As winter nears, Miss-Lou Youth Sports gets ready to host its next group of young athletes indoors.

In its 24th year, Miss-Lou Youth Basketball will open registration for its league ages 4 to 13 on Dec. 4 at Hometown Sports in Vidalia.

A formal registration will be held from 8 a.m. at 5 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Vidalia Upper Elementary gymnasium, with tryouts during the following week.

“It’s been a good program,” league director Mike Bowlin said. “I’m excited to see a fresh new group coming up. During the winter months, it gives them something to do.”

Registration fee for both boys and girls is $70 and includes a jersey, trophy, team photo, insurance and playing time in a minimum of 10 games.

First time players must bring a copy of their birth certificate to sign up. Teams may also be composed of players based on schools.

Throughout the years, Bowlin said he is most proud of the relationship the league has established with the Vidalia school system. He said with funds collected from registration fees and sponsorships, the gym floor at the upper elementary has been updated three times.

“We’ve got a really good relationship with the schools,” he said. “It helps to have their support because they basically let us run it how things need to be run.”

Additionally, Bowlin said the league plans to continue hosting an all-star game that was tested for the first year in the 6-and-under age group last year.

The event consisted of a skills competition and a game between players chosen by their coaches.

“It went well,” he said. “We are probably going to do it with all of the age groups now. It is something extra for the kids, and it’s all about these kids.”

For more information, or if you are interested in coaching a team, contact Bowlin at 601-431-9783.