Young Muslim Basketball League Gains Momentum
By Nasir Malim and Amir Siddiqui

It is a scorching summer afternoon. Ten players are walking off the court, sweat dripping from their faces, after playing a competitive half of basketball. As they cool off, refresh their bodies, and mentally prepare for the next half, something happens. Everyone leaves the courts, and they all come together to offer prayer as a united group. This is a typical day of playing in the Young Muslim Basketball league.
Young Muslim Basketball, a summer basketball league for the Muslim youth, began in the summer of 2006, and is currently in its third season. The first ever basketball league for Muslim Youth in the area, YMB was put together by two determined teenagers, Amir Siddiqui and Nasir Malim. They along with the help and support of many others are organizing and running the league.
“It is just a nice sight, to see Muslim brothers from all over the area come together to the masjid and play basketball in a competitive league,” says administrator Nasir Malim.
The games take place at the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley in Walnut, California on Saturday afternoons. The league is currently reaching the conclusion of the current season, with three teams competing for one final playoffs spot.
“It is amazing looking at the amount of different localities that people come from, this year we have people coming from Riverside, Corona, Chino, Chino Hills, Pomona, Walnut, Diamond Bar, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Buena Park, and Westminster,” said administrator Amir Siddiqui, who would also like the thank ICSGV Walnut Masjid, and IslamiCity for all their support. 
Siddiqui also feels that the reason for so many people coming to the league is because it is very affordable, and is something many people enjoy doing. Though this league may be pure basketball for some, there is also a hidden agenda, a chance to increase brotherhood and unity throughout the community.
For more information please contact the league website at www.theymb.com.
Standings
Team          Record      Streak
IOK                 5-1       Lost 1
Epic                 5-1       Won 1
OC Ballers       3-3       Won 1
Individuals       2-3       Lost 1
Hangtime         2-4       Won 2
One Ummah     0-5       Lost 5

Scores: Sat. July 26th
IOK vs. OC Ballers- OC Ballers wins 56-46
Epic vs. One Ummah- Epic wins 44-29
Individuals vs. Hangtime- Hangtime wins 64-61
Player of the Week: Ali Khan (8) Hangtime- Had an outstanding performance helping lead Hangtime out of this very close game with a victory. He put up incredible numbers with his 27 points and 5 assists, and also broke the rebounds record grabbing 22 boards.

 

 

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