Middle Township to offer summer basketball programs
Recreation department aims to create direct feeder program for High School
Children participate in a Middle Township basketball program last winter at Martin Luther King Community Center. The Township will offer a variety of summer hoops leagues and camps as part of its plan to become a feeder program for Middle Township High School basketball.
Cape May Court House, N.J. – There will be no excuse to stay on the bench – or in the house – this summer in Middle Township.
For the first time, the Township’s Recreation Department will offer basketball day camps and a summer basketball league. The Township also will run a new travel AAU basketball program in conjunction with Middle Township High School.
Aside from the clear benefit of expanding summer activity options for kids, there’s another purpose to the programs, explained Superintendent of Recreation Dustin Sturm.
“Our main mission is to become a direct feeder program for Middle Township High School. Over time, athletes have left the confines of Middle Township to compete and play in other towns that provided these leagues and camps,” Sturm said. “This led to a lot of these same athletes going to different high schools eventually and not going to Middle Township to play high school sports.”
The Township will start its participation in highly competitive AAU basketball with a 10-and-under team. The goal is to develop additional teams, paving the way for athletes to play in high school.
Players as young as third-grade will get a preview of Middle Township’s high school basketball program through the new summer camps.
“The camps we are having will introduce the young athletes in Middle Township to the coaches and players involved in the high school basketball program. These relationships are important to creating a successful feeder program and portal for our high school sports,” Sturm said.
Although the summer programs will help start serious athletes on a track to high school hoops, Sturm said the activities also are ideal for kids who just want to have fun.
“The leadership and vision shown by Dustin Sturm, (Program Coordinator) Kyle Morinelli, and the rest of our recreation staff has been astounding,” said Committeeman Jim Norris, who oversees the Recreation Department. “This year has been so difficult for many, especially our youth. Our new summer sports programs will not only bring back activities for our kids, but also reinvigorate our Middle Township community spirit.”
Here are the summer basketball programs. To register, go to www.middletownship.recdesk.com. Call the Recreation Department with any questions at 609-465-8743 or 609-465-8747
Co-ed Summer Basketball League
Held at Martin Luther King Community Center. Cost is $30 per player for all three age divisions. No outside coaches needed for the two older divisions; Recreation Department will coach the teams and run the score clock and book.
K-2nd Grade
Dates: Thursdays from July 8-Aug. 12
Format: Same model as winter program. Six teams with 10 players each.
3rd-5th Grades
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays from July 5-Aug. 9
Format: There will be 12-minute running clock games. Eight teams with 10 players each. Every team participates in the playoffs which begin the first week in August. Championship is Aug. 9.
6th-8th Grades
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays from July 5-Aug. 9
Format: There will be 14-minute running clock games. Eight teams with 10 players each. Every team participates in the playoffs which begin the first week in August. Championship is Aug. 9.
Hoops Basketball Camps
Instructional camps will be held at the Goshen Sports Complex. Registration for each camp will be $160. All players will bring their own lunch. Camp will be run by recreation staff and players from the high school. The camp will include fun games, skill games, full court 5v5 games and prizes. A ceremony to honor all the players will be held on the last day of camp.
3rd-5th Grades: July 12-16, 9 a.m-1 p.m.
6th-8th Grades: July 26-30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Phoenix AAU Basketball Team
New travel program will be run at the Martin Luther King Center by the Recreation Department in conjunction with the high school. Training and clinics included. The program will launch this year with a 10-and-under team, with the goal of adding more age groups.
Tryouts: May 17 and May 20, 7-8:30 p.m.
Highlights: State tournaments and showcase games that will take place on weekends through August.
Cost: $300; players must be registered to try out.
