Local basketball fans have a new team to cheer for—the Maysville Miners, a semi-pro team in the American Basketball Association that will tip off its first season on Sunday.
Ripley Hall of Famer Jason Thompson is the head coach of the Miners who will begin the season playing their home games at the Limestone Family YMCA.
Thompson said he is in discussions with Mason County Schools to play games in the Lady Royals Gym after renovations to the downtown facility are completed.
Local players on the Miners' roster include Troy Gibbs and player-coach Mickey Perry.
Thompson said the team held two tryouts and has conducted six practices.
The first two games will be played on the road Sunday vs. the Indiana Lyons and on Saturday, October 26 vs. the Indiana Legends.
The Miners' first home game is scheduled on Saturday, November 2 vs. the Louisville Pros.
Thompson said the ABA teams have a 14-man roster, but only 12 players go on road games. A 15th player, a celebrity guest can be added to the home roster. He said he plans to use former local stars in that role.
ABA rules include a 24-second shot clock, defensive three seconds and a red light that comes on at various times in the game.
When the red light is on, if a team scores then gets a steal in the backcourt, they get an extra point when they score off the turnover.
Thompson said the team is going to be involved in the community with a turkey drive, toy drive and backpack drive planned.
The Miners are taking applications for sales positions and is seeking sponsors and volunteers.
More information is available on the team's website.
The Miners are on X, formerly Twitter https://x.com/maysvilleminers and have a YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@maysvilleminers
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