Caz Basketball is a seasonal outreach basketball program that combines teaching and playing the sport of Basketball with the goal of equipping young men with essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and responsibility, all within a Christian framework. While the program emphasizes athletic development, its deeper mission is to cultivate a Christ-centered understanding of manhood, guiding participants toward personal growth both on and off the court. Through mentorship and biblical teachings, Caz Basketball seeks to counter the negative cultural influences that often challenge today’s youth.
What do we believe about Jesus and the Gospel?
Our History
Caz Basketball has been a dedicated outreach ministry to young men in the South Buffalo area for over 20 years, serving as an extension of the youth group at Cazenovia Park Baptist Church. The program is part of the Western New York Christian Basketball League, which was formerly known as the South Buffalo Christian Basketball League, a league with a rich history spanning over 50 years. Through this long-standing tradition, Caz Basketball continues to impact the lives of young men, promoting Christian values and personal growth through the sport of basketball.
Coaches \ Contact
Coach Tom Smith has faithfully overseen the Caz Basketball ministry and served as a coach for over 20 years. Parents and players are encouraged to reach out to him for any questions or concerns. You can contact him at tsmithjr@gmail.com or on his cellphone at 465-5850. For church-related inquiries, please call 822-7925 or message the church directly.
The coaching staff also includes:
- Coach Mark: A former player in the league who came to faith in Christ through the ministry of Caz Church. He has since become one of the ministry’s strongest supporters.
- Coach Josh: Played in the league for 4 years, served as interim youth director for several years, and continues to dedicate his free time to serving the young men of Caz Basketball.
- Coach Tim: The newest addition to the team, Coach Tim brings a wealth of basketball experience and a deep love for God.
Here are the details if you’re interested in playing:
Registration for Caz Basketball begins in late September and costs $25. In October, we hold a tryout practice—this is not to cut players, but to help us place each player on the appropriate team. In November, players are assigned to a team and begin weekly practices. The pre-season and regular season kick off in December, running through March. Games are played on Saturdays as part of the Western New York Christian Basketball League (WNYCBL), and currently take place at the HUB, located at 4999 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg.
Please note that rosters must be finalized by October, so we cannot accept new players after that deadline. The ministry is open to boys ages 12-18.
For more information, visit our Facebook page at Caz Basketball.
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