Honor Among Thieves

Unselfish play leads to Christian Basketball League title

By John Burbridge

sports@charlescitypress.com

CHARLES CITY — It only counts if you call it?

Nah. A 3-point shot off the glass is still worth 3 points.

That’s how the Young Money Thieves cashed in repeatedly during the early going of their Christian Basketball League championship game against Team 1, Tuesday at the Charles City YMCA.

Both teams came into the league’s championship bracket with two losses during the regular season. In the postseason, they both went 2-0 with quarterfinal wins the week before and semifinal victories 10 minutes before the championship.

Team 1 jumped out to an early lead before YMT began to bank in “three” balls. It was a two-point game at the half, but then the Thieves — true to their name — began to force turnovers leading to transition baskets.

With a balanced scoring attack and contribution from their bench, the Thieves began to distance themselves at the midway point of the second half before cruising to a 63-47 championship victory.

This is the initial season of the Christian Basketball League.

“We originally wanted to start a church basketball league, but we only got four churches to sign up,” CBL commissioner Dakotah Jones said. “So we got four non-church teams to join, and instead called it the Christian Basketball League.”

With the playoffs, the league’s first season was 10 weeks long. All games were played at the CC YMCA.

“I want to say thanks to the YMCA for letting us use the gym,” Jones said.

Jones currently is putting together a 5-on-5 Men’s League that will start Dec. 21. The cost for the 12-week league is $120 per team.

Those interested may contact Jones at dakotahcjones@gmail.com.