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 third and fourth grade boys division and playoff champions were the Panther Valley Gold squad, coached by Anthony Hettler, Russ White and Jamie White. Players on the team were Ethan Morales, Timothy Morales, Axel Hettler, Gunner White, Gi’Vanni Hoffner, Alfred Feliz, Jase Mika, Edward Berko. The third and fourth grade boys division runner-up were the Lehighton Thunder, coached by Darian Johnson and Bekim Mehmeti. Players on the team were Max Jones, Khace Heckman, Colin Neirer, Elijah Corby, Elliot Mehmeti, Emmett Repsher, Bennett Frey, Preston Conrad. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO