Brown brothers learned sportsmanship and more from YMCA sports

Sportsmanship is something that is preached daily in all athletic competition. Dacion and Dejari Brown, from Vicksburg, are two examples of how young athletes learn their sports at a young age, gain maturity from it and become better athletes.

Both Dacion, now 10, and Dejari, 11, started playing YMCA sports in first grade at 6-years-old with flag football. As the two grew older, they began playing basketball where they worked hard. In 2018, the brothers played on the same team and Dacion played second string behind his brother while helping their team to an 8-0 championship season.

“YMCA basketball taught me how to work well with my team,” Dacion said, “and sharing the ball is important.”

“Shaking hands and not taunting other players and controlling your anger is one of the biggest lessons that I have learned,” Dejari said.

The Brown brothers are no strangers to championships. Playing for the Rockets, Dejari was part of winning the latest tackle football championship. And, after his brother went up into a bigger league, Dacion led the Golden Eagles to a basketball championship last February.

“I like being a play maker,” Dacion said.

For decades, the Vicksburg YMCA has paved the way for young athletes such as the Brown brothers. They are looking forward to getting drafted in the fifth and sixth grade league next week and deciding which team they will be on this season.

The last day to sign up for YMCA basketball is tomorrow, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m.  Financial assistance is available. Visit the Vicksburg YMCA website or call Sports Director Wayne Scott at 601-638-1071 for more information.