Volume 4: March 4, 2020
Thanks to the leap year, it was still February when we tipped off on Saturday. But now March is here, which means we are gearing up to crown our champions! The team that takes the biggest leap this month will take home the trophy, and we cannot wait to see what's in store.
Scenes From Around the League
Sanaya P. helped propel her blue team to victory in the all-star game.
All-star players learn the finer points of dribbling from the Jr. Knicks.
M.S. 161 dashes to an open spot for a high-percentage jump shot.
TJ S. of CPE2 carves a slice for himself into the lane for a quick lay-in.
Amber M. searches for a safe spot to pass the ball to her teammates.
Seven A. of M.S. 161 hits a crucial floater over Bam R. of Equality Charter. 
Standings
Excerpts from Your Essays
Thank you for taking the time to complete your essays for the all-star game. They are always so fun to read. Here are some of the highlights:

Why do you play basketball?

  • It takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me more open as a person.

What do you love about basketball?

  • I realized it's only taken me 2.5 years to get where I'm at in basketball, so I know that the more I try, the better I get. No matter what, trying your best is way better than giving up!

What do you like about being on a team?

  • I appreciate my coaches a lot, because they have given me multiple chances since sixth grade. If it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't be where I am right now. I'm very thankful for that.

How has basketball helped you?

  • Sports has helped me out of trouble and off the streets. It has guided me in positive ways and helps me stay in shape.

How does being in this league affect your day-to-day?

  • I look at basketball as something that guides me, something I can use to get away from the bad things in life. The progress reports help me stay focused so I can play.
MVP
Amber M. scored six points in the second half, leading M.S. 161 to their second win of the season. After the game, Amber told us she's proud of her team. They worked together for the win, and Amber said she is excited for what they will be able to accomplish together by the end of the season. She exclaimed, “teamwork makes the dream work, and that’s what we were able to do today!”
Bea Fuller's athletes have earned the nickname "cardiac kids" for having already played two overtime games this season ⁠—more than any other team. Both games were sent into overtime with a buzzer-beating shot. Bea Fuller plays hard all the way to the finish, even when facing an extra period of basketball. If they keep up the pace, they might just find their team in the playoffs.
Tip of the Week
Take Care of the Basketball

One of the most important statistics to keep an eye on during basketball games is turnovers. Typically, the team that turns the ball over less will be the team that wins.

One way to reduce turnovers is to improve your ability to handle the ball. Teams who dribble well tend to have lower turnover rates.

Check out this video from ILoveBasketballTV for seven ways you can improve your dribbling.
Share Your Photos

We want to see your gameday pictures. Tag @agkidsnyc to share your favorite photos with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You may even see yourself on our website!