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With KHSAA sports in a dead period for the next two weeks, it might not look like there are many options in Winchester when it comes to athletics.

However, with the Civitan organization’s basketball teams in championship week there was still plenty of cause for excitement.

Four grade levels – third & fourth, fifth & sixth, seventh & eighth, and ninth & tenth – hit the courts at Calvary Christian School to see who would take home bragging rights.

It is all about the kids for the league’s organizers.

“The kids and the community keep us coming back,” said Janna Campbell, who is in her fifth year running the basketball league alongside her husband Mike. “This is something for the kids to do in [Clark] County, and they need it.”

While Civitan’s basketball league may not get as much coverage in a town where school teams routinely compete for championships, it could potentially be thought of as a breeding ground for future GRC stars.

Brisen Hampton, younger brother of GRC basketball standout, Reshaun Hampton, helped lead his Heat team to a convincing 26-15 victory over the Suns in the third and fourth grade division.

The Heat pulled away in the second half after holding on to a narrow lead halfway through the contest.

“Going into the game, I was really scared. Last time we played the Suns, we got beat by a point,” he said. “I’ve never won a championship in a bigger league…The exciting part was getting all the blocks and helping my teammates score.”

Later that night, the Celtics would defeat the Bulls 41-29 to take home the fifth & sixth grade championship, while the Cards defeated the Raptors 47-46 in the ninth & tenth grade matchup.

Just one day earlier, the Suns had won in the seventh & eighth grade division to seal their title.

Although a hot and muggy summer caused inconvenience a time or two, last week’s matchup were conveniently set up inside.

Mike McCormick, who not only serves as pastor of Calvary Christian Church but also has a son named Jonas who participates, was more than happy to open the doors.

“A couple years ago, when the YMCA closed, really there was nowhere else for the kids to play ball,” he said. “We’ve been working together the last couple of years to provide as many kids with the chance to play as possible.”

Although it remains to be seen who will be returning next season, the impact of the organization has been felt.

“This season, I really enjoyed being with my teammates, playing with them, [and] really learning their strong suits,” Hampton said.