Building a Championship Team
The creation of a basketball family began 41 years ago with one man’s simple desire to avoid long waits during pickup basketball games. What started as a personal goal quickly evolved into a shared vision that Sam and others worked together to bring to life. Through collaboration and determination, they built a league that became much more than just a game.
Their vision wasn’t just about attracting players with high basketball IQs or advanced skills. Instead, it focused on individuals who would bring their best to the court while having fun. They envisioned an inclusive league where newcomers to the sport could play alongside seasoned players with 10–15 years of experience. Remarkably, the league replaced trash talk with positive affirmations—an extraordinary accomplishment in a competitive environment where everyone strives to win.
Winning matters to all of us, and everyone wants their share of playing time. After all, no one joins a league to sit on the bench. However, this isn’t a league that hands out participation ribbons to everyone. It’s a league where winning is important, but the adopted culture also encourages losing with grace and good sportsmanship.
When I first joined, I was terrible. I had no idea what I was doing. But my teammates were supportive and taught me the key components of my role. They encouraged me to play and ensured I had fair floor time. Now, I pass that gift forward to others who are new to the game and struggling to find their footing.
Over the years, the league’s popularity grew significantly, expanding to three tiers based on skill level and age. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, caused a sharp decline in participation. Many players fell out of shape, while others moved on with their lives, leaving basketball behind. For a few years, it was a struggle to gather enough teams to sustain the league. Yet the vision never wavered. With the help of dedicated members, the league rebounded, and in 2025, it even expanded to include more teams.
Now that I’ve transitioned to the 50-and-over league, I’m the “young cat” playing with slower but incredibly smart and patient players. This league allows older players to continue enjoying the game they love, proving that age doesn’t diminish passion.
Sam’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Personal health issues kept him off the court for a few years, but he ensured the league continued. In 2025, Sam made his return to the game. His unwavering spirit was met with a warm welcome. I was fortunate enough to witness his first basket back—it was a truly special moment, celebrated with cheers and applause. Moments like these remind us of the profound bond we share through this game.
Thanks to Sam’s vision, the support of like-minded individuals, and over 41 years of dedication, many of us now look forward to playing basketball twice a week. But this league is about so much more than basketball. It’s about being part of a community, staying active, and building meaningful connections. Teammates have become extended family members. And win or lose, we enjoy spending time together, often capping the night with a cold one after the game.
Sam still envisions another 40 years for the league. He’s instilling the same values in his two sons so they can continue to grow the league when he eventually steps aside. This resonates deeply with me. Through my personal journey with Blessed Ways of Life, my goal has always been to build something meaningful, share it with the community, and hope that my kids and grandkids will elevate it to new heights when my time comes to step away.
This league was built out of a genuine love for the game. It isn’t about profit—just enough funds are collected to ensure there’s always a next season. Thanks to Sam and the many others who share his vision, we’ve created something truly special: a basketball family that endures.
What’s your story? Share how you’ve built something great out of your passion.
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