Chelsea Youth Basketball League President Michelle Lopez (back row, second from right) joins Scarlet Knights coaches Dennis McCann, Troy Irizarry, and Tommy Santiago and players for a photo after their game Saturday at the Williams Middle School gymnasium.
The Chelsea Youth Basketball League has maintained a strong presence throughout this community’s history.
Many of the players who would help Chelsea High School capture its most recent Greater Boston League championship in 1987 got their start in the CYBL. Among them were Nestor Lopez, Richie Harris, Joe Smith, Chris Jones, Tommy Mims, Teddy Lim, Leo Chafin, and noted three-point shooter John Saunders. Roy Valentin, who later starred at Chelsea High, also played in the youth league, as did Timmy and Bobby Mullaney, younger brothers of Chelsea High Principal Joseph Mullaney.
The league has been shaped by respected coaches including Bruce Harrison, Larry Notkin, Steve Selbovitz, Joe Godin, Ron and Leo Robinson, Mark Zamansky, and Jimmy Manzo.
Today, the CYBL continues with Michelle Lopez serving as president. The program now encompasses 270 boys and girls ranging from ages 5 to 14 who participate in weekly competition. Lopez’s son, Nick, plays in the senior league, and “Our league is about 80 percent boys and 20 percent girls,” she noted.
Games take place on Saturdays at two venues: the Jordan Boys and Girls Club and the Williams Middle School gymnasium. The season began in November with sixteen teams, leading toward playoffs scheduled for March.
In her fourth year as president, Lopez has earned recognition from parents and coaches alike. She works alongside junior league president Amir Rodriguez and senior league vice president Tony Martin. Three years ago, “so we could have an instructional program for the little kids and by the time they move up to the junior league, they’re ready.” Lopez established the pee wee division.
According to Lopez, the league would benefit from additional volunteer support and has ongoing fundraising needs. “We send out letters to businesses and city officials and we try to raise funds by selling chocolates,” she explained.
The CYBL’s mission centers on providing young athletes with structured instruction in fundamentals and an opportunity to develop skills for potential high school play.
“I’m glad to see the kids are off the streets and there is something positive for them to do,” Lopez stated. “The cost of playing in the league is $75. Players get to keep their uniforms. We could always use more support.”
Elaine Monge, branch manager at Metro Credit Union and team sponsor, views the league as well-organized and enjoyable for participants. “The league is really awesome and it’s good for the kids to come together and play organized sports and build teamwork and some other skills,” Monge commented, adding that “Michelle does a tremendous job as president.” as an assistant coach of the Blue Devils team.
Troy Irizarry, who coaches two league teams, characterizes the CYBL as “a great organization.”
“It’s great for the community and the kids always have a good time,” Irizarry noted. “I’ve been involved in the league for four years and we owe Michelle a big thank you for the great job she does running the league.” He is a former Everett High athlete.