Roseland, IL — March 31, 2026 — Last Thursday, the YPC Basketball League hosted its annual Courtside Celebration, an inspiring evening dedicated to honoring three years of dedication, growth, and community-building through youth sports. The event brought together players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and community leaders to reflect on a season marked by achievement, perseverance, and teamwork.

Since its inception three years ago, the YPC Basketball League has grown into a vibrant platform that fosters not only athletic skills but also leadership, discipline, and community pride among young people in Roseland. With five active teams—YPC, Phalanx, Thornridge, Ballaholics, and PC3—the league meets twice weekly, providing consistent opportunities for youth to develop both on and off the court.

Celebrating the Season’s Highlights

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Coach Driggers as the 2025-26 Championship Coach, recognized for his exceptional leadership and strategic guidance that led his team to a remarkable 19 wins out of 27 games. His dedication exemplifies the core values of the league: perseverance, teamwork, and community service.

YPC was awarded the season’s Championship Award, an honor that celebrates overall team excellence, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Congratulations to all players, coaches, and teams from:

• Thornridge

  • Coach - Chauncey Jones, Lavar Johnson

• PC3

  • Coach - Zechariah Foster

• Phalanx Family Services

  • Coach - Lee Taylor, Gerald Sprattlin

• Ballaholics

  • Coach - Christian McGee, Riki Ellis Jr.

—your hard work and dedication made this season memorable.

Outstanding Player Performances

The season saw incredible individual performances that showcased young talent and sportsmanship:

• Lawrence Wyre (YPC):370 points, with 34 fouls committed

• Enid Palmer (Thornridge): 119 points, with 16 fouls

• Henry Cox (Phalanx Family Services): 93 points, with 19 fouls

• Christian McGee (Ballaholics): 144 points, leading the league in scoring

• Reggie Holloway (Ballaholics): 17 fouls

• Terrell Hendrix & Adam Benson (PC3): Both scored 71 points each; Benson with 19 fouls

These statistics reflect not just individual talent but the dedication and determination of each player to improve and contribute to their teams’ success.

A Night of Community and Celebration

Beyond the games, the event featured a range of engaging activities:

• A podcast station where players shared personal stories, aspirations, and reflections on their basketball journey

• Raffles and giveaways, generously provided by local sponsors and community partners

• Multiple video presentations capturing season highlights, team moments, and memorable plays

The event also recognized the invaluable contributions of staff and volunteers, whose tireless efforts made the celebration possible. Notable contributors included:

• Jimmy Smith, Announcer

• Torrence Smith, Videographer

• Miguel Ramos, Security

• Michelle Boyd & Jaron Boyd, Video Content Creators

• Susy Romos, Admin Assistant

• Mia Ramos, Statistician

• And many others who dedicated their time and talents to ensure a seamless and impactful event.

Looking Ahead

Founded with the mission to empower youth and build community through sports, the YPC Basketball League continues to grow and inspire. The league remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment that nurtures leadership and resilience among young people.

As the league looks toward future seasons, organizers are already planning new programs, outreach initiatives, and community events to expand its impact and reach more youth in Roseland.

For more information about the YPC Basketball League or to get involved, please contact r.jones@ypcroseland.com.

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