Carver's youth basketball program laying the foundation for the future

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. There’s more going on at the Market than you probably realize! For instance, did you know about our Little Sprouts program? Children who visit the Market can engage in a variety of learning activities, absorbing knowledge about nutrition and agriculture. Participating means earning Sprout Bucks, which can be used to purchase products from Market vendors.

It’s just another reason why you and your family should make your way downtown to the intersection of Mulberry and Washington streets this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon for another wonderful Market day!

The sound of bouncing basketballs and cheering families has quickly become a familiar scene at Carver Community Center as its new Little Dribblers basketball program gets underway. Designed for children in kindergarten through third grade, the program introduces the game’s fundamentals in a fun, encouraging environment while helping young athletes build confidence and develop a love for basketball.

After just two weeks, Little Dribblers generated excitement throughout Kokomo and the surrounding communities. Parents embrace the opportunity to give their children an early introduction to organized basketball, while participants eagerly return each week to learn new skills and spend time with teammates.

The program focuses on teaching the basics in age-appropriate ways. Young players practice ball handling, shooting, defensive positioning, teamwork, and staying with the player they are guarding. Each week includes both a practice and a game, allowing participants to apply what they’ve learned while steadily improving throughout the five- to six-week program.

Leon Brown, Programs Director at Carver Community Center, believes the program is laying the foundation for the future.

“Little Dribblers is one of the most exciting things we’re doing at Carver,” said Brown. “For many of these kids, it’s their first introduction to basketball, so we have the opportunity to teach the fundamentals the right way from the beginning.

“Coach Chick has done an outstanding job, and you can already see the excitement and growth in the kids. We want this program to become a pipeline for our youth basketball programs while helping children develop confidence, character, and a love for the game.”

Executive Director Shari Spicer said the strong community response has exceeded expectations.

“This is the first year of Little Dribblers, and we’ve been thrilled by the number of children who signed up,” said Spicer. “It’s more than a basketball program, it’s about teaching the fundamentals while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork. The kids are having fun, families are enjoying it, and we believe this will become a year-round program that continues to grow for years to come.”

As its inaugural season continues, Little Dribblers is already making a lasting impression. More than teaching basketball skills, the program is creating a positive environment where young children can build confidence, character, friendships, and a lifelong appreciation for the game. With strong community support and a clear vision for the future, Little Dribblers is poised to become a cornerstone youth program at Carver Community Center.