Dear ,

We have officially reached Week 6 of the West Hartford Girls Basketball League (WHGBL) season,  and with each passing game, the excitement continues to build. Playoff positioning is beginning to take shape, championship weekends are approaching faster than we might realize, and several important league-wide events are right around the corner. This is a pivotal stretch of the season, and the information below will help ensure that everyone is prepared, informed, and fully engaged as we head toward the most exciting part of our year. Please take a few minutes to read on—there is a great deal happening across the league.

📰LEAGUE LINES

🧒Minors Division Games Last Sunday
Thank you to all of our Minors Division parents and players for your flexibility last weekend as the league pivoted due to a broken backboard in the main gym at Conard High School. With games moved to the Conard small gym, everyone adjusted quickly, and the feedback from families, coaches, and officials was overwhelmingly positive. We are pleased to report that we learned late last night that the backboard system has been repaired. As a result, Minors Division teams will return to their normal court in the main gym at Conard for games this Sunday.

​​​​​​​🤹‍♀️Skills Competition Day – Saturday, March 7
A reminder to all families that the WHGBL will host its annual Skills Competition Day on Saturday, March 7, immediately following the conclusion of the Seniors Division semi-final playoff games. We anticipate the Skills Competition beginning at approximately 12:30pm and concluding around 4:00pm.

• Minors and Juniors Division Skill Events:

  • Kick the Cones

  • Knockout

  • Hot Shot

• Seniors Division Skill Events:

  • 3-on-3 Tournament

  • Hot Shot

Trophies or medals will be awarded to winners and runners-up in each event.
PLEASE NOTE: Any player who earns an award at the Skills Competition must be present on Sunday, March 8, during the awards ceremony to receive their award. Awards will not be saved, held, or distributed through coaches or teammates. No exceptions will be made.

For further details click this link:  SKILLS COMPETITION

🍞Food Pantry Drive – Sunday, February 22
On Sunday, February 22, all West Hartford basketball leagues will unite to support the West Hartford Food Pantry. Collection boxes will be placed at both Conard and Sedgwick during games. Please begin setting aside non-perishable food items or consider adding an extra item or two to your grocery cart in the coming weeks. Additional reminders and details will be shared in upcoming newsletters. For further information, please see the flyer at the bottom of this newsletter or click this link to email Danielle Weiss.

⛹️‍♀️February Frenzy Tournament – February 12–16
For the fifth consecutive year, the WHGBL will compete in the Corpus Christi Middle School of Wethersfield “February Frenzy” Double-Elimination Basketball Tournament. The league will be represented by both a Junior Varsity (5th & 6th grade) All-Star team and a Varsity (7th & 8th grade) All-Star team.

• Junior Varsity (JV) Schedule:

  • Thursday, February 12 at 7:40pm vs. Corpus Christi (Wethersfield)

  • Saturday, February 14 at 9:00am vs. St. Rita (Hamden)

• Varsity Schedule:

  • Friday, February 13 at 5:15pm vs. John Paul Middle School (Middletown)

  • Saturday, February 14 at 7:50pm vs. Corpus Christi (Wethersfield)

We encourage families and league supporters to come out and cheer on our All-Star teams as they compete against outstanding programs.  All games are held at Corpus Christi Middle School, 581 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT.

⛔Vernon Game Cancelled
Due to weather conditions, the Juniors Division exhibition game scheduled for 9:00am this morning between the WHGBL Villanova team and Vernon was cancelled. League officials are working together to identify a potential reschedule date.

🩳Uniform Etiquette Reminder
Each player is provided with an official WHGBL uniform consisting of a jersey and black shorts. Families may purchase alternate shorts if they wish; however, shorts must be black. Shorts of other colors are not permitted and may result in a player being prevented from participating in game play.

🏀COACHES’ CORNER

🏃​​​​​​​Fast Break Transition
Coaches are encouraged to continue emphasizing transition basketball. After securing a rebound, players should keep their heads up, locate teammates quickly, and look to advance the ball up the floor with purpose.

📋Juniors Division – Five-Out Offense
The league is requesting that all Juniors Division coaches prioritize teaching the Five-Out offense before introducing other offensive sets. We have observed teams attempting more complex plays and screen actions before players have mastered the fundamentals of the triple-threat position and cutting to the basket after passing. Establishing these core skills is essential and should precede more advanced offensive concepts.

⚖️RULES REMINDER

🗑️Free Throw Rebounds
Players lined up in the blocks may enter the lane to rebound once the ball is released by the shooter. Players outside the arc may not cross the arc toward the basket until the ball contacts the rim. Additionally, the shooter may not step toward the rim until the ball hits the rim.

▶️Free Throw Set-Up
Once the referee has handed the ball to the shooter, no substitutions or changes may be made to players in the lane. Any changes at that point constitute a lane violation.

↔️Juniors Division – Neutral Zone 5-Count
When an offensive player crosses mid-court into the Juniors Division neutral zone, defensive players may not guard the ball in that area. The offensive player must pass or dribble out of the neutral zone within a referee-administered 5-count. Please note that a referee’s 5-count may feel slightly longer than five seconds. Defensive players may not enter the neutral zone even if they believe the count has expired; the referee will whistle the violation if necessary.

🌟SPONSOR’S SPOTLIGHT

🍕Joey's Pizza Pie

This week’s spotlight shines on one of our community’s local favorites — Joey’s Pizza Pie in West Hartford! Nestled on Park Road, Joey’s has become a go-to destination for families, players, and supporters looking for flavorful pizza, satisfying meals, and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of practices or weekend games.

Joey’s serves up a delicious variety of pizzas, including classic round pies, Detroit-style squares, and specialty creations that appeal to all tastes — from traditional cheese and pepperoni to inventive flavor combinations. Whether you’re craving a perfectly crisp crust, a hearty grinder, fresh pasta, or savory calzones, Joey’s menu delivers generous portions and bold flavors that keep customers coming back again and again.

What truly sets Joey’s apart is not just great food, but its reputation for friendly service and a family-friendly vibe that fits perfectly with the WHGBL community. From quick take-out after games to casual dinners with friends and family, Joey’s has become a valued local hub for quality meals and warm hospitality.

We are especially grateful for Joey’s Pizza Pie’s support of girls basketball in West Hartford. Their sponsorship helps make our league stronger, supports our mission to grow the game, and enhances the experience for all of our players.

Please join us in thanking Joey’s by patronizing their restaurant — your support of our sponsors helps make the WHGBL season possible.

For more information, click this link:  JOEY'S PIZZA PIE

💭PARTING PERSPECTIVES

Week 6 represents a critical point in our season. From playoff preparation and community service efforts to All-Star competition and skill development, the WHGBL continues to provide meaningful opportunities for our players both on and off the court. We encourage all families to attend games this Sunday, support our athletes, and remain engaged as we head toward championship season.

Thank you for your continued support of the West Hartford Girls Basketball League. We look forward to seeing everyone in the gym this weekend.

Warm regards,

Shawn Daly

"Teaching leadership skills through the fundamentals of basketball"