The Jr. Suns basketball season tipped off on Saturday, January 7 when the Prescott Valley Youth Basketball League held its opening ceremonies at Bradshaw Mountain High School.

More than 1,200 people, including nearly 500 kids, attended the all-day event featuring raffle prizes, an autograph session, contests and exciting league games.

The opening ceremonies commenced at 8:30 AM with the Bradshaw Mountain Honor Choir singing the national anthem.

Prescott Valley Youth Basketball League board members were introduced, followed by the introduction of directors from each age division. Introductions continued from there as the kids erupted with cheers when team coaches of each division were announced.

“The kids had a great time making noise for their coaches as they were announced,” said Brett Cook, league president. “They got loud.”

After the league completed its introductions, the crowd enjoyed a few key messages by Yavapai College Head Basketball Coach Howard Brown. Brown stressed the importance of family and school through an interactive presentation. He then made the experience even more memorable for a lucky few, bringing a handful of audience members on court to participate in demonstrations.

At the conclusion of Brown’s presentation, Jr. Suns Program Director Mark Gretter had the pleasure of introducing Suns legend Connie “The Hawk” Hawkins, who addressed the group, revealing details from his unforgettable NBA career. He also signed autographs and played games with his young fans.

“The kids enjoyed meeting Connie Hawkins the most,” Cook said. “He was very personable, playing bumpout and signing autographs for the kids. They enjoyed it very much.”

From there, Gretter took over, raffling off Suns memorabilia that included autographed photos of Steve Nash and Shawn Marion, as well as Suns prize packs that included bobbleheads, hoop sets, autographed Amaré Stoudemire baseball bats, shirts and Ring of Honor coin sets.

The long wait of anticipation for a new season was over when league games tipped off and the season began, as several teams took to the court during the day capping off an eventful opening ceremonies.

“The opening ceremonies were a success,” Cook said. “Being from a small town, sometimes these kids can feel left out, but being affiliated with the Jr. Suns league makes them feel as if they’re part of something bigger.”

Jr. Suns players in the Prescott Valley Youth Basketball League will continue to compete through early March until the season-ending tournament arrives March 11-12. The league’s March 27 all-star game will conclude the season.