March Madness Comes Early to Morris Plains Youth Basketball League

The Morris Plains Basketball Association kicked off its 2010-2011 season at the Borough School gym Saturday morning. The ceremonies got off to a rousing start as fifth-grader Julianna Belles, 11, brought the crowd to its feet with her melodic rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." When asked later if she gets nervous performing for an audience she said, "No. I sang the National Anthem at a Sussex Skyhawks game, and I wasn't nervous. I just enjoy singing." 

Once all the eager hoopsters were seated, league president Frank Votapek greeted those in attendance and quickly handed over the microphone to Councilwoman Sue McCluskey. 

The somber "Good morning" she heard from the crowd was not what McCluskey expected.  "If the Mayor were here," she said, "He wouldn't have accepted that!"  The seated youths responded with a bleacher rumbling "GOOD MORNING!," which seemed more to McCluskey's liking.  

She delivered a message from Mayor Frank J. Druetzler: "Throughout the season Mayor Druetzler wants you to improve your skills, make new friends, and have a good time." 

Improving players' skills was a major theme expressed by the volunteer coaches. When members of the seventh and eighth-grade boys and girls travel squads took center court, Votapek said to the eager younger players. "As you grow older and continue to work hard in the recreational league, you too may be representing Morris Plains on the travel team."   

The Morris Plains Basketball Association consists of a recreational league for boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade, a boys travel team for grades four through eight, and a girl's travel team for grades five through eight. 

The recreational programs are designed to teach the fundamentals of the game and build skills. Tryouts are held each year for the travel teams, which play other local squads at a more competitive level.  

President Votapek stressed that this would not be possible without the support of the parents, volunteer coaches, and the many sponsors who continue to support Morris Plains youth basketball throughout the years.

Those sponsors provided gift bags for the young players and a few lucky hoopsters won extra prizes for sinking foul shots.  Power forward and Borough School fourth-grader Mark Gamble said, "I like coming to opening day because I usually win something!"  

Coach Brian Bowers has two daughters, Lexi and Mary, who participated in the opening day ceremonies.  "It's fun every year," Brian said.  "Frank (Votapek) does a great job with the league. I hope the kids come out, have some fun, and learn a little something about the game."

"I hope each of the kids makes a basket this year," Brian Clark said as he stood with his son, third-grader Brendan. "It's important that all of the kids have fun out there, and it would be really great for each of the players to score a least once during the season."