BUCKHANNON — The Upshur County Recreation Complex is expanding its Summer Basketball League for 2026, splitting play into two divisions with new title sponsors and adding a women’s scrimmage night in partnership with a local travel team.
This year marks the seventh summer since UCRC’s board of directors took over the Buckhannon league, and president Mitchell Shaw says it is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Games begin Monday, June 29 at West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Rockefeller Center.
Bobcat League
St. Joseph’s Hospital has signed on as the league sponsor for what UCRC is calling the Bobcat League, a new top division with no limits on how many current or former college players can be on a team’s roster. Games will be played weekday nights in the main gym at the Rockefeller Center, with team registration set at $550.
“St. Joseph’s Hospital is proud to support initiatives like the UCRC Summer Basketball League that bring people together and promote active, healthy lifestyles,” said Matt Scott, director of marketing and PR at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “Opportunities like this not only strengthen our community, but also reflect our commitment to overall wellness beyond the walls of the hospital.”
Buccaneer League
The longstanding UCRC league will continue under the Buccaneer League banner, sponsored by Camp Mahonegon Event Center — the former Boy Scout camp recently purchased by the Wendling family. Buccaneer League games will be played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Rockefeller Center auxiliary gym. Team registration is $350, with the same rules the league has used since its inaugural season.
“Camp Mahonegon Event Center is proud to support the UCRC summer basketball league,” said Charity Wendling, owner and operator of the venue. “The Wendlings have always focused on family and community. I am pleased that this new partnership will allow us to continue that.”
Ladies Basketball Night
UCRC is also partnering with Flame 304 to add a Ladies Basketball Night alongside the Buccaneer League. Any woman interested in playing is invited to register and scrimmage against and with the Flame 304 girls travel basketball team on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Each player will receive a jersey like those given to summer league players, and registration is $30 per athlete.
“I am extremely excited for this upcoming season,” Shaw said. “We are so happy to be able to partner with so many great organizations and businesses to make this league bigger than ever. It has always been our goal to eventually expand our league, and with the help of WV Wesleyan College’s athletic director, we are now able to make that happen.”
Team captains interested in registering are encouraged to reach out to Shaw. More information is available on the Upshur County Recreation Complex Facebook page and at ucrcwv.org.
