SACKVILLE, N.B. — Sackville basketball is another program where young boys and girls enjoy an advantage over many from other communities, as no fewer than 25 dedicated coaches devote many hours each week to teaching fundamentals so the more adept may ultimately join the Tantramar Titan system and, perhaps later, go on to ply their wares at the university level.
The Sackville Basketball Boosters Association (SBBA) was founded 50 years ago and heads into 2020 with new enthusiasm and growing numbers under the guidance of a new president and board of directors.
Andrew Maxwell, for four seasons a top name with the Titans and later a performer with the Mounties and Moncton men’s league, is the new top dog after taking the reins held for many years by Tasha Gallant.
He has brought a renewed spirit to the program resulting in a huge bump in registration and greater enthusiasm.
Maxwell has announced there are currently 118 players, 56 girls and 62 boys, ranging in age from kindergarten to Grade 8.
The SBBA was founded after Wayne MacKay introduced the game to the community with games played in the community park on land now occupied by the Bill Johnstone Memorial Park.
He began by offering competition for players as young as nine and it was then that residents like Dr. Harry Smith and a handful of others decided it was time to assist, so they organized a committee, which was the beginning of what has become one of the more successful programs in town.
Cost of registration is kept to a minimum, although it required acquisition of new equipment this season. The main expenses include payment to referees and provincial registration.
Working alongside Maxwell are vice-president Natasha Wilson, treasurer Jessalyn Hart, scheduler Karen Carter, equipment manager Rick Walton and fundraiser Jeff Wright.
Teams are organized for Future Titans, mini and peewee levels, as they are prepared to move up one level at a time until they hit high school.
Teams have been registered for provincial play at the mini and peewee level and they have scheduled matches with teams from the Moncton area. The younger athletes play among themselves, with most games at Salem Elementary School and a few at Marshview Middle School.
“We enter a lot of tournaments and arrange a few exhibition games as well,” says the president.
Maxwell says he has been pleased with all aspects of the program during the first half and looks forward to improved play and numbers growth throughout 2020.
“We expect several of our graduates will end up playing either junior varsity or varsity basketball at Tantramar next season and well into the future.”
So, after more than 50 years, the SBBA continues to do what it does best – provide athletic opportunities at a minimum cost for young athletes interested in improving their skills while enjoying and learning what teamwork is all about.
What more could the likes of the late Dr. Harry Smith have dreamed about – a booming program with a bright future after surviving 50 years.
