Basketball season in Montclair kicks off with star power and hometown pride — but this year, there’s something extra special in the air.
The Montclair Police Athletic League (PAL) and Montclair Recreation Basketball are celebrating the start of a new season, and the energy couldn’t be higher. Boys and girls from grades 5 through 8 are gearing up to compete in the Garden State Suburban League, marking yet another exciting chapter for the community’s thriving youth basketball scene.
But here’s what really made opening weekend unforgettable: the return of a local legend. Myisha Hines-Allen, a former Montclair PAL standout turned WNBA star now playing for the Dallas Wings, came home to host her very first Girls Basketball Camp. Her visit wasn’t just a photo opportunity — it was a full-circle moment of inspiration for aspiring young athletes in her hometown.
Joining Hines-Allen were her teammates Ariel Atkins, Aziaha James, and Paige Beckers — four active WNBA players sharing the court with Montclair’s next generation. The camp offered hands-on training sessions, mentoring moments, and even surprise giveaways from both the players and generous sponsors. For many of the young participants, it felt like a dream come true — learning directly from women who have reached the highest level of the sport.
And the momentum doesn’t stop there. The Montclair PAL 7th grade boys team, coached by Zo, made waves early by securing second place in the 2025 Wayne PAL Turkey Shootout. Their strong showing signals that Montclair’s youth basketball program is both competitive and well-coached — something any community would be proud of.
As the season unfolds, Montclair PAL is calling for more community involvement. Passionate about sports or mentoring kids? The league is recruiting volunteer coaches to help guide players on and off the court. Interested individuals can apply online at https://montclairpal.leagueapps.com/events/4025335-basketball-coaches-recruitment or contact Coach Williams via email at twilliams@montclairpal.org or by phone at 973-509-4729.
But here’s a question worth discussing: Does community engagement in youth sports still get the attention it deserves, or are we relying too heavily on standout star moments to spark excitement?
Share your thoughts — should hometown heroes like Hines-Allen be the catalyst for youth inspiration, or should local volunteerism take center stage in shaping the next generation of athletes?
