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E.D.G.E. teams up with Jr. Cavs program

E.D.G.E. LEADERS — Members of the E.D.G.E. Sports steering committee met recently to plan the 2018-19 season for the basketball league. Committee members are, from left, Clyde DiAngelo, Bryan Mills, Mike Florak, the Rev. Jason Elliott, Ted Gorman, Mike Haney and Jeff Lombardo. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Cleveland Cavaliers may have lost LeBron James, but they gained an E.D.G.E.

Now in its fourth year, the E.D.G.E. Sports basketball league has formed a partnership with the Cleveland NBA team to become part of the Junior Cavs program.

“It’s definitely a win-win for everyone involved,” said the Rev. Jason Elliott of First Westminster Church and a member of the E.D.G.E. steering committee. “The Cavs want to be actively involved in the community and present their brand at the grassroots level. Every child in our league will receive a reversible NBA replica jersey with an E.D.G.E. Sports logo. Also, the Cavs will provide each child with a ticket to attend a game.

“We want to build character through competitive sports, and the Cavs want kids to have a good experience with the game of basketball. The goal of the Cavs really resonated with E.D.G.E. They will offer instructional clinics, and our coaches will be able to attend. It’s just a really solid step forward for us.”

E.D.G.E. is an acronym for Education+Determination+God=Excellence.

“The Cleveland Cavaliers and Junior Cavs are excited to partner with E.D.G.E. basketball for the 2018-19 season,” said Scott MacDonald of the Cavs. “Junior Cavs will assist with E.D.G.E. leadership to provide kids of all ages and skill level the opportunity to learn what it takes to win both on and off the court.

“The Junior Cavs program represents a united community of dedicated teams, coaches, parents and players who share a common goal of supporting the positive benefits attained through the game of basketball. E.D.G.E. basketball will emphasize having fun while encouraging skill development, team work, sportsmanship and community involvement.”

The E.D.G.E. league is open to all area students in grades 1-6. There are divisions for grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Boys and girls are separated and compete in their own leagues.

“We’ve heard some positive feedback regarding the way we structure the league,” Elliott said. “Boys and girls not competing against each other is a real draw for us.”

The cost to participate is $50. Two in-person registration dates are set for Sunday and Oct. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the common areas at Steubenville High School. Online registration also is available by visiting www.EdgeSportsOV.com. The registration deadline is Oct. 27.

Instructional clinics are planned for Oct. 20 and Oct. 27.

Elliott noted E.D.G.E. Sports could not operate the youth league “without the support we receive from the community and our partners.”

“The Steubenville city schools open three gyms for us to use on game days and also open facilities for practice throughout the week,” he said. “We have outstanding business partners who help under write the league.

“Without these community partners, both business and on the faith-based side, we just wouldn’t be able to do what we do. It’s been amazing and we still have momentum heading into our fourth year.”

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