The Carbon Youth Basketball League recently finished up its inaugural season. A total of 52 teams played in four divisions consisting of teams from Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Palmerton, Panther Valley and St. Jerome’s. The league is set up for regular season basketball play for boys and girls in grades 3-6 in a manner which helps promote the game of basketball to area youth. The league’s mission is to teach, develop, organize, manage and offer youth players the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of basketball while instilling life-lessons and values such as character, team work, discipline, respect and sportsmanship, with a philosophy to provide as many young athletes the opportunity and chance to develop their skills, learn life lessons and enjoy the game of basketball.

The Jim Thorpe Huskies, coached by Sam Shaffer and Jim Bittle, were the 5th & 6th Grade Boys Division playoff champions, while the Jim Thorpe Olympians, coached by Derick Reis and Shaun McElmoyle, were the 5th & 6th Grade Boys Division runners-up.