Tyrone Butcher is a natural organizer who loves basketball and his local community. The Middletown High product has orchestrated hoop groups since 2002 and continues to stay involved.
This summer, Butcher put together the Hood Ballers League for 14- to 19-year-olds. The four-team league played on Tuesdays and Sundays on the outdoor courts at Silver Lake Park, and 35 teenagers were involved. The eight-game regular season began in early August, complete with a scoreboard and clock, whistle-blowing referees, league standings and end of season awards.
Butcher said he’s motivated to give kids extra opportunities to improve their games and be part of a community setting.
“I just want to give overlooked talent and misguided kids a push … and some exposure if possible,” Butcher said.
Interest was high through word of mouth, and tryouts were held to fill out the four teams. Candidates arrived from Appoquinimink and Middletown high schools, along with Caravel Academy, Red Lion Christian and Pencader Charter. The kids all had local addresses, which was the most important thing.
“A lot of times I hear how Middletown guys want to play on the same team,” Butcher said. “This gives them an opportunity to be teammates at least for a little while before school starts.”
Middletown High junior point guard Curtis Mack said finding a competitive setting this time of the year is tough, so he was thrilled to join the Hood Ballers League.
“Street ball has a different style and things aren’t as organized on the court, but it’s a good way to try to think basketball and lead a team,” Mack said.
Butcher said he’d like the Middletown-based league to grow at a steady pace, and manage growth to avoid becoming disorganized and affecting the quality of play and fan interest. He has future hopes of teams playing on resurfaced, lighted Silver Lake Park courts with freshly painted lines that resemble a regulation area. Games must now end by dusk.
