By Sully Carr

 For all the boy and girl basketball players who either did not make their high school team or decide not to try out for the team are given another option to play the sport they love. That second option is called Central Loudoun Basketball League (CLBL) where high schoolers are able to choose their teams and have a fun time playing with friends. CLBL is a basketball league that goes from grades 3 through 12 and is a great way for children of all ages to learn how to play basketball and even have a fun time with friends.

  The high school league is the only league in CLBL where players are allowed to choose their teams whereas in the elementary and middle school leagues players are drafted onto their teams. The league still has high schoolers come to evaluations due to the fact that they do not want any teams to be to “overpowered,” but the league is lenient with this because they know the players just want to play on a team with their friends so they can have a splendid time. The boys eleventh grade league features a team with all Tuscarora students. This team is called the Daddies.

  The Daddies features students Sam Galletta, Caleb Hertel, Nathan Kelly, Trevor Palmer, Ben Pauley, Duncan Schenk, and Justin Wyker.  The team is coached by Coach Schenk and Coach Hertel who also volunteer with coaching the football teams. The Daddies were assembled last season and finished the year with the second best overall record, but lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. The team did not feature Wyker or Hertel last season and with the additions of the two the team is looking to make it to the championship game.

  Wyker, a guard for the Daddies had this to say about joining the squad, “I was excited to play with everyone this year since I have played against them so many times, but now that I am on the team it should be a lot of fun.”

  Hertel played for the school’s freshman team, but after an injury left him out on playing his sophomore year he was excited to get back on the court even if it was not as competitive. “I’m excited to play with all my friends this year, and just have a fun time every game.”

  The Daddies were lucky enough to have teachers, Mr. Daniel Kim and Mr. Matthew Crisp to come to one of their games. “CLBL is the hidden gem of Loudoun County,” said Mr. Kim who enjoyed his time watching the boys play.

  The returning players are looking for their redemption this season after a tough loss last year in the quarterfinals. Galletta, the starting center for the Daddies stated, “Last season we had a disappointing loss in the playoffs, but we are hoping to redeem ourselves with a championship.”

  “If we can all play to our best abilities we should easily make it to the championship game this year. Championship or bust,” said Schenk.

  The Daddies have hopes to win the championship game this season, and if the players leave it all on the line come playoff time they should have a good opportunity to do so.