Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Upward Basketball at the Madison Church of God is underway with their basketball season. Upward Basketball is a nationwide youth sports program geared toward church involvement and teaching spiritual values through participation in organized sports activities. The Madison Church of God offers basketball and cheerleading. Other communities also offer soccer and flag football, all with emphasis on biblical principles. At the same time, the young athletes learn the basics of the sport in a supportive and fun atmosphere. Many of the young players have grown to be contributing players on the Broncos and Cowboys basketball teams.
On Saturday, Dec. 12, the older kids in the fourth through sixth grade teams squared off. The Blue team went out to a slight lead over the Gray team with a 16-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. The game remained close through the second period with a 28-27 lead for the Blue team at halftime. During halftime, the cheerleaders entertained the crowd with cheers they had learned. When the game action resumed, the Gray team pulled ahead with a 41-47 lead. As the game went on, the Gray team managed to maintain their lead through the second half and the contest ended with a 51-49 final score in favor of the Gray team.
The Upward Basketball teams will again be in action on Saturday, Jan. 9. The fourth through sixth grade kids will play at 11 a.m., followed by the K5 through third grade teams at 12 p.m. The games will take place at the Madison Church of God, located at 771 NE Colin Kelly Pkwy., in Madison.