West New York had their first in-house girls’ basketball league this past season, where girls from all over the district (ages 7 through 15) could learn the fundamentals of basketball, and compete against each other.
Players participating in the town’s in-house league only compete against each other in the district of West New York.
“It was fun,” said Jailene Hernandez, 9. “We got to make new friends, and you learn a new hobby.”
About 50 girls registered for the team this past season and were split into teams according to their age. The season ran from November to March and was sponsored by the Department of Recreation.
“This is great for them, especially when they go to high school because they have some background and the skills to play,” said Coach Elayza Batista, who remembers having to wait until high school to learn the skills of the game. “The program is also good for keeping kids off the street, and making new friends from other schools.
Batista, who is heading the program, is the head coach for the Memorial High School’s girl’s basketball team. She also teaches third grade at No. 5 School, and has been working with the Department of Recreation since she was 16.
Special honors
Last Wednesday, the girls were given medals of participation from Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega at the monthly Board of Commissioners meeting. In addition, special recognition was awarded to this year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
“We had a lot of first time players and they did very well,” said Batista. “They played hard, took it seriously, and there was also good sportsmanship among the girls [at games].”
“It was really fun working with the younger kids, teaching them how to play and [watching them] get better,” said Melissa Iniguez, 13. “[I had a great time] working with the other players and helping them during the games.”
The girls would practice three days a week, and played a game every Saturday. “This was my first time playing, so it was fun because I didn’t know anything and then I got good at it,” said Jailene.
“It was fun and exciting because I learned a new sport,” said Carol Lopez, 9. “I learned how to dribble, shoot, and pass.”
Batista also rotated with fellow coaches Jenny Perez and Jason Armas among the groups.
Armas coaches volleyball at Marist High School, and will also coach volleyball and softball at St. Aloysius Academy next year. Perez coaches girls’ basketball at Public School No. 2.
“This is the first year we have an in-house team for the girls,” said Batista. “They were here all the time, they were very dedicated, and really wanted to learn.”
West New York has had an in-house boys’ league for many years, where girls are allowed to try out, but there is minimal turnout because some girls are intimidated to play with the boys.
“I am from West New York and when I played there were only three girls playing with the boys,” said Batista.
According to Batista, the game with the boys also tends to be at a different speed than the girls are used to. “It’s great that [the town] started this,” said Batista. “Now they can play against girls at their level and not be intimidated.”
“[The girls] learned very quickly,” she added. “Every week you noticed the improvement in a lot of them.” Registration for the following season will begin in September when school is back in session, and Batista and her fellow coaches will be spreading the word to get more girls to join.
Batista is also hoping to form a traveling team with the girls, so they can compete against girls’ leagues from the surrounding townships as well.
Jessica Rosero can be reached at jrosero@hudsonreporter.com