, this is the first one we’re going to offer.”
Moore added other age groups and offerings, including adult leagues, will be available further out from the facilities’ opening.
But at least in terms of basketball, the high school league is the first to be showcased.
Moore is being assisted by Wheeling Park boys’ and girls’ head coach Michael Jebbia and Ryan Young. They are working to get organized and up and running.
He noted their help has been instrumental during the process. Flyers have been handed out, and soon registration will be available on the HSC website.
“We just started putting the feelers out to the coaches across the valley and area, and we’re running it in conjunction with the Wheeling Park boys’ and girls’ league,” Moore said. “We should have the registration information on the website the next day or so.”
Plenty of Playing Space
The HSC is immense both in size and offerings. But let’s talk basketball.
It will feature six full-sized courts, complete with scoreboards, scorer’s tables when needed, and nearby seating for spectators at each court.
That will enable the facility to run through a number of games per day.
“We’re looking at starting to play August 23 and run through the end of September,” Moore said. “We will play on Sundays and Wednesdays, and teams will get 10 games apiece.
“We’re setting it up to fit each team’s needs, whether they want to play only on Wednesdays, or Sundays, play doubleheaders, however they want to set it up.”
All six courts will be packed each day.
The proposed start date is the planned target. That is, provided there are no setbacks in the phased reopening of the state because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Moore noted adjustments will be made accordingly if needed, but they are looking at late August to start.
Other Options
Later in the fall, a youth league for grades 2-6 will be run in conjunction with the Tri-State Youth League run by the Girls Basketball Association (GBA).
There will also be camps, clinics, and player development activities. Some information for those is already on the site.
During winter 2021, Moore is looking to have an older youth league for middle-school aged players once their season is over.
But he’s not stopping there.
He knows the size of the facility, coupled with the numerous amenities for dining, shopping, and entertainment surrounding it, make the facility an ideal hosting location for AAU-style tournaments.
“Without a doubt, it’s an ideal spot for tournaments,” Moore said. “We’re working with several organizations and groups right now to book tournaments and events.
“We anticipate a lot of weekends during the next calendar year being booked.”
Moore also noted the facility is currently looking to hire coaches for different sports.
These coaches will help design and run the leagues, but may also work to offer private lessons. Area players looking for more individualized attention will have additional options.
All options are on the table.
“We do have court rentals available and we are exploring our own in-house trainers and staff,” Moore said.
“We’re looking to fill those coaching positions for people to be our in-house instructors, work the camps and clinics, and help organize the leagues.”
