The 2012 youth basketball league, for 6-to-17-year-old youngsters, gets under way today at the Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA.

Opening ceremonies begin at 8:15 a.m. The league is coordinated by YMCA youth sports director Jimmy Holton and will continue through Saturday, Feb. 18. It will conclude with an end-of-the-season single-elimination tournament Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Saturday, Feb. 25.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, Cass Kirbo visited the YMCA, with her husband, Bruce, to congratulate youngsters in the basketball program who are also in the Kirbo Scholars program, by virtue of making the honor roll at their school. The Kirbos were instrumental in helping establish a YMCA in Bainbridge, through their Kirbo Charitable Trust.

Mrs. Kirbo told the young basketball-playing scholars how proud she was of them and urged all the players to continue working hard in the classroom and on the court.

Students who took part in the Kirbo Youth Scholars basketball program received a $15 discount on registration fees, which are $35 for members and $50 for non-members. The Scholars also were provided with a game jersey and an individual team photo.