Development Over “Just Winning”
As we start off let me say that this is in no way a dig at any other AAU program nor another “What’s wrong with AAU basketball today” type article. This is merely a rose to a figure that has been a staple in the grassroots basketball community of Las Vegas for over 15 years. The amazing part is the more people we speak with the more we find the man at helm of this organization has been a pivotal part of their youth basketball experience year in year out,all without a major sponsor. We sat down with the head Coach of the Las Vegas Lights to pay homage and gain insight on the program that defies the stereotypes of AAU basketball.
Back in 2005 Coach Charles Micah Madison saw a need for his daughters to find an outlet for their extra energy. This outlet took the form of basketball for it was the passion of current Coach and former hooper Madison that spilled over to the Madison girls Mya and Shauntel. After they graduated Coach told himself he will just keep the Lights on ( literally speaking) until “this group “ is gone, then another group came along, then another “it just kept on going” exclaimed the Coach. Coach Madison went on to elaborate on the present “ We used to just have a middle school team after that and let them go off to Highschool programs but now with the help of Coaches like my brother ( Coach Mike Madison), Coach Derris Macon, Coach Drew Williams and countless parents we now have grown to have our own Highschool program “.
Fast forward 15 years we find Coach Charles Madison preparing his 7/8th grade team for their debut in the renowned Made Hoops tournament. A tournament that features a collection of the best AAU basketball teams in the country. The Coach still finds himself sticking with his ideals of development over winning and make sure the education of the game is passed on through his Coaches and captains alike. “ We all love to win” chuckled the Coach. Madison expounded further “ To me the fun part is when we get out there and teach them the best we can and they apply the skills that we teach them. Then I’m fine win or lose the bottom line is that the kids learn.”
What attracts athletes and parents to the organization is that it does not feel like any other AAU program. There’s no big time facility or major shoe or sports sponsors, there isn’t a parade of star athletes fortifying the teams’s bank roll and success just a few Team Moms and Team Dads and a team of dedicated coaches. One parent Quincy Branch summed up the collective feelings by saying “We have been apart of the Lights program for almost 4 years now and one of the main reasons I still think this was a good fit for Sanai is because Charles cares about the kids first. He really has a heart and a passion for development. Sanai was a shy, timid player when she first came on board and over the years she has blossomed as a player and a personality. Also I’m doing my homework, there was not one negative thing people in the basketball community could say about him which is a big reason why I don’t mind fully supporting him and the program. “. All the love, the learning, the development and the success has been achieved with one thought in mind “Hard workbeats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” To quote Tim Notke famed basketball coach.
Now with the the second season of the K-2nd grade team featuring the beloved Coach’s grandson Jaden who knows who will be the last team to wear the Lights logo on their chest. Who knows when the last tournament will be played or what the future holds for the Vegas Lights basketball club. There’s one thing we do know Vegas Lights Basketball will always value team development over just wins. Lights Out!
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