Thursday Night Lights Basketball League Gets Underway

Now in its second season of existence, the "Thursday Night Lights" men's basketball league at Victory Park in Rumson kicked off on July 8th with more teams and more high-level talent.

The seven-team league will have games under the lights at Victory Park every Thursday through Aug. 18 featuring professional, college and high school players. A team from perennial national high school  powerhouse St. Patrick's in Elizabeth is participating, and another team, Undici, that features former St. Patrick's and Villanova standout Mike Nardi.

Former Shore Conference stars like Red Bank Regional's Will Sanborn and Matt Pebole and Middletown South's Garret Thiel are featured on the Crazees team, and a host of former Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) standouts like Matt Blumel, James LeCardi and 7-footer Will Martell, who played at Rhode Island, also are participating.

There are also several teams featuring overseas professional players and former Division I players. One of them is run by Keith Glass, an NBA agent and the father of former RFH standout Tyler Glass.

The league was created by RFH boys basketball coach Chris Champeau, who also serves as the emcee during the games. There also is a DJ, live acts and food and beverages available at the games. The games start at 5:45 p.m. and there are four games per night, with the final game tipping off at 8:45 p.m.

"We're just trying to continue to promote basketball in Rumson and have a fun night out of great basketball where families can bring their kids and have a good time,'' Champeau said. "They get to see some high-level talent as well as the RFH stars they remember. Plus, you can't have a better setting than Victory Park right on the water.''

Fans can check out the full schedule by visiting the league's website at http://bulldawgbball.com/thursday-night-light-2.