Written by Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune Sports Reporter
Their ages range from 17 to early 30s. Some have families and full-time jobs, and some went to their high school prom this month. Their common interest is playing basketball in the annual summer league at Idlewild Park in Boone County.
This is the 10th season of the outdoor league, in which 18 teams compete in two divisions. Each team has six of his players to use in his 4-on-4 games scheduled through July. The playoffs will be held in early August before young players return to college and high school classes.
“There's competition, but at the end of the day it's just a way to enjoy the summer, get in the game and just enjoy the game of basketball,” said league founder and current participant Bailey Craddock, 28. Told. fun.
Craddock played high school basketball at Conner College. During the summer, he and his teammates gathered for pickup games at Idlewild Park. They decided to start a league to increase their competitiveness.
“In the first summer of 2015, we started with about eight teams, and each year that team has grown and grown to include the entire tri-state area,” he said. “We have players who played at the D-II and D-III level (in college) and we have players who played overseas (in the professional league). It's been a fun ride.”
Before the season began, team managers selected players in the draft. This year's top three picks are all from Cincinnati, followed by Conner graduates Jalen Scott and Dalton Kramer, both of whom have played in college.
The two high school players selected were Jamil London and Sean Pouncey, who were starters on the Cooper High School team that finished ninth and regional runner-up last season. Pouncey has graduated, but London has one prep season left.
“Yamil is still in high school, but he's one of the younger players playing in this men's league,” Craddock said. He said, “He's had other high school seniors play in the league.'' For 10 years…but that's rare. ”
The league does not have a set schedule. The manager sets up the match when both teams have enough players. If it rains, the two outdoor courts could become slippery and the game could be postponed for player safety.
The first team to reach a preset point total wins the game. There are no civil servants. If a player calls a foul, the ball is returned. If in the same possession he commits a second foul, he will be awarded a free throw.
Both courts also have 3-point lines to entice perimeter shooters.
“The goals in the world are double-edged, so you have to make sure you get every basket,” Craddock said with a laugh.
Craddock currently serves as a teacher and freshman basketball coach at Conner College. As a summer league team manager, one of this year's draft picks was Hasan Valens, who played for a professional team in Spain.
“A lot of us in the league have grown up together, but we've also made a lot of new friends through the league with players from various high schools and colleges,” Craddock said.
“The social part is fun. I've been able to stay connected with a lot of players that I don't know if I would have connected with if I hadn't continued my friendships in this league.”