Tuesday Night Hoops

Cedarville United Methodist Church's Family Life Center is a room of many talents. The large open space is home to contemporary worship services, dinners and Cedarville Nights. And every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. it is also a basketball court.

"We've been going for about a year and a half now," Cedarville member Rene Fernandez said.

Fernandez took over the church's basketball program, which was begun by fellow member Scott Armstrong.

"We had some success, and then I guess that numbers started going down," Fernandez said. "So I did take over the program from him after a brief hiatus."

A deep devotion to the game drove Fernandez to take over Tuesday nights.

"I've been playing my whole life," Fernandez said. "I played in high school, varsity and junior varsity. I played club ball at Cortland State University. I've played competitively quite a bit as well. I've studied the game, coached the game, everything."

Basketball night usually draws six or so players. "We play three on three a lot," Fernandez said.

A mobile basketball hoop is set up in the back, with enough chairs cleared to form roughly half a court. The half court set up allows for less running and more emphasis on utilizing and building skills.

"Sometimes when you play full court, it seems like all you're doing is running up and down the court, and that takes up all your energy," said Chad Martin. "Here you're able to maybe use your skill a little bit more."

Martin has been coming to the hoops sessions roughly three times a month for the past four months. He sees other advantages to playing ball at Cedarville besides the half court format.

"Concrete courts can take a little toll on your legs and things like that, so also just the indoor floor is better," Martin said. "Air conditioning doesn't hurt over the summer either."

In addition to the half court contests, Fernandez and the other players employ numerous basketball variations to account for changing numbers and to keep things fresh. Games like Roughhouse, HORSE, Roll Out and Around the World are some of the favorites.

"If we have a day when there aren't a lot of people, I will provide coaching, if that's something people are interested in," Fernandez said. "Working on everything: one on one skills, defense, offense. I'll run the whole gamut."

Everyone from seasoned roundball veterans to first timers are encouraged to come play, and participants need not be a member of the church.

"We do also have a second rim that I do put up when we have children that come as well," said Fernandez. "It is family friendly. So, you know, you can bring your kids and if you also want to play a little basketball they'll be busy as well."

Fernandez looks to provide a welcoming environment for people to learn and play the game he loves.

"We welcome anybody," Fernandez said, still sweating from the court. "So feel free to stop on in. We're very friendly, we deal with all skill levels … just a really nice, relaxed environment where you can play competitively if you want as well."