BASKETBALL, continued from 5 toWilson. “Many of us also compete at theVirginia Senior Games, as well as the National Senior Games and the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.” He said many of the players also participate in the summer softball leagues in Fairfax County,Va. The James Lee Community Center has been a meeting place for senior basketball in Fairfax County for the past six years, said GregWilliams, the senior center’s director. “Players join in by word of mouth, and it seems like this is the one place they want to come,” said Williams, citing the new facilities, glass backboards and quality wood floor in the center’s gym. Basketball leagues are not just reserved for men. In the NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association, teams play with a slightly smaller ball than the men. NOVA United has more than 50 women players and seven official teams for the 2013-2014 season, according to Helen White, 60, who organizes the league play. “Our players range from 48 to 77 and live in Virginia, Maryland,
the District of Columbia and West Virginia,” she said. “Players have opportunities to play on three-women teams and compete in three-onthree games and tournaments in five-year age groups.” During the 2013 National Senior Games basketball tournament, four NOVA United teams placed in the 70-plus, 65-plus, 60-plus and 55-plus age groups, said White. “If you want to play or learn, there’s a spot for you, and we’ll find you a team or a program.” Teams practice Fridays at the James Lee Community Center. For more information on senior basketball in Montgomery County, visit www.seniorhoops.com or www.mc-ssa.org. For more information on men’s senior basketball in Fairfax County, call the James Lee Community Center at 703-534-3387. For more information on NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association, contact Helen White at hmwhite33@verizon.net.
PHOTO BY CAROL GILCHRIST
Barb Chadbourne shoots over Sue Shepard during a game at The George Washington University.
PHOTO BY CAROL GILCHRIST
COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECREATION AND MARKETA EBBERT
A player drives past his opponent at the Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center.
Jackie Stephens, founder of NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association, drives past the opposition during a game at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.
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Gazette SENIORS | January 2014
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