Y Stories • YMCA Youth Programs
Reach for the Stars: Basketball at Scarborough YMCA
25 January 2016 - by Talía Noya
Scarborough YMCA is gearing up to host NBA BMO All-Star KidsFest on Friday February 5. At the YMCA, we take basketball seriously, over 230 hours are played a week across our centres! Lorenzo, Teen Programs Specialist, embodies this passion. He has been at the Y since age 4 and basketball has shaped who he is today. It’s no surprise he now coaches youth, “I love watching them grow into strong young adults.” Meet some of our Scarborough basketball stars!
Age: 12
Position: point guard – play 100%, be the coach on the court and guide your teammates, be the loudest in the gym.
Signature move: the hesitation
At the Y: He has learned from staff that in order to become great, you have to work hard. Basketball has also taught him responsibility. He is better at doing group work at school and completing all his chores at home.
Age: 11
Position: opposition except center
Signature move: behind the back
NBA idol: Allen Iverson can shoot, dunk and has handles
At the Y: It’s where he first played basketball when he was 3. He’s been part of the basketball program for a while and he has learned quite a bit from Lorenzo’s guidance.
Age: 12
Position: guard
Inspiration: his dad always reminds him that no matter what happens, he should remain calm and focused on his goals
At the Y: He has been a member for 5 years and he would like to work at the YMCA one day. His skills have improved so he is now part of the basketball house league for 14 year-olds. “It’s actually really hard but I like it because it gets me to play a lot better.”
Age: 13
Position: point and shooting guard
Signature move: spinorama followed by a reverse layup
At the Y: He always feels welcome and has made many friends over the years. He’s also enjoyed family time here. He recently practiced and drilled with one of his strongest supporters, his brother who was visiting from out of town.
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Abner
Age: 12Position: point guard – play 100%, be the coach on the court and guide your teammates, be the loudest in the gym.
Signature move: the hesitation
At the Y: He has learned from staff that in order to become great, you have to work hard. Basketball has also taught him responsibility. He is better at doing group work at school and completing all his chores at home.
“Lorenzo is one of the guys who really taught me how to play the game. He taught me the hesitation move. I tried it in a game and it worked, no defender could guard me. It felt like I was Kobe!"
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Taheim
Age: 11Position: opposition except center
Signature move: behind the back
NBA idol: Allen Iverson can shoot, dunk and has handles
At the Y: It’s where he first played basketball when he was 3. He’s been part of the basketball program for a while and he has learned quite a bit from Lorenzo’s guidance.
“A good player is someone who doesn’t only care about basketball. They care about their fans, their family and the people around them. They should also have a sense of humour. You need to laugh at yourself!”
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Jerome
Age: 12Position: guard
Inspiration: his dad always reminds him that no matter what happens, he should remain calm and focused on his goals
At the Y: He has been a member for 5 years and he would like to work at the YMCA one day. His skills have improved so he is now part of the basketball house league for 14 year-olds. “It’s actually really hard but I like it because it gets me to play a lot better.”
Jerome spends long hours at the at the Y playing basketball so when he was 10, he decided to start volunteering in the soccer and basketball programs. “I help kids stay in the program and push them to try their hardest. It feels nice.”
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Keion
Age: 13Position: point and shooting guard
Signature move: spinorama followed by a reverse layup
At the Y: He always feels welcome and has made many friends over the years. He’s also enjoyed family time here. He recently practiced and drilled with one of his strongest supporters, his brother who was visiting from out of town.
Keion looks up to Kyle Irving for many reasons, he is a good player both offensively and defensively and is a team player. “He also gives back to his community. If you forget about all the people that were there for you, then what’s the point?”
