This morning I woke up early to go watch the Shining Stars ^[1] 8th Grade Girls Team play at Manual High School ^[2].  I used to watch these girls play almost every weekend, but my daughter recently left the team.  I missed watching them play so I drove down for the early game in the MAYB tournament this weekend.

After watching the game, I am more convinced then ever that youth basketball is a great thing for our kids.  The girls on both teams looked like they were in great shape and they are obviously learning important skills as well as teamwork.  If you are wondering what to do with your kids over the summer, get them involved in youth basketball or some other organized sport.  They will benefit now and in the future in many different ways.