Rim Reapers 2026 Season Opener

In late summer, Corbin made some changes to who he spends the majority of his social time with, and it resulted in some hurt feelings. Corbin smoothed over the friendships quickly, but was booted from his own B&G Club basketball team, the beloved Steezy Boys. He spent months building a new team, carefully selecting each player and asking them to agree to a moral behavior standard before they committed to play. Once he had enough boys for a starting lineup, he started picking up other boys that were booted from the Steezy boys. The two teams were friendly though, and played pickup ball a few days a week.  

And then …two players left the Steezy boys didn’t return and opted for another team. And two others left and  moved over to the Corbin’s team.

Lastly, a week before registration, the two friends who booted Corbin from the Steezys called and asked to join. 

I thought this was a tough call. But Corbin shrugged and said, “forgive and forget, Mom. The Steezy Boys were their own worst enemy and the group fell apart. They don’t have a team anymore. If they can’t play for me, they won’t be able to play at all. If they agree to the contract, they can play.” 

So there you go. Well played. 

Late last weekend, the Rim Reapers ended up gathering for an official team meeting because they were kicked out of the stake center on and told they are not allowed to hoop there anymore as they are not a church sponsored team. They met here to 

1) elect a team captain

2) discuss playing time strategy and ideals 

3) draft an email to parks and rec asking for the schedule that was promised them a week ago. 

4) discuss solutions for not having a place to practice anymore. 

5) make season predictions

Corbin was elected captain. He called parks and rec and got the schedule the following day. 

He also texted the Bentonville Stake presidency and made a pretty convincing case seeking permission for 10 young men from Bentonville and Rogers stakes + 2 friends to hoop in the church gym. After much letter-of-the-law dialogue, they can play. Corbin needs to get a Bentonville stake bishop of a unit that meets in the building to approve two adults to supervise playing time and reserve the gym for an hour not exceeding once a week. Gone are the days of youth pick up basketball at the stake center.  Corbin is trying to get some playing time at the Bella vista building to compensate, but it’s not ideal since the court is half the size, so they can only play 3v3 comfortably. I journal all this because I’m impressed with the way Corbin is handling everything. I think all these setbacks will help him launch into adulthood smoothly, and be a very amicable missionary companion . 

Ok onto GAME 1! 

Right off the jump, Hyrum had a LeBron worthy goal block that will go down in boys and girls club history. 

Reapers got a 12 point lead, right away. Corbin subbed in after a bit a lbd played for about 4 minutes, hit a beautiful 3 pointer and a layup. They held their lead until the half. 

The opposing fans were awful to them. More than typical trash talk. They cursed and said cruel things to the players, and the stuff on the court. Two fans were evicted from the gym by the refs. 

After the half, 3 Reaper newbies rotated in at the same time and they lost a little chemistry. Two are brand new to playing basketball at all, but even though they almost lost their lead, the team held firm to everyone getting playing time. When it was time to rotate Corbin back in, he made a calculated decision to give his spot to keep a better player in the game. I loved seeing him demonstrate such thoughtful leadership. Team first. And the team won. 

Landon W, Bruce, Peyton T, Neal R, Hyrum J, Logan B, Noah H, Ammon J (on the roster as a player but active as a coach) Richard A, Corbin, Brody S, Chase W, Ryker H (hype man), and the Reaper (who is currently identity-hidden to add mystery, like Cosmo Cougar) 

I bought a grim reaper costume and threw a jersey on it. 

Corbin got emotional driving home that night. This win was a really big deal. Before he went to bed he hugged me and then patted my back, “we did it, Mom. I feel so proud. I built a good team.”  

I’m proud of him, too. The behind-the-scenes disappointment, drama, and sacrifices involved in this kid’s desire to have a team to play ball for could be a feature length film. The struggle, the forgiveness, the underdog determination? Pure cinema. 

I hope they win it all.