The Houlton Basketball Association (HBA) Men’s League will be beginning its season in about two weeks. There are five pre-registered teams for the upcoming season and organizers are hoping to get more teams to sign up before games officially start.
The Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League organization is under the new leadership of Jere Humphrey, who was recently appointed basketball commissioner.
“There are still plenty of ballers in the area that can ‘shoot the rock’ who are free agents and are eager to join a team,” said Humphrey. “There is still time to enter a team in the league, prior to the season opening night. Lace ‘em up boys and enter your team today. We would like to wish good luck to all the current teams and players.”
Humphrey would like to welcome new athletes/teams who are passionate for the sport of basketball and who would like to get some exercise running up and down the hardwood at the Houlton Recreation Department, while having some fun and remembering the “glory days.”
All the Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League games are played each Sunday and Tuesday nights from 7:30-10 p.m. The games are open to the public to attend to show support for the league players.
Players will showcase their talent on the court for 12 regular season games facing off against their opponents with a three game mini series during the regular season, followed by a much anticipated double elimination post-season tournament to determine the 2014-15 Men’s League Champions, which will be held on March 1.
The complete 2014-15 Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League schedule will be posted and promoted online. Go to Facebook and join the Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League page and Houlton Basketball Association group for players stats, team records, updates and more. There are 51 talented players ready to roll for the 2014-15 season.
The opening game of the season will be on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. when the “Italian Stallion” and his “Rec Legends” face off against the Monstars led by Rueben Redman. The second game of the night, scheduled for 8:45 p.m., will see “the hardwood trembling,” said Humphrey, as the “Scalabrine Squad” battles “The Sofa Kings,” led by the Hodgdon Hot Shots.
“It is very interesting to see some of the team captains recruiting valuable players to their respective squads from other teams and also adding new faces to the League, in high hopes to dethrone the “Band of Brothers” team whom were led by Peter and James Bates to solidify last year’s Men’s League Championship,” said Humphrey.
The “Swamp Donkeys,” formerly the “Band of Brothers” will defend their back-to-back championship hopes when they sizzle the nets on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. against last year’s league runners-up the “Rec Legends,” who acquired Sam “Superstar” Henderson.
“Spectaors and area scouts will definitely be in attendance for this fierce early season rivalry,” said Humphrey.
Humphrey noted he is looking forward to a great season while at the helm of the Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League.
“The league provides an opportunity for athletes to exercise, entertain and enjoy the simple game of basketball,” he added. “Hopefully, each player is able to help their respective team to be successful.”
The Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League is always looking for interested volunteers for scorekeeping and qualified personnel that might be interested in helping the league and the players out by refereeing a few games during the season.
“We appreciate everyone’s support and hope to see you all on the court,” said Humphrey.
The Men’s League is also looking for interested businesses that might be interested in sponsorship through our basketball program, to help advertise and promote their business while at the same time supporting a community endeavor.
For more information on sponsorships or the Men’s League, call Humphrey at 768-1667 or 694-2715 or email mainewhitelightnin@yahoo.com.
The Houlton Basketball Association Men’s League will also be offering a special fund-raising event on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m., during the local Moosestompers Weekend, at the Houlton Rec. Organizers and volunteers will hold a special competitive event with the Inaugural All-star Special, along with a three-point shootout and free throw shooting contest.
