Rockville Centre's basketball tip off

Village officials were on hand Saturday morning as the Rockville Centre Basketball League tipped off its 2011-12 season at Riverside Elementary School, to cheers from a supportive crowd that filled the gym.

The league was formed in the mid-1950s and promotes good sportsmanship, learning basketball and, most importantly, having fun. All the kids play an equal amount of time each game — there are no benchwarmers. The current enrollment consists of more than 1,150 players this year, ranging from 3rd to 12th graders. The 1,150 includes more than 350 girls (this girls division was formed in 1980).  All games (likely over 500 in total this year) are played in local schools and at the Recreation Center. The season runs from October through March.

There are 117 teams this year — a record. The tip-off game on Saturday featured a match up of 4th and 5th grade boys’ teams. Sponsors for the teams playing include local businesses ACE Hardware and Pinnacle Golf Club.  

More information on the league and its sponsors is available on the league’s website, www.RVCBL.com.