Samantha Lee surveys the defense during the Rouse House Women’s Basketball League championship at Holloway Recreation Center. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

The Holloway Recreation Center had a new dimension on the court this season.

On July 15, the Greenville-based Lethal Weapons took on Kinston’s Born Ballers in the first championship game of the Rouse House Women’s Basketball League. Holloway Recreation Center Supervisor Elijah Rouse said the idea of the league stemmed from several former girls’ basketball standouts wanting to play competitively in a neglected market.

“We have several men’s leagues and a lot going on for the youth, but nothing for the young adult women,” Rouse said. “Some of them have told me how they wanted to have a good time playing the game and we tried to get it going about a year or two ago.”

The inaugural season had four teams, with the players coming from across Eastern North Carolina — Kinston, Greenville, Snow Hill, Farmville and Goldsboro — to showcase their skills.

Among the players was Sherita Gooding, whom Rouse credited for helping to raise interest in the league.

"I've played pickup games with men over the years, but a lot of us have tried to get together to put together a league," Gooding said. "It gives young women the opportunity to play with their peers and hopefully we’ll be able to grow this organization.”

Gooding played on the Born Ballers squad, along with Malaysia Lancaster, who said it was a wonderful idea to have the league.

“It was great to come in and get things rolling (this season),” Lancaster said. “It really keeps the players motivated and we looked to come out every game with a winning mindstate.”

There were about 40 participants in the league this season and Rouse said he hopes to grow it in the future.

“The community has been awesome, coming out and supporting them,” Rouse said. “Next year, I’m looking to try to double what we have this year and keep going, because it’s really exciting.”