By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Ethan Thomas is not letting his old basketball memories go. In October, Thomas approached the Barton County Commission about funding a youth basketball league that would involve area public and private schools. The travel league would be a throwback to Thomas' own elementary days when he played in a Christian basketball league. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but the plan continues to move forward with games at Central Kansas Christian Academy (CKCA).
"Right now, I'm very pleased with the turnout," Thomas said. "All our games are at CKCA because of the gym. We are actually packing that gym. The bleachers, from one end to the other, are full, all the way from the bottom to the top. I've talked with several parents and fans that were there, and they said this is exactly what this community needed."
The commission declined to assist with funding for the league, and several of the area public schools have declined to play, but Thomas said CKCA and Holy Family in Great Bend are now halfway into an agreement to play five games. Boys' and girls' teams are made up of players in grades 3-4 and 5-6.
Thomas, a coach at CKCA, originally wanted to include public elementary schools from around the area and still hopes to grow the league for next year. He continues to reach out to area districts that might want to join the league for next year. "We're just trying to get the word out that this is what we're doing, and maybe we can build something for next year," he said.
During his pitch to the Barton County Commission in October, Thomas hoped for an instructional league that would benefit young players, coaches, officials, and cheerleaders. The final games this season will play out at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 at CKCA.
