Harrison Central youth league tips off 2026 season in Scio

Saturday, Jan. 24, was a big day for 132 kids from around the area as the Harrison Central Youth Basketball League opened its season in Scio.

The 132 players were divided into 16 teams. Games were held at Barr Gymnasium and the Scio library.

“Overall, yesterday was a great start to the season,” league President Steve Coffman said. “The two games in the fifth and sixth grade were very close games. The Spartans were off the day with a bye. Some of the players had very good outings by getting into double digits.”

Players range from preschool through sixth grade. The league includes two third- and fourth-grade teams and two fifth- and sixth-grade teams. Preschool through kindergarten teams make up the remaining teams that played. Games for preschool through kindergarten are played without keeping score.

Saturday results

In a close fifth- and sixth-grade game, the Hornets defeated the Warriors 17-15. Blake Barcroft scored 11 points for the Hornets, and Joel Phillipson scored seven for the Warriors.

In third- and fourth-grade action, the Vikings defeated the Bulls 24-20. Tyshaun Sturgeon scored 12 points for the Vikings, and Brayden Kelly scored 10 for the Bulls.

In another third- and fourth-grade game, the Knights defeated the Cavs 22-4. Louis Thaxton scored 16 points for the Knights, and Layne Harris scored all four points for the Cavs.

In fifth- and sixth-grade play, the Tar Heels defeated the Vikings 26-6. Hadley Coffman, Harper Dunlap and Karysa Bryant scored eight points each for the Tar Heels. Octavia Woodard, Connor Helms and Javonni Walker scored two points each for the Vikings.

Rules changes

Coffman said there are changes this year in the fifth- and sixth-grade division.

“In the contests during the final two minutes, they will be permitted to press,” Coffman said. “Also, in the fourth quarter, if winning by more than 10 points, the 3-point shot will be counted.”

“I am looking forward to seeing the progress the kids will make over the season,” he said. “Also, I am very appreciative of all the help that made the day run smooth — refs, door workers, concession workers, clock operators and scorekeepers.”

Game schedule

The day’s competition begins at 9 a.m. and runs until about 1:30 p.m. One of the fifth- and sixth-grade teams opens the day, followed by both third- and fourth-grade teams playing their two games. The second fifth- and sixth-grade team then plays, followed by the preschool games.