Youth basketball leagues to begin

Youth basketball registration

Submitted by Doug Strong, recreation administrator for El Mirage.

Registration continues through Dec. 13 for El Mirage's winter youth basketball leagues, coed leagues that emphasize fun, maximum participation, skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Registrations will be accepted at the Dysart Community Center, 14414 N. El Mirage Road. The fee of $30 per child includes six scheduled Saturday morning games, practices, team jersey, and a participation award. Practice times, days, and locations will determined by the volunteer coach. Practices may already have begun in some cases.

Division of play is determined by player's age as of Jan. 10, 2009.

Games begin Jan. 10 and continue through Feb. 21 at El Mirage Elementary School.

Open gym at Thompson Ranch

Submitted by Doug Strong, recreation administrator for El Mirage.

The Dysart Community Center and El Mirage earlier this month launched open gym nights on Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at Thompson Ranch Elementary, 11800 W. Thompson Ranch Road.

The program is open to players 18 and older. Basketballs are limited, so players are encouraged to bring their own.

Info: Josh Rojas, 623-977-3481 or jrojas@qwestoffice.net.

Softball league opens play

Submitted by JJ Bigelow of West Valley Senior Women's Softball League.

Opening games for the Sun City Grand women's teams were played Nov. 15. The Sun City Grand Diamonds played the Sun City West Flames in the first game, which the Flames won 9-7. In the second game, played at Sun City West, the Sun City Grand Gems lost 16-0 to the powerhouse Sun CityWest Sparks.

In the second week of league play, the Diamonds squared off against the Gems, with the Diamonds winning 15-6.