THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603090131
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
The Boo Williams AAU basketball program, a longtime successful non-profit organization set up on the Peninsula to provide young athletes an opportunity to develop their basketball skills, is planning a major expansion in Portsmouth.
Single teams and some individual players have participated from this city. But efforts have started to put the complete program in Portsmouth for players ages 11 to 16.
The Portsmouth program is being conducted by Herman Smith and Preston Harts.
``At present we have only boys teams,'' said Smith, a recent inductee of the I.C. Norcom Athletic Hall of Fame who assists Norcom High School boys varsity basketball coach Joel Copeland. ``This summer we will start getting the girls involved in the same program.''
Smith said practices have started each Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Hunt-Mapp Middle School gym. Youngsters interested in participating should contact him (397-5004) or Harts (483-2297) to determine the days and times their age groups practice.
``We're really indebted to Dr. (Carroll) Bailey for making this facility available,'' said Smith. ``He said if it helps to keep the kids off the streets, he would be 100 per cent behind it. And he was the first to open his arms to us.''
As the program expands, the Portsmouth co-directors hope to use the Cradock Middle School and Wilson High School gyms.
Boo Williams Summer Basketball Leagues will be formed in Portsmouth.
The Boo Williams Summer League plays a national schedule of games against teams throughout Virginia and in other states. Warm-up, regional, state and development tournaments are scheduled.
To register in the program, players must present a birth certificate and pay a $40 fee.
``We're not turning away any one who can't pay the $40,'' Smith said. ``We are looking for organizations, businesses or individuals who will sponsor those who need the financial assistance.''
Smith feels the Portsmouth high schools' basketball programs will benefit from the Boo Williams Sum ``Those players who really aren't getting started until they reach high school can start getting prepared at 11 or 12 years of age,'' he said.
Smith and Harts said coaches have been secured for teams at each age level but additional coaches and volunteer workers are needed. by CNB