Attleboro Girls’ Basketball Programs Joining Forces

Attleboro Youth Basketball Association (AYBA) announced today that it will be expanding its Basketball Program with South Attleboro Girls Recreational Association’s (SAGRA) girls-only program. As the City’s only girls youth sport group, SAGRA has offered girls-only basketball since its inception in 1976 along with its Attleboro Fastpitch Softball and SAGRA Field Hockey programs. AYBA will now head the basketball portion of the girls program along with its boys teams that run from first grade through middle school.
“It only makes sense,” says SAGRA President, Kim Harnois. “SAGRA originally started in South Attleboro in the late 70’s but now that girls from all parts of the City participate in basketball, bringing it to AYBA will expand the awareness of such a great series.”
Approached by then SAGRA Commissioner of Officials, Jason Gittle, AYBA Vice President Dave Pagano knew the City needed a stronger youth girls basketball program. After many discussions, AYBA formally met with SAGRA Board members in March to discuss taking on the girls basketball program for Attleboro.
Gittle explains, “Many towns have only one youth athletics group for each sport, making it a more concentrated effort. Attleboro basketball was fractured between SAGRA and AYBA. Both groups wanted a quality instructional program for the girls in basketball and this was the answer.”
“Each program saw an enrollment of approximately 140 girls during the past winter season,” says Pagano. “When these numbers are combined and coaching is solidified to run parallel to the AHS curriculum, you get a very healthy program that serves as a quality “feeder” to the High School teams, making them more competitive. We work closely with Missy Traversi, AHS girls head basketball coach, to this end.”
“At the younger ages, the games are geared to be fun and instructional in basics. In the older age groups, many girls are making decisions about participating in more competitive play to get them ready for eventually trying out for a High School team. We want them to be prepared, to know what they are in store for.”
In anticipation of the move, AYBA appointed directors Erik Killough and Adam Struminski to head the girls’ divisions. With Pagano, Middle School League Director, Craig Wright and the combined SAGRA and AYBA volunteer coaching staff, the landscape of Attleboro Youth Basketball will be as healthy as it’s been in many years.
“SAGRA owes a great many thanks to its Vice Presidents, officiating crews and volunteer coaches from years past,” says Harnois. “It will be exciting to see participation grow and strengthen the sport in the City in the years to come.”
Inquiries into upcoming clinics and off-season events can be directed to david.pagano@comcast.net. Further information can be found at www.attleboroyouthbasketball.com. Information about Attleboro Fastpitch Softball and SAGRA Field Hockey can be found at www.sagra.org.