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By Kris Harrell

The Greenville Parks and Recreation department has begun their basketball season, giving Butler County children the opportunity to learn about the game and face off against each other and players from other counties. 

With over 100 children taking part this season, teams are divided up by gender and age ranges. Teams are also named after NBA, NCAA and WNBA teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Oregon Ducks and the Duke Blue Devils. 

“We get coaches to come in and we draft [them], we do it like a real NFL and NBA draft, so no kids will get singled out,” said Parks and Recreation sports coordinator Brian Smith. “No one team will get this many kids [or] that many kids, we make it even across the board.”

In these teams, children are working with Parks and Recreation staff and coaches to learn the basics of basketball, Smith said. Additionally, the children are learning skills that can help off the court, such as self-confidence and discipline. 

“Mr. [Jerome] Harris is big on development, so that’s what we focus on developing the kids for the next stage in life – not just sports, life itself,” Smith said. “They got to be held accountable. “‘Was practice scheduled? Well, you got to be on time.’ We get them ready for life experience.”

The teams have been facing off against each other since Dec. 21, 2024, with the season expected to end late January. 

With these internal competitions and practices, the basketball teams are preparing to compete with other counties in the Alabama Parks and Recreation Association competition. 

“We’re looking forward to winning in 9-10 and 11-12 [ranges] as well, that’s the ultimate goal,” Harris said. “Our parks and rec department strives to be the best in the state, not only in Alabama, but in the world. We want to provide our kids with the best facilities and athletic programs in the world.”

The program’s next basketball game day will be held Thursday, Jan. 9, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Dunbar Recreation Facility. Harris and his staff encourage parents to allow their children to take part in future sports programs the Parks and Recreation have to offer. 

“If you haven’t signed your kids up for basketball, we got a baseball sign up going on, bring these kids out, let them play all sports,” Harris said. “There’s no such thing as being a one-sport athlete anymore. Coaches are looking for multiple-sport kids now, so let’s sign all the kids up to play every sport that we offer.”