A Tri-State Dad Launches Basketball League for Kids
In Lebanon, Ohio, a father's vision has transformed the way kids approach basketball. Kingdom Sports is the home to the Dortch Development League (DDL), founded by Korry Dortch after his son's challenging experience with the high school team. The father's goal was simple - to ensure that his son and others like him could continue to love playing the game. "If you love basketball, you love basketball forever," Korry Dortch emphasized. "You're part of a fraternity. It's important that we give these youth the opportunity to continue to play the game that they love to play."
Teenagers' Dedication on the Court
On a recent Sunday night, teenage boys came together to practice drills under the watchful eye of basketball trainer Cordell Hall. Korry Dortch expressed that it's not just about talent but about what one can learn and improve. For a few hours, the boys worked tirelessly, running through drills and striving to get better each time. Improvement and dedication were at the core of DDL when it was launched last spring. "We started DDL basketball for the kids that love the game, want to continue the game," Korry Dortch said. "We try to make them better; We try to grow their skills. Hopefully, one day, they can actually go and try and make the school team."Helping Kids with Rejection
Amanda Lawless shared her experience as a parent. Her child didn't make the local junior high team but never lost his love for the sport. "Your kid is trying, they’re going to open gyms, they have trainers, like they’re working so hard and then they try out and are told they’re not going to make it," she explained. However, DDL gave her son a second chance to get on the court. "I love coming to watch his games, he’s putting up 20-25 points," Lawless said. "He’s having fun. He’s smiling, he’s laughing."Multiple Training Sessions for Growth
DDL practices multiple times a week with trainers to assist each athlete in getting better. For 15-year-old Jaylen Dortch, the favorite part of the team is how much his game has improved. "Just getting better every day, taking 1% step, getting better to get my goal," Jaylen Dortch said. The league is open to everyone from grade school to high school, whether they are new to the game or need help reaching the next level. This is what makes DDL special, as Jaylen Dortch explained, "The people around me make me better. They hold me to a higher standard, and I hold them to a higher standard."Making Basketball Accessible
The cost to play for a season is 9, but scholarships are available to help kids in need. Korry Dortch believes that growing athletes as people is just as important as growing them as players. "I think it’s crucial we have this, and we continue to create these kinds of programs because we’re doing something good for the community, keeping these kids off the street and giving them a fighting chance to continue to do what they always wanted to, which is play basketball," he added. Registration for the DDL this season ends on Dec. 8, but Korry Dortch says it may be extended. They are also looking to start a football team in the future.
