The Lenox Youth Basketball Association was founded by Peter Arment in the fall of 1987 with many contributors; some of those contributors are Art Reilly, Ray Dotchin, Gary Lagarce, Mike Ferris, Kathy Lyon, Jasmine & Chris Ryan, Dick Piretti, Fred Lafave, Gene Peters, Pignatelli Electric, Lou Bertocci, Lenny Miller, and Gary Pignatelli. The intent of this program was to establish a self sustaining program that consisted of a House League (instructional league) and a more competitive program made up of travel teams that played throughout the county and beyond. The first year, there were only 30 children who participated in these programs. The second year, the program tripled to 90 children and games were played on Saturday and Sunday at old Cameron School gym. During this year, the LYBA held its first fundraiser which consisted of a foul shooting contest with prizes going to the players who raised the most money. This event raised $4,400. While the program began to grow each year the LYBA recognized that the floors at the Cameron School needed to be resurfaced. With the approval of the Superintendent, the LYBA took on this huge undertaking. Fundraising which consisted of a Celebrity Auction in 1989 making $12,000 allowed the LYBA to resurface the Cameron School gym floor back to its original condition. The LYBA has been able to grow and improve because of many fundraising efforts over the years and with the great support of many volunteers, coaches, parents and merchants who support these programs. Some other highlights of the program over the years are as follows:
Purchased $5,500 scoreboard for Lenox Memorial High School.
Hosted Williams College Basketball Team for an instructional program to the children for 3 years.
Sponsored numerous boys and girls basketball tournaments.
Sponsored numerous bus trips to Williams College & UMASS to see games.
Sponsored bus trips to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sponsored travel teams playing in many parts of MA, including Boston and Cape Cod.
Purchased $3,000 scoreboard for Morris School Gym.
Sponsored players to summer basketball programs.
The LYBA continues to raise money for our programs by by selling wreaths at the holiday and having a Movie Night, Craft Fair and Pancake Breakfast annually.
