Don’t get me wrong folks. I enjoy spending a few hours in a local gym every weekend, but this has been a very hectic winter. Jensen and his extracurriculars certainly keep us busy. From baseball practices to basketball games. “Call of Duty” competitions and neighborhood Nerf Gun wars. We are always on the go, and now I am spent. Oh to have a Saturday morning without any youth responsibilities.

Jensen is an only child, and I can’t imagine another sports playing sibling. Just how do you other parents do it? Several of our friends have three or even four little youngsters who all participate in different types of activities. They never stop hustling because every single function always happens at the same time and some thirty miles apart. It’s bedlam. Has anyone seen Kyler?

So our Biddy Basketball season just came to an end and the Spencers now have a small window before baseball officially begins. Jensen had a great year on the hardwood and played in two leagues this cold season. He was a starting power forward for the U10 First Church Glory of the John Bower. Jensen made us proud by burying a few jumpers, and throwing several no look passes. He also led the team in Gatorade consumption.

OK. I will admit I am going to miss seeing all of the lovely people at the Liberty Arena. It seriously felt like a high school reunion whenever I checked in. The bleachers were packed with the who’s who of Lycoming County. Hundreds of registered voters were in attendance those Saturday mornings. It was the perfect opportunity for me to kiss some hands and shake a few babies, but unfortunately there was never enough time for me to campaign. We were already in the car by the final horn — racing to our next game.

I always did my best to obey the speed limits on the bypass and Lycoming Creek Road. Even when we were running late or got caught in traffic. Jensen’s other hoops league was in our backyard, and this was his second year with the Christian Church of Cogan Station’s basketball program. The CCCS isn’t quite as big as the John Bower, but he and his mates actually preferred the smaller venue in the beautiful 17728.

Fifty-six boys and 11 girls participated in the eight-week production. The kids came in all shapes and sizes. While the first, second, and third graders balled in the NCAA, the older fourth, fifth and sixth graders went full court in the NBA. The CCCS didn’t pay any players regardless of their division. #compliance.

Each team would practice for an hour during the week and then play games on Saturday mornings. CCCS stressed the importance of teamwork and the fundamentals. It was very well organized and the volunteers were second to none. The teams even gathered at center court for a quick prayer before every game. My friends Andy Bennett and Derek Umstead controlled the games with their whistles and even helped the youngsters by tying their shoes.

Jensen’s squad, the Michigan State Spartans, only won one contest, but they were by far the entire league’s favorites. I hope my editor has room for their picture because it’s difficult to explain how cool these little rock stars were. So my son is a rather tall third grader and he towered over the rest of his teammates. In fact, the other four members barely came to his waist. It was hilarious. These kiddos even looked exactly the same.

I personally would like to thank all of the coaches, volunteers, parents and officials FORE another splendid biddy basketball season. A special shout goes out to Michigan State’s Calvin, Amare, Joel, Darion and of course Jensen for all the fun memories. I loved watching you boys play. Cheers