Kyle Ormsby, a resident of Queens Village, New York, plays for the Ball Hoggs team in the 12 and under division of the ElmCor Summer Basketball League at the ElmCor Youth and Adult Center now in its playoff stages.
He scored early in a first round playoff game against the Long Island Heat. Overall, he scored only five points and he did not see much action during a 43-23 victory in a league that showcases teams from throughout the met area.
Kyle came into the game accompanied by his father, Clive, a former athlete from Jamaica, West Indies. Although Clive was not a basketball player he encourages his son in whatever sport he competes in.
Although, Kyle helped his team to come out on a winning note, he did not play much especially during the second half, as the coach would say, “Coaches’ Decision.” In these games, especially where young kids are involved, a coach gives all the players equal time. Kyle is only a youngster has a lot to learn.
Basketball is not his only activity as he indulges in many sports. He has to make up his mind as to which activity he prefers because school is coming up pretty soon.
Kyle’s father, Clive, came to New York from Jamaica, where basketball is not as popular as is soccer and cricket. Therefore, the elder Ormsby went out for Jamaica’s main sports.
Besides these activities, he also wrestled. He made the Empire States Games in 1990.
In New York, Clive attended Richmond Hill High School, and then went up to the next level, by attending Hunter College. He became active in sports in soccer and wrestling.
Now he works for the New York City Transit Authority as a bus operator, and follows his son’s activities wherever he goes. They both enjoy themselves in sports — one as a competitor and the other from the stands. In fact, Clive has two boys in his family-the other is also active in sports.
As an all around athlete, Kyle is in his second year of competing in the ElmCor Summer Basketball League. Last year the games were contested mainly outdoors at the PS 127 Park. This past June all the games were staged indoors and regardless of the weather. The re-scheduling of games because of rain was no more a problem.
Playing indoors is more conducive to the knees and much better than playing outdoors, where the surface is hard. It is easier to hurt oneself on the cement than seeing action outdoors. Kyle likes much better playing indoors than outdoors and there is less tension on the knees.
Kyle started playing basketball when he was the age of 10 and has constantly improved. At the same time, he plays football with the Bayside Raiders and competes both ways-on offense and defense.
A student at PS 109, he soon must make a choice of high school to further his education and sports. It is down to three Catholic schools-Archbishop Molloy, Christ The King, or Holy Cross. Molloy does not have a football program. Usually, these schools produce wining records in any of the sports.
Meanwhile, the Ball Hoggs fell victim to Long Island Lightening Huyghve, 36-30, in the 12 and under semi-finals to end their season.
Orin Ormsby, Kyle’s older brother along with their father Clive will be turning their attention to football as Orin is a sophomore at Holy Cross High School where he dons a gridiron uniform. The family loves sports.
Long Island Lightning will try to defend their title on championship day, Aug. 16.
