The Central Kansas Christian Basketball League (CKCBL) launched its first basketball season in the fall of 2023. The league was met with an enthusiastic response during its first season and is excited to kick off its second season. The four teams that have recommitted to a second season with the league are Central Kansas Christian Academy (CKCA), Holy Family, Chase, and Stafford. The first regular season game tipped off at the Chase High School Gym on Oct. 29 with the Chase Kats taking on the CKCA Warriors. 11 total regular season games will be conducted between the four teams, and the season will conclude with an end-of-season tournament hosted at the Great Bend Middle School on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“We had an amazing response from all of our sponsors, communities, and league schools for the first season!” said CKCBL President and CKCA “A” Team Head Coach, Ethan Thomas. “My wife, Ashlie, and I continue to encounter parents, sponsors, and fans who are still buzzing about last season and are incredibly excited to kick off a new one.”
A total of 26 local community sponsors contributed to this season's league, including both new sponsors and those who have renewed their commitments. Businesses or individual donors were able to select between three different package levels. Gold-level sponsors committed to donate a minimum of $1,000, Silver-level sponsors agreed to donate $500, and the Bronze-level sponsors donated $300. Funds received are being used to pay for all regular season game referees among all four teams, end-of-season tournament referees, team medals & trophies for the tournament, signage to be printed and displayed at each team facility, and any additional resources the league may need.
“The community's overwhelming support for the league and their genuine passion for what we're creating is truly moving,” said CKCBL Vice President and CKCA “B” Team Head Coach, Ashlie Thomas. “I genuinely think that our passions and talents are gifts from God, meant for a purpose beyond ourselves. They are intended to be shared and to honor God through our actions. So, not only do we strive to inspire the same love for the game in our athletes, but we also have the incredible chance to pray for all 100+ athletes on the court, the coaches, managers, cheerleaders, and the many spectators who come to support. It's truly a remarkable opportunity.”
The league is broken out into boys and girls “A” and “B” teams, with 3rd & 4th-grade players making up the “B” teams and 5th & 6th-grade players making up the “A” teams. The order of games is as follows:
· “B” Team Girls
· “B” Team Boys
· “A” Team Girls
· “A” Team Boys
Each game will be formatted with four, six-minute quarters and other standard rules that would be followed by in middle school and high school sports. Some game formatting accommodations have been adapted for the “B” teams. Weekday games will tip off at 4:30 p.m., and weekend games will tip-off at 9 a.m. All hosting teams will set up concession stands, with the earnings benefiting their team Booster Club. Fans can also buy custom CKCBL merchandise at certain games. Additionally, cheerleading is available for each school if interested.
“Like I mentioned last year, there are so many life objectives that our athletes can take away from this league,” Ethan Thomas said. “They will focus on the basics of basketball and cheer, while also gaining valuable live playing experience that usually doesn’t come until middle school. This will help them develop teamwork and communication skills while boosting their self-confidence. Additionally, we have the wonderful chance to share the message of Jesus Christ with all these children.”
The Central Kansas Christian Basketball League encourages the public to support and watch the games. You can download schedules, learn more about each team, see sponsorship opportunities, and learn more about the league by visiting www.ckcbl.com. To keep up with upcoming games and league details, you can follow the league at www.facebook.com/ckcbleague. If you have questions, you can contact the league at [email protected].