CHESAPEAKE — Already youngsters from the Chesapeake area have said they want to get on board with the new basketball league that Tri-State Baptist Temple is starting.

Called the King’s Court, the league will be geared for boys and girls from kindergarten to sixth grade who want to play basketball this winter. There will also be a cheerleading squad for the girls.

“I feel like sports are very popular today. They do help teach a lot of valuable life lessons,” Tim Jenkins, pastor of Tri-State Baptist Temple, said. “A lot of children don’t get the opportunity to play at school or in a community league. They may try out and can’t make the league. We want to provide an opportunity for them and we want to do it in a wholesome family environment.”

Although the church is located in South Point, Jenkins would like to have youngsters from Chesapeake and Proctorville area sign up as well as those in South Point. Besides five children from Chesapeake already interested, Jenkins says a family from Wheelersburg plans to participate.

The league teams will practice in December and January with games every Saturday during February and March. Then there will be an awards program in April.

“Every child is going to participate,” Jenkins said. “A lot of times winning is the most important thing and sometimes that takes precedent over allowing children to play.”

A South Point varsity cheerleader who is a member of the church will coach the girls who want to cheer.

“We have some folks who will be able to give good advice,” Jenkins said. “It is a goal to be able to help children learn the fundamentals.”

Anyone wanting to participate can contact the church at 377-4739 or attend the sign-up day on Saturday, Nov. 29, starting at 11 a.m.

The church is located at 1300 County Road 60, off U.S. 52 by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post in South Point.