Packed house celebrates start of winter basketball season

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It was standing room only at the Carver Community Center as the Winter Basketball League held a Draft Night for the more than 400 kids playing this year. Spotlights flooded the stage. A deejay played entrance music for each team. Cameras and phones flashed as if Hollywood stars were walking down a red carpet.

It was an event that represented the new approach Carver is taking to its programming, and executive director J.C. Barnett III was surprised by the overwhelming response. Standing amid hundreds of players, parents, and family, he couldn’t stop grinning.

"I'm super excited, super pleased," said Barnett of the Draft Night turnout. "I think this year it's just a different vibe. The kids are excited. I think events like this bring a new element of excitement, and I think that'll translate over to the basketball court.”

Barnett said the Draft Night idea was built off of the traditional post-season banquet, choosing to kick off the league with the excitement of a debut event.

The league is packed with participants. It boasts four age divisions for its co-ed teams, and all of them play games on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at the Carver Center. More than 400 kids are participating in this year's winter youth league. And the parents and family are providing excellent support, Barnett said.

"There has been a lot of circulation on social media platforms," said Barnett. "People are making comments. People are liking things. I don't see any negative comments whatsoever, and that's a very good sign."

Volunteers lined up to help make this season a success. The league is set for coaches and players, but it is short on referees. Those interested in refereeing are asked to text "REFEREE" to 317-529-7504. It is a paid position. And of course, any businesses or individuals interested in donations and sponsorships are always welcome.

Barnett made sure to give credit to everyone who has helped make the Winter League a success.

“I want to give a huge thanks to all of our sponsors and a huge thanks to so many of our volunteers,” said Barnett. “They really are the people who make this thing go for us. And of course, I want to give a huge thank-you to all the kids, because without them wanting to play at Carver, we don't have a thing. I am so very proud of what we're starting to build here, and I think this is just the beginning.”

See additional photos from the Carver Center Winter Basketball League Draft Night by visiting the Lantern’s Facebook page and group.